1.
The WCA represents primarily its voting members – anyone who owns
cattle can become a voting member. The Board of Directors is comprised
mostly of commercial and purebred cow/calf operators. The political
and public relations efforts of the WCA benefit anyone who supports
property rights, state sovereignty, common-sense natural resource management,
Western Water Law, and constitutional protection. TOP
2.
No. The WCA is a standard affiliate of the NCBA – the Association
pays annual dues of $4000 and receives national board and committee
seats proportional to Washington’s NCBA membership, but WCA membership
does not include a NCBA membership. TOP
3.
Yes. Washington is considered a cattle-deficient state – we have
over 6 million residents but only about 1.2 million cattle, including
dairy. Therefore, we receive disproportionately more money than a state
like Nebraska. The system attempts to channel resources toward the areas
of greatest need and effect. TOP
4.
Yes. The WCA voted at its annual meeting on November, 2002 to become
an affiliate of R-CALF USA. However, guiding policy of the WCA is established
by its membership through a committee process and may or may not be
in 100% agreement with either R-CALF or NCBA. TOP
5.
There are several ways for a non-officer to influence policy decisions
of the WCA. Most directly, voting members have an opportunity every
year to vote on the recommendations of the standing committees at the
annual membership meeting. Members are welcome to participate in any
discussion within committees at the convention – this is where
concepts are agreed upon, foundational arguments fleshed out, and actual
policy text drafted. In addition, any member is welcome to participate
in the Executive Committee meetings, where the core officers oversee
and direct the day-to-day functions of the state office, especially
implementation of WCA policy. TOP
