The objective of Hill Country Cattle Women (HCCW) shall be to promote and support the production of beef and the beef industry through cooperation with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raiser Association (TSWCRA), American National Cattle Women (ANCWA), Texas Cattle Women (TCWA), and local beef supporters. The HCCW shall support private property rights and encourage federal and state legislation that will maintain and protect private property rights. Believing that the livestock industry is of basic importance to world existence, we, the HCCW, dedicate ourselves to support it with our labor and finances; to encourage its producers with our understanding and love; to do all in our power to instill in the coming generation the love of the land and of life, the humility and awe before nature, and the hope and faith in the future that is inherent in Cattle Women.

Hill Country Cattle Women is an affiliate of Texas Cattle Women. Twenty-two women founded HCCW in 1979.

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

New members are welcome, and you are encouraged to become a member by contacting our 3rd Vice President/Membership Chair, Teri Hartmann: t2hart3man@gmail.com.  A member need only have an interest in promoting BEEF products and informing BEEF consumers of the “Power Of Protein” in a healthy diet.

HCCW meet 8 times each year in different areas of the Hill Country. We do not meet in the months of July, August, November and December. Our annual Spring Event/Fundraiser is in the spring each year.

On October 17, 1939 at the Cowan Ranch in Douglas, Arizona, a group of cattlemen’s wives gathered with ideas of an organization for women interested in the Beef Industry. The seed was planted, and, on January 7, 1952, in Fort Worth, Texas, the American National Cow Belles became a formal organization. Many Cow Belles were the wives of cattle ranchers. According to Mrs. J.B. Smith, president of the Cow Belles in 1960, “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 changed their name to Cattle Women in 1986, the Texas Cow Belles embraced this more modern image and became the Texas Cattle Women. A surge in membership and renewed interest in the Cattle Women’s goals of beef education and promotion took place.

Who are the Cattle Women today? We are women whose purposes are to maintain and build demand for beef products that satisfy customer needs and to promote a positive image of the cattle industry. We are active in beef promotion, education, and legislation.

Cattle Women share a common interest in the Beef Industry, serving as ambassadors of the Beef Industry and assuring consumers that beef is a safe and wholesome product. We share friendships and support each other during the challenges and successes that being involved in the Beef industry presents. We are ranchers, teachers, and industry affiliates. Owning a cow, or being married to a rancher, is not a requirement. Sharing a passion is.

Texas Cattle Women’s programs include Ag Days, Beef Promotions, and the Texas Beef Leaders for Tomorrow Program. In addition, Texas Cattle Women offers several scholarships and an internship each year. Under the supervision of the legislative chairman, members of Texas Cattle Women are kept informed on legislation pertinent to the Beef Industry.

The Hill Country chapter participates in Ag Days and Beef Leaders of Tomorrow events. It also puts on a Spring Event each year and awards several scholarships each year. Hill Country Cattle Women promote private property rights and the fact that farmers and ranchers have been, and always will be, responsible caretakers of the land and environment.