November 28, 2022: Cattle Growers' welcomes Hooten to the team
Please help and welcome aboard our newest member to the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ team, Gracie Hooten. Gracie is a recent graduate from New Mexico State University where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Agriculture; Concentration: Agribusiness, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business and Economics. She also recently completed a Product Line Internship Position with Olam Spice/ Olam Food Ingredients (Ofi).
Gracie is from Tularosa, where she has lived and worked on her family’s cattle ranch her entire life. Her passion for agriculture started at a young age. Growing up she was a member of both 4-H and FFA where she was actively involved. She showed livestock and competed in judging competitions. Agriculture has truly impacted her life and it is one of the main reasons why she decided to pursue a degree in this industry.
She will be serving the Association in her new role as Administrative Assistant. Gracie is excited to be a part of the NMCGA team and looks forward to meeting everyone at the Joint Stockmen’s Convention in December!
Gracie is from Tularosa, where she has lived and worked on her family’s cattle ranch her entire life. Her passion for agriculture started at a young age. Growing up she was a member of both 4-H and FFA where she was actively involved. She showed livestock and competed in judging competitions. Agriculture has truly impacted her life and it is one of the main reasons why she decided to pursue a degree in this industry.
She will be serving the Association in her new role as Administrative Assistant. Gracie is excited to be a part of the NMCGA team and looks forward to meeting everyone at the Joint Stockmen’s Convention in December!
October 4, 2022: NMCGA on the trail...
September 21, 2022: Nominations Sought for Livestock Inspector of the Year
The New Mexico Cattle Growers Association (NMCGA) is seeking nominations for its annual Livestock Inspector of the Year Award. Each year, the NMCGA honors an inspector employed by the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB) for outstanding service to the livestock industry.
“NMLB inspectors are a tremendous asset,” said Loren Patterson, NMCGA President. “Their presence in our communities and on our highways aid in fighting theft and disease, and they serve as our first defense in emergency situations, responding to the needs of all animals both large and small.”
Nominations should include the name and address of the inspector, as well as a brief narrative on why the nominee is deserving of the award. Please direct submissions to the NMCGA, P.O. Box 7517, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87194 or via email to nmcga20@gmail.com . The deadline for submission is November 22, 2022. The award will be presented during the 2022 Joint Stockmen's Convention, slated for December 14-17 at Hotel Albuquerque Old Town. For further information, please contact the office at (505) 247-0584.
The 2021 recipient of the award was Cathy Truby, who has served San Juan and Rio Arriba counties for 19 years, beginning as a Deputy Brand Inspector in 2003 and advancing to a full-time Inspector in 2013.
“NMLB inspectors are a tremendous asset,” said Loren Patterson, NMCGA President. “Their presence in our communities and on our highways aid in fighting theft and disease, and they serve as our first defense in emergency situations, responding to the needs of all animals both large and small.”
Nominations should include the name and address of the inspector, as well as a brief narrative on why the nominee is deserving of the award. Please direct submissions to the NMCGA, P.O. Box 7517, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87194 or via email to nmcga20@gmail.com . The deadline for submission is November 22, 2022. The award will be presented during the 2022 Joint Stockmen's Convention, slated for December 14-17 at Hotel Albuquerque Old Town. For further information, please contact the office at (505) 247-0584.
The 2021 recipient of the award was Cathy Truby, who has served San Juan and Rio Arriba counties for 19 years, beginning as a Deputy Brand Inspector in 2003 and advancing to a full-time Inspector in 2013.
September 19, 2022: New Mexico Ranch Family of the Year
Blackburn’s named New Mexico Ranch Family of the Year
Settled in the northeastern corner of Curry County, Blackburn Farms began in 1913 when the family started raising cattle, wheat, sorghum, cattle feed. CJ Blackburn was the teller of the origin history where his father, grandmother and uncles worked to establish their homestead in Broadview.
As a boy, CJ was very involved in 4-H and FFA, showing sheep at the county and Eastern New Mexico State Fair for several years. It was not until 1958 that he was able to convince his father to let him feed a steer, which began his cattle showing enterprise and the family emphasis on enhanced genetics for future generations.
In June of 1959, CJ married Nancy Cagle of Clovis. As a result of timing nuptials with wheat harvest, a honeymoon was non-existent so taking CJ’s steer to the NMSF would have to do.
For the next 49 years, CJ and Nancy Blackburn watched as their children and grandchildren participated in 4-H and FFA activities. Their children, Jay, Lisa and Julie, had livestock projects from 1970 to 1985.
In the early years, with encouragement from county 4H agent, Billy Dictson, the family started a registered Hampshire sheep and registered Hereford cattle herd. Then CJ introduced exotic breeds into his cattle herd in hopes of enhancing the calves he raised for his children to show. The Blackburn kids did well with their home-raised calves, including Lisa’s Reserve Grand Champion in 1976 at the state fair and a carcass contest winner.
The family’s involvement with livestock showing only grew from there. Loading up one year to attend the NMSF, the family brought 43 head of livestock to Albuquerque including: bulls, heifers, steers, breeding sheep and market lambs. It wasn’t unusual to find one of the kids that had fallen asleep on a hay bale during those days, as they were long and busy walking cattle in the mornings, grooming and preparing for the ring.
Time spent together out in the barns proved as time well spent, earning the Blackburn’s Grand Champion Bull at the NMSF and several ribbons with their New Mexico raised sheep and cattle at the Curry County Fair and Eastern New Mexico State Fair. CJ and Nancy served as 4-H leaders for close to 20 years.
More than a century later, five generations of Blackburn’s still live and operate the farm in Broadview raising the same crops and livestock for fellow 4H and FFA exhibitors. Through the years, all the children and grandchildren have worked cattle, driven a tractor and accomplished anything else necessary to get the job done and ensure the success of the farm and ranch.
“We have always explained to our children, other 4-H members and their parents, while winning is fun and rewarding the experiences and the lessons taught are more valuable,” said Jay Blackburn. “Although Dad (CJ) passed in 2019, this day would have meant a great deal to him. My family extends our gratitude for this great honor, and our thanks to be considered a part of New Mexico’s ranch and show family.”
The Blackburn’s were honored September 15, 2022 during the PRCA Rodeo performance held at Tingley Coliseum during New Mexico State Fair, the whole night was dedicated to Farmers and Ranchers.
Settled in the northeastern corner of Curry County, Blackburn Farms began in 1913 when the family started raising cattle, wheat, sorghum, cattle feed. CJ Blackburn was the teller of the origin history where his father, grandmother and uncles worked to establish their homestead in Broadview.
As a boy, CJ was very involved in 4-H and FFA, showing sheep at the county and Eastern New Mexico State Fair for several years. It was not until 1958 that he was able to convince his father to let him feed a steer, which began his cattle showing enterprise and the family emphasis on enhanced genetics for future generations.
In June of 1959, CJ married Nancy Cagle of Clovis. As a result of timing nuptials with wheat harvest, a honeymoon was non-existent so taking CJ’s steer to the NMSF would have to do.
For the next 49 years, CJ and Nancy Blackburn watched as their children and grandchildren participated in 4-H and FFA activities. Their children, Jay, Lisa and Julie, had livestock projects from 1970 to 1985.
In the early years, with encouragement from county 4H agent, Billy Dictson, the family started a registered Hampshire sheep and registered Hereford cattle herd. Then CJ introduced exotic breeds into his cattle herd in hopes of enhancing the calves he raised for his children to show. The Blackburn kids did well with their home-raised calves, including Lisa’s Reserve Grand Champion in 1976 at the state fair and a carcass contest winner.
The family’s involvement with livestock showing only grew from there. Loading up one year to attend the NMSF, the family brought 43 head of livestock to Albuquerque including: bulls, heifers, steers, breeding sheep and market lambs. It wasn’t unusual to find one of the kids that had fallen asleep on a hay bale during those days, as they were long and busy walking cattle in the mornings, grooming and preparing for the ring.
Time spent together out in the barns proved as time well spent, earning the Blackburn’s Grand Champion Bull at the NMSF and several ribbons with their New Mexico raised sheep and cattle at the Curry County Fair and Eastern New Mexico State Fair. CJ and Nancy served as 4-H leaders for close to 20 years.
More than a century later, five generations of Blackburn’s still live and operate the farm in Broadview raising the same crops and livestock for fellow 4H and FFA exhibitors. Through the years, all the children and grandchildren have worked cattle, driven a tractor and accomplished anything else necessary to get the job done and ensure the success of the farm and ranch.
“We have always explained to our children, other 4-H members and their parents, while winning is fun and rewarding the experiences and the lessons taught are more valuable,” said Jay Blackburn. “Although Dad (CJ) passed in 2019, this day would have meant a great deal to him. My family extends our gratitude for this great honor, and our thanks to be considered a part of New Mexico’s ranch and show family.”
The Blackburn’s were honored September 15, 2022 during the PRCA Rodeo performance held at Tingley Coliseum during New Mexico State Fair, the whole night was dedicated to Farmers and Ranchers.
September 15, 2022: New Mexico Paid Sick Leave (Healthy Workplaces Act)
In June at our Mid-Year Meeting held in Ruidoso, we learned more about New Mexico's Paid Sick Leave from Rob Black at the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
New Mexico Paid Sick Leave (Healthy Workplaces Act) of 2021 is now a law requiring all private employers in New Mexico to allow employees to accrue and use a benefit called earned sick leave. The law took effect on July 1, 2022.
Learn more here https://www.dws.state.nm.us/NMPaidSickLeave
New Mexico Paid Sick Leave (Healthy Workplaces Act) of 2021 is now a law requiring all private employers in New Mexico to allow employees to accrue and use a benefit called earned sick leave. The law took effect on July 1, 2022.
Learn more here https://www.dws.state.nm.us/NMPaidSickLeave
August 2, 2022: Dept. of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Agriculture-related wildfire recovery meeting set for Aug. 10 in Sierra County
For Immediate Release: August 2, 2022
WINSTON, N.M. – A wildfire recovery meeting for the agriculture community affected by the Black Fire will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the Winston Community Center, 387 Grafton Rd., in Winston, New Mexico.
Representatives from local, state and federal agencies will be in attendance to answer questions and address concerns about agriculture and natural resources impacted by the fire, including:
Employees from New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency and United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service will make brief presentations.
“The agriculture community is vital to New Mexico, as farmers and ranchers bring food to our plates, and we appreciate everything they do,” said New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte. “However, the way of life for many ranchers and farmers in the Black Fire area has been impacted, and the state and its partners are committed to helping this community recover.”
The goals of the meeting are to:
For more information, email pio@nmda.nmsu.edu.
For Immediate Release: August 2, 2022
WINSTON, N.M. – A wildfire recovery meeting for the agriculture community affected by the Black Fire will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the Winston Community Center, 387 Grafton Rd., in Winston, New Mexico.
Representatives from local, state and federal agencies will be in attendance to answer questions and address concerns about agriculture and natural resources impacted by the fire, including:
- Agriculture disaster assistance programs
- Livestock and natural resource programs
- Soil health and watershed management
- Agriculture producer mental health needs
- Water quality/wells
- Reforestation
- Livestock inspections and movement
- Lost or estray livestock
- Livestock grazing alternatives
Employees from New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency and United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service will make brief presentations.
“The agriculture community is vital to New Mexico, as farmers and ranchers bring food to our plates, and we appreciate everything they do,” said New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte. “However, the way of life for many ranchers and farmers in the Black Fire area has been impacted, and the state and its partners are committed to helping this community recover.”
The goals of the meeting are to:
- Promptly detect and identify threats to New Mexico agriculture and food systems.
- Identify and provide resources for agriculture and food protection.
- Assist in the recovery of impacted systems to mitigate economic impacts to communities.
For more information, email pio@nmda.nmsu.edu.
July 28, 2022: NMCGA CALL TO ACTION!
Contact: Wendy Mason
Acting Public Information Officer, EMNRD
Wildfire Prevention & Communications Coordinator
wendy.mason@state.nm.us | 505-690-8210
Public Input Requested on the Future of Conservation in New Mexico
New Mexico 30 by 30 Advisory Committee announces public engagement survey
Santa Fe, NM – Today the New Mexico 30 x 30 Advisory Committee announces a public Request for Information (RFI) to gather broad input on the conservation activities most important to New Mexicans. The RFI solicits ideas for a “uniquely New Mexico” vision for conservation.
In August 2021 Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Executive Order 2021-052 (E.O.), Protecting New Mexico’s Lands, Watersheds, Wildlife, and Natural Heritage. The E.O. established the 30 by 30 Advisory Committee, comprised of seven state agencies and the State Land Office. Agencies are directed to individually review and utilize existing programs, funding, and authorities to reach the ambitious conservation targets of conserving at least 30 percent of all lands in New Mexico by 2030, with an additional 20 percent of lands designated as climate stabilization areas. Benefits include supporting our economy, sustaining traditional ways of life, providing drinking water, ensuring food security, preserving biodiversity, and providing recreational opportunities for all New Mexicans.
“We welcome public input that will help us identify conserved lands and climate stabilization areas,” said Committee Chair and Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst. “This year, one of the most important tasks before the 30 by 30 Committee is to develop statewide definitions that will be used to measure progress and help identify conservation opportunities that make the most sense for New Mexico.”
Following the RFI, the Committee will release draft definitions and hold a separate public comment period before proposing final definitions in its Annual Report, to be released in December.
Respond by filling out the EMNRD SURVEY HERE.
Must be submitted by August 25, 2022.
Acting Public Information Officer, EMNRD
Wildfire Prevention & Communications Coordinator
wendy.mason@state.nm.us | 505-690-8210
Public Input Requested on the Future of Conservation in New Mexico
New Mexico 30 by 30 Advisory Committee announces public engagement survey
Santa Fe, NM – Today the New Mexico 30 x 30 Advisory Committee announces a public Request for Information (RFI) to gather broad input on the conservation activities most important to New Mexicans. The RFI solicits ideas for a “uniquely New Mexico” vision for conservation.
In August 2021 Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Executive Order 2021-052 (E.O.), Protecting New Mexico’s Lands, Watersheds, Wildlife, and Natural Heritage. The E.O. established the 30 by 30 Advisory Committee, comprised of seven state agencies and the State Land Office. Agencies are directed to individually review and utilize existing programs, funding, and authorities to reach the ambitious conservation targets of conserving at least 30 percent of all lands in New Mexico by 2030, with an additional 20 percent of lands designated as climate stabilization areas. Benefits include supporting our economy, sustaining traditional ways of life, providing drinking water, ensuring food security, preserving biodiversity, and providing recreational opportunities for all New Mexicans.
“We welcome public input that will help us identify conserved lands and climate stabilization areas,” said Committee Chair and Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst. “This year, one of the most important tasks before the 30 by 30 Committee is to develop statewide definitions that will be used to measure progress and help identify conservation opportunities that make the most sense for New Mexico.”
Following the RFI, the Committee will release draft definitions and hold a separate public comment period before proposing final definitions in its Annual Report, to be released in December.
Respond by filling out the EMNRD SURVEY HERE.
Must be submitted by August 25, 2022.
July 19, 2022: NMCGA CALL TO ACTION!
S. 2980 WILDLIFE/LIVESTOCK CONFLICT RESOLUTION ACT
Sponsored by Senator Martin Heinrich and Co-Sponsored by Senator Ben Ray Luján
Scheduled to be Heard
by the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee Public Lands, Forests, and Mining this THURSDAY, July 21, 2022 at 10:00am Eastern Time.
Call the committee today and request that they VOTE NO!
Background
This bill directs the Department of the Interior, for public land, and the Department of Agriculture, for National Forest System land, to accept the donation of any valid existing leases or permits authorizing grazing on such lands in New Mexico beginning in FY2022. For each permit or lease donated, the department concerned shall (1) terminate the grazing permit or lease; and (2) except as provided below, ensure a permanent end to grazing on the land covered by the permit or lease. If the land covered by a permit or lease that is donated also is covered by another valid grazing permit or lease that is not donated, the department concerned shall not allow the total grazing use on the land to exceed the average actual grazing use under the other valid grazing permit or lease for the five-year period preceding the date of the donation.
Talking Points
• New Mexico Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Lujan have introduced Senate Bill 2980 (S2980), the Wildlife Conflict Resolution Act, to authorize the voluntary donation of grazing permits and leases only in the State of New Mexico
• S2980 allows for donation of US Forest Service permits and requires that those grazing allotments be permanently retired
• S2980 will negatively impact New Mexico’s rural communities and economies by eliminating jobs and removing livestock from county tax bases that would otherwise generate funding for local education, law enforcement, roads and other infrastructure projects
• S2980 targets one of the poorest states in the nation that is ranked #1 in childhood hunger, worst in the nation in education, and nearly worst in the nation in many other indices of social and economic welfare
• This is a land grab just like 30 X 30.
• Removal of grazing will be a detriment to New Mexico lands, grazing is a useful and necessary tool - our number one defense against wildfire.
Committee Contacts
Senator Catherine Cortez, D- Nevada Chair – 202-224-3542
Senator Ron Wyden, D – Oregon – 202-228-2717
Senator Martin Heinrich, D- NM – 202-224-5521
Senator Mazie K Hirono, D – Hawaii – 202-224-6361
Senator Angus King, D- Maine – 202-224-5344
Senator Mark Kelly, D- Arizona – 202-224-2235
Senator John W Hickenlooper, D –Colorado – 202-224-5941
Senator Mike Lee, R – Utah – 202-224-5444
Senator James E Risch, R- Idaho- 202-224-2752
Senator Steve Daines, R – Montana 202-224-2651
Senator Lisa Murkowski, R- Alaska 202-224-6665
Senator James Lankford, R- Oklahoma 202-224-5754
Senator Bill Cassidy, R –Louisiana 202-224-5824
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, R – Mississippi 202-224-5054
Senator Joe Manchin III, D- West Virginia 202-224-3954
Senator John Barroso, R- Wyoming 202-224-6441
Sponsored by Senator Martin Heinrich and Co-Sponsored by Senator Ben Ray Luján
Scheduled to be Heard
by the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee Public Lands, Forests, and Mining this THURSDAY, July 21, 2022 at 10:00am Eastern Time.
Call the committee today and request that they VOTE NO!
