Message from the President
August 2022
Two steps forward, one step back…
Like any good dance, this summer has been filled with a fast paced “Baile” of fire meetings, interim committees, interviews and the occasional fist fight in the parking lot.
Starting with the fire, I want to thank our Members and Allied Members for all the donations to the Producer Relief Fund. We were able, as an association, to provide some much welcomed relief to some very good people! There are a million and one ideas on what fire recovery should look like, most of which aren’t agriculture friendly. One thing we know is that the urgency to throw tax payer money will drop as quickly as it started, and the people that are on and off the land will heal the wounds and live with the scars. My family will continue to pray for those affected.
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ was invited to present to the Economic Development Committee in Las Vegas in June. I was very happy that Taylor, Bronson and I were all able to attend and present our take on Farming and Livestock Industries as Economic Generators. I can honestly say that Taylor once again showed that she is worth her salt and designed an outstanding presentation.
I fear that many of our legislators are burned out between the regular sessions and all the special sessions of recent years. I am forever thankful to those members in our association that have stepped up and donated the time, passion and capitol required to participate in our State Government. As an industry and as citizens, we thank you. The miles, hours and dedication are greatly appreciated!
As many of you know, NMCGA has settled the lawsuit with the USFS in regards to the aerial gunning of estray cattle in the Gila Wilderness. We stood our ground and came out on top. Like most fights, we still got a bruise or two but all in all we established that New Mexico’s cattle ranchers will continue to have a voice in what happens to cattle in our state. Solutions to the issue of the estray cattle will continue to be a topic of discussion, but what may be the easiest solution for the USFS might not be accepted by our members or the industry. Thank you to all the members and Litigation Committee that fought and donated to the cause. As an association, we proved we are way more than just a sticker on a pickup window. A special thank you to Congresswoman Yvette Herrell and her staff. She pushed from her direction and now has language in the budget to keep from funding such an operation in the future. Of course, that would require Congress to actually pass a budget and not just “Continuing Resolution” our way into a new year.
Speaking of Congress, thank you to all the members that answered the “Call to Action” on Senate Bill 2980 forwarded by Senators Heinrich and Luján, “Wildlife-Livestock Conflict Resolution Act”. Permanently retiring grazing permits is not the answer to dealing with livestock and wildlife conflicts. I would even venture to say that it shouldn’t be a topic of concern for Congress, but rather a subject held by our local lawmakers at the roundhouse.
Without a doubt, the bill stood to permanently remove grazing from public lands, put control of our public land in the hands of a few political elite and environmental interests, and do so in a form where there could never be a transition back. During testimony in committee, Senator Heinrich falsely stated that wildlife were being exposed to livestock diseases because of grazing permits, particularly in the Big Horn Sheep population. We know that statement to be completely false as we have not had any reportable diseases by our State Veterinarian in recent years and we don’t have any grazing permits involving sheep anywhere near the Big Horn ranges. S2980 is not likely to move forward in Congress with a tied vote in Committee, but this Bill as well as other 30 x 30 motivated Bills will continue to come out of the dark shadows in the future. We need to watch our backs!
Pray your neighbor gets rain,
Loren Patterson
Two steps forward, one step back…
Like any good dance, this summer has been filled with a fast paced “Baile” of fire meetings, interim committees, interviews and the occasional fist fight in the parking lot.
Starting with the fire, I want to thank our Members and Allied Members for all the donations to the Producer Relief Fund. We were able, as an association, to provide some much welcomed relief to some very good people! There are a million and one ideas on what fire recovery should look like, most of which aren’t agriculture friendly. One thing we know is that the urgency to throw tax payer money will drop as quickly as it started, and the people that are on and off the land will heal the wounds and live with the scars. My family will continue to pray for those affected.
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ was invited to present to the Economic Development Committee in Las Vegas in June. I was very happy that Taylor, Bronson and I were all able to attend and present our take on Farming and Livestock Industries as Economic Generators. I can honestly say that Taylor once again showed that she is worth her salt and designed an outstanding presentation.
I fear that many of our legislators are burned out between the regular sessions and all the special sessions of recent years. I am forever thankful to those members in our association that have stepped up and donated the time, passion and capitol required to participate in our State Government. As an industry and as citizens, we thank you. The miles, hours and dedication are greatly appreciated!
