By MATTHEW WEAVER

Capital Press

Cattle Producers of Washington President Wade King hopes members come to the next annual meeting armed with questions.

"Everyone has some questions, and I want them to have some time," King said. "I have asked all of our speakers, in their allotted time at the podium, to leave at least half of that time for questions and answers."

Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna and state Agriculture Director Dan Newhouse are scheduled to speak during the meeting, which takes place Saturday, Sept. 26. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at Avenues Event Center, 9320 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley, Wash.

King hopes members gain a better understanding of what state leaders do on their behalf.

"I don't think a lot of the producers in the state have a good opportunity to talk with the director of agriculture or our state's attorney general, in particular," King said. "For instance, just what authority does the Department of Ecology have on our property?"

King said McKenna and Newhouse would address the effects of Canadian cattle on Washington's cattle industry and stockwatering issues.

Other speakers are veterinarian Simon Timmermans, Sound Consumer editor Trudy Bialic, Rep. David Taylor, R-Moxee; Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich and State Veterinarian Leonard Eldridge.

Cost to attend is $60, which includes the daylong session, lunch and a prime rib dinner.

"We've been working on this a long time, to get the state attorney general and director of agriculture in a room at the same time," he said. "This is an opportunity to ask these state leaders these questions."

Matthew Weaver is based in Spokane. E-mail: mweaver@capitalpress.com.

More information

Access the Cattle Producers of Washington website at www.cattleproducersofwa.org or call 509-347-6655.