Cattle producers raise ag awareness with basket

by Matthew Weaver<br>Herald Senior Staff Writer
| March 7, 2008 8:00 PM

Entry containers placed in businesses Monday

GRANT COUNTY - Area cattle producers are doing their best to make sure people are aware of agriculture.

The Grant County CattleWomen and Cattlemen provide an opportunity to win a basket of products produced in Grant County in honor of National Agriculture Day, which takes place March 20.

Beginning Monday, containers for entries will be placed in Lep-Re-Kon locations in Moses Lake, Royal City and Mattawa; Akins Food in Quincy; Safeway in Moses Lake, Ephrata and Grand Coulee; Town and Country in Warden; Big R in Moses Lake, John's Foods in Soap Lake and Coulee City Food Center in Coulee City.

"We always try and do something to make the awareness for our local farmers, producers and products that are produced here in Grant County," CattleWomen Publicity Chairperson Rita Mayrant said.

The organizations began the event last year, following the example of another county offering a community basket.

"We had great participation from different vineyards, agricultural products and stores," Mayrant said.

This year's entry buckets in stores include a photo of last year's winner, Victor Vela of Ephrata, with CattleWomen President Linda Serosky.

"We just hope to increase the participation," Mayrant said. "National Ag Day is important because without the farmers and the products raised on a farm, people wouldn't be able to have any groceries. Ag Day is celebrated nationally, and there are different programs people can do."

Mayrant believes people would be amazed at the number of products in Grant County people could find on their table at any meal.

Entries must include a name and phone number. Entrants must be 21 years of age or older. The containers will be collected March 17, with the winner contacted to receive the "basket of surprises."

"Since last year was our first year, I would say we maybe had between 60 and 100 entrants," Mayrant said. "This year we're just hoping to get a lot more."

The organization believes the prize can help a family in need. Last year's entry included a 50-pound bag of potatoes and a 50-pound bag of apples.

"For people on a limited income, this was a big asset for their monthly budget," she said.

The organizations contacted the same 18 donors contacted last year, she said.

For more information, call 509-750-4555.