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Aurora, CO – Over 200 livestock producers, agribusiness partners, elected officials, and agency representatives gathered in Black Hawk for the Colorado Livestock Association’s (CLA) 2025 Annual Meeting on June 9-10, 2025.

The event began with Colorado’s Finest Celebration, an unforgettable evening of great company and delicious flavors. Attendees enjoyed a mouthwatering selection of beef, pork, dairy, and lamb accompanied by music from Andy Hackbarth, a Denver/Nashville-based singer-songwriter.

A highlight of this year’s event was the keynote presentation by J.J. Ament, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. He discussed how agriculture and livestock are significant economic drivers in metro Denver. Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, provided attendees with a market outlook that emphasized the current status of the cattle cycle.

During the Annual Membership Meeting, the members heard reports regarding the strong state of the Association’s finances, the successes and challenges during the legislative session, and the Nominating Committee presented the slate of officers and directors:

Treasurer – Brett Rutledge, Triple R Farms, Yuma, CO, 1-year term

Director – Leigha Mertens, Wickstrom Feedyard, Orchard, CO, re-elected to a 3-year term

Director – Steven Babb, Rusco Land & Cattle, Ault, CO, 3-year term

Director – Julie McCaleb, McCaleb Livestock, Anton, CO, 3-year term

Industry Partner Council Ex-Officio Board Representative – Wes Stribling, Merck Animal Health, Rye, CO, 1-year term

Treasurer Brett Rutledge, Triple R Farms, Yuma
Director Leigha Mertens, Wickstrom Feedyard, Orchard
Director Steven Babb, Rusco Land & Cattle, Ault
Director Julie McCaleb, McCaleb Livestock, Anton,
IPC Board Rep. Wes Stribling, Merck Animal Health, Rye
2025-2026 CLA Elected Leadersship

CLA recognized and thanked CLA retiring leaders for their service to the Association: Director Russ Moss, Rusco Land and Cattle, Ault, CO; Director John Mrozinski, Miller Cattle Feeders, Pierce, CO; Feeder Council Chair Tanner Pickett, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, Kersey, CO; and Producer Council Chair Will Johnson, Flying Diamond Ranch, Kit Carson, CO.

Retiring Director Russ Moss, Rusco Land and Cattle, Ault
Retiring Director John Mrozinski, Miller Cattle Feeders, Pierce
Retiring Producer Council Chair Will Johnson, Flying Diamond Ranch, Kit Carson
Retiring Feeder Council Chair Tanner Pickett, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, Kersey
CLA Retiring Leadership

CLA council members elected Logan Hardin, Cactus Feeders, Burlington, CO, as Feeder Council Chair and Kelsey Pope, Solid Rock Red Angus, Limon, CO, as Producer Council Chair.

Producer Council Chair Kelsey Pope, Solid Rock Red Angus, Limon
Feeder Council Chair Logan Hardin, Cactus Feeders, Burlington
2025-2026 Council Leadership

At the Past President’s luncheon, the Top Choice Award was presented to Julie McCaleb, Smithfield Hog Production, a dedicated advocate for agriculture. She is respected for her exceptional work ethic, years of service, and invaluable contributions to the livestock industry. Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer was presented with the 2025 Legislator of the Year award for advocating for the livestock industry through her work at the Colorado State Capitol. President Kory Kessinger shared a state of the Association address.

We sincerely thank our dedicated sponsors for supporting Colorado’s farming and ranching families. CLA provides high-caliber meetings and events because of the support of our agribusiness partners.

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