Mid Valley Cowbelles is proud to announce the nomination of Pat Shepherd by the California Cattle Women for the national honor of Outstanding Educator of the Year. She joined the California Cattle Women’s organization in the 1980s along with her friend Marilyn Erickson.

She has spent countless hours promoting the cattle industry through beef education, Ag Days at local schools and local Fairs, to the consumers and local students in high school.

Shepherd is a founding member of the Mid Valley Cowbelles, a local chapter in the surrounding counties. She and husband Chuck have been ranching in La Grange, California for over 40 years. She often opens her home and ranch to help educate people on ranch life and cattle. She volunteers much of her time to promote the importance of beef.

Mid Valley Cowbelles, meanwhile, also enjoyed giving back to the communities they serve. Each year the Mid Valley Cowbelles work hard to raise money to give back to local high school students in the way of scholarships. This year three recipients received scholarships in the amount of $1000 each. Scholarships went to to Ethen Jones from Hilmar High School, Daniel Vann from Atwater High School and Karissa Dempewolf of Johansen High School in Modesto.

To apply for scholarships, go to midvalleycowbelles.com.