My name is Jenna Feusner and I was raised in central Washington on a cattle and hay operation with some stocker and backgrounding thrown in the mix.  Growing up in the dry, arid climate of Central Washington leads to much reflection throughout the summer months’ endless changing of handline irrigation.  I think my passion for the cattle industry and agriculture was honed during those “character-building” days.  My passion is one that stems from my personal appreciation and excitement of what we have been given here on earth.  No two places in the United States are the same and the cattle industry is an amazing example of the stewardship of our land from coast to coast.  Our cattlemen are able to combine their passion and knowledge with the ability to adapt their ranches’ environmental needs no matter where they’re located.  These ranchers’ successful consistency of delivering safe & nutritious beef day in and day out is what renews my conviction in the industry.

After graduating from Washington State University in 2008 with a BS in Agriculture I went to work for Northwest Farm Credit, an agricultural lending company in the Pacific NW.  As a young professional I was concerned with maintaining my ties to ranching and cattle as I found myself spending more of my day looking at a computer screen rather than across an open pasture!  I have been involved with the Washington Cattlemen’s Association ever since and have never looked back.  I write a monthly column for their publication, The Ketch Pen, promote the WCA & industry thru radio shows, founded the Young Washington Cattlemen’s Association, and author the YWCA blog (www.youngwacattle.com).  I recently joined the board of Washington Ag in the Classroom and am excited about the joint relationship of growing agricultural advocacy and telling our story!

My work for the cattlemen of Washington is inspired by a very personal motivation.  I wanted to be able to share my father’s vision & knowledge with this next generation of cattlemen that never received the opportunity firsthand.  A man whose industry leadership was cut short due to his personal honor as a husband and father; helping his wife recover from a coma & brain injury, then later supporting his family as a rancher throughout his 5.5 year cancer battle.  That is my personal picture when someone asks what the United States Cattle Industry represents.  This industry is about faith, hard work, values, and resilience.  I hope to revive those same beliefs in cattlemen and consumers in Washington and across the country.  Armed with modern day business sense and tried and true values we will successfully lead the cattle industry forward for generations to come!  I am just one of many who have been influenced by the values and character of the cattle business and can’t wait to introduce the strong & solid faces of our industry to the world.