Background
This bill directs the Department of the Interior, for public land, and the Department of Agriculture, for National Forest System land, to accept the donation of any valid existing leases or permits authorizing grazing on such lands in New Mexico beginning in FY2022. For each permit or lease donated, the department concerned shall (1) terminate the grazing permit or lease; and (2) except as provided below, ensure a permanent end to grazing on the land covered by the permit or lease. If the land covered by a permit or lease that is donated also is covered by another valid grazing permit or lease that is not donated, the department concerned shall not allow the total grazing use on the land to exceed the average actual grazing use under the other valid grazing permit or lease for the five-year period preceding the date of the donation.
Talking Points
• New Mexico Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Lujan have introduced Senate Bill 2980 (S2980), the Wildlife Conflict Resolution Act, to authorize the voluntary donation of grazing permits and leases only in the State of New Mexico
• S2980 allows for donation of US Forest Service permits and requires that those grazing allotments be permanently retired
• S2980 will negatively impact New Mexico’s rural communities and economies by eliminating jobs and removing livestock from county tax bases that would otherwise generate funding for local education, law enforcement, roads and other infrastructure projects
• S2980 targets one of the poorest states in the nation that is ranked #1 in childhood hunger, worst in the nation in education, and nearly worst in the nation in many other indices of social and economic welfare
• This is a land grab just like 30 X 30.
• Removal of grazing will be a detriment to New Mexico lands, grazing is a useful and necessary tool - our number one defense against wildfire.
Committee Contacts
Senator Catherine Cortez, D- Nevada Chair – 202-224-3542
Senator Ron Wyden, D – Oregon – 202-228-2717
Senator Martin Heinrich, D- NM – 202-224-5521
Senator Mazie K Hirono, D – Hawaii – 202-224-6361
Senator Angus King, D- Maine – 202-224-5344
Senator Mark Kelly, D- Arizona – 202-224-2235
Senator John W Hickenlooper, D –Colorado – 202-224-5941
Senator Mike Lee, R – Utah – 202-224-5444
Senator James E Risch, R- Idaho- 202-224-2752
Senator Steve Daines, R – Montana 202-224-2651
Senator Lisa Murkowski, R- Alaska 202-224-6665
Senator James Lankford, R- Oklahoma 202-224-5754
Senator Bill Cassidy, R –Louisiana 202-224-5824
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, R – Mississippi 202-224-5054
Senator Joe Manchin III, D- West Virginia 202-224-3954
Senator John Barroso, R- Wyoming 202-224-6441
July 18, 2022: Announcement - Northeastern NM Livestock Assn
PLEASE ATTEND THIS SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING TO ELECT NEW OFFICERS:
NORTHEASTERN NEW MEXICO LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION
We will begin at 1:00 with a Hamburger Cookout, followed by our Business Meeting
Please bring veggies, side dishes, or desserts to enhance burgers
ROY COMMUNITY BUILDING SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 2022, at 1:00 PM
Unfortunately
Debbie Sauble 675.375.2686
Tom Sidwell 575.403.6903
Tony Martinez 575.207.7575
Friends and Guests Are Always Welcome!
NORTHEASTERN NEW MEXICO LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION
We will begin at 1:00 with a Hamburger Cookout, followed by our Business Meeting
Please bring veggies, side dishes, or desserts to enhance burgers
ROY COMMUNITY BUILDING SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 2022, at 1:00 PM
Unfortunately
- our President, Vice-President, and Secretary have all resigned their positions
- therefore, we need to elect new officers to begin a new two-year term
- if anyone is interested or knows of anyone Interested in one of these positions, as well as, the Treasurer position, please contact a member of our most recent Nominating Committee listed below:
Debbie Sauble 675.375.2686
Tom Sidwell 575.403.6903
Tony Martinez 575.207.7575
Friends and Guests Are Always Welcome!
July 11, 2022: Around the State
Gila cattle slaughter lawsuit settled
The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association and others announced today that they have settled the lawsuit filed to prevent the United States Forest Service from shooting cattle from a helicopter in the Gila Wilderness.
In February, the USFS shot 63 head of estray cattle, and have now withdrawn the decision memorandum on which it relied to authorize that shooting campaign. Under the terms of the settlement, USFS agreed it will give 75 days’ notice before commencing any future helicopter sniper operations. It may only do so if it satisfies the procedural and substantive requirements to justify such an action.
“The Forest Service has agreed it won’t be able to continue shooting cattle without first being accountable for complying with the law,” said Loren Patterson, President NMCGA. “New Mexico’s producers want to have a permanent seat at the table regarding such decisions, we believe this settlement is progress in the right direction.”
The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association and others announced today that they have settled the lawsuit filed to prevent the United States Forest Service from shooting cattle from a helicopter in the Gila Wilderness.
In February, the USFS shot 63 head of estray cattle, and have now withdrawn the decision memorandum on which it relied to authorize that shooting campaign. Under the terms of the settlement, USFS agreed it will give 75 days’ notice before commencing any future helicopter sniper operations. It may only do so if it satisfies the procedural and substantive requirements to justify such an action.
“The Forest Service has agreed it won’t be able to continue shooting cattle without first being accountable for complying with the law,” said Loren Patterson, President NMCGA. “New Mexico’s producers want to have a permanent seat at the table regarding such decisions, we believe this settlement is progress in the right direction.”
June 24, 2022: Around the State
Governor appoints former state senator from Jal as new game commissioner
Former New Mexico senator, Jal cattle rancher and oilman Gregg Fulfer is the newest state game commissioner.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s latest commission appointment was announced at a June 17 meeting in Santa Fe.
The former Lea County commissioner also served on the state Environmental Improvement Board for eight years.
Fulfer runs Fulfer Oil and Cattle Co. in Jal and Delaware Water Co.
“Water is one of my favorite topics,” he said. “We’re cleaning about 1 million and a half gallons a day of produced water and reusing it for the fracking and drilling operations.”
Fulfer received an electrical engineering degree from New Mexico State University.
As a Republican state legislator representing a corner of southeast New Mexico from 2018 to 2020, he supported a law that made it easier for surveyors and engineers licensed in Texas or New Mexico to work in either state.
Fulfer helped secure road repairs for an oil field highway in his district and supported a forest and watershed restoration law.
“I’m learning a lot right now, but hunting and fishing have always been one of my big interests,” Fulfer said. “It’s important to create growth of that industry and protect hunting, fishing and wildlife.”
The commissioner said he enjoys fly-fishing at a family lodge in Colorado just north of Chama.
“Ranching is a big part of my life,” he said. “We raise beef cattle, and do a lot of taking care of the country here for birds and quail.”
Fulfer voted against a law that funded Game and Fish to work with the Transportation Department on a wildlife corridors action plan.
He also voted against a wildlife trafficking law and a law that banned coyote-killing contests.
The seven-member Game Commission now has two vacancies.
The board sets state hunting and fishing rules and oversees the Department of Game and Fish’s budget.
In recent years, the commission has waded into issues like stream access and elk hunting licenses for residents and out-of-state landowners.
Fellow commissioner Deanna Archuleta said Fulfer is a “delightful individual who really gets things done.”
Other game commissioners are:
— Sharon Salazar Hickey, former Los Alamos National Laboratory employee, appointed 2020
— Roberta Salazar-Henry, former Game and Fish employee, appointed 2019
— Tirzio Lopez, Rio Arriba County farmer, appointed 2019
— Deanna Archuleta, ExxonMobil senior director for federal relations, appointed February 2022
The commission’s next meeting is on July 22 at 9 a.m. in Ruidoso.
Former New Mexico senator, Jal cattle rancher and oilman Gregg Fulfer is the newest state game commissioner.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s latest commission appointment was announced at a June 17 meeting in Santa Fe.
The former Lea County commissioner also served on the state Environmental Improvement Board for eight years.
Fulfer runs Fulfer Oil and Cattle Co. in Jal and Delaware Water Co.
“Water is one of my favorite topics,” he said. “We’re cleaning about 1 million and a half gallons a day of produced water and reusing it for the fracking and drilling operations.”
Fulfer received an electrical engineering degree from New Mexico State University.
As a Republican state legislator representing a corner of southeast New Mexico from 2018 to 2020, he supported a law that made it easier for surveyors and engineers licensed in Texas or New Mexico to work in either state.
Fulfer helped secure road repairs for an oil field highway in his district and supported a forest and watershed restoration law.
“I’m learning a lot right now, but hunting and fishing have always been one of my big interests,” Fulfer said. “It’s important to create growth of that industry and protect hunting, fishing and wildlife.”
The commissioner said he enjoys fly-fishing at a family lodge in Colorado just north of Chama.
“Ranching is a big part of my life,” he said. “We raise beef cattle, and do a lot of taking care of the country here for birds and quail.”
Fulfer voted against a law that funded Game and Fish to work with the Transportation Department on a wildlife corridors action plan.
He also voted against a wildlife trafficking law and a law that banned coyote-killing contests.
The seven-member Game Commission now has two vacancies.
The board sets state hunting and fishing rules and oversees the Department of Game and Fish’s budget.
In recent years, the commission has waded into issues like stream access and elk hunting licenses for residents and out-of-state landowners.
Fellow commissioner Deanna Archuleta said Fulfer is a “delightful individual who really gets things done.”
Other game commissioners are:
— Sharon Salazar Hickey, former Los Alamos National Laboratory employee, appointed 2020
— Roberta Salazar-Henry, former Game and Fish employee, appointed 2019
— Tirzio Lopez, Rio Arriba County farmer, appointed 2019
— Deanna Archuleta, ExxonMobil senior director for federal relations, appointed February 2022
The commission’s next meeting is on July 22 at 9 a.m. in Ruidoso.
June 21, 2022: Around the State
Town Halls for Agricultural Lessees with Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard and State Land Office Staff
In-person meetings with virtual (Zoom Meeting) and call-in options.
July 14, 2022 - Clayton, NM Location: Union County Courthouse - Annex Meeting RoomAddress: 200 Court Street, Clayton, NM 88415
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Zoom Meeting ID: 841 1679 0016, Passcode: 912703 or call 1 (720) 928-9299
July 18, 2022 - Clovis, NM Location: Clovis-Carver Public Library - Ingram Room
Address: 701 N Main Street, Clovis, NM 88101
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Zoom Meeting ID: 897 7645 4008, Passcode: 944027 or call 1 (720) 928-9299
July 19, 2022 - Hobbs, NM Location: New Mexico State Land Office - Hobbs District Office
Address: 914 N Linam Street, Hobbs, NM 88240
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Zoom Meeting ID: 842 3886 7433, Passcode: 631696 or call 1 (720) 928-9299
July 21, 2022 - Moriarty, NM Location: New Mexico State Land Office - Moriarty District Office
Address: 2506 Route 66, Moriarty, NM 87035
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Zoom Meeting ID: 811 3500 3862, Passcode: 848659 or call 1 (720) 928-9299
The purpose of these events is for Commissioner Garcia Richard to speak with, listen to, and answer questions from the agricultural community. In addition, Land Office staff will explain changes to the GS series agricultural lease and the agricultural lease renewal process for 2022. Reminder: Staff will also be available at the New Mexico State Land Office from Monday through Friday to assist you with your Agriculture Lease Renewal and documents.
The New Mexico State Land Office
310 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, New Mexico
505-827-5760
In-person meetings with virtual (Zoom Meeting) and call-in options.
July 14, 2022 - Clayton, NM Location: Union County Courthouse - Annex Meeting RoomAddress: 200 Court Street, Clayton, NM 88415
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Zoom Meeting ID: 841 1679 0016, Passcode: 912703 or call 1 (720) 928-9299
July 18, 2022 - Clovis, NM Location: Clovis-Carver Public Library - Ingram Room
Address: 701 N Main Street, Clovis, NM 88101
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Zoom Meeting ID: 897 7645 4008, Passcode: 944027 or call 1 (720) 928-9299
July 19, 2022 - Hobbs, NM Location: New Mexico State Land Office - Hobbs District Office
Address: 914 N Linam Street, Hobbs, NM 88240
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Zoom Meeting ID: 842 3886 7433, Passcode: 631696 or call 1 (720) 928-9299
July 21, 2022 - Moriarty, NM Location: New Mexico State Land Office - Moriarty District Office
Address: 2506 Route 66, Moriarty, NM 87035
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Zoom Meeting ID: 811 3500 3862, Passcode: 848659 or call 1 (720) 928-9299
The purpose of these events is for Commissioner Garcia Richard to speak with, listen to, and answer questions from the agricultural community. In addition, Land Office staff will explain changes to the GS series agricultural lease and the agricultural lease renewal process for 2022. Reminder: Staff will also be available at the New Mexico State Land Office from Monday through Friday to assist you with your Agriculture Lease Renewal and documents.
The New Mexico State Land Office
310 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, New Mexico
505-827-5760
June 3, 2022: NM Dept. of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Agriculture, natural resources fire assistance open house set for June 9 in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS – An open house for the agricultural community affected by the wildfires will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 9 at the San Miguel County Chambers, 500 W. National Avenue in Las Vegas.
The goals of the open house are to:
Representatives will be available to answer questions and address concerns about agriculture and natural resources impacted by the fire, including:
Representatives from the following entities will be in attendance:
For more information, email pio@nmda.nmsu.edu.
LAS VEGAS – An open house for the agricultural community affected by the wildfires will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 9 at the San Miguel County Chambers, 500 W. National Avenue in Las Vegas.
The goals of the open house are to:
- Promptly detect and identify threats to New Mexico agriculture and food systems.
- Identify and provide resources for agriculture and food protection.
- Assist in the recovery of impacted systems to mitigate economic impacts to communities.
Representatives will be available to answer questions and address concerns about agriculture and natural resources impacted by the fire, including:
- Agriculture disaster assistance programs.
- Livestock and natural resource programs.
- Soil health and watershed management.
- Agriculture producer mental health needs.
- Water quality/wells.
- Reforestation.
- Livestock inspections and movement.
- Lost or estray livestock
- Livestock grazing alternatives.
Representatives from the following entities will be in attendance:
- New Mexico Department of Agriculture.
- New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service.
- New Mexico Livestock Board.
- United States Department of Agriculture – Farm Service Agency (FSA).
- United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
- United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development (RD).
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
For more information, email pio@nmda.nmsu.edu.
May 25, 2022: Rabies found in SW New Mexico
NMDOH has confirmed rabies in five wild animals in southwest New Mexico. All rabid animals were reported at or near a residence and acted aggressively towards people. They include: a fox and a bobcat both in reserve preservation land areas, a bobcat near Mimbres in Grant County, a fox from the Kingston area in Sierra County, and a fox near Datil in Catron County.
Additional information can be found here: https://www.nmhealth.org/news/disease/2022/5/?view=186
Additional information can be found here: https://www.nmhealth.org/news/disease/2022/5/?view=186
May 23, 2022: Wolf program ignores citizen input
The US Fish and Wildlife Service’s recent final 10(j) decision on the Mexican wolf reads like a death warrant for the many who live, visit and work in New Mexico’s rural communities. On numerous occasions, leaders of New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association have asked FWS to modify its proposed rule to reflect its on-the-ground threats and costs. FWS has refused to do so.
The Service’s Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, a 241 page document, reflects the concerns that producers in Arizona and New Mexico have voiced since the 1980’s. FWS recognizes that removing the population cap will result in more livestock kills, the cost of the program will decrease profitability of all ranches found within the expanded geographic area and the impacts from the change will not be sustainable for some family operations. FWS further admits that current compensation programs address only approximately one-quarter of the losses that cattle producers even now experience from wolves.
Turning a blind eye, the Service intends to move forward with its proposed plan. The wolf recovery area will now encompass all of New Mexico and Arizona south of I-40 from the Texas border and will include even part of southern California. The population limit of 325 wolves will be removed, as well as the producer take provision. Despite FWS request to the public to provide the best available data in their submissions, FWS acknowledges but has chosen to disregard the facts.
“It is disheartening to supply data that in turn is not utilized,” said Loren Patterson, President NMCGA. “The decision is a punch in the gut to hard working cattle producers and rural communities across the West.”
Removing the population limit and expanding the recovery area mean more cattle will be fed to wolves instead of entering the local, US and world food supply chain. The wolf program is broken and is being wielded as a tool to remove people from the landscape. The decision proves the government’s commitment to wolves over human life. Terror awaits the many recreationalists, hunters, and families who will encounter wolves while trying to enjoy their hike, ride or time spent camping and discovering the Land of Enchantment.
Federal and state governments are now spending close to $4 million each year to recover wolves. That’s approximately $20,000 per wolf per year, without ever an attempt to make affected parties whole. Rural New Mexicans should not bear the disproportionate share of the cost of this failed government program.
The Service’s Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, a 241 page document, reflects the concerns that producers in Arizona and New Mexico have voiced since the 1980’s. FWS recognizes that removing the population cap will result in more livestock kills, the cost of the program will decrease profitability of all ranches found within the expanded geographic area and the impacts from the change will not be sustainable for some family operations. FWS further admits that current compensation programs address only approximately one-quarter of the losses that cattle producers even now experience from wolves.
Turning a blind eye, the Service intends to move forward with its proposed plan. The wolf recovery area will now encompass all of New Mexico and Arizona south of I-40 from the Texas border and will include even part of southern California. The population limit of 325 wolves will be removed, as well as the producer take provision. Despite FWS request to the public to provide the best available data in their submissions, FWS acknowledges but has chosen to disregard the facts.
“It is disheartening to supply data that in turn is not utilized,” said Loren Patterson, President NMCGA. “The decision is a punch in the gut to hard working cattle producers and rural communities across the West.”
Removing the population limit and expanding the recovery area mean more cattle will be fed to wolves instead of entering the local, US and world food supply chain. The wolf program is broken and is being wielded as a tool to remove people from the landscape. The decision proves the government’s commitment to wolves over human life. Terror awaits the many recreationalists, hunters, and families who will encounter wolves while trying to enjoy their hike, ride or time spent camping and discovering the Land of Enchantment.
Federal and state governments are now spending close to $4 million each year to recover wolves. That’s approximately $20,000 per wolf per year, without ever an attempt to make affected parties whole. Rural New Mexicans should not bear the disproportionate share of the cost of this failed government program.
