Dear Editor:

This letter is in response to Mr. Nasisse’s distressed lowing about cattle! To imply that a rancher would inflict harm on their herd is at best ignorant and at worst pernicious.

There are ranches in this valley that have been raising cattle since 1893. My family began here with my great grandfather, David S. Boyd, to start our history in 1913.

In no other industry does the producer have to exert as much care and concern for their product as ranching requires. It starts with helping to deliver calves at 3 a.m. in a spring snowstorm, to traversing miles on foot to ensure adequate water is available in their summer grazing pasture (and this is the short list). Ranchers are devoted to the health and wellbeing of their cattle!

Ranching families are the backbone of the valley that we all love and enjoy. Their stewardship of their private land ensures unobstructed views, clean air and “meat on the table” for those who choose to consume. The recreation and tourism industries owe their livelihood to the ranching industry.

Let us assume ignorance and offer an olive branch: Come feed a bucket calf, ride a wagon and throw bales, or let us teach you how to give proper immunizations.

Or you could purchase a good pair of ear plugs.

Those who love this valley must work together to ensure its future. My family is a sixth-generation family who all love this valley and ranching. We wish to protect it. My family has raised cattle on the Potter Ranch for 87 years and plan to continue. Ridgway is not the little “cow town” it was when I was a child, but the need for food will never change.

Christine (Potter) Witherspoon

Potter Ranch

Ridgway