As many of you know, NMCGA has settled the lawsuit with the USFS in regards to the aerial gunning of estray cattle in the Gila Wilderness. We stood our ground and came out on top. Like most fights, we still got a bruise or two but all in all we established that New Mexico’s cattle ranchers will continue to have a voice in what happens to cattle in our state. Solutions to the issue of the estray cattle will continue to be a topic of discussion, but what may be the easiest solution for the USFS might not be accepted by our members or the industry. Thank you to all the members and Litigation Committee that fought and donated to the cause. As an association, we proved we are way more than just a sticker on a pickup window. A special thank you to Congresswoman Yvette Herrell and her staff. She pushed from her direction and now has language in the budget to keep from funding such an operation in the future. Of course, that would require Congress to actually pass a budget and not just “Continuing Resolution” our way into a new year.
Speaking of Congress, thank you to all the members that answered the “Call to Action” on Senate Bill 2980 forwarded by Senators Heinrich and Luján, “Wildlife-Livestock Conflict Resolution Act”. Permanently retiring grazing permits is not the answer to dealing with livestock and wildlife conflicts. I would even venture to say that it shouldn’t be a topic of concern for Congress, but rather a subject held by our local lawmakers at the roundhouse.
Without a doubt, the bill stood to permanently remove grazing from public lands, put control of our public land in the hands of a few political elite and environmental interests, and do so in a form where there could never be a transition back. During testimony in committee, Senator Heinrich falsely stated that wildlife were being exposed to livestock diseases because of grazing permits, particularly in the Big Horn Sheep population. We know that statement to be completely false as we have not had any reportable diseases by our State Veterinarian in recent years and we don’t have any grazing permits involving sheep anywhere near the Big Horn ranges. S2980 is not likely to move forward in Congress with a tied vote in Committee, but this Bill as well as other 30 x 30 motivated Bills will continue to come out of the dark shadows in the future. We need to watch our backs!
Pray your neighbor gets rain,
Loren Patterson
Executive Committee:
Loren Patterson, Corona – President
Bronson Corn, Roswell - President-Elect
Joe Culbertson, Amistad - Vice President at Large
Cliff Copeland, Nara Vista - NE Vice President
Jeff Decker, Lovington - SE Vice President
Roy Farr, Datil - Vice President at Large
Dave Kenneke, Cimmaron – NW Vice President
Shacey Sullivan, Bosque Farms – Secretary/Treasurer
Randell Major, Magdalena - Immediate Past President
Tom Sidwell, Quay – Past President
Bronson Corn, Roswell - President-Elect
Joe Culbertson, Amistad - Vice President at Large
Cliff Copeland, Nara Vista - NE Vice President
Jeff Decker, Lovington - SE Vice President
Roy Farr, Datil - Vice President at Large
Dave Kenneke, Cimmaron – NW Vice President
Shacey Sullivan, Bosque Farms – Secretary/Treasurer
Randell Major, Magdalena - Immediate Past President
Tom Sidwell, Quay – Past President
Board of Directors:
Loren Patterson, Corona Bronson Corn, Roswell Joe Culbertson, Jr. Amistad Shacey Sullivan, Albuquerque Cliff Copeland, Nara Visa Jeff Decker, Lovington Dave Kenneke, Cimarron Roy Farr, Datil Randell Major, Magdalena Thomas Sidwell, Tucumcari Jeff Bilberry, Roswell Trent Bilberry, Roswell Linn Blancett, Aztec Irvin Boyd, Eunice Jim Bob Burnett, Lake Arthur Ron Burnett, Datil Michael Carrica, Rio Rancho Mike Casabonne, Hope Jim Ross Caviness, Maljamar Jack Chatfield, Mosquero Kim Chesser, Roswell Blair Clavel, Roy Mike Corn, Roswell Caren Cowan, Albuquerque Amanda Culbertson, Amistad Bruce Davis, Springer Linda Davis, Cimarron Joe Delk, Las Cruces
