Special to the Bulletin
The Hill Country CattleWomen distributed $5,500 worth of beef this spring to local food pantries, resource centers and the Hill Country Youth Ranch, continuing an annual effort to support food access across the region.
Among the recipients was the Bandera Food Village of Hope, where Jesse Parks received a beef voucher from Hill Country CattleWomen member Kelly Sharp of Kerrville.
The organization also hosted its annual Beef Cook-Off on March 26 at the Happy Bank Event Center.
The competition was open to students from third grade through high school, with each team provided one pound of beef to prepare a dish. Participants were also evaluated on their knowledge of nutrition, proper food handling and beef-related information.
Jubilee Arrazola of Mason won first place, while Jonah Rowland of Bandera placed second. Both students received cash prizes and ribbons.
The Hill Country CattleWomen held their April meeting April 17 at the Blanco County Fairgrounds, with 37 members in attendance.
A representative from Gov. Greg Abbott’s office made a guest appearance.
Guest speaker Carley Howell, Blanco County natural resource director, addressed livestock health, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition.
Members also discussed concerns about the spread of the screw worm, a parasitic pest that can impact livestock.
According to information shared during the meeting, the fly associated with the pest has been detected within approximately 70 miles of the Rio Grande and can travel up to 10 miles per day.
Members noted that current infrastructure may be insufficient to meet demand for sterile fly production, a method used to control the pest population.
The issue comes as ranchers continue to face challenges including drought, wildfires and a decline in cattle numbers.
Lunch was provided by Blanco Bistro/Mattina Foods. The organization’s next meeting is scheduled for May 19 in Llano.
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