May 17, 2022: Relief programs available to agriculturalists impacted by wildfire
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers assistance to agriculturalists impacted by wildfire – including multiple programs to help during recovery and to mitigate risk on your operation.
To learn more about your options and how to enroll please contact your county FSA agent. New Mexico’s directory can be accessed online at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/contact-us under ‘FSA County Offices’.
There are an array of options when looking to enroll to receive emergency relief payments. Some programs to inquire about when you call in include:
Emergency Relief Program (ERP)
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP)
Emergency haying and grazing of Conversation Reserve Program acres
Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)
Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)
Details and further programs can be found at https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/wildfire
Why should you look into these programs and report losses? Designed to help those impacted get back on their feet, the FSA mission is to deliver timely, effective programs and services to America's farmers and ranchers to support them in sustaining our Nation's vibrant agricultural economy. Payments and criteria for assistance are determined by the impacts and averages of loss reported during previous disasters. If New Mexico’s producers choose not to enroll and file their losses, FSA programs won’t have access to accurate data to base their future payments.
To learn more about your options and how to enroll please contact your county FSA agent. New Mexico’s directory can be accessed online at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/contact-us under ‘FSA County Offices’.
There are an array of options when looking to enroll to receive emergency relief payments. Some programs to inquire about when you call in include:
Emergency Relief Program (ERP)
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP)
Emergency haying and grazing of Conversation Reserve Program acres
Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)
Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)
Details and further programs can be found at https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/wildfire
Why should you look into these programs and report losses? Designed to help those impacted get back on their feet, the FSA mission is to deliver timely, effective programs and services to America's farmers and ranchers to support them in sustaining our Nation's vibrant agricultural economy. Payments and criteria for assistance are determined by the impacts and averages of loss reported during previous disasters. If New Mexico’s producers choose not to enroll and file their losses, FSA programs won’t have access to accurate data to base their future payments.
May 10, 2022: Deadline Approaching
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Reminder! Essay deadline is June 1, 2022 Find application form and more information by visiting our 'Events' tab and then choosing 'Heritage Contest'. Submit your entries to: NMCGA / PO Box 7517 / Albuquerque, NM 87194 nmcgaheritage@gmail.com #nmcga #yclc #ranchingheritage #betterwithbeef |
May 2, 2022: New Mexico Department of Game & Fish
Deer, elk and exotics hunting rules topic of public meetings
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866
Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027
SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the deer, elk and exotics (Barbary sheep, oryx, Persian ibex) rules which opened at the State Game Commission meeting on April 11, 2022.
For deer, the Department is seeking input on adjustments to license numbers and hunt dates and adding some new hunt opportunities. Additionally, the Department is proposing creating an October youth hunt in GMUs 2A and 2B and moving the majority of licenses out of the current November hunt period.
For elk, the Department is seeking input on creating several new hunt opportunities, “Primary Management Zone” expansion in some southwestern GMUs, designating GMUs 34 and 46 as “Secondary Management Zone” and changes to sales procedures for youth encouragement hunts statewide.
For Barbary sheep, the Department is proposing changes to season dates, hunt structure, opening some new hunt areas and increasing licenses. The Department is considering some license increases for oryx. For ibex, considerations include decreasing license numbers and shifting season dates.
The Department is also looking for public input on modifying the definition of a muzzleloader to include only those muzzleloading firearms that do not have a scope for all big game species.
To gather public comments, four hybrid public meetings have been scheduled for the following dates and locations:
COMMENTS on the proposed changes can be provided by mail: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Attn: Big Game Rule Development, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507; by email, DGF-Deer-Rule@state.nm.us, DGF-Elk-Rule@state.nm.us or DGF-Exotics-Rule@state.nm.us; or in person at one of the meetings listed above.
These topics will also be discussed at several State Game Commission meetings over the summer and autumn of 2022. Meeting details and additional information will be available online.
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866
Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027
SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the deer, elk and exotics (Barbary sheep, oryx, Persian ibex) rules which opened at the State Game Commission meeting on April 11, 2022.
For deer, the Department is seeking input on adjustments to license numbers and hunt dates and adding some new hunt opportunities. Additionally, the Department is proposing creating an October youth hunt in GMUs 2A and 2B and moving the majority of licenses out of the current November hunt period.
For elk, the Department is seeking input on creating several new hunt opportunities, “Primary Management Zone” expansion in some southwestern GMUs, designating GMUs 34 and 46 as “Secondary Management Zone” and changes to sales procedures for youth encouragement hunts statewide.
For Barbary sheep, the Department is proposing changes to season dates, hunt structure, opening some new hunt areas and increasing licenses. The Department is considering some license increases for oryx. For ibex, considerations include decreasing license numbers and shifting season dates.
The Department is also looking for public input on modifying the definition of a muzzleloader to include only those muzzleloading firearms that do not have a scope for all big game species.
To gather public comments, four hybrid public meetings have been scheduled for the following dates and locations:
- May 10, 2022: Las Cruces 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Attend in person at 2715 Northrise Drive, Las Cruces, NM
Register in advance to attend virtually - May 11, 2022: Roswell 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Attend in person at 1615 West College Boulevard, Roswell, NM
Register in advance to attend virtually - May 12, 2022: Raton 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Attend in person at 215 York Canyon Road, Raton, NM
Register in advance to attend virtually - May 16, 2022: Albuquerque 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Attend in person at 7816 Alamo Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM
Register in advance to attend virtually
COMMENTS on the proposed changes can be provided by mail: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Attn: Big Game Rule Development, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507; by email, DGF-Deer-Rule@state.nm.us, DGF-Elk-Rule@state.nm.us or DGF-Exotics-Rule@state.nm.us; or in person at one of the meetings listed above.
These topics will also be discussed at several State Game Commission meetings over the summer and autumn of 2022. Meeting details and additional information will be available online.
April 19, 2022: In the News
US wildlife officials aim to address illegal wolf killings
by: Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Prompted by a court order, federal wildlife managers have issued a new draft plan for managing Mexican gray wolves in the Southwestern U.S. in an effort to address illegal killings of the endangered predators.....
Loren Patterson, president of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, said in an email Monday that the wolves are putting the livelihoods of family ranchers at risk. Although the association doesn’t condone illegally killing a wolf, he said ranchers are disappointed that the Fish and Wildlife Service isn’t supporting those whose herds are being “significantly and detrimentally impacted by these predators.”
“When the wolf was originally introduced as an experimental/non-essential population, the (Fish and Wildlife Service) claimed to be working with the rurally impacted communities and ranchers, but the agency has completely abandoned us,” he said.
Full Story HERE
by: Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Prompted by a court order, federal wildlife managers have issued a new draft plan for managing Mexican gray wolves in the Southwestern U.S. in an effort to address illegal killings of the endangered predators.....
Loren Patterson, president of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, said in an email Monday that the wolves are putting the livelihoods of family ranchers at risk. Although the association doesn’t condone illegally killing a wolf, he said ranchers are disappointed that the Fish and Wildlife Service isn’t supporting those whose herds are being “significantly and detrimentally impacted by these predators.”
“When the wolf was originally introduced as an experimental/non-essential population, the (Fish and Wildlife Service) claimed to be working with the rurally impacted communities and ranchers, but the agency has completely abandoned us,” he said.
Full Story HERE
April 13, 2022: Game Management Unit 34 Statement
“Relative to proposed changes in the Elk Rule by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, specifically Game Management Unit 34, NMCGA does not support the proposed re-designation of the unit from a primary management unit to a secondary management unit,” says Dave Kenneke, Vice-Chairman #nmcga Wildlife Committee. “NMCGA continuously proposes to NMDGF to increase the taking of more cow elk.”
Elk are a natural resource in New Mexico that must be managed properly to protect forage, water resources and their species. Elk are rapidly devouring the forage on private property, federally administered (BLM and USFS) and State Trust lands. That is not multiple use management, nor a wise stewardship of our natural resources in New Mexico.
The objective should be multiple use management of elk with livestock grazing; a coordinated effort between NMDGF and producers on the ground.
Elk are a natural resource in New Mexico that must be managed properly to protect forage, water resources and their species. Elk are rapidly devouring the forage on private property, federally administered (BLM and USFS) and State Trust lands. That is not multiple use management, nor a wise stewardship of our natural resources in New Mexico.
The objective should be multiple use management of elk with livestock grazing; a coordinated effort between NMDGF and producers on the ground.
April 7, 2022: From Our Members
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Marty and Belinda Lavender grew up in Melrose, New Mexico both from families who settled in Eastern New Mexico to farm and ranch. For 30 years the couple has operated Lavender Brangus, a registered seed stock producer selling Brangus bulls and females.
Known as a hardy breed able to withstand warm harsh environments Brangus cattle were developed with a clear purpose in mind. Researchers of the breed began crossing Angus and Brahman in the early 1900’s, it has since been concluded that a composition of 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus is close to ideal. The Lavenders see the benefits of Brangus in their operation from maternal instinct to hybrid vigor in calves and tolerance to the arid climate of New Mexico. Marty and Belinda are proud of their herd as they work to meet and exceed the ever improving quality standards of the US beef industry. With daughters, Baylee and Hannah, the family also exhibits their cattle at regional and national Brangus shows. They enjoy the comradery of those involved in the breed, a community made up of people from all over the world. #nmcga Member Since 2021 |
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March 31, 2022: Northeast Regional Meeting Announcement
Representatives of New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) will travel to the village of Mosquero for their annual Northeast Regional Meeting scheduled for April 21, 2022 from 11:00am to 4:00pm at Headquarters Restaurant.
“Come learn about what the Association is doing and why it’s important to become involved in protecting what we do as ranchers,” says Cliff Copeland, NMCGA Regional Vice President. “I encourage you to invite a friend, bring a neighbor and get down to Mosquero for this event.”
Cliff welcomes everyone to join in at 11:00am for lunch sponsored by NM Beef Council. The meal will be proceeded by a special presentation made to this year’s regional recipient of the NMCGA ‘Torch Award’.
Around 1:00pm, Jason Barber of Superior Livestock will join in with a discussion on livestock marketing followed by Ty Jackson of NMDGF Conservation Officers to lead a question and answer session over the role of ranchers during hunting season and wildlife management.
The afternoon will come to a close with an industry and legislative update from NMCGA leadership and a message from the regions Vice-President Cliff Copeland. Throughout the afternoon event sponsors will have booths set up around the room, please feel free to meet with them and learn more about what they specialize in.
All local producers and businesses are invited to attend this free informational meeting. NMCGA asks those planning to attend call the office with a courtesy RSVP so that everyone can enjoy the delicious meal Jill Chatfield and crew are preparing. Reach the NMCGA office at 505-247-0584.
“Come learn about what the Association is doing and why it’s important to become involved in protecting what we do as ranchers,” says Cliff Copeland, NMCGA Regional Vice President. “I encourage you to invite a friend, bring a neighbor and get down to Mosquero for this event.”
Cliff welcomes everyone to join in at 11:00am for lunch sponsored by NM Beef Council. The meal will be proceeded by a special presentation made to this year’s regional recipient of the NMCGA ‘Torch Award’.
Around 1:00pm, Jason Barber of Superior Livestock will join in with a discussion on livestock marketing followed by Ty Jackson of NMDGF Conservation Officers to lead a question and answer session over the role of ranchers during hunting season and wildlife management.
The afternoon will come to a close with an industry and legislative update from NMCGA leadership and a message from the regions Vice-President Cliff Copeland. Throughout the afternoon event sponsors will have booths set up around the room, please feel free to meet with them and learn more about what they specialize in.
All local producers and businesses are invited to attend this free informational meeting. NMCGA asks those planning to attend call the office with a courtesy RSVP so that everyone can enjoy the delicious meal Jill Chatfield and crew are preparing. Reach the NMCGA office at 505-247-0584.
March 16, 2022: From Our Members
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Wilson Beef
The Wilson Family has a long-standing connection to New Mexico since the time their ancestors homesteaded the Carrizozo area 7 generations ago. Wilson Beef, operated by Kendal and Chelsea and their young daughters, is a small business that sells locally grown, pasture-raised, grain-finished beef. For years their family has connected New Mexico grown with ranching heritage and delivered it to your plate. It all starts with a commitment to land and livestock. The family guarantees: their cattle are treated humanely from birth to harvest, their retail cuts are certified USDA inspected for quality and safety, the land and water sources they carry on from generation to generation are kept healthy, and diverse ecosystems of all species are supported through deliberate and conscious management decisions. Kendal and Chelsea reach their customers through shared personal experiences and by marketing to local communities. This unique business model allows them to provide top-shelf quality beef with the best flavor, so all you have to worry about is which recipe you would like to choose. #nmcga Members Since 2020 |
March 14, 2022: In the News
Senator Crystal Diamond Partners with Grit & Grace Nation to bring a VIP Experience at PBR and Scholarship Opportunity to Albuquerque
Middle and high school girls encouraged to apply for an opportunity to win PBR Unleash The Beast VIP Experience and Grit & Grace Scholarship
ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico State Senator Crystal Diamond today announced her partnership with Emmy Award-winning journalist, Fanchon Stinger, co-founder of Grit & Grace, and the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) to present ten young women with a VIP experience at the PBR event in Albuquerque at The Pit on March 26, 2022 and opportunity to win a Grit & Grace scholarship.
Grit & Grace is national non-profit organization that inspires and equips young women to achieve their dreams by providing lessons in leadership and mentorship. The organization partners with the PBR in cities across America to shine a national spotlight on young ladies who lead with courage, while honoring the fundamental success principles of family, faith, and freedom.
“My life is truly a story of grit and grace through faith,” said Singer. “I love the PBR because they honor the foundations of faith, family, and freedom, and I believe our young ladies need a place where they can connect and grow as courageous leaders. It is an honor to partner my foundation, Grit & Grace Nation, with the PBR and Senator Diamond to equip and empower young ladies in New Mexico. Together, we are changing lives.”
“I am excited to partner with Grit & Grace Nation and the PBR to offer this unique and amazing opportunity to the young women of New Mexico,” added Senator Diamond. “This effort to equip tough and compassionate female leaders who stand for faith, family, and freedom is what our communities need. It takes grit and grace to be a strong woman in today’s culture and I am proud to be a partner in this mission. Please share this opportunity with the young ladies in your families, churches, and communities, and help us make this event a great success.”
To qualify for the opportunity, applicants must be a current middle or high school aged girl and must submit a 90-second video discussing how they personally demonstrate courage and leadership in service activities, community projects, or agriculture innovation. Areas of leadership can include, but are not limited to, service, personal growth, community, ministry, animal welfare, western sports, sports, tech and innovation, and/or the arts. Grit & Grace will select ten (10) exceptional leaders based on their video and those selected will be invited as VIPs to the PBR Unleash The Beast event in Albuquerque on March 26, at The Pit. One VIP will then be selected as the winner. She will be awarded a custom Grit & Grace cowboy hat designed by American Hat Co. and her submission video will be played at the event. That winner will have an opportunity to qualify for the scholarship and internship opportunity awarded to the Grit & Grace Girl of the Year Winner, presented at the PBR World Finals in Fort Worth, Texas, in May 2022.
To qualify, video applications must be submitted here by March 22, at 3:00 p.m.
Those selected for the PBR Unleash The Beast VIP experience will attend an exclusive two-hour reception before the event. The reception will include a meet and greet with PBR celebrities, bull riders, and special guests who will encourage the girls. The girls will also be given VIP Grit & Grace seating for the bull riding competition and winner presentation.
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Middle and high school girls encouraged to apply for an opportunity to win PBR Unleash The Beast VIP Experience and Grit & Grace Scholarship
ALBUQUERQUE – New Mexico State Senator Crystal Diamond today announced her partnership with Emmy Award-winning journalist, Fanchon Stinger, co-founder of Grit & Grace, and the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) to present ten young women with a VIP experience at the PBR event in Albuquerque at The Pit on March 26, 2022 and opportunity to win a Grit & Grace scholarship.
Grit & Grace is national non-profit organization that inspires and equips young women to achieve their dreams by providing lessons in leadership and mentorship. The organization partners with the PBR in cities across America to shine a national spotlight on young ladies who lead with courage, while honoring the fundamental success principles of family, faith, and freedom.
“My life is truly a story of grit and grace through faith,” said Singer. “I love the PBR because they honor the foundations of faith, family, and freedom, and I believe our young ladies need a place where they can connect and grow as courageous leaders. It is an honor to partner my foundation, Grit & Grace Nation, with the PBR and Senator Diamond to equip and empower young ladies in New Mexico. Together, we are changing lives.”
“I am excited to partner with Grit & Grace Nation and the PBR to offer this unique and amazing opportunity to the young women of New Mexico,” added Senator Diamond. “This effort to equip tough and compassionate female leaders who stand for faith, family, and freedom is what our communities need. It takes grit and grace to be a strong woman in today’s culture and I am proud to be a partner in this mission. Please share this opportunity with the young ladies in your families, churches, and communities, and help us make this event a great success.”
To qualify for the opportunity, applicants must be a current middle or high school aged girl and must submit a 90-second video discussing how they personally demonstrate courage and leadership in service activities, community projects, or agriculture innovation. Areas of leadership can include, but are not limited to, service, personal growth, community, ministry, animal welfare, western sports, sports, tech and innovation, and/or the arts. Grit & Grace will select ten (10) exceptional leaders based on their video and those selected will be invited as VIPs to the PBR Unleash The Beast event in Albuquerque on March 26, at The Pit. One VIP will then be selected as the winner. She will be awarded a custom Grit & Grace cowboy hat designed by American Hat Co. and her submission video will be played at the event. That winner will have an opportunity to qualify for the scholarship and internship opportunity awarded to the Grit & Grace Girl of the Year Winner, presented at the PBR World Finals in Fort Worth, Texas, in May 2022.
To qualify, video applications must be submitted here by March 22, at 3:00 p.m.
Those selected for the PBR Unleash The Beast VIP experience will attend an exclusive two-hour reception before the event. The reception will include a meet and greet with PBR celebrities, bull riders, and special guests who will encourage the girls. The girls will also be given VIP Grit & Grace seating for the bull riding competition and winner presentation.
