She also served as Chairman of the New Mexico Beef Council. When she attended an ANCW President’s Workshop at a Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, she was excited by the new opportunities and relationships offered by a national association.

She participated in the Beef Check-off funded “ANCW Promotion Project” supporting beef demonstrations and sampling on the east coast, served six years as Region Director, and eventually served as ANCW President in 2003. She is currently a trustee for the ANCW Foundation.

In 2004, the Townsend’s bought a ranch and moved to Milburn, Oklahoma where they continue to work with their youngest son who manages the ranch. Before even moving to Oklahoma, Townsend became involved in Oklahoma CattleWomen when attending a Region 4 Meeting, and continues to this day.

She served as a District Representative then served on the Cook-off Committee, Cattle Drive for Hunger, and is now serving as Membership Chairman and President Elect.

Her fellow CattleWomen describe Patti as a leader by example. Rather than “I think you should – it’s I think we should. She is one of the first to arrive and one of the last to leave,” according to D’dee Haynes, Oklahoma CattleWoman.

Fita Witte, ANCW Past President says of Patti “She is ethical, fair, caring, strong and not afraid to speak her mind.”

When asked why she spends her time and energy promoting beef, Patti says “I believe in the industry, the way of life it provides and the nutritional value of beef.”

Patti is married to Gayland and they have three sons, Phillip, Charles and Steven, two daughter-in-laws and four grandchildren. According to Townsend, “Ranching is the best place in the world to raise a family. The value of family life on a ranch is irreplaceable.” 

—American National CattleWomen, Inc. press release