Tom Harrington, rancher from Carbondale, Colo., stepped into his role as the 119th president of Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) at CCA’s 2024 Annual Convention hosted June 24-26th in Colorado Springs, Colo. Since 2015, Harrington has served on CCA’s Board of Directors and has been actively involved in local, state, and national cattlemen’s associations. As he looks toward this year as CCA President, Tom anticipates challenges for the Colorado beef industry but is excited for ongoing opportunities to continue advancing the beef industry’s legacy for future generations.
Tom follows Robert Farnam, outgoing CCA President, from Brush, Colo. Farnam’s term as CCA President was eventful, with the first state wolf introduction and unexpected complications throughout the state legislative session. Farnam said of his experience as CCA President, “It has been an honor to serve as the president of this association and all the great men, women, and families that represent our industry.” Farnam continued to say, “From my statewide travels, I have seen firsthand our association and its members’ commitments to bettering our industry. We are an industry and organization that “pays it forward” and this is one of the reasons why we have stayed strong for 157 years.”
CCA’s new president, Tom Harrington, and his wife, Ginny, reside in Carbondale, where they manage the Crystal River Ranch, a cow/calf operation, and their own commercial operation. Tom is a graduate of Colorado State University, where he obtained a B.S. in Animal Science and a M.S. in Animal Reproduction and Management Systems. Tom is an active member in his community, serving on numerous boards. Tom understands the importance of having a voice within the agriculture community and engaging with stakeholders and audiences who are disconnected from agriculture. He looks forward to engaging with producers, industry stakeholders, and consumers to persuade political and social change to benefit the beef industry and agriculture. Tom recognizes our industry continues to face challenges, but with the members’ support, CCA is up for any opposition.
CCA is pleased to welcome the CCA 2024-2025 Board of Directors:
President: Tom Harrington, Carbondale
President-Elect: Curt Russell, Sugar City
1st Vice President: Mark LeValley, Hotchkiss
2nd Vice President: Jim Magnuson, Eaton
Treasurer: John Michal, Sterling
Northeast quarter representatives: Billy Schmitz, Johnstown & Jim Santomaso, Sterling
As with the officers from years before, this year’s officers will be leading the association as CCA continues its mission of being the premier cattlemen’s association that serves as the principal voice and advocate for Colorado beef production.
