The Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association will hold its 63rd annual meeting at the Cortez Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Rd., Cortez, on Saturday, Feb. 11.

The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. with reports from county and state officials. There will also be representatives present from agencies like the Forest Service and the BLM, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, all providing updates on agriculture and other important local community issues.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the candidates running for county commissioner seats as well.

A potluck lunch will be provided by the Southwest Cowbelles, followed by a 1 p.m. business meeting in which the SWCLA will elect two new board members.

The Colorado Cattlemen’s association will also address state and federal legislature that is relevant to the ranching industry in the area.

Evening events are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. with an appropriately fitting steak dinner “with all the trimmings,” followed by the announcement of this year’s Stockman and Cowbelle of the Year.

Local favorite band Vanishing Breed will play country and western dance music afterward and a silent auction will run throughout the evening. Proceeds form the auction will go toward local youth scholarships. Since 1995, the SWCLA has awarded more than $40,000 in scholarships to students in Dolores and Montezuma Counties, helping them pursue their education. For more information on the scholarship fund or to make a contribution to the auction, contact Bill or Peggy Blackmer, 882-4270.

Come ready for a night of good music and seeing old friends, said SWCLA secretary and treasurer Lynelle Brumely

“Everybody has a good time,” she said.

For other questions and information contact Brumely at 565-1972.