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March 9, 2022: From Our Members
John Diamond was born and raised at Beaverhead, New Mexico which is located at the center of the Gila National Forest.
Originally a ranching operation, the Diamond Family diversified in the early 1980’s with the addition of an outfitting business. The family recognized that with grazing management and implementation of watering systems the wildlife in the Gila began to thrive and coexist with livestock. Today, the Diamond’s carry on an additional thriving business on the same ranch they have lived on since the early 1960’s.
John owns and operates Beaverhead Ranch Group, a real-estate company which is comprised of a team of individuals who are experts in the field of hunting, cattle and recreational ranches. The group of agents include John, Travis Driscoll and G.T. Nunn. John and his team help buy and sell ranches in New Mexico to producers that are willing to implement the same stewardship principals they all grew up with; capitalizing on varying landscapes and the benefit of wildlife to the buyer and seller.
John is a 3rd generation producer raising his daughters, Reece and Cayden to appreciate the value the land gives through conservation practices, respect for the roles of sustenance and beauty wildlife give and a perseverance to make whatever they choose better with strong values and hard work.
NMCGA Member Since 1993
Originally a ranching operation, the Diamond Family diversified in the early 1980’s with the addition of an outfitting business. The family recognized that with grazing management and implementation of watering systems the wildlife in the Gila began to thrive and coexist with livestock. Today, the Diamond’s carry on an additional thriving business on the same ranch they have lived on since the early 1960’s.
John owns and operates Beaverhead Ranch Group, a real-estate company which is comprised of a team of individuals who are experts in the field of hunting, cattle and recreational ranches. The group of agents include John, Travis Driscoll and G.T. Nunn. John and his team help buy and sell ranches in New Mexico to producers that are willing to implement the same stewardship principals they all grew up with; capitalizing on varying landscapes and the benefit of wildlife to the buyer and seller.
John is a 3rd generation producer raising his daughters, Reece and Cayden to appreciate the value the land gives through conservation practices, respect for the roles of sustenance and beauty wildlife give and a perseverance to make whatever they choose better with strong values and hard work.
NMCGA Member Since 1993
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March 2, 2022: In the News
NM Supreme Court rules non-navigable water rule is unconstitutional
The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Tuesday in favor of recreation groups who sued over access to waterways running through private property. Read More Here
The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Tuesday in favor of recreation groups who sued over access to waterways running through private property. Read More Here
February 28, 2022: From Our Members
Missy Mraz was born in Gallup, where she was raised a 4th generation cowgirl working on various ranches in the Zuni Mountains and eastern New Mexico.
She grew up horseback tending to cattle, tracking wildlife with her hounds, guiding hunts and fishing with her parents Frank and LaVern and brother Sean.
An avid horsewoman and outdoorsmen, Missy has made her life with a pickup, trailer and a good horse. From riding and breaking colts to tending to sick cattle in college, working as a cowhand on the Singleton Ranches – Bojax Ranch and Lobo Ranch divisions, being contracted to catch maverick cattle in rough terrain, to training hounds and guiding numerous lion, elk, deer and antelope hunts; Missy has been able to share her expertise with many over the years.
She has also been fortunate to foster relationships across multiple states which in turn led to her involvement with organizations that aim to give back through Make a Wish New Mexico and the Wounded Warrior Project. Missy finds it a great pleasure to share her love of the outdoors, ranching and New Mexico with others.
#nmcga Member Since 2022
She grew up horseback tending to cattle, tracking wildlife with her hounds, guiding hunts and fishing with her parents Frank and LaVern and brother Sean.
An avid horsewoman and outdoorsmen, Missy has made her life with a pickup, trailer and a good horse. From riding and breaking colts to tending to sick cattle in college, working as a cowhand on the Singleton Ranches – Bojax Ranch and Lobo Ranch divisions, being contracted to catch maverick cattle in rough terrain, to training hounds and guiding numerous lion, elk, deer and antelope hunts; Missy has been able to share her expertise with many over the years.
She has also been fortunate to foster relationships across multiple states which in turn led to her involvement with organizations that aim to give back through Make a Wish New Mexico and the Wounded Warrior Project. Missy finds it a great pleasure to share her love of the outdoors, ranching and New Mexico with others.
#nmcga Member Since 2022
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February 14, 2022: Fourty-seven head killed in day one of Forest Service sharpshooter operations
Taylor Riggins, NMCGA
Attorney Karen Budd-Falen submitted a letter Thursday, February 10 on behalf of New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) and others to the National Resources Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Regional Attorney of the Department of Agriculture requesting a specific daily count of the number of estray cattle killed each day of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) operation of aerial gunning in the Gila National Forest and Wilderness. Numbers were provided to NMCGA from APHIS Wildlife Services Thursday evening and report stated “47 head of cattle were removed, and no cattle were observed with ear tags or brands, despite intentional observation of each animal prior to engagement. Operations will continue tomorrow” Friday, February 11.
“The repercussions of gunning-down and leaving of cattle carcasses in the Gila will be felt by the agriculture community and many New Mexican’s for some time,” said Bronson Corn, President-Elect NMCGA. “Those animals could have entered the food chain and been of benefit to many, instead they are being consumed by predators that already have the natural inclination to depredate producer’s livestock. The overall situation and the waste of protein is saddening. ”
An example of the Gila operation waste including actual meat prices, from mid-level and high-end grocery shelves in New Mexico’s state capitol – Santa Fe:
200 cattle x 440 lbs (the average amount of edible beef one cow produces) = 88,000 lbs of beef. A quick google shows that 1lb of ground beef chuck Walmart in Santa Fe costs $4.48. This is roughly $394,240 worth of beef, if it was all processed as ground beef, which is being wasted. Alternatively, Santa Fe’s Trader Joes sells 1 lb of ground beef chuck for about $6.00 per pound, tallying the total waste at a whopping $528,000. The value left behind both monetarily and nutritionally from the gunning-down of estray cattle in the Gila is too momentous to disregard.
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Attorney Karen Budd-Falen submitted a letter Thursday, February 10 on behalf of New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) and others to the National Resources Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Regional Attorney of the Department of Agriculture requesting a specific daily count of the number of estray cattle killed each day of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) operation of aerial gunning in the Gila National Forest and Wilderness. Numbers were provided to NMCGA from APHIS Wildlife Services Thursday evening and report stated “47 head of cattle were removed, and no cattle were observed with ear tags or brands, despite intentional observation of each animal prior to engagement. Operations will continue tomorrow” Friday, February 11.
“The repercussions of gunning-down and leaving of cattle carcasses in the Gila will be felt by the agriculture community and many New Mexican’s for some time,” said Bronson Corn, President-Elect NMCGA. “Those animals could have entered the food chain and been of benefit to many, instead they are being consumed by predators that already have the natural inclination to depredate producer’s livestock. The overall situation and the waste of protein is saddening. ”
An example of the Gila operation waste including actual meat prices, from mid-level and high-end grocery shelves in New Mexico’s state capitol – Santa Fe:
200 cattle x 440 lbs (the average amount of edible beef one cow produces) = 88,000 lbs of beef. A quick google shows that 1lb of ground beef chuck Walmart in Santa Fe costs $4.48. This is roughly $394,240 worth of beef, if it was all processed as ground beef, which is being wasted. Alternatively, Santa Fe’s Trader Joes sells 1 lb of ground beef chuck for about $6.00 per pound, tallying the total waste at a whopping $528,000. The value left behind both monetarily and nutritionally from the gunning-down of estray cattle in the Gila is too momentous to disregard.
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February 11, 2022: U.S. Forest Service hires sharpshooters to kill cattle
The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) and others filed a complaint Thursday, February 9th in federal district court for New Mexico to stop the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) from gunning down estray cattle in the Gila Wilderness. NMCGA asked the Court to enter a restraining order to stop the aerial slaughter that the USFS has scheduled Thursday, February 10th – Friday, February 11th. After an emergency hearing, the Court denied that application for a restraining order.
“Today is a sad day for the livestock industry," said Loren Patterson, President NMCGA. “The federal government has made up rules about what it can do, regardless of whether it was given that authority and regardless of whether its action violates New Mexico state law. Killing of cattle by a government sniper from a helicopter is inhumane. Cattle will be wounded and suffer, calves will be left motherless. It is appalling and hypocritical that animal rights organizations have not voiced a strong protest and instead support these actions.”
The USFS stated they have located three separate herds of cattle totaling 150 head and intends to shoot all cows, calves and bulls; allow the carcasses to rot where they lay. NMCGA and others have concerns with carcasses being left for wolves, bears and lion.
“We do not want predators to develop a greater taste for beef," said Patterson.
The plans to move forward with shooting must be completed over the two days due to contracted sharp shooter availability, and time of the year which considers the conclusion of hunting season and prior to the Spotted Owl nesting season in the Gila. The cost of two days of aerial gunning is $40,000.
According to producers in the area, the USFS has not made a good faith effort to gather the estray cattle. Instead the Service has opted to shoot the cattle in compliance with a settlement agreement with the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) who previously sued the USFS for allowing the cattle to harm the riparian areas in the Gila.
“The USFS is establishing dangerous precedent to appease the Center for Biological Diversity, " said Patterson. “Shooting cattle is not a long-term range management solution and the USFS should know that. This issue stemmed from years of Service mismanagement and vacated grazing allotments. Until now vacant allotments are released to qualified cattle growers, estray cattle will continue to be a problem. This situation took years to create and a final solution may take years to ethically achieve.”
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“Today is a sad day for the livestock industry," said Loren Patterson, President NMCGA. “The federal government has made up rules about what it can do, regardless of whether it was given that authority and regardless of whether its action violates New Mexico state law. Killing of cattle by a government sniper from a helicopter is inhumane. Cattle will be wounded and suffer, calves will be left motherless. It is appalling and hypocritical that animal rights organizations have not voiced a strong protest and instead support these actions.”
The USFS stated they have located three separate herds of cattle totaling 150 head and intends to shoot all cows, calves and bulls; allow the carcasses to rot where they lay. NMCGA and others have concerns with carcasses being left for wolves, bears and lion.
“We do not want predators to develop a greater taste for beef," said Patterson.
The plans to move forward with shooting must be completed over the two days due to contracted sharp shooter availability, and time of the year which considers the conclusion of hunting season and prior to the Spotted Owl nesting season in the Gila. The cost of two days of aerial gunning is $40,000.
According to producers in the area, the USFS has not made a good faith effort to gather the estray cattle. Instead the Service has opted to shoot the cattle in compliance with a settlement agreement with the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) who previously sued the USFS for allowing the cattle to harm the riparian areas in the Gila.
“The USFS is establishing dangerous precedent to appease the Center for Biological Diversity, " said Patterson. “Shooting cattle is not a long-term range management solution and the USFS should know that. This issue stemmed from years of Service mismanagement and vacated grazing allotments. Until now vacant allotments are released to qualified cattle growers, estray cattle will continue to be a problem. This situation took years to create and a final solution may take years to ethically achieve.”
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February 11, 2022: In the News
Thank you to members of the State of New Mexico House of Representatives for composing and signing on to a letter addressed to Chief Randy Moore, United States Forest Service regarding the aerial shooting of cattle in the Gila Wilderness.
An excerpt from the letter and signatures are as follows:
We respectfully request that you suspend this action until we can come to an agreement of the method that is safest for New Mexicans and most humane for our animals. In addition, we as that you provide us with the legal authority that provides the Forest Service with the power to slaughter cattle that rightfully belong to New Mexicans.
Slaughtering of New Mexicans’ livestock in this manner is a direct conflict with Article V of the United States Constitution which states “no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.” The fundamental requirement of due process is an opportunity to be heard at a meaningful time and in a meaningful manner. See Milliken v. Meyer, 311 U.S. 547 (1940). New Mexicans have not received any formal notice of the proposed aerial shooting and have not had a single opportunity to be heard on the issue.
Farming and ranching are fundamental to the culture and economy in New Mexico, and New Mexicans have a significant interest that will be affected by the aerial shooting of livestock. The New Mexico Livestock Code defines “estray” as “livestock found running at large upon public or private lands, either fenced of unfenced, whose owner is unknown…” 77-2-1.1 1978. A person may impound estrays found on property the person owns or controls, but must notify the New Mexico Livestock Board within five days of such impoundment. 77-13-2 NMSA 1978. In the event the Livestock Board cannot determine the owner of the estray, the estray will be sold. 77-13-1 et seq NMSA 1978. The law governing estrays in New Mexico is quite clear and should not willingly violated by an agency of the Federal Government.
Sincerely,
An excerpt from the letter and signatures are as follows:
We respectfully request that you suspend this action until we can come to an agreement of the method that is safest for New Mexicans and most humane for our animals. In addition, we as that you provide us with the legal authority that provides the Forest Service with the power to slaughter cattle that rightfully belong to New Mexicans.
Slaughtering of New Mexicans’ livestock in this manner is a direct conflict with Article V of the United States Constitution which states “no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.” The fundamental requirement of due process is an opportunity to be heard at a meaningful time and in a meaningful manner. See Milliken v. Meyer, 311 U.S. 547 (1940). New Mexicans have not received any formal notice of the proposed aerial shooting and have not had a single opportunity to be heard on the issue.
Farming and ranching are fundamental to the culture and economy in New Mexico, and New Mexicans have a significant interest that will be affected by the aerial shooting of livestock. The New Mexico Livestock Code defines “estray” as “livestock found running at large upon public or private lands, either fenced of unfenced, whose owner is unknown…” 77-2-1.1 1978. A person may impound estrays found on property the person owns or controls, but must notify the New Mexico Livestock Board within five days of such impoundment. 77-13-2 NMSA 1978. In the event the Livestock Board cannot determine the owner of the estray, the estray will be sold. 77-13-1 et seq NMSA 1978. The law governing estrays in New Mexico is quite clear and should not willingly violated by an agency of the Federal Government.
Sincerely,
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Representatives
James Townsend, House Minority Floor Leader, Dist. 54 Candy Spence Ezzell, Dist. 58 Gail Armstrong, Dist. 49 Jack Chatfield, Dist. 67 Rebecca Dow, Dist. 38 Luis Terrazas, Dist. 39 Brian G. Baca, Dist. 8 Rachel Black, Dist. 51 Cathrynn Brown, Dist. 55 Randal Crowder, Dist. 64 Zachary Cook, Dist. 56 Ryan Lane, Dist. 3 Stefani Lord, Dist. 22 Jason Harper, Dist. 57 Rodney Montoya, Dist. 1 Greg Nibert, Dist. 59 |
Randall Pettigrew, Dist. 61 Larry Scott, Dist. 62 James Strickler, Dist. 2 Anthony Allison, Dist. 4 Susan Herrera, Dist. 41 Dayan Hockman-Vigil, Dist. 15 Raymundo Lara, Dist. 34 Willie Madrid, Dist. 53 Marian Matthews, Dist. 27 Nathan Small, Dist. 36 Candie Sweetser, Dist. 32 Phelps Anderson, Dist. 66 William “Bill” Rehm, Dist. 31 Jane Powdrell Culbert, Dist. 44 Senator Crystal Diamond, Dist. 35 |
February 10, 2022: In the News
Thank you Rep. Yvette Herrell for your continued support of rural New Mexico!
“I believe that shooting cattle in the Gila Wilderness is a short-term fix, with many potential severe consequences," said Rep. Herrell. "Local stakeholders agree that removing cattle from the wilderness is the right thing to do, but taking lethal action is a step too far. Shooting these cattle and leaving their carcasses behind, as the Forest Service proposes, would attract wolves to the area and put surrounding ranchers at risk of losing their livelihoods to wolf attacks. In addition, the Forest Service cannot guarantee that these cows are indeed wild, so it is possible that the Forest Service would be killing one of my constituents’ livestock. I am disappointed to hear reports that some colleagues from my delegation and the Governor have decided to give their blessing to these proposals, which are opposed by the ranching community and many other concerned families in my district. I will continue to put pressure on the Forest Service to reverse course and take more prudent actions to remove these cattle from the wilderness area.”
“I believe that shooting cattle in the Gila Wilderness is a short-term fix, with many potential severe consequences," said Rep. Herrell. "Local stakeholders agree that removing cattle from the wilderness is the right thing to do, but taking lethal action is a step too far. Shooting these cattle and leaving their carcasses behind, as the Forest Service proposes, would attract wolves to the area and put surrounding ranchers at risk of losing their livelihoods to wolf attacks. In addition, the Forest Service cannot guarantee that these cows are indeed wild, so it is possible that the Forest Service would be killing one of my constituents’ livestock. I am disappointed to hear reports that some colleagues from my delegation and the Governor have decided to give their blessing to these proposals, which are opposed by the ranching community and many other concerned families in my district. I will continue to put pressure on the Forest Service to reverse course and take more prudent actions to remove these cattle from the wilderness area.”
February 10, 2022: From Our Members
Manzano Angus is a family business, owned and operated by Bill and Lisa Gardner along with their sons Cole, Judd and Clayton. Based in Estancia, the family has adapted their stewardship practices to include genetic efficiency in their Angus herd.
The arid southwestern environment poses its largest challenge in the lack of precipitation, about 12-14” annually. Since the Gardner’s run their herd on grass year-round, lack of precipitation could negatively affect their cattle. However, through years of sire selection and management decisions the family has worked toward perfecting a herd that not only tolerates but thrives in the dry climate of New Mexico.
So what does that mean for consumers?
The Gardner’s efforts put into genetic stewardship results in healthy herds that utilize native grasses to survive and in turn provide a delicious and reliable source of New Mexico born-and- raised Manzano beef.
NMCGA Members Since 1986
The arid southwestern environment poses its largest challenge in the lack of precipitation, about 12-14” annually. Since the Gardner’s run their herd on grass year-round, lack of precipitation could negatively affect their cattle. However, through years of sire selection and management decisions the family has worked toward perfecting a herd that not only tolerates but thrives in the dry climate of New Mexico.
So what does that mean for consumers?
The Gardner’s efforts put into genetic stewardship results in healthy herds that utilize native grasses to survive and in turn provide a delicious and reliable source of New Mexico born-and- raised Manzano beef.
NMCGA Members Since 1986
February 9, 2022: Boots in the Roundhouse
Thank you to Representatives Rebecca Dow and Gail Armstrong for co-sponsoring House Memorial 49, Livestock Protection from Wolves.