Matthew Denetclaw, San Juan Crystal Runyan Diamond, Elephant Butte Denton Dowell, Clovis Tracy Drummond, Reserve Wesley Eaton, Vado Alden Elkins, Pinon Dan Estrada, Trementina Kevin Floyd, Roswell Wayne Franklin, Yahtahey Sid Gordon, High Rolls Colten Grau, Grady Jim Grider, Carrizozo Anita Hand, Datil Nolberto Hernandez, Rio Rancho Jim Jackson, Salmon, ID Stan Jones, Broadview Curtis Kelling, Cuervo Justin Knight, Tucumcari Majorie Lantana, Crownpoint Colton Lee, Alamogordo Boe Charles, Springer Kenneth McKenzie, Encino Sarah McKenzie, Fort Davis Jeff Menges, Safford Louis Montoya, La Plata Joe Bill Nunn, Deming Justin Nunn, Deming Tom Paterson, Houston Kyle Perez, Nara Visa Nancy Phelps, Winston Tate Pruitt, Capitan Bob Ricklefs, Ute Park Megan Richardson, Monticello Charles Rogers, Clovis John Romero, Casa Blanca Carlos Salazar, Medanales Troy Sauble, Maxwell Becky King Spindle, Moriarty Casey Spradley, Cuba Gary Stone, Weed Kimberly Stone, Capitan Jim Thorpe, Newkirk Bernarr Treat, Roswell Lance Vicente, Vaughan Judy Wallin, TorC Dee Wear, Hillsboro Kendal Wilson, Carrizozo Marshal Wilson, Mesilla Park Pat Woods, Broadview Pat Boone, Elida Jose Varela Lopez, Santa Fe Rex Wilson, Ancho Bert Ancell, Tucumcari Alisa Ogden, Loving William Sauble, Maxwell Don (Bebo) Lee, Alamogordo Phil Bidegain, Tucumcari Bob Frost, San Jon William Humphries, Tucumcari Wesley Grau, Grady Bill King, Moriarity Ryan Perry, Roswell Susan Navarro Cordova, Los Lunas Bob Homer, Albuquerque Jim Lyssy, Fort Sumner Dr. Rolando Flores, Las Cruces Jacinda Price, Santa Fe
Matthew Denetclaw, San Juan Crystal Runyan Diamond, Elephant Butte Denton Dowell, Clovis Tracy Drummond, Reserve Wesley Eaton, Vado Alden Elkins, Pinon Dan Estrada, Trementina Kevin Floyd, Roswell Wayne Franklin, Yahtahey Sid Gordon, High Rolls Colten Grau, Grady Jim Grider, Carrizozo Anita Hand, Datil Nolberto Hernandez, Rio Rancho Jim Jackson, Salmon, ID Stan Jones, Broadview Curtis Kelling, Cuervo Justin Knight, Tucumcari Majorie Lantana, Crownpoint Colton Lee, Alamogordo Boe Charles, Springer Kenneth McKenzie, Encino Sarah McKenzie, Fort Davis Jeff Menges, Safford Louis Montoya, La Plata Joe Bill Nunn, Deming Justin Nunn, Deming Tom Paterson, Houston Kyle Perez, Nara Visa Nancy Phelps, Winston Tate Pruitt, Capitan Bob Ricklefs, Ute Park Megan Richardson, Monticello Charles Rogers, Clovis John Romero, Casa Blanca Carlos Salazar, Medanales Troy Sauble, Maxwell Becky King Spindle, Moriarty Casey Spradley, Cuba Gary Stone, Weed Kimberly Stone, Capitan Jim Thorpe, Newkirk Bernarr Treat, Roswell Lance Vicente, Vaughan Judy Wallin, TorC Dee Wear, Hillsboro Kendal Wilson, Carrizozo Marshal Wilson, Mesilla Park Pat Woods, Broadview Pat Boone, Elida Jose Varela Lopez, Santa Fe Rex Wilson, Ancho Bert Ancell, Tucumcari Alisa Ogden, Loving William Sauble, Maxwell Don (Bebo) Lee, Alamogordo Phil Bidegain, Tucumcari Bob Frost, San Jon William Humphries, Tucumcari Wesley Grau, Grady Bill King, Moriarity Ryan Perry, Roswell Susan Navarro Cordova, Los Lunas Bob Homer, Albuquerque Jim Lyssy, Fort Sumner Dr. Rolando Flores, Las Cruces Jacinda Price, Santa Fe
Past Presidents:T.E. Mitchell, Albert *1921-1923
