The Plumas-Sierra CattleWomen group reports that after 60 years members are calling it quits. “Sadly, we will be no longer,” said longtime member Patricia Ramelli. “So few people are really interested anymore.”
Ramelli said the group has been “very lively” for 60 years. CattleWomen began in 1966 with 44 ranch ladies who wanted to be more involved in the beef and ranching industry. Originally called The CowBelles, the group changed its name in 1988 as the state CattleWomen organization was becoming more recognized in the industry: preserving ranching, promoting welfare and stimulating the growth of agriculture, said Ramelli.
Ramelli shared that the group’s little cow logo was developed through the efforts of prominent member Nadine Maddalena, with the help of artist Marilyn Nessler. Over the years another local artist — Leland Cross — also designed and created props for the CattleWomen.
CattleWomen projects
Through the years CattleWomen created several programs by going into the classroom reading, cooking beef and showing byproducts, said Ramelli. Members also hosted a booth at the Plumas-Sierra County Fair until 2023.
The group awarded scholarships for 47 years to numerous high school graduates in Plumas and Sierra counties, said Ramelli. In recent years CattleWomen scholarships were awarded in amounts of over $1,000.
In 1973 the group introduced registered brand napkins, in dinner and cocktail sizes. Suzi Maddalena served as the chairwomen for this project. Members sold these to county restaurants and Ramelli said they were a very popular item with the public. In the 1980s the group began selling coffee mugs with local brands on them, which also proved popular.
A Ranch Days event for students at Loyalton and Portola elementary schools was started over 30 years ago at Dave and Doris Goss’ ranch in Vinton. Students visited the working ranch, where they learned about branding, beef byproducts, the chicken and egg cycle and shepherding sheep. “And, of course, a hay ride,” said Ramelli.
Ramelli offered thanks to Lynn Stewart, CattleWomen membership chairwoman for many years who sent information to members via email. “You have been an outstanding volunteer,” she said. “It has been 60 years of rewarding and wonderful memories.”