The members of New Mexico Cattle Growers’ and New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc appreciate the sponsors for bringing forth this legislation and for their support of rural communities and those that make their livelihoods farming and ranching. The memorial has been referred to the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee but has not yet been scheduled.
House Memorial 49 - Livestock Protection from Wolves
A memorial requesting the Department of Game and Fish to study and provide recommendations on how to provide greater protections for livestock and address economic losses caused by the reintroduction of the Mexican wolf.
WHEREAS, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service reintroduced Mexican wolves to areas in Arizona and New Mexico in 1998; and
WHEREAS, many ranchers in the state have found the efforts of the federal government to protect domestic animals from depredation and provide compensation for economic losses to be inadequate; and whereas, the depredation of a single domestic animal can incur economic losses of more than one thousand dollars ($1,000); and
WHEREAS, the behavior of livestock can be altered by the presence of predators, resulting in reduced weight gain, lower reproductive success and reduced meat quality; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Game and Fish does not have its own program or compensation fund to address depredation by the Mexican wolf;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the Department of Game and Fish be requested to study how to create greater protections for livestock and address economic losses caused by the reintroduction of the Mexican wolf and report its conclusions and recommendations to the appropriate legislative interim committee on or before October 31, 2022; and be it further resolved that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the Director of the Department of Game and Fish.
Contact the Committee members today and urge them to support HM49.
Matthew McQueen, Chairman, matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov
Debra M. Sariñana, Vice Chair, debbie.sarinana@nmlegis.gov
Meredith A. Dixon, meredith.dixon@nmlegis.gov
Miguel P. Garcia, miguel.garcia@nmlegis.gov
Pamelya Herndon, pamelya.herndon@nmlegis.gov
Rod Montoya, roddmontoya@gmail.com
Kristina Ortez, kristina.ortez@nmlegis.gov
Larry R. Scott, larry.scott@nmlegis.gov
James R.J. Strickler, jamesstrickler@msn.com
James G. Townsend, townsend@pvtn.net
The members of New Mexico Cattle Growers’ and New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc appreciate the sponsors for bringing forth this legislation and for their support of rural communities and those that make their livelihoods farming and ranching. The memorial has been referred to the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee but has not yet been scheduled.
House Memorial 49 - Livestock Protection from Wolves
A memorial requesting the Department of Game and Fish to study and provide recommendations on how to provide greater protections for livestock and address economic losses caused by the reintroduction of the Mexican wolf.
WHEREAS, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service reintroduced Mexican wolves to areas in Arizona and New Mexico in 1998; and
WHEREAS, many ranchers in the state have found the efforts of the federal government to protect domestic animals from depredation and provide compensation for economic losses to be inadequate; and whereas, the depredation of a single domestic animal can incur economic losses of more than one thousand dollars ($1,000); and
WHEREAS, the behavior of livestock can be altered by the presence of predators, resulting in reduced weight gain, lower reproductive success and reduced meat quality; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Game and Fish does not have its own program or compensation fund to address depredation by the Mexican wolf;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the Department of Game and Fish be requested to study how to create greater protections for livestock and address economic losses caused by the reintroduction of the Mexican wolf and report its conclusions and recommendations to the appropriate legislative interim committee on or before October 31, 2022; and be it further resolved that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the Director of the Department of Game and Fish.
Contact the Committee members today and urge them to support HM49.
Matthew McQueen, Chairman, matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov
Debra M. Sariñana, Vice Chair, debbie.sarinana@nmlegis.gov
Meredith A. Dixon, meredith.dixon@nmlegis.gov
Miguel P. Garcia, miguel.garcia@nmlegis.gov
Pamelya Herndon, pamelya.herndon@nmlegis.gov
Rod Montoya, roddmontoya@gmail.com
Kristina Ortez, kristina.ortez@nmlegis.gov
Larry R. Scott, larry.scott@nmlegis.gov
James R.J. Strickler, jamesstrickler@msn.com
James G. Townsend, townsend@pvtn.net
February 8, 2022: From Our Members
William ‘Plemon’ Johnson and his brother Archie traveled by covered wagon from an area near Fort Worth, Texas to the banks of the Rio Puerco between Cuba and San Ysidro. Looking to start a homestead of their own, they left behind their large and established families and headed West to New Mexico.
The brothers found land that was free if one was willing to put in the work to develop it, settle a home and live on it for a time. Together, Plemon and Archie paid the filing fee, claiming the land known as ‘Eagle Mesa’. Plemon then wrote to his 7 sons back in Texas, urging them to bring their families and join them in New Mexico. The family survived the bust of the stock market in 1929 leading to the Great Depression and about a decade of the Dust Bowl. Since their establishment in 1921 the Johnson’s have held on to their claim.
Today, Casey Spradley is the 4th generation to call Eagle Mesa home. Her family’s legacy on the permit and land has been handed down for just over 100 years. With that kind of history comes a long-memoried passion for the health and wellbeing of the land and the many generations that it provided for. Around to see the implementation of the Taylor Grazing Act, the Johnson’s and their descendants learned practical ways to prevent overgrazing and soil deterioration while providing homes to native wildlife and their livestock. Each generation has stewarded the land to leave something for the next.
NMCGA Member Since 1963
The brothers found land that was free if one was willing to put in the work to develop it, settle a home and live on it for a time. Together, Plemon and Archie paid the filing fee, claiming the land known as ‘Eagle Mesa’. Plemon then wrote to his 7 sons back in Texas, urging them to bring their families and join them in New Mexico. The family survived the bust of the stock market in 1929 leading to the Great Depression and about a decade of the Dust Bowl. Since their establishment in 1921 the Johnson’s have held on to their claim.
Today, Casey Spradley is the 4th generation to call Eagle Mesa home. Her family’s legacy on the permit and land has been handed down for just over 100 years. With that kind of history comes a long-memoried passion for the health and wellbeing of the land and the many generations that it provided for. Around to see the implementation of the Taylor Grazing Act, the Johnson’s and their descendants learned practical ways to prevent overgrazing and soil deterioration while providing homes to native wildlife and their livestock. Each generation has stewarded the land to leave something for the next.
NMCGA Member Since 1963
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February 7, 2022: In the News
Gunning-down of estray cattle set to take place early next week
Taylor Riggins, NMCGA
updated 2/9/22
The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association and others filed a complaint today in federal district court for New Mexico to stop the U.S. Forest Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service from shooting cattle in the Gila Wilderness. NMCGA asked the Court to enter a restraining order against the USFS and APHIS. After an emergency hearing this afternoon, the Court denied that application for a restraining order.
The Forest Service stated they have located 3 separate herds of cattle totaling 150 head. They intend to shoot all cows, calves and bulls. The shooting is expected to begin Thursday, February 10th and conclude Friday, February 11th. The cost of the two day event will be about $40,000.
edited 2/4/22
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) has been notified that Federal Wildlife Service (FWS) agents will proceed with shooting estray cattle on the Gila National Forest via helicopter flyover in the coming week. FWS agents plan to begin gunning-down estray cattle February 8th-10th. NMCGA protests the scheduled actions and adamantly opposes the mass shooting of estray cattle in contradiction to New Mexico’s livestock code.
Following this matter since 2021, NMCGA along with Arizona/New Mexico Coalition of Counties for Stable Economic Growth, New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc and Spur Ranch Cattle Company, LLC sent and filed a Notice of Intent to Sue to Harry Provencio, Acting District Ranger, Gila National Forest in April 2021. The letter was drafted for the group by Attorney Karen Budd-Falen of Budd-Falen Law Offices.
Since that time a contract to catch and remove estray cattle off the Gila was awarded to Rail Lazy H in the later months of 2021. The team has successfully removed approximately 20 head of the 30 outlined in the contract. Gathering efforts have pushed estray cattle to seek higher ground in the Gilas rugged terrain. FWS agents’ current plan is centered on gunning down the estray cattle that have become increasingly difficult to remove.
As outlined in the joint notice by Attorney Budd-Falen last year there are several reasons the proposed decision by the Forest Service to gun-down allegedly unbranded cattle fails to comply with federal law. There is no federal statute or regulation that allows the Forest Service to gun-down livestock. Instead, Federal Law only allows for impoundment of livestock after certain conditions are met. Such conditions include preparation of impound notice of the owner if the livestock is known, or publication of a notice of impoundment if the owner is not known. The remedy for trespass livestock is impoundment of the livestock and sale to recoup the agency’s costs. Estray livestock are under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico Livestock Board.
NMCGA also has concerns with the FWS agents’ ability to delineate branded and unbranded livestock. From a helicopter this task would be difficult for even a knowledgably adept livestock producer to identify brand markings and ear tags. There is no assurance that the gunning-down of these livestock will not include private property.
NMCGA also questions the number of head to be targeted during the flyover. How many estray cattle are located in higher areas of the Gila and at what number of takes will the FWS cease their fire? With estray herd numbers in the Gila not known, the current FWS plan with its lack of public notice or input leaves no room for agent accountability from New Mexico’s stakeholders or citizens.
Another crux of the matter, as outlined in Attorney Budd-Falen’s notice, is the presence of federally listed endangered species, the Mexican Gray Wolf. The Forest Service should be required to consider any adverse impact to the species as well as environmental and human impacts. NMCGA opposes the act of food conditioning the wolf with introduction of a new and easily accessible food source – beef carcasses.
Compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) must take place if the Forest Service decides to take such major federal action. Funds used to hire and implement the gunning-down of estray cattle is an expenditure of agency funds that will have significant environmental effects.
“The estray cattle situation in the Gila is a result of many years of mismanagement by the Forest Service,” said Loren Patterson, President NMCGA. “New Mexico Cattle Growers’ members understand that estray cattle are not good for the multiuse doctrine embraced by our federally administered lands. This situation took years to create and a final solution may take years to achieve.”
NMCGA is of the opinion that the Federal Government should not gun-down livestock on Federal Property in the State of New Mexico, or contract with others to accomplish the same goal. Also, government agencies should give adequate notice to citizens and undergo a period of public comment before imposing their will to proceed as they deem equitable.
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Taylor Riggins, NMCGA
updated 2/9/22
The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association and others filed a complaint today in federal district court for New Mexico to stop the U.S. Forest Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service from shooting cattle in the Gila Wilderness. NMCGA asked the Court to enter a restraining order against the USFS and APHIS. After an emergency hearing this afternoon, the Court denied that application for a restraining order.
The Forest Service stated they have located 3 separate herds of cattle totaling 150 head. They intend to shoot all cows, calves and bulls. The shooting is expected to begin Thursday, February 10th and conclude Friday, February 11th. The cost of the two day event will be about $40,000.
edited 2/4/22
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) has been notified that Federal Wildlife Service (FWS) agents will proceed with shooting estray cattle on the Gila National Forest via helicopter flyover in the coming week. FWS agents plan to begin gunning-down estray cattle February 8th-10th. NMCGA protests the scheduled actions and adamantly opposes the mass shooting of estray cattle in contradiction to New Mexico’s livestock code.
Following this matter since 2021, NMCGA along with Arizona/New Mexico Coalition of Counties for Stable Economic Growth, New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc and Spur Ranch Cattle Company, LLC sent and filed a Notice of Intent to Sue to Harry Provencio, Acting District Ranger, Gila National Forest in April 2021. The letter was drafted for the group by Attorney Karen Budd-Falen of Budd-Falen Law Offices.
Since that time a contract to catch and remove estray cattle off the Gila was awarded to Rail Lazy H in the later months of 2021. The team has successfully removed approximately 20 head of the 30 outlined in the contract. Gathering efforts have pushed estray cattle to seek higher ground in the Gilas rugged terrain. FWS agents’ current plan is centered on gunning down the estray cattle that have become increasingly difficult to remove.
As outlined in the joint notice by Attorney Budd-Falen last year there are several reasons the proposed decision by the Forest Service to gun-down allegedly unbranded cattle fails to comply with federal law. There is no federal statute or regulation that allows the Forest Service to gun-down livestock. Instead, Federal Law only allows for impoundment of livestock after certain conditions are met. Such conditions include preparation of impound notice of the owner if the livestock is known, or publication of a notice of impoundment if the owner is not known. The remedy for trespass livestock is impoundment of the livestock and sale to recoup the agency’s costs. Estray livestock are under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico Livestock Board.
NMCGA also has concerns with the FWS agents’ ability to delineate branded and unbranded livestock. From a helicopter this task would be difficult for even a knowledgably adept livestock producer to identify brand markings and ear tags. There is no assurance that the gunning-down of these livestock will not include private property.
NMCGA also questions the number of head to be targeted during the flyover. How many estray cattle are located in higher areas of the Gila and at what number of takes will the FWS cease their fire? With estray herd numbers in the Gila not known, the current FWS plan with its lack of public notice or input leaves no room for agent accountability from New Mexico’s stakeholders or citizens.
Another crux of the matter, as outlined in Attorney Budd-Falen’s notice, is the presence of federally listed endangered species, the Mexican Gray Wolf. The Forest Service should be required to consider any adverse impact to the species as well as environmental and human impacts. NMCGA opposes the act of food conditioning the wolf with introduction of a new and easily accessible food source – beef carcasses.
Compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) must take place if the Forest Service decides to take such major federal action. Funds used to hire and implement the gunning-down of estray cattle is an expenditure of agency funds that will have significant environmental effects.
“The estray cattle situation in the Gila is a result of many years of mismanagement by the Forest Service,” said Loren Patterson, President NMCGA. “New Mexico Cattle Growers’ members understand that estray cattle are not good for the multiuse doctrine embraced by our federally administered lands. This situation took years to create and a final solution may take years to achieve.”
NMCGA is of the opinion that the Federal Government should not gun-down livestock on Federal Property in the State of New Mexico, or contract with others to accomplish the same goal. Also, government agencies should give adequate notice to citizens and undergo a period of public comment before imposing their will to proceed as they deem equitable.
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February 3, 2022: In the News
Cattle Growers' welcomes new leadership in 2022
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) held its annual Joint Stockmen’s Convention in December 2021 in conjunction with other industry partners. The annual event is the largest gathering of agriculture in New Mexico and draws together producers and landowners in a 4 day meeting of minds to address industry concerns, advancements in technology and camaraderie between friends, both old and new.
During that time, now Immediate Past-President Randell Major passed the reins to new leadership. Cattle Growers’ new officers include: Loren Patterson, President, Corona; Bronson Corn, President-Elect, Roswell; and Dave Kenneke, Northwest Regional Vice-President, Cimarron.
“Our Association has always been membership driven and will continue to be that,” said Loren Patterson, President. “As a grass roots organization we are responsible for communicating our member’s ideas and concerns. We look forward to working with you in 2022.”
NMCGA is a united voice for all producers in the state. Whether you have roots in agriculture, enjoy a delicious steak now-and-then or proudly own 5 head of cattle or 5,000 head; a membership will benefit you! For more information visit www.nmagriculture.org or call 505-247-0584.
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) held its annual Joint Stockmen’s Convention in December 2021 in conjunction with other industry partners. The annual event is the largest gathering of agriculture in New Mexico and draws together producers and landowners in a 4 day meeting of minds to address industry concerns, advancements in technology and camaraderie between friends, both old and new.
During that time, now Immediate Past-President Randell Major passed the reins to new leadership. Cattle Growers’ new officers include: Loren Patterson, President, Corona; Bronson Corn, President-Elect, Roswell; and Dave Kenneke, Northwest Regional Vice-President, Cimarron.
“Our Association has always been membership driven and will continue to be that,” said Loren Patterson, President. “As a grass roots organization we are responsible for communicating our member’s ideas and concerns. We look forward to working with you in 2022.”
NMCGA is a united voice for all producers in the state. Whether you have roots in agriculture, enjoy a delicious steak now-and-then or proudly own 5 head of cattle or 5,000 head; a membership will benefit you! For more information visit www.nmagriculture.org or call 505-247-0584.
February 1, 2022: Boots in the Roundhouse - Call to Action!
Senate Bill 14 - Enacting The Clean Fuel Standard Act, will be heard 2/1/22 by the Senate Finance Committee at 1:30p.m.
#nmcga opposes because the trading or selling of carbon credits and deficits does not ensure reduced greenhouse gas emissions, but rather fosters a business-like transaction from citizen to citizen. Fuel prices will continue to increase. NMCGA would also would like to know how these changes will affect food security in the state if agriculture production is converted to carbon credit production?
Watch the webcast here: https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00293/harmony
Email the committee members of Senate Finance today, list provided below:
George Munoz, george.munoz@nmlegis.gov
Nancy Rodriguez, nancy.rodriguez@nmlegis.gov
Siah Hemphill, siah.hemphill@nmlegis.gov
Pat Woods, pat.woods@nmlegis.gov
Jeff Steinborn, jeff.steinborn@nmlegis.gov
William Burt, bill.burt@nmlegis.gov
Roberto Gonzales, roberto.gonzales@nmlegis.gov
Crystal Diamond, crystal.diamond@nmlegis.gov
Pete Campos, pete.campos@nmlegis.gov
Michael Padilla, michael.padilla@nmlegis.gov
William E. Sharer, bill@williamsharer.com
#nmcga opposes because the trading or selling of carbon credits and deficits does not ensure reduced greenhouse gas emissions, but rather fosters a business-like transaction from citizen to citizen. Fuel prices will continue to increase. NMCGA would also would like to know how these changes will affect food security in the state if agriculture production is converted to carbon credit production?
Watch the webcast here: https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00293/harmony
Email the committee members of Senate Finance today, list provided below:
George Munoz, george.munoz@nmlegis.gov
Nancy Rodriguez, nancy.rodriguez@nmlegis.gov
Siah Hemphill, siah.hemphill@nmlegis.gov
Pat Woods, pat.woods@nmlegis.gov
Jeff Steinborn, jeff.steinborn@nmlegis.gov
William Burt, bill.burt@nmlegis.gov
Roberto Gonzales, roberto.gonzales@nmlegis.gov
Crystal Diamond, crystal.diamond@nmlegis.gov
Pete Campos, pete.campos@nmlegis.gov
Michael Padilla, michael.padilla@nmlegis.gov
William E. Sharer, bill@williamsharer.com
January 31, 2022: In the News
New Mexico cattle ranchers balk at $20 million loss estimate for jumping mouse habitat
Story By: Courthouse News
The ranchers can trace their lineage on the land back centuries, long before the establishment of the U.S. Forest Service and the Santa Fe and Lincoln national forests the rodent calls home.
