Debbie Arnold Named 2025 CattleWoman of the Year
ChatGPT said:
During the California Mid-State Fair’s annual Cattlemen and Farmers Day on July 17, 2025, local agriculture organizations honored Debbie Arnold as the 2025 CattleWoman of the Year. Presented by the San Luis Obispo County CattleWomen’s Association, the award recognizes Debbie’s lifelong dedication to agriculture, education, and public service. Originally from Walnut Creek, Debbie came to Cal Poly to study Animal Science and soon married Steve Arnold, joining a ranching family deeply rooted in the Pozo Valley. Together, they worked on some of the region’s most iconic ranches while raising their children, Joey and Michelle.
Debbie balanced her ranching life with a passion for early childhood education, founding Small Wonders Preschool in Atascadero. Later, she became a legislative advocate for agriculture through her roles with County Supervisor Mike Ryan and Senator Sam Blakeslee. A longtime member of the County CattleWomen, Debbie contributed to numerous educational and fundraising events and served on various ag-related committees. Elected to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors in 2012, she brought ranch-level experience to public policy until her retirement in 2025. She now remains active in ranching, winemaking, and spending time with her granddaughters—earning her place as the 60th recipient of this honor.
