The Elgin-Sonoita Cowbelles are looking for new members.
The goal of the Cowbelles is to promote ranching, the beef industry, cattle by-products, good herdmanship, and land stewardship.
The membership does this through various activities throughout the community. For the local youth, the ladies have several events, including a fun and interactive station at the Elgin School Ranch and Rodeo Day and hosting the Cake Walk at the Sonoita Fairgrounds Halloween night. Additionally, the Cowbelles support local youth by providing scholarships for both high school and 8th grade graduates.
Their community support doesn’t stop there. They help with ranch tours, disperse informational packets (i.e. recipes, beef nutrition, safe handling and cooking practices), and assist with agriculture literacy programs.
“We are a fun group of ladies!” said Linda Brooks Vensel, current president of the Elgin-Sonoita Cowbelles, who has been a member of the Cowbelles since 1967.
Currently, the Elgin-Sonoita group has approximately 40 members, and is in the middle of a drive to attract new members. One no longer needs to own a ranch, be married to a rancher or, indeed, even own a cow to join this “fun group of ladies.”
Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at the Elgin Club. “We try and make the meetings interesting and fun,” said Vensel. They offer entertaining and educational activities each month, including guest speakers and tours.
One upcoming meeting will host local Cowbelle Pattie Oliver, who will discuss her time as an extra in movies filmed locally including “Oklahoma!,” “Tom Horne,” “Red River” and several others.
The Cowbelles group has a long history in the area. In fact, the Cowbelles organization was started as a social club by a group of 16 ranch wives in Douglas in 1939. Other women across the state heard of this unique group and started their own local chapters.
In 1947, the Arizona State Cowbelles was created. Eventually a national organization, the American National CattleWomen, was formed in 1952. Because of their place in history, the Patagonia Museum has dedicated a room to the Cowbelles and ranching in Santa Cruz County.
Prospective members are welcome to attend a few meetings and see what Cowbelles is all about. For more information, call Linda Vensel at 520-604-1960.