(CN) — Two New Mexico cattle groups told a 10th Circuit panel Friday the federal government failed to consider the economic impacts on ranchers when designating land critical habitat for the endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse.
The mouse was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2014. In March 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule designating critical habitat for the rodent across 14,000 acres and 170 miles of streams in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
The Northern New Mexico Stockman’s Association and others sued Fish and Wildlife in 2018, claiming it designated critical habitat for the jumping mouse without proper economic analysis. A federal judge dismissed the complaint in 2020, finding the agency properly considered economic impacts as part of the designation and upholding the protections for the mouse. The ranchers appealed.
Read More HERE..
Story By: Courthouse News
The ranchers can trace their lineage on the land back centuries, long before the establishment of the U.S. Forest Service and the Santa Fe and Lincoln national forests the rodent calls home.
(CN) — Two New Mexico cattle groups told a 10th Circuit panel Friday the federal government failed to consider the economic impacts on ranchers when designating land critical habitat for the endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse.
The mouse was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2014. In March 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule designating critical habitat for the rodent across 14,000 acres and 170 miles of streams in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
The Northern New Mexico Stockman’s Association and others sued Fish and Wildlife in 2018, claiming it designated critical habitat for the jumping mouse without proper economic analysis. A federal judge dismissed the complaint in 2020, finding the agency properly considered economic impacts as part of the designation and upholding the protections for the mouse. The ranchers appealed.
Read More HERE..
January 25, 2022: Comment Deadline
WOTUS Comments Due February 7, 2022
Comments period open on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army’s proposed rule defining the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act.
This proposal is consistent with the Executive Order signed on January 20, 2021, “Protecting Public Health and the Environmental and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis”, which directed the agencies to review the agencies’ rule promulgated in 2020 defining “waters of the United States.”
Comments are due by February 7, 2022.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
New Mexico farmers and ranchers take pride in providing the state, nation, and world healthy, wholesome, and nutritional products. We, as producers, rely on clean water for our families, as well as the livestock and wildlife we feed and provide habitat for daily. Sustaining and enhancing our waters and lands is a task that agricultural producers take seriously.
The bottom line: Protecting water is important, but regulations that hinder and make it difficult for producers to stay in business and continue traditions handed down generation to generation need to be stopped. New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association strongly encourages you submit comments!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
How to submit comments -
Identify comments by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2021-0602.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov/.../EPA-HQ-OW-2021.../comment and click the "Comment" button (our preferred method). Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
• Email: OW-Docket@epa.gov. Include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2021-0602 in the subject line of the message.
Additional Instructions: All submissions received must include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2021-0602. Comments received may be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal information provided. For detailed instructions on sending comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the “Public Participation” heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
Comments period open on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army’s proposed rule defining the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act.
This proposal is consistent with the Executive Order signed on January 20, 2021, “Protecting Public Health and the Environmental and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis”, which directed the agencies to review the agencies’ rule promulgated in 2020 defining “waters of the United States.”
Comments are due by February 7, 2022.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
New Mexico farmers and ranchers take pride in providing the state, nation, and world healthy, wholesome, and nutritional products. We, as producers, rely on clean water for our families, as well as the livestock and wildlife we feed and provide habitat for daily. Sustaining and enhancing our waters and lands is a task that agricultural producers take seriously.
The bottom line: Protecting water is important, but regulations that hinder and make it difficult for producers to stay in business and continue traditions handed down generation to generation need to be stopped. New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association strongly encourages you submit comments!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
How to submit comments -
Identify comments by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2021-0602.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov/.../EPA-HQ-OW-2021.../comment and click the "Comment" button (our preferred method). Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
• Email: OW-Docket@epa.gov. Include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2021-0602 in the subject line of the message.
Additional Instructions: All submissions received must include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2021-0602. Comments received may be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal information provided. For detailed instructions on sending comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the “Public Participation” heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
January 18, 2022: For Immediate Release
Funding request could remove land from agriculture production
Taylor Riggins, NMCGA
Yesterday, January 12th, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) presented their budget in House Appropriations Subcommittee C within that presentation was a request for $9 million in matching funds from New Mexico’s budget to support the Federal Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. The hearing Committee voted to recommend the Legislative Finance Committee budget.
Upon approval, the requested monies would make available $27 million to the Department in grant funding for conservation of wildlife through habitat management, research, education, law enforcement presence in cases of illegal takings and for species deemed imperiled or on decline with greatest conservational need. Monies would also allow NMDGF to purchase land.
The Department currently has $20.6 million in the Game Protection Fund, a substantial fund balance to support department programs and capital outlay projects. The Act in which the request is being made specifies matching funds not be derived from hunting or fishing license fees.
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) is opposed to this request with concerns regarding the impacts of funding, land acquisition and mismanagement to rural communities.
“We will always scrutinize the act of taking land out of production agriculture”, said Bronson Corn, President-Elect NMCGA. “Agriculture can’t compete with government entities purchasing property, we do not have the funds that they do.”
In the current state of affairs citizens of the United States have already seen and felt the impact of barren grocery store shelves, while producers have been faced with overregulation and market manipulation. Any funding that can be used in the acquisition of lands is something to be of grave concern to the industry and every American that enjoys eating.
“Working lands in New Mexico provide us with all the things we love: meat, milk, eggs, green chile, pecans and much more”, said Corn. “We make use of the land for more than a home and livelihood, we are utilizing it to feed a growing population projected at 10 billion people.”
NMCGA mission is to advance and protect the cattle industry of New Mexico, work toward solutions of cattle industry problems, promote the well-being of the industry and provide an official and united voice of issues of importance to cattle producers and feeders. For more information call 505-247-0584 or visit www.nmagriculture.org
###
Taylor Riggins, NMCGA
Yesterday, January 12th, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) presented their budget in House Appropriations Subcommittee C within that presentation was a request for $9 million in matching funds from New Mexico’s budget to support the Federal Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. The hearing Committee voted to recommend the Legislative Finance Committee budget.
Upon approval, the requested monies would make available $27 million to the Department in grant funding for conservation of wildlife through habitat management, research, education, law enforcement presence in cases of illegal takings and for species deemed imperiled or on decline with greatest conservational need. Monies would also allow NMDGF to purchase land.
The Department currently has $20.6 million in the Game Protection Fund, a substantial fund balance to support department programs and capital outlay projects. The Act in which the request is being made specifies matching funds not be derived from hunting or fishing license fees.
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) is opposed to this request with concerns regarding the impacts of funding, land acquisition and mismanagement to rural communities.
“We will always scrutinize the act of taking land out of production agriculture”, said Bronson Corn, President-Elect NMCGA. “Agriculture can’t compete with government entities purchasing property, we do not have the funds that they do.”
In the current state of affairs citizens of the United States have already seen and felt the impact of barren grocery store shelves, while producers have been faced with overregulation and market manipulation. Any funding that can be used in the acquisition of lands is something to be of grave concern to the industry and every American that enjoys eating.
“Working lands in New Mexico provide us with all the things we love: meat, milk, eggs, green chile, pecans and much more”, said Corn. “We make use of the land for more than a home and livelihood, we are utilizing it to feed a growing population projected at 10 billion people.”
NMCGA mission is to advance and protect the cattle industry of New Mexico, work toward solutions of cattle industry problems, promote the well-being of the industry and provide an official and united voice of issues of importance to cattle producers and feeders. For more information call 505-247-0584 or visit www.nmagriculture.org
###
January 14, 2022: Comment Deadline
New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse
US Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking comments on draft recovery plan for the New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse. Comments are due on March 14, 2022.
Summary
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of our draft recovery plan for the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse ( Zapus hudsonius luteus ). This subspecies occurs in riparian habitats in New Mexico, Arizona, and southern Colorado, and was listed as endangered in 2014 under the Endangered Species Act. We request review and comment on this draft recovery plan from local, State, and Federal agencies; Tribes; nongovernmental organizations; and the public.
Dates
We must receive any comments on or before March 14, 2022. Comments submitted online at http://www.regulations.gov (see ADDRESSES ) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 14, 2022.
https://www.regulations.gov/document/FWS-R2-ES-2021-0136-0001
US Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking comments on draft recovery plan for the New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse. Comments are due on March 14, 2022.
Summary
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of our draft recovery plan for the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse ( Zapus hudsonius luteus ). This subspecies occurs in riparian habitats in New Mexico, Arizona, and southern Colorado, and was listed as endangered in 2014 under the Endangered Species Act. We request review and comment on this draft recovery plan from local, State, and Federal agencies; Tribes; nongovernmental organizations; and the public.
Dates
We must receive any comments on or before March 14, 2022. Comments submitted online at http://www.regulations.gov (see ADDRESSES ) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 14, 2022.
https://www.regulations.gov/document/FWS-R2-ES-2021-0136-0001
January 11, 2022: For Immediate Release
NMCGA to represent producers during legislative session
Taylor Riggins, NMCGA
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) leadership and legislative team are preparing to represent producers at the Roudhouse in Santa Fe during the upcoming thirty-day New Mexico Legislative Session.
Beginning January 18th and concluding February 17th, the shortened session is designed to focus on the budget and financial concerns for the state. Pre-filing of bills began the first week of the new year and presented eighty-eight pieces of legislation. NMCGA is making ready for a fast-paced and issue diverse session.
A quick look into what NMCGA is tracking:
First, funding requested for twelve New Mexico State University Agriculture Experiment Stations. An important resource to an array of New Mexicans, the stations utilize natural resources, science and research to achieve ecological sound practices. Funding would further the work being done to improve the quality, safety and reliability of food and fiber.
Second, a potential amendment to the Natural Heritage Conservation Act to give the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department the ability to acquire land, conservation or agricultural easements or other interests in land and hold them in the name of the state.
Some background going in, bills that fall under the purview of a thirty day session are considered ‘germane’ only if they have funding attached to them. An exception to this are bills placed on the “Governor’s Call” at the discretion of Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham. Currently placed on the Governor’s Call is “New Mexico Voting Right” legislation which is a proposal to begin New Mexico’s early voting period the Sunday before Election Day, make Election Day a holiday, create a permanent absentee voter list, and allow voters to register online using their Social Security number if they do not have an identification card issues to them from the Motor Vehicle Division. The proposal would allow mailing of ballots to start 35 days prior to an election and would give Native American communities more time to request alternative voting sites.
Finally, NMCGA anticipates legislation to address In-State Meat Inspection program funding.
Association leadership, members and staff will be serving as a voice for every producer in the state, fighting for agriculture and rural community’s protections and rights. If you have questions, would like more information or to become a part of the team please contact the NMCGA office at 505-247-0584 or email us at nmcga20@gmail.com.
###
Taylor Riggins, NMCGA
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) leadership and legislative team are preparing to represent producers at the Roudhouse in Santa Fe during the upcoming thirty-day New Mexico Legislative Session.
Beginning January 18th and concluding February 17th, the shortened session is designed to focus on the budget and financial concerns for the state. Pre-filing of bills began the first week of the new year and presented eighty-eight pieces of legislation. NMCGA is making ready for a fast-paced and issue diverse session.
A quick look into what NMCGA is tracking:
First, funding requested for twelve New Mexico State University Agriculture Experiment Stations. An important resource to an array of New Mexicans, the stations utilize natural resources, science and research to achieve ecological sound practices. Funding would further the work being done to improve the quality, safety and reliability of food and fiber.
Second, a potential amendment to the Natural Heritage Conservation Act to give the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department the ability to acquire land, conservation or agricultural easements or other interests in land and hold them in the name of the state.
Some background going in, bills that fall under the purview of a thirty day session are considered ‘germane’ only if they have funding attached to them. An exception to this are bills placed on the “Governor’s Call” at the discretion of Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham. Currently placed on the Governor’s Call is “New Mexico Voting Right” legislation which is a proposal to begin New Mexico’s early voting period the Sunday before Election Day, make Election Day a holiday, create a permanent absentee voter list, and allow voters to register online using their Social Security number if they do not have an identification card issues to them from the Motor Vehicle Division. The proposal would allow mailing of ballots to start 35 days prior to an election and would give Native American communities more time to request alternative voting sites.
Finally, NMCGA anticipates legislation to address In-State Meat Inspection program funding.
Association leadership, members and staff will be serving as a voice for every producer in the state, fighting for agriculture and rural community’s protections and rights. If you have questions, would like more information or to become a part of the team please contact the NMCGA office at 505-247-0584 or email us at nmcga20@gmail.com.
###
January 10, 2022: For Immediate Release
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association Statement on Dissolution of New Mexico House Local Government, Land Grants & Cultural Affairs Committee
Corona, N.M. — Loren Patterson, President, New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association issued the following statement on the decision to dissolve the New Mexico House Local Government, Land Grants & Cultural Affairs Committee:
“The recent decision by Democratic Leadership in the New Mexico House of Representatives to dissolve the House Local Government, Lands Grants, and Cultural Affairs Committee highlights the growing disconnect between the entirely urban House Democratic leadership team and the geographically diverse state they are elected to represent.
This action is disappointing, but not unexpected. Despite being integral to the prosperity of all New Mexicans, traditional and rural communities and their people are consistently undervalued by the dominant rhetoric and actions.
Issues that primarily affect traditional and rural communities deserve to be elevated and to remain a focus of a legislative committee, rather than dissolved and obscured by lumping these important and unique items in with dissimilar issues in other existing legislative committees. Representation of acequias, land grants, traditional, and rural communities should be prioritized during the legislative process, not relegated to a subset of issues in an already busy committee.
Traditional and rural communities are a vital part of New Mexico’s future, and our elected leaders must value, engage with, and invest in them. This requires investing in a legislative structure and solutions that ensure their voice is heard and valued throughout the legislative session.
The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association, which has represented the beef industry since 1914, and our members support our traditional and rural communities. We ask the House Democratic Legislative leadership to do the same by both honoring our past and protecting our future.
Corona, N.M. — Loren Patterson, President, New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association issued the following statement on the decision to dissolve the New Mexico House Local Government, Land Grants & Cultural Affairs Committee:
“The recent decision by Democratic Leadership in the New Mexico House of Representatives to dissolve the House Local Government, Lands Grants, and Cultural Affairs Committee highlights the growing disconnect between the entirely urban House Democratic leadership team and the geographically diverse state they are elected to represent.
This action is disappointing, but not unexpected. Despite being integral to the prosperity of all New Mexicans, traditional and rural communities and their people are consistently undervalued by the dominant rhetoric and actions.
Issues that primarily affect traditional and rural communities deserve to be elevated and to remain a focus of a legislative committee, rather than dissolved and obscured by lumping these important and unique items in with dissimilar issues in other existing legislative committees. Representation of acequias, land grants, traditional, and rural communities should be prioritized during the legislative process, not relegated to a subset of issues in an already busy committee.
Traditional and rural communities are a vital part of New Mexico’s future, and our elected leaders must value, engage with, and invest in them. This requires investing in a legislative structure and solutions that ensure their voice is heard and valued throughout the legislative session.
The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association, which has represented the beef industry since 1914, and our members support our traditional and rural communities. We ask the House Democratic Legislative leadership to do the same by both honoring our past and protecting our future.
January 3, 2022: In the News
Biden to meet with farmers as he seeks to cut meat prices
President Joe Biden will meet virtually with independent farmers and ranchers to discuss initiatives to reduce food prices by increasing competition within the meat industry, part of a broader effort to show the administration is trying to combat inflation.
The White House event occurs Monday afternoon as higher-than-expected inflation has thwarted Biden's agenda. Consumer prices in November rose 6.8% over the prior 12 months — a 39-year high. Inflation has hurt Biden's public approval, become fodder for Republican attacks and prompted Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to cite higher prices as a reason to sideline the Democratic president's tax, social and economic programs.
Read More HERE
President Joe Biden will meet virtually with independent farmers and ranchers to discuss initiatives to reduce food prices by increasing competition within the meat industry, part of a broader effort to show the administration is trying to combat inflation.
The White House event occurs Monday afternoon as higher-than-expected inflation has thwarted Biden's agenda. Consumer prices in November rose 6.8% over the prior 12 months — a 39-year high. Inflation has hurt Biden's public approval, become fodder for Republican attacks and prompted Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to cite higher prices as a reason to sideline the Democratic president's tax, social and economic programs.
Read More HERE
January 3, 2022: Around the State
Growers can access vital information at 2022 Southwest Hay & Forage Conference
By Adriana M. Chavez
Forage growers in the Southwest will have access to important industry information at the 2022 Southwest Hay & Forage Conference, which returns after a year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The conference will take place Jan. 27-28 at the Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Dr. in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The event is hosted by New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and the New Mexico Hay Association.
Mark Marsalis, NMSU Extension forage specialist, said the conference addresses common issues that growers face daily, including baling challenges, high input costs, water management and pest control.
Participants will also have the opportunity to speak directly to consultants, industry representatives, researchers and specialists.
The 2022 conference will feature three presentations on the challenges of baling moisture. Paul Brown of the University of Arizona will share the outcomes of years of research on hay windrow humidity and harvest management for dry western conditions. Wayne Coblentz, a retired research dairy scientist for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, will discuss utilizing baleage as an alternative to dry hay during periods of high rainfall. And Mackay Ashdown of Staheli West will showcase a preview of the new small bale steamer, a highly sought-after alternative to the company’s large steamers for small bale producers as a method for leaf retention and expanded baling windows.
Read More HERE
By Adriana M. Chavez
Forage growers in the Southwest will have access to important industry information at the 2022 Southwest Hay & Forage Conference, which returns after a year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The conference will take place Jan. 27-28 at the Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Dr. in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The event is hosted by New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and the New Mexico Hay Association.
Mark Marsalis, NMSU Extension forage specialist, said the conference addresses common issues that growers face daily, including baling challenges, high input costs, water management and pest control.
Participants will also have the opportunity to speak directly to consultants, industry representatives, researchers and specialists.
