CONTACT: Jackie Buehner, 303-850-3442 or j.buehner@beef.org

American National CattleWomen

Elect Kristy Lage President

PHOENIX (Jan. 30, 2009) -- Kristy Lage, Arthur, Nebraska, has been elected 58th president of the American National CattleWomen, Inc. (ANCW) during the organization's 2009 Annual Meeting Jan. 27-30 in Phoenix, Arizona. The American National CattleWomen, Inc. is a voice for women who support and promote the beef industry.

Lage has chosen the theme "BEE-Fit" as she represents CattleWomen involved in the beef industry across the nation. As a theme, Lage encourages members to “Beef-Fit” showcasing the power of protein as part of a healthy physically fit lifestyle, and mentally fit to represent our industry with current and accurate knowledge of the beef issues consumers need to understand in a changing environment. 

"I sincerely believe CattleWomen are very good at educating consumers because of the combination of imagination, creativity and personal experience” said Lage. “In return, CattleWomen get a great feeling of satisfaction doing presentations and by just talking to consumers because they know they are making a difference. It takes courage to do that, and I admire them for what they continue to accomplish.”

“In 2009, the National Beef Cook-Off and Beef Ambassador Programs will continue to excel and we will promote an increased use of the ANCW email political action network for the new administration. We are committed to helping perpetuate our heritage of beef production to feed Americans and those abroad and promote consumer understanding of the value of beefs’ excellent nutrient profile.” 

Lage has served the CattleWomen and the beef industry on the local, state and national level.  In 2006 she was appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to the Cattlemen's Beef Board and currently serves on the Retail Committee. She was Nebraska CattleWomen president in 2004, ANCW Region VII Director and Legislative chair.  Lage was a state team member for the National Beef Cook-Off in 2007 and on the Committee in 2009.  

Kristy and husband Ron are first generation farmers and ranchers near Arthur, Nebraska. They have a diversified farming and ranching business with cow/calf, back grounding, plus irrigated corn, alfalfa and pasture.  They have three school age children; Jared is in college, Wil and Georgie are active in 4-H.  

ANCW’s 2009 Executive Committee members, in addition to Kristy Lage, are: President Elect Lana Slaten, Ala.; Recording Secretary Glee Swanson, Neb.; Past President Fita Witte, N.M.; Region I Director Bonnie Bargstedt, N.Y.; Region II Director Marcia Lightsey, Fla.; Region III Director Bev Rowe, Iowa: Region IV Director D’dee Haynes, Okla.; Region V Director Linda Davis, Mont.; Region VI Director Barbara Jackson, Ariz.; Region VII Director Janice Rustad, N.D.; Parliamentarian, Ginny Lee, Neb.; and Anna Larsen, Neb, Historian.

###