Hugh L. Hodge, Silver City *1923-1925 C.M. McDonel, Bell Ranch *1925-1927 Tom P. Tallé, Las Vegas *1927-1929 T.A. Spencer, Carrizozo *1929-1931 Robert H. Royall, Tyrone *1931-1933 Albert K. Mitchell, Albert *1933-1935 Lee S. Evans, Marquez *1935-1937 A.D. Brownfield, Deming *1937-1939 Oliver M. Lee, Alamogordo *1939-1941 Con W. Jackson, Las Vegas *1941-1943 Tom Clayton, Spear *1943-1945 E.G. Hayward, Cimarron *1945-1947 George A. Godfrey, Animas *1947-1949 G.W. Evans, Magdalena *1949-1951 Roy Forehand, Carlsbad *1951-1953 Ed Heringa, Clayton *1953-1955 S. Culberson, Lordsburg *1955-1957 Dick Snyder, Clayton *1957-1959 W.I. Driggers, Santa Rosa *1959-1961 John Stark, Deming *1961-1963 Will Orndorff, Roswell *1963-1965 J.L. (Les) Davis, Cimarron *1965-1967 Noel Rankin, Silver City *1967-1969 W.O. Culbertson, Jr., Las Vegas *1969-1971 Reuben E. Pankey, Santa Fe *1971-1973 Charlie T. Lee, Alamogordo *1973-1975 Albert J. Mitchell, Albert *1975-1977 Phil Harvey, Sr., Cave Creek, AZ *1977-1979 Phillip Bidegain, Tucumcari *1979-1981 Bob Jones, Crow Flat *1981-1983 Don Hofman, Tucumcari *1983-1985 Peter T. Mocho, Belen *1985-1987 W.F. (Dub) Martin, Santa Fe *1987-1989 H.W. (Bud) Eppers, Roswell *1989-1991 Bill King, Stanley 1991-1993 Wesley Grau, Grady 1993-1995 William Humphries, Tucumcari 1995-1997 Bob Frost, San Jon 1997-1999 Jimmy R. Bason, Hillsboro *1999-2001 Phil H. Bidegain, Tucumcari 2001-2003 Don L. Bebo Lee, Alamogordo 2003-2005 Bill Sauble, Maxwell 2005-2007 Alisa Ogden, Loving 2007-2009 Bert Ancell, Wagon Mound 2009-2011 Rex Wilson, Carrizozo 2011-2013 Jose Varela Lopez, La Cienguilla 2013-2015 Pat Boone, Elida 2015-2017 Tom Sidwell, Tucumcari 2017-2019 Randell Major, Magdalena 2019-2021 Past Award Winners:Cattleman of the Year:
Tom Sidwell, Tucumcari 2021 Caren Cowan, Albuquerque 2020 Ayudando Siempre Alli: Tom Paterson; Houston, TX 2021 Joe Culbertson, Amistad 2020 Green from Ground Up: Ron Burnett, Datil 2021 Linda Davis, Cimarron 2020 King Service Award: Dr. John Wenzel, Las Cruces 2021 Dina Chacon-Reitzel, Albuquerque 2020 Livestock Inspector of the Year: Cathy Truby, Farmington 2021 Justin Gray, Roswell 2020 |
Committees:ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT:
Finance Committee: Chairman- Randell Major All past presidents and NMCGA executive committee Litigation Committee: Chairman- Alisa Ogden Vice Chairman- Jim Jackson Howard Hutchinson Tom Paterson Bill Suable Phil Bidegain Mike Casabonne Nominating Committee: Chairman- Tom Sidwell Vice Chairman- Bronson Corn Milford Denetclaw, Mike Casabonne, all past presidents Bylaws Committee: Chairman- Alisa Ogden Vice Chairman- Phil Bidegain Member- West Eaton Member- Nikki Hooser Member- Bebo Lee Member- Tom Paterson Allied industries Committee: Chairman- Ryan Perry Vice Chairman- Susan Navarro-Cordova Resolutions Committee: Chairman- Chelsea Wilson Vice Chairman - Judy Wallin Feeder Committee: Chairman- Lance Vicente Vice Chairman and Treasure MEMBERSHIP RELATIONS: Membership Recruitment Subcommittee: Chairman- Heidi Humphries Vice Chairman Cross Cultural Subcommittee: Chairman- Marjorie Lantana Vice Chairman- Boe Lopez Young Cattlemen's Leadership Subcommittee: Chairman- Dusti Caviness Vice Chairman- Trent Bilberry JR Subcommittee: Chairman - Dusti Caviness Vice Chairman -Trent Bilberry Vice Chairman - Barbara Corn AG POLICY: Legislative Subcommittee: Chairman- Bronson Corn Co Vice Chairman- Cliff Copeland Co Vice Chairman- Cole Gardner Water Subcommittee: Chairman- Anita Hand Co Vice Chairman- Carlos Salazar Co Vice Chairman- Casey Spradley Wildlife Subcommittee: Chairman- Tom Paterson Co Vice Chairman- Dave Kenneke Co Vice Chairman- Wes Eaton Energy, Oil & Gas Subcommittee: Chairman- Irvin Boyd Co-Vice Chairman- Bill King Co-Vice Chair- Jim Bob Burnett Private Lands Subcommittee: Chairman- Kimberly Stone Vice Chairman- Jeff Bilberry Federal and Trust Land Subcommittee: Chairman- John Richardson Co-Vice Chairman- Elena Farr Co-Vice Chairman- Colton Lee Taxation & Special Issues Subcommittee Chairman- Tamara Hurt Vice chairman- Kenneth McKenzie Theft & Health Subcommittee: Chairman- Dustin Johnson Vice Chairman- Dan Estrada Promotion & Marketing Subcommittee: Chairman- Amanda Culbertson Vice Chairman Research & Improvement Subcommittee: Chairman- Co-Vice Chairman- Sarah McKenzie Co- Vice Chairman- Leigh Ann Marez |