The 2022 conference will feature three presentations on the challenges of baling moisture. Paul Brown of the University of Arizona will share the outcomes of years of research on hay windrow humidity and harvest management for dry western conditions. Wayne Coblentz, a retired research dairy scientist for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, will discuss utilizing baleage as an alternative to dry hay during periods of high rainfall. And Mackay Ashdown of Staheli West will showcase a preview of the new small bale steamer, a highly sought-after alternative to the company’s large steamers for small bale producers as a method for leaf retention and expanded baling windows.
Read More HERE
December 23, 2021: In the News
Forecasters: New Mexico should brace for worsening drought
By Susan Montoya Bryan
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The last three months have been very dry in New Mexico and it’s only going to get worse.
That’s the word from forecasters with the National Weather Service and other climate experts in the state. They said during a meeting this week that New Mexico reservoirs continue to be far below historical averages and that ranchers are bracing for a winter with little moisture out on the range.
Some snow is expected in the higher elevation on Christmas Eve, but it will be less than the precipitation that has helped to ease drought conditions elsewhere in the West in recent weeks. Parts of California are in line for even more snow, but the latest drought map shows nearly half of the western region is still dealing with the most severe categories of drought.
Read More HERE
By Susan Montoya Bryan
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The last three months have been very dry in New Mexico and it’s only going to get worse.
That’s the word from forecasters with the National Weather Service and other climate experts in the state. They said during a meeting this week that New Mexico reservoirs continue to be far below historical averages and that ranchers are bracing for a winter with little moisture out on the range.
Some snow is expected in the higher elevation on Christmas Eve, but it will be less than the precipitation that has helped to ease drought conditions elsewhere in the West in recent weeks. Parts of California are in line for even more snow, but the latest drought map shows nearly half of the western region is still dealing with the most severe categories of drought.
Read More HERE
December 22, 2021: Raffle Winner
Congratulations to James Evrage of Pinon for winning the John Deere XUV 590E donated to #nmcga by Chas S. Middleton and Son!
December 7, 2021: Joint Stockmen's News
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You can still purchase raffle tickets for this years Joint Stockmen’s grand prize, a John Deere XUV 590E - Donated by @middletonlandbroker Ticket will be available at convention, just visit the registration desk in Ballrooom A! If you plan to mail your tickets/payment to us, make sure they are in the office by December 10th: PO Box 7517 | Albuquerque, NM 87194 Purchase online until December 13th HERE |
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December 6, 2021: In the News
NMCGA supports bills to enhance transparency
Taylor Riggins, New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) is organized to advance and protect the cattle industry of New Mexico. The Association does so by working toward solutions, promoting the well-being of the industry and providing an official and united voice on issues of importance to the cattle producers and feeders. A goal of NMCGA is to create and maintain an economic climate that will provide the association’s membership the opportunity to obtain optimum returns on their investment within the free enterprise system.
Recently, two Senate bills were introduced at the Congressional level: the Protecting American’s Meatpacking Workers Act of 2021 and the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. NMCGA is tracking each of the bills and has submitted letters of support for each to members of the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.
The Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act of 2021 would provide stronger workplace protections in the form of labor laws, increase protections in the Packers and Stockyards Act for producers, and would reinstate Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for meat sold in the United States.
The Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act would employ the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create and maintain a confidential record of marketing contracts between packers and producers. Additionally it would mandate a minimum amount of weekly cash fat cattle trade.
NMCGA continues to support the efforts of transparency and fairness in the industry realizing the task at hand and appreciating the work being done on behalf of ranchers and American beef at all levels. Specifically, NMCGA backs those efforts to establish country of origin labeling as stated in a resolution we passed in 2019.
“Therefore, be it resolved: The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association supports United States Congressional legislation requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the qualifications for labeling beef as a “Product of the U.S.A.” Only livestock products that have been born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States be labeled as “Product of the U.S.A.” (Country of Origin Labeling ‘COOL’. New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association. Dec. 2019.)
Taylor Riggins, New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) is organized to advance and protect the cattle industry of New Mexico. The Association does so by working toward solutions, promoting the well-being of the industry and providing an official and united voice on issues of importance to the cattle producers and feeders. A goal of NMCGA is to create and maintain an economic climate that will provide the association’s membership the opportunity to obtain optimum returns on their investment within the free enterprise system.
Recently, two Senate bills were introduced at the Congressional level: the Protecting American’s Meatpacking Workers Act of 2021 and the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. NMCGA is tracking each of the bills and has submitted letters of support for each to members of the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.
The Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act of 2021 would provide stronger workplace protections in the form of labor laws, increase protections in the Packers and Stockyards Act for producers, and would reinstate Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for meat sold in the United States.
The Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act would employ the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create and maintain a confidential record of marketing contracts between packers and producers. Additionally it would mandate a minimum amount of weekly cash fat cattle trade.
NMCGA continues to support the efforts of transparency and fairness in the industry realizing the task at hand and appreciating the work being done on behalf of ranchers and American beef at all levels. Specifically, NMCGA backs those efforts to establish country of origin labeling as stated in a resolution we passed in 2019.
“Therefore, be it resolved: The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association supports United States Congressional legislation requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the qualifications for labeling beef as a “Product of the U.S.A.” Only livestock products that have been born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States be labeled as “Product of the U.S.A.” (Country of Origin Labeling ‘COOL’. New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association. Dec. 2019.)
December 6, 2021: Around the State
The proposed Cultural Properties Protection Rule will affect many if it becomes final and goes into effect. We encourage you to review the rule and consider submitting a comment by the December 6th deadline.
To submit public comment:
cprule@slo.state.nm.us
New Mexico State Land Office,
Attn: Alysha Shaw, PO Box 1148, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1148
Review the rule here: https://www.nmstatelands.org/culturalproperties/
For a list of NMCGA talking points please contact: shelleen@nmagriculture.org or call 505-803-0807
There are several points of concern that you may want to address in your comment:
To submit public comment:
cprule@slo.state.nm.us
New Mexico State Land Office,
Attn: Alysha Shaw, PO Box 1148, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1148
Review the rule here: https://www.nmstatelands.org/culturalproperties/
For a list of NMCGA talking points please contact: shelleen@nmagriculture.org or call 505-803-0807
There are several points of concern that you may want to address in your comment:
- Clear language indicating the proposed rule applies only to new activities
- Language added to avoid subjective assertion of impact or effect
- Proposed rule should not include pre-existing surface disturbance and/or maintenance of existing improvements, roads, structures or other conditions, with no retroactive consequences
- Only new or proposed new project should be subject to the new rule but maintenance, repairs and upkeep of existing improvements and infrastructure are fully excluded from the proposed rule
- Any NEW project or proposed project on state trust lands that has the potential to directly or indirectly cause damage to KNOWN cultural properties
- Signed Acknowledgement: if Lessees, grantees and applicants are required to sign an acknowledgement form then so should other users of state land, including any person accessing and using the surface.
- ARMS Inspection and Survey and approval by the State Land Office for routine, normal and necessary maintenance and repairs for existing conditions, infrastructure and improvements should not be required.
- Exemptions should include routine, normal and necessary maintenance and repairs to existing conditions, infrastructure and improvements fences, water lines, water wells, windmills, water troughs, erosion control structures, roads, trails, buildings, power lines and communication lines
- Creation of a dispute resolution process for any applicant, lessee or grantee accused of violation of the proposed rule
December 1, 2021: NMCGA Junior Cattlemen
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Good luck to Sterling Decker as he competes in the National Cutting Horse Association finals today in Fort Worth!
Sterling and his family ranch in the southeastern part of our state and his father Jeff serves as one of NMCGA Regional Vice Presidents. Sterling, you represent New Mexico well! |
December 1, 2021: Around the State
The New Mexico Livestock Board does a great job ensuring their inspectors are well trained to handle the safety of humans and animals in the event a cattle highway emergency occurs. Like their page to learn more about their service to New Mexico’s livestock industry.
Here is an article which outlines some do’s and dont’s in the case you find yourself at the scene of such an incident, CLICK HERE
Do's and don'ts at a cattle truck accident
When encountering an overturned truck on the highway, there are some disaster scene best practices that should be followed.
Article By: Elaine Blythe, Sid Gordon, Teresa Dean, Jack Blandford
Here is an article which outlines some do’s and dont’s in the case you find yourself at the scene of such an incident, CLICK HERE
Do's and don'ts at a cattle truck accident
When encountering an overturned truck on the highway, there are some disaster scene best practices that should be followed.
Article By: Elaine Blythe, Sid Gordon, Teresa Dean, Jack Blandford
November 30, 2021: Around the State
Legislative Council Service Announces Capitol Building Policies for Upcoming Sessions
Raúl Burciaga, Director of New Mexico Legislative Council, announced Capitol building policy updates for the upcoming special session in early December and regular session commencing on January 18.
“Given the high number of COVID-19 cases across the state and the strain this continues to put on state resources, it is incumbent on us to protect everyone in the Capitol complex while conducting the state’s business,” says Director Burciaga. “I believe the measures being taken for the special and regular sessions will allow for the work to get done while greatly minimizing the risk for COVID spread.”
Policies include:
• The Roundhouse will remain open to members of the public for the special and regular
sessions.
• Proof of full vaccination will be required for any member of the public to enter
the Capitol.
• The Rotunda will not be used for displays, booths, presentations, special days, etc.
• Pages will not be used by the House or Senate.
• No tours will be conducted or allowed in the Capitol.
• Masks will continue to be required throughout the Capitol Complex.
In addition, per a new policy adopted by the Legislative Council earlier this month, carrying weapons into the Roundhouse is prohibited effective December 6. All members of the public will be subject to magnetometer screening (or bag search) when entering the building.
COVID-19 mitigation policies are subject to change based on the latest guidance from CDC and other health officials.
Raúl Burciaga, Director of New Mexico Legislative Council, announced Capitol building policy updates for the upcoming special session in early December and regular session commencing on January 18.
“Given the high number of COVID-19 cases across the state and the strain this continues to put on state resources, it is incumbent on us to protect everyone in the Capitol complex while conducting the state’s business,” says Director Burciaga. “I believe the measures being taken for the special and regular sessions will allow for the work to get done while greatly minimizing the risk for COVID spread.”
Policies include:
• The Roundhouse will remain open to members of the public for the special and regular
sessions.
• Proof of full vaccination will be required for any member of the public to enter
the Capitol.
• The Rotunda will not be used for displays, booths, presentations, special days, etc.
• Pages will not be used by the House or Senate.
• No tours will be conducted or allowed in the Capitol.
• Masks will continue to be required throughout the Capitol Complex.
In addition, per a new policy adopted by the Legislative Council earlier this month, carrying weapons into the Roundhouse is prohibited effective December 6. All members of the public will be subject to magnetometer screening (or bag search) when entering the building.
COVID-19 mitigation policies are subject to change based on the latest guidance from CDC and other health officials.
November 24, 2021: From the Office
November 22, 2021: Around the State
November 18, 2021: Reminders from the Office
LAST CALL!
Scholarships must be postmarked by November 22nd. Call the office if you need your Member ID# at 505-247-0584.
Scholarships must be postmarked by November 22nd. Call the office if you need your Member ID# at 505-247-0584.
| 21_purina_scholarship_application.doc |
November 10, 2021: Around the State
November 8, 2021: In the News
$550B INFRASTRUCTURE BILL HEADS TO BIDEN’S DESK AFTER MONTHS OF DELAY
The US House has finally passed the bipartisan infrastructure package which in the ag industry call crucial to Rural America.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says this is a historic investment for America that will make significant progress in closing the digital divide, it will repair crumbling roads and bridges, and make much-needed investments in ports, waterways, and rail transit.
Kip Eideberg with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers says he’s optimistic this money will be put to use quickly. “It will also help unleash investments and streamline permitting to lower costs and accelerate project delivery,” he says. “And that is key, because we have been here before.” He tells Brownfield the passage is crucial as the country continues to grapple with supply chain disruptions. “There is $42-billion for ports and airports,” he says. “That is a significant amount of money that will go to modernizing ports and modernizing the infrastructure around the ports so that our ports will be better equipped to handle the flow of goods.”
US Senator Mike Braun of Indiana did not support the legislation that moved through the Senate earlier this year, because of the funding. However, he says he was supportive of the policies within it.
“That is hard, tangible infrastructure,” he says. “Roads, bridges, air, rail, and waterways. Rural broadband, which is an important part of it, and water and sewage treatment plants.”
Kevin Scott, a soybean farmer from South Dakota and president of the American Soybean Association says this bill is a win for everyone in the country and this package will bolster the US economy, especially with investment priorities for the soy industry – from surface transportation and waterways funding to investments in rural broadband and new opportunities for soy-based products.
American Farm Bureau president Zippy Duvall says Farm Bureau appreciates Congress finally passing the critical legislation, but was disappointed in the unnecessary delays in the House of Representatives. He says bipartisan efforts like this provide commonsense solutions to the nation’s infrastructure challenges.
In addition to the provisions outlined earlier, Allison Rivera, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s executive director of government affairs says she is pleased to see the additional 150 air-mile exemption for livestock haulers on the destination of hauls. She says it provides much-needed flexibility under current hours-of-service regulations.
There were only 13 Republicans who voted for the bill while 6 Democrats voted against it. The bill passed the Senate in August with a 69-30 vote and now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
Read Full Story HERE
The US House has finally passed the bipartisan infrastructure package which in the ag industry call crucial to Rural America.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says this is a historic investment for America that will make significant progress in closing the digital divide, it will repair crumbling roads and bridges, and make much-needed investments in ports, waterways, and rail transit.
Kip Eideberg with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers says he’s optimistic this money will be put to use quickly. “It will also help unleash investments and streamline permitting to lower costs and accelerate project delivery,” he says. “And that is key, because we have been here before.” He tells Brownfield the passage is crucial as the country continues to grapple with supply chain disruptions. “There is $42-billion for ports and airports,” he says. “That is a significant amount of money that will go to modernizing ports and modernizing the infrastructure around the ports so that our ports will be better equipped to handle the flow of goods.”
US Senator Mike Braun of Indiana did not support the legislation that moved through the Senate earlier this year, because of the funding. However, he says he was supportive of the policies within it.
“That is hard, tangible infrastructure,” he says. “Roads, bridges, air, rail, and waterways. Rural broadband, which is an important part of it, and water and sewage treatment plants.”
Kevin Scott, a soybean farmer from South Dakota and president of the American Soybean Association says this bill is a win for everyone in the country and this package will bolster the US economy, especially with investment priorities for the soy industry – from surface transportation and waterways funding to investments in rural broadband and new opportunities for soy-based products.
American Farm Bureau president Zippy Duvall says Farm Bureau appreciates Congress finally passing the critical legislation, but was disappointed in the unnecessary delays in the House of Representatives. He says bipartisan efforts like this provide commonsense solutions to the nation’s infrastructure challenges.
In addition to the provisions outlined earlier, Allison Rivera, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s executive director of government affairs says she is pleased to see the additional 150 air-mile exemption for livestock haulers on the destination of hauls. She says it provides much-needed flexibility under current hours-of-service regulations.
There were only 13 Republicans who voted for the bill while 6 Democrats voted against it. The bill passed the Senate in August with a 69-30 vote and now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
Read Full Story HERE
November 8, 2021: In the News
McDonald’s Commits $5 Million to Accelerate Climate-Smart Farming Solutions
McDonald’s USA is committing $5 million and partnering with AgMission, a global collaboration to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture and to develop and implement climate-smart farming solutions over the next five years.
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), and the World Farmers’ Organization (WFO) established AgMission to unlock agriculture’s potential to reduce GHG emissions, a release said.
Their goal? To make the agriculture sector net-negative for GHG emissions by bringing farmers, ranchers and scientists together to co-create science-based solutions that can be rapidly deployed, increasing on-farm resiliency while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Read Full Story HERE
McDonald’s USA is committing $5 million and partnering with AgMission, a global collaboration to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture and to develop and implement climate-smart farming solutions over the next five years.
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), and the World Farmers’ Organization (WFO) established AgMission to unlock agriculture’s potential to reduce GHG emissions, a release said.
Their goal? To make the agriculture sector net-negative for GHG emissions by bringing farmers, ranchers and scientists together to co-create science-based solutions that can be rapidly deployed, increasing on-farm resiliency while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Read Full Story HERE
November 5, 2021: Joint Stockmen's Convention
November 5, 2021: In the News
JBS and DSM partner to reduce methane emissions in beef
Beef Central
JBS, the world’s largest protein sector company, has partnered with global health, nutrition and bioscience company Royal DSM to implement a development program with the goal of reducing enteric methane emissions from cattle on a global scale.
To achieve this goal, JBS will use Bovaer, a nutritional supplement developed by DSM to significantly improve the greenhouse gas footprint in the beef production value chain. Beef Central has written extensively about Bovaer’s potential for methane reduction in earlier articles – click here.
The agreement was signed at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland yesterday.
The feed additive developed by DSM suppresses the enzyme that triggers methane production in the rumen. It has been extensively tested abroad, including in feedlots in Alberta, Brazil and Australia, and could be an important building block for CN30. The synthetic, non-toxic active compound in Bovaer (3-nitrooxypropanol, or 3-NOP), operates on a distinctly different principal to parallel methane reduction work happening in the development of asparagopsis seaweed feed additives for cattle. The development of Bovaer took place over 10 years, with 45 on-farm trials in 13 countries across four continents, which resulted in more than 48 peer-reviewed studies published in independent scientific journals. Early September 2021, Brazil was the first market to grant full regulatory approval for Bovaer.
Bovaer is added to animal feed, with the potential to reduce up to 90 percent of enteric methane emissions, as proven recently in an Australian beef feedlot study.
Read Full Story HERE
Beef Central
JBS, the world’s largest protein sector company, has partnered with global health, nutrition and bioscience company Royal DSM to implement a development program with the goal of reducing enteric methane emissions from cattle on a global scale.
To achieve this goal, JBS will use Bovaer, a nutritional supplement developed by DSM to significantly improve the greenhouse gas footprint in the beef production value chain. Beef Central has written extensively about Bovaer’s potential for methane reduction in earlier articles – click here.
The agreement was signed at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland yesterday.
