2017 CLA Legislator of the Year Award Presented in Sterling
State Senator Jerry Sonnenberg recognized for his commitment to livestock producers in Colorado
Greeley, CO – The Colorado Livestock Association named State Senator Jerry Sonnenberg as their “Legislator of the Year” this week for his work and commitment to Colorado’s agriculture and livestock industry.
“Senator Jerry Sonnenberg is a real-life farmer and rancher who has a deep-rooted understanding of and passion for agriculture in Colorado. This is most evident in his actions as he represents not just his constituents in Senate District One, but all of Colorado agriculture in carrying out his duties in the Colorado Senate,” states Bill Hammerich, CEO of Colorado Livestock Association. “Because of his commitment to and support of agriculture in the legislative arena the Colorado Livestock Association is proud to recognize Senator Jerry Sonnenberg as the CLA 2017 Legislator of the Year.”
“I am honored to be recognized by my fellow livestock producers for the legislative work that we have accomplished together,” said Sonnenberg.
Colorado State Senator Jerry Sonnenberg is a Colorado native who has been farming and ranching in northeastern Colorado his entire life. He continues to live and work on the same family farm that both his father and he were raised. Currently, Sonnenberg serves as President Pro Tempore of the Colorado Senate and continues to demonstrate his dedication to the agricultural community through his Chairmanship of the Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee. CLA has worked with Sonnenberg on a number of issues impacting agriculture and continues to collaborate with the senator to advance the livestock industry in our state.
Colorado Livestock Association members and staff represent the voice of Colorado’s livestock producers at the state legislature. During the summer months CLA members host farm tours for legislators to give them an in-depth look at cattle and sheep feeding, hog production, dairy farming, and ranching. Shortly after the beginning of the Legislative Session, CLA hosts an annual Legislative Breakfast where legislators and CLA members have the opportunity to discuss current legislation and issues of importance to rural Colorado.
Colorado Livestock Association (CLA) was formed in 1998 through a restructuring of the then 43-year-old Colorado Cattle Feeders Association (CCFA). CLA members are cattle and sheep feeders, cow/calf producers, dairy farmers, swine operations, and industry partners. CLA works on behalf of its members in the regulatory and legislative arenas in Colorado. For more information about CLA visit www.coloradolivestock.org
