The San Benito County CattleWomen organization has named the 2018 CattleWoman of the Year.
This year’s recipient is Heather Callens, according to the group. The local nonprofit organization honored Callens at an annual Summer BBQ held Saturday at the home of Tracy and Mike Nino.
The San Benito County CattleWomen hold events throughout the year while raising money for community efforts and beef promotion.
The CattleWomen released biographical information on Callens that included the following:
Heather Callens has been fortunate to be involved in the cattle industry her entire life. She was born in Coyote, Calif. to Joe and Yvonne Fields, whose family has ranched in the Santa Clara Valley since the early 1900s. While ranching in an area of the state that has increasingly become more urban poses particular challenges, Heather’s mom, brother and his family continue to ranch in Santa Clara County today. Her brother Justin Fields currently serves as president of the Santa Clara County Cattlemen’s Association
After graduating from Live Oak High School, Heather attended UC-Davis, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics. This degree has served her well as she has worked for American AgCredit the past 24 years providing loans to farmers and ranchers. She is thankful every day to be able to work with the best customers and co-workers who share the same values rooted in agriculture.
While at college, Heather purchased a horse from George Callens. His son, Ed, called a few months later to see if the horse was working out for her, and the rest is history. Heather moved to the Callens Ranch in Paicines in 1993 when she married Ed. Ed and Heather lease the ranch from the Callens family and run a commercial cow-calf operation. While her full-time job keeps her fairly busy, she really enjoys helping Ed on the weekends.
When Heather moved to San Benito County, her first job was with the local ASCA Office, now known as the FSA, and she was welcomed by many of the ranching families and encouraged to join the CattleWomen. However, it wasn’t until she joined the Board of Directors several years ago that she really became involved in many of the fun and worthwhile events that the group puts on. Heather currently serves as vice president and is active in the membership, bylaws, scholarship, fair livestock, judging and Farm Day committees. In bygone days, Heather worked on the Fair Food Booth with Beverly Tobias. She says it is a pleasure to work to promote the livestock industry along with such amazing women and she is honored to receive this award. She is in good company as she follows in the footsteps of both her mother and mother-in-law, who received Cowbelle of the Year awards from their respective county units.
