History

​Serving as the voice of the beef industry in New Mexico since 1914, New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association was established to assist livestock producers in the State of New Mexico. Since that time, the Association has worked to ensure that the rights of livestock producers are protected. Over its 100-year history, the Association has served the livestock industry faithfully. That tradition continues today. NMCGA currently has members in all 33 of New Mexico’s Counties as well as some 19 other states. Representing cattlemen from the Roundhouse in Santa Fe to the halls of Congress. Wherever the arena - regulatory, statutory or the courts - New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association is there.

The Southwestern New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association was formed in 1914, when, following a meeting with Gila National Forest staff, several stockmen from Grant, Sierra, and Socorro Counties decided to join together in an association "to promote the interests of all cattle and horse growers in New Mexico; to secure cordial friendship among them and to instill sound and correct principles of breeding and growing of cattle and horses; to aid and assist the Cattle Sanitary Board of New Mexico in its efforts to encourage and build up the livestock industry and in the formation of the stock laws of the state; to work for the enactment of laws which will protect and foster the interests of cattle and horse growers in the state." Over the years, the Association has played an active role in molding legislation and precedents affecting the New Mexico cattle industry. They have been involved with state and federal matters and promoting the private rights of cattlemen from invasions by government. The ultimate goal of the Association has been to preserve the cattle industry and the cattlemen's way of life.