AMERICAN NATIONAL CATTLEWOMEN ANNOUNCE
2003 OUTSTANDING CATTLEWOMAN OF THE YEAR

DENVER (February 6, 2004) -- Jean Berney, Okanogan, Wash., was named the 2003 Outstanding CattleWoman of the Year during the American National CattleWomen's (ANCW) Awards Banquet on Jan. 29. Bayer Animal Health sponsored the award. The banquet was held at the Cattle Industry Annual Convention in Phoenix, Ariz.

Jean has been active in her county Cowbelles and has served in leadership roles, chairing numerous committees. Nationally, Jean has served on the National Beef Cook-Off ® Committee, the Cattlemen's Beef Board, and has represented ANCW on the industry's Joint Public Relations Committee, Nutrition and Health Committee, and Industry Communications Committee.

Jean has also served on the Washington State University of Agriculture and Home Economics Advisory Board for six years. Her state cattlewomen call her the "beef promotion queen" because it's her passion and her mission. Jean educates herself, researches new products and seeks current information regarding beef. ANCW recognized Jean's initiatives promotion by presenting her the Beef Promotion Award and the Beef Promotion Partner Award in 2002.

When Jean is not involved in beef promotion activities, she is enjoying her three granddaughters or caring for her own cattle herd that she began in 1963, when she acquired 900 acres of rangeland on the Colville Indian Reservation.  Jean has a lot of pride in her Native American culture and by instituting award winning programs, improvements on the land have thrived under her guidance.

Jean and her husband, Buzz, also run a family ranch, balancing scientifically sound principles and innovations with Old West customs and life styles, while working with government agencies to increase productivity in animal, forage, and timber production.  The Berney Ranch lies in the foothills of the Eastern Cascade Mountains in North Central Washington, a paradise for summer and winter recreation, and has been host to many tour groups.  People have come from all parts of the U.S. and from overseas to enjoy the ranch.

The Outstanding CattleWoman of the Year Award is given to a cattlewoman who has excelled at continued beef promotion on the local, state, and national level, while contributing dedication, commitment and support to the American National CattleWomen, Inc.  Jean is to be congratulated for this well-deserved recognition.   

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Since 1952, the American National CattleWomen, Inc., a non-profit volunteer organization, has used its grassroots volunteer spirit to educate consumers about the versatile and nutritious quality of beef. ANCW national headquarters is in Centennial, Colo.  For more information, see Web site ancw.org or write to ANCW at 9110 E. Nichols Ave., Suite #302, Centennial, CO 80112.