Year Inducted: 2024
1948
Betty was raised in the ranching town of Waimea. Her first summer job was with the Puakō Feedlot in 1966. After college and business school, she and Earl returned in 1971 to reside in Waimea, to raise a family, and have been involved with the ranching community there ever since.
Betty over the years worked at Bank of Hawaiʻi, Parker Ranch, Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy. She joined the Hawaii Cattle Producers Cooperative Association (HCPCA or the Coop) in 1997 as its Executive Secretary and retired as its General Manager in 2024.
The HCPCA experience was very rewarding, often challenging, with its livestock transportation programs to mainland ports and marketing local products under its Hawaii Ranchers trademark. The Coop with its strong rancher support and commitment weathered many successes and a few failures. The strong personal and business relationships that characterize HCPCA were developed through trust and commitment. This allowed the growth and strengthening of a transportation and marketing effort that benefitted many. It took a large joint effort to develop and manage the logistics of moving of thousands of livestock across the Pacific Ocean with appropriate care. There are many roles in such an effort. All who participated managed their role well so that the broader goal was achieved and the marketing well done.
Betty Spence’s journey with HCPCA, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Association, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Wilson Cattle Company, Beef Northwest Feeders, and Country Natural Beef established genuine and lasting relationships and friendships throughout the years.
Betty Jane Spence says: It has been a pleasure working with caring ranchers and livestock industry partners. I am grateful for having known each ranch family and their commitment to the livestock industry.