Hill Country Cattle Women (HCCW) works to promote and support beef production and the beef industry by partnering with NCBA, TSCRA, ANCW, TCW, and local supporters of the beef community. HCCW also stands firmly for private property rights and supports state and federal legislation that protects and preserves those rights.

Hill Country Cattle Women (HCCW) is committed to promoting and supporting beef production and the beef industry. We work in partnership with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, American National Cattle Women, Texas Cattle Women, and local supporters of the beef community.

HCCW also stands firmly for private property rights and supports state and federal legislation that protects those rights.

Because we believe the livestock industry is essential to sustaining life around the world, we dedicate our time, effort, and resources to strengthening it. We strive to encourage and uplift producers with our support and compassion. We also aim to inspire future generations with a love for the land, respect for nature, and confidence in the future—values that lie at the heart of Cattle Women.

Hill Country Cattle Women is an affiliate of Texas Cattle Women and was founded in 1979 by twenty‑two dedicated women.

Our membership spans 14 counties across the beautiful Texas Hill Country, including Bandera, Bexar, Blanco, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Real, and San Saba.

We welcome new members and encourage anyone interested to reach out to our 3rd Vice President/Membership Chair. Membership is open to anyone who wants to promote beef products and help educate consumers about the “Power of Protein” in a healthy diet.

HCCW meets eight times a year in various locations throughout the Hill Country. We do not meet in July, August, November, or December. Each spring, we host our annual Spring Event and Fundraiser.

On October 17, 1939, at the Cowan Ranch in Douglas, Arizona, a group of cattlemen’s wives met to explore the idea of creating an organization for women involved in the beef industry. That meeting planted the seed, and on January 7, 1952, in Fort Worth, Texas, the American National Cow Belles officially became a national organization. Many members were ranchers’ wives, and in 1960, Cow Belles president Mrs. J.B. Smith famously said that “a rancher’s wife should look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, and work like a horse.”

Texas became a Cow Belle state in 1972, and the Hill Country chapter was founded in 1979. When the Cow Belles adopted the name “Cattle Women” in 1986, the Texas Cow Belles embraced the updated identity and became Texas Cattle Women. Membership grew, and interest in beef education and promotion surged.

Today’s Cattle Women are dedicated to strengthening demand for beef products, promoting a positive image of the cattle industry, and staying active in education, outreach, and legislative awareness. We serve as ambassadors for the beef community, helping consumers understand that beef is a safe, wholesome, and nutritious product. We also support one another through the challenges and rewards of working in or advocating for the beef industry. Our members include ranchers, teachers, and industry professionals—owning cattle or being married to a rancher is not required. Sharing a passion for the beef industry is.

Texas Cattle Women’s programs include Ag Days, Beef Promotions, and the Texas Beef Leaders for Tomorrow Program. The organization also awards several scholarships and offers an annual internship. Members stay informed about legislation affecting the beef industry through updates from the legislative chairman.

The Hill Country chapter participates in Ag Days and Beef Leaders of Tomorrow events, hosts an annual Spring Event, and awards multiple scholarships each year. Hill Country Cattle Women also advocate for private property rights and emphasize that farmers and ranchers have always been—and will continue to be—responsible stewards of the land and environment.