The feed additive developed by DSM suppresses the enzyme that triggers methane production in the rumen. It has been extensively tested abroad, including in feedlots in Alberta, Brazil and Australia, and could be an important building block for CN30. The synthetic, non-toxic active compound in Bovaer (3-nitrooxypropanol, or 3-NOP), operates on a distinctly different principal to parallel methane reduction work happening in the development of asparagopsis seaweed feed additives for cattle. The development of Bovaer took place over 10 years, with 45 on-farm trials in 13 countries across four continents, which resulted in more than 48 peer-reviewed studies published in independent scientific journals. Early September 2021, Brazil was the first market to grant full regulatory approval for Bovaer.
Bovaer is added to animal feed, with the potential to reduce up to 90 percent of enteric methane emissions, as proven recently in an Australian beef feedlot study.
Read Full Story HERE
November 2, 2021: Have you voted today?
Local elections are just as important as federal. Change of any kind starts at the grassroots level, in your community! By participating in local elections YOU are doing your part to protect the future of agriculture.
October 29, 2021: In the News
US Proposes Changes to Mexican Gray Wolf Management
Federal wildlife officials are proposing to change the way Mexican gray wolves are managed in the American Southwest.
Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal wildlife officials are proposing to change the way Mexican gray wolves are managed in the American Southwest, saying removing population limits and setting goals for genetic diversity will help the endangered species recover.
The proposal also would allow more wolves to be released into the wild in New Mexico and Arizona, and place restrictions on permits issued to ranchers or state wildlife agencies that allow the killing of wolves if they prey on livestock, elk or deer.
Management of the predators has spurred numerous legal challenges over the decades by both ranchers and environmentalists. The latest proposal follows one of those court fights. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the proposed changes would better align with revisions made to the species' recovery plan.
The Mexican gray wolf, the rarest subspecies of the gray wolf in North America, has seen its population nearly double over the last five years. A survey done earlier this year showed at least 186 Mexican gray wolves in New Mexico and Arizona. Ranchers and rural residents have argued that's an undercount and a more accurate number is needed.
Environmental groups consider the proposed changes a step in the right direction but say more needs to be done to ensure a viable population of Mexican wolves.
They say the boundaries established by the Fish and Wildlife Service for recovery of the wolves in New Mexico and Arizona are among the limiting factors. If the animals travel beyond the boundaries, they can be trapped and relocated, returned to captivity or potentially killed.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department captured a wolf in August that was roaming near Flagstaff outside the recovery project's boundaries and relocated it to an area near the Arizona-New Mexico border.
Environmentalists said the wolf known as m2520 has trekked back. Arizona Game and Fish spokesman Tom Cadden said late Thursday that the department is monitoring the wolf's location and behavior.
Environmentalists also have called for reforms aimed at limiting conflicts with livestock and releasing more captive packs into the wild.
"We stand ready to return to court on behalf of lobos (wolves) if the final rule is insufficient to conserve this critically imperiled species,” said Kelly Nokes, an attorney for the Western Environmental Law Center.
Ranchers in the mountainous regions of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico where the wolves roam say livestock deaths due to predation are escalating as the population grows. The latest report from wildlife managers put the number of confirmed livestock deaths for the year at 95.
The wolf recovery team uses feeding caches to draw wolves away from cattle, but ranchers say the wolves are becoming more brazen and that efforts to scare them away using range riders on horseback or flagging along fence lines hasn't worked. They also say they don't receive timely compensation for livestock lost to wolves.
“It is an incredible management hurdle for those of us on the ground to deal with the wolves," said Tom Paterson, who ranches along the New Mexico state line and is a member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association. “Even if we put our cattle on private pastures where we are every day going around and looking, they still kill our cattle.”
Paterson has lost several cows and calves this year. He described a trail of blood that stretched 150 feet (46 meters) along a creek and cases in which cattle were attacked and their unborn calves eaten.
“This is a broken program,” he said.
The Fish and Wildlife Service is planning virtual public hearings and information sessions on the proposed changes. The public will have 90 days to comment.
Once common throughout the U.S. Southwest and northern Mexico, the Mexican wolf was all but eliminated by the 1970s, prompting the U.S. government to develop a captive breeding program. There are about 350 Mexican wolves in more than 55 zoos and other facilities throughout the United States and Mexico.
Read Full Story HERE
Federal wildlife officials are proposing to change the way Mexican gray wolves are managed in the American Southwest.
Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal wildlife officials are proposing to change the way Mexican gray wolves are managed in the American Southwest, saying removing population limits and setting goals for genetic diversity will help the endangered species recover.
The proposal also would allow more wolves to be released into the wild in New Mexico and Arizona, and place restrictions on permits issued to ranchers or state wildlife agencies that allow the killing of wolves if they prey on livestock, elk or deer.
Management of the predators has spurred numerous legal challenges over the decades by both ranchers and environmentalists. The latest proposal follows one of those court fights. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the proposed changes would better align with revisions made to the species' recovery plan.
The Mexican gray wolf, the rarest subspecies of the gray wolf in North America, has seen its population nearly double over the last five years. A survey done earlier this year showed at least 186 Mexican gray wolves in New Mexico and Arizona. Ranchers and rural residents have argued that's an undercount and a more accurate number is needed.
Environmental groups consider the proposed changes a step in the right direction but say more needs to be done to ensure a viable population of Mexican wolves.
They say the boundaries established by the Fish and Wildlife Service for recovery of the wolves in New Mexico and Arizona are among the limiting factors. If the animals travel beyond the boundaries, they can be trapped and relocated, returned to captivity or potentially killed.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department captured a wolf in August that was roaming near Flagstaff outside the recovery project's boundaries and relocated it to an area near the Arizona-New Mexico border.
Environmentalists said the wolf known as m2520 has trekked back. Arizona Game and Fish spokesman Tom Cadden said late Thursday that the department is monitoring the wolf's location and behavior.
Environmentalists also have called for reforms aimed at limiting conflicts with livestock and releasing more captive packs into the wild.
"We stand ready to return to court on behalf of lobos (wolves) if the final rule is insufficient to conserve this critically imperiled species,” said Kelly Nokes, an attorney for the Western Environmental Law Center.
Ranchers in the mountainous regions of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico where the wolves roam say livestock deaths due to predation are escalating as the population grows. The latest report from wildlife managers put the number of confirmed livestock deaths for the year at 95.
The wolf recovery team uses feeding caches to draw wolves away from cattle, but ranchers say the wolves are becoming more brazen and that efforts to scare them away using range riders on horseback or flagging along fence lines hasn't worked. They also say they don't receive timely compensation for livestock lost to wolves.
“It is an incredible management hurdle for those of us on the ground to deal with the wolves," said Tom Paterson, who ranches along the New Mexico state line and is a member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association. “Even if we put our cattle on private pastures where we are every day going around and looking, they still kill our cattle.”
Paterson has lost several cows and calves this year. He described a trail of blood that stretched 150 feet (46 meters) along a creek and cases in which cattle were attacked and their unborn calves eaten.
“This is a broken program,” he said.
The Fish and Wildlife Service is planning virtual public hearings and information sessions on the proposed changes. The public will have 90 days to comment.
Once common throughout the U.S. Southwest and northern Mexico, the Mexican wolf was all but eliminated by the 1970s, prompting the U.S. government to develop a captive breeding program. There are about 350 Mexican wolves in more than 55 zoos and other facilities throughout the United States and Mexico.
Read Full Story HERE
October 28, 2021: In the News
Service Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Changes to Mexican Wolf Management Rule
Proposed revisions align with Mexican wolf recovery strategy and ESA delisting criteria
Aislinn Maestas, US Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing changes to the management regulations for Mexican wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) in the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) in Arizona and New Mexico under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
“We believe these changes to the Mexican wolf 10(j) rule will allow us to recover Mexican wolves more effectively in the wild,” said Amy Lueders, the Southwest Regional Director for the Service. “The revision process presented an opportunity to work closely with our partners in aligning our regulatory framework with the science-based management recommendations in the 2017 revised recovery plan.”
The Mexican wolf, once common across the southwest, was all but eliminated in the wild by the 1970s. The species was placed on the endangered species list in 1976, a year later the Service began developing a binational captive breeding and release program with Mexico that has increased Mexican wolf numbers to approximately 350 in the wild. These recovery efforts included the designation of the MWEPA in 1998 to reintroduce Mexican wolves in Arizona and New Mexico as a nonessential experimental population under section 10(j) of the ESA.
The Service is proposing revisions to modify the population objective, establish a genetic objective and temporarily restrict three allowable forms of take of Mexican wolves in the MWEPA that were established in the 2015 10(j) rule. The proposed changes to the rule will bring the management of the wild population in line with recovery criteria for the species as identified in the 2017 revised Mexican wolf recovery plan.
The proposed change to the population objective removes the population limit from the 2015 10(j) rules, which currently allow a maximum of 300-325 Mexican wolves. Removing this limit aligns the population goal with the recovery criteria in the 2017 recovery plan. The Service is also proposing the establishment of a genetic diversity objective within the MWEPA, with a goal of 22 released wolves surviving to breeding age by 2030, and the temporary restriction of three forms of allowable take until the genetic diversity goals are met.
In 2018, the U.S. District Court of Arizona remanded the 2015 final MWEPA 10(j) rule to the Service to revise the designation of the MWEPA in Arizona and New Mexico. The ruling directed the Service to redress several components of the rule to ensure the experimental population contributes to long-term Mexican wolf conservation and recovery.
Following the court order, the Service also reconsidered the nonessential experimental designation for the U.S. population of Mexican wolves. The Service has determined a change to the nonessential experimental population designation is not warranted. In addition, the proposal does not include any changes to the MWEPA geographic boundaries.
Accompanying the rule is a draft supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) that analyzes how the proposed revisions will impact biological resources, land use, environmental justice, human health and public safety, and economic activities such as ranching and big game hunting. Information from a public scoping period conducted from April 15, 2020, to June 15, 2020, was incorporated into the DSEIS and the proposed rule.
In keeping with the Service’s mission to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people, the Service collaborated closely with the states of Arizona and New Mexico, as well as our federal, local and Tribal partners, throughout this process.
The Service will hold a series of virtual public hearings and information sessions regarding the proposed changes and DSEIS during the 90-day public comment period. Information on dates and how to register can be found at https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf/10j-revision.
The proposed rule and DSEIS will publish on Friday October 29, 2021 and will be available for review at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2021-0103. Public comments will be accepted 90 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register and may be submitted through http://www.regulations.gov by searching the docket number.
Proposed revisions align with Mexican wolf recovery strategy and ESA delisting criteria
Aislinn Maestas, US Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing changes to the management regulations for Mexican wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) in the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) in Arizona and New Mexico under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
“We believe these changes to the Mexican wolf 10(j) rule will allow us to recover Mexican wolves more effectively in the wild,” said Amy Lueders, the Southwest Regional Director for the Service. “The revision process presented an opportunity to work closely with our partners in aligning our regulatory framework with the science-based management recommendations in the 2017 revised recovery plan.”
The Mexican wolf, once common across the southwest, was all but eliminated in the wild by the 1970s. The species was placed on the endangered species list in 1976, a year later the Service began developing a binational captive breeding and release program with Mexico that has increased Mexican wolf numbers to approximately 350 in the wild. These recovery efforts included the designation of the MWEPA in 1998 to reintroduce Mexican wolves in Arizona and New Mexico as a nonessential experimental population under section 10(j) of the ESA.
The Service is proposing revisions to modify the population objective, establish a genetic objective and temporarily restrict three allowable forms of take of Mexican wolves in the MWEPA that were established in the 2015 10(j) rule. The proposed changes to the rule will bring the management of the wild population in line with recovery criteria for the species as identified in the 2017 revised Mexican wolf recovery plan.
The proposed change to the population objective removes the population limit from the 2015 10(j) rules, which currently allow a maximum of 300-325 Mexican wolves. Removing this limit aligns the population goal with the recovery criteria in the 2017 recovery plan. The Service is also proposing the establishment of a genetic diversity objective within the MWEPA, with a goal of 22 released wolves surviving to breeding age by 2030, and the temporary restriction of three forms of allowable take until the genetic diversity goals are met.
In 2018, the U.S. District Court of Arizona remanded the 2015 final MWEPA 10(j) rule to the Service to revise the designation of the MWEPA in Arizona and New Mexico. The ruling directed the Service to redress several components of the rule to ensure the experimental population contributes to long-term Mexican wolf conservation and recovery.
Following the court order, the Service also reconsidered the nonessential experimental designation for the U.S. population of Mexican wolves. The Service has determined a change to the nonessential experimental population designation is not warranted. In addition, the proposal does not include any changes to the MWEPA geographic boundaries.
Accompanying the rule is a draft supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) that analyzes how the proposed revisions will impact biological resources, land use, environmental justice, human health and public safety, and economic activities such as ranching and big game hunting. Information from a public scoping period conducted from April 15, 2020, to June 15, 2020, was incorporated into the DSEIS and the proposed rule.
In keeping with the Service’s mission to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people, the Service collaborated closely with the states of Arizona and New Mexico, as well as our federal, local and Tribal partners, throughout this process.
The Service will hold a series of virtual public hearings and information sessions regarding the proposed changes and DSEIS during the 90-day public comment period. Information on dates and how to register can be found at https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf/10j-revision.
The proposed rule and DSEIS will publish on Friday October 29, 2021 and will be available for review at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2021-0103. Public comments will be accepted 90 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register and may be submitted through http://www.regulations.gov by searching the docket number.
October 27, 2021: In the News
Biden Administration Rolls Back Trump Endangered Species Act Reforms
Western Ag Network
The Biden administration issued a proposal to rescind several regulatory changes to the Endangered Species Act finalized by the Trump administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service announced on Tuesday.
In August 2019, the Trump administration finalized three rules. Most notably, the USFWS removed its blanket rule in the ESA that automatically grants the same protections for threatened species that are available for endangered species.
The final rules did not affect protections for species currently listed as threatened but instead receive protections tailored to species' individual conservation needs.
"The Endangered Species Act is one of the most important conservation tools in America and provides a safety net for species that are at risk of going extinct," Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz said in a news release.
"If finalized, today's proposed actions will bring the implementation of the act back into alignment with its original intent and purpose -- protecting and recovering America's biological heritage for future generations."
Farmers and ranchers across the country face challenges in managing their land when critical habitats are present.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said in a statement that turning back ESA reforms will hurt farmers and ranchers.
"AFBF is now equally disappointed that in the space of three weeks, the Biden administration has proposed three different changes to these regulations, signaling a return to complicated and burdensome rules that do little to advance conservation goals," he said in a statement.
Read More HERE
Western Ag Network
The Biden administration issued a proposal to rescind several regulatory changes to the Endangered Species Act finalized by the Trump administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service announced on Tuesday.
In August 2019, the Trump administration finalized three rules. Most notably, the USFWS removed its blanket rule in the ESA that automatically grants the same protections for threatened species that are available for endangered species.
The final rules did not affect protections for species currently listed as threatened but instead receive protections tailored to species' individual conservation needs.
"The Endangered Species Act is one of the most important conservation tools in America and provides a safety net for species that are at risk of going extinct," Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz said in a news release.
"If finalized, today's proposed actions will bring the implementation of the act back into alignment with its original intent and purpose -- protecting and recovering America's biological heritage for future generations."
Farmers and ranchers across the country face challenges in managing their land when critical habitats are present.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said in a statement that turning back ESA reforms will hurt farmers and ranchers.
"AFBF is now equally disappointed that in the space of three weeks, the Biden administration has proposed three different changes to these regulations, signaling a return to complicated and burdensome rules that do little to advance conservation goals," he said in a statement.
Read More HERE
October 27, 2021: In the News
Supply chain issues hitting all segments of ag
Jacqui Fatka, Beef Magazine
Key ag leaders shared with the Department of Transportation that the most problematic supply chain issues for the ag industry include transportation costs, labor availability, rising energy costs and challenges with obtaining inputs and products for the ag sector.
In response to President Joe Biden’s Feb. 24, 2021, Executive Order on America’s Supply Chains, key participants in the agricultural industry detailed in two letters the key concerns for an industry impacted on multiple levels, one signed by the Ag CEO Council of the 17 top ag groups as well as another written on behalf of the Agricultural Transportation Working Group.
“After many years of low farm prices, recent price increases were poised to help elevate market net returns. Given these supply chain issues, that optimism has faded into a desire to simply not do worse than those lean years,” the Ag CEO Council groups state in their comments. “The supply chains that are critical for inputs and sales of goods face multiple and simultaneous challenges. This has led to higher prices for inputs, lower prices for outputs and, in some cases, the inability to purchase goods or services regardless of price.”
Read More HERE
Jacqui Fatka, Beef Magazine
Key ag leaders shared with the Department of Transportation that the most problematic supply chain issues for the ag industry include transportation costs, labor availability, rising energy costs and challenges with obtaining inputs and products for the ag sector.
In response to President Joe Biden’s Feb. 24, 2021, Executive Order on America’s Supply Chains, key participants in the agricultural industry detailed in two letters the key concerns for an industry impacted on multiple levels, one signed by the Ag CEO Council of the 17 top ag groups as well as another written on behalf of the Agricultural Transportation Working Group.
“After many years of low farm prices, recent price increases were poised to help elevate market net returns. Given these supply chain issues, that optimism has faded into a desire to simply not do worse than those lean years,” the Ag CEO Council groups state in their comments. “The supply chains that are critical for inputs and sales of goods face multiple and simultaneous challenges. This has led to higher prices for inputs, lower prices for outputs and, in some cases, the inability to purchase goods or services regardless of price.”
Read More HERE
October 20, 2021: In the News
NCBA Welcomes Cattle Contract Library Bill Amid Ongoing Push for Transparency
WASHINGTON (October 20, 2021) — Today, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the introduction of the Cattle Contract Library Act, led by Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX).
The bipartisan bill would establish a cattle contract library within USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS), equipping cattle producers with the market data they need to make informed business decisions and exert greater leverage in negotiations with major meatpackers.
The cattle contract library is widely supported by industry groups and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and the introduction of this legislation comes after more than a year of NCBA pushing for the creation of the library.
Read Full Story HERE
WASHINGTON (October 20, 2021) — Today, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the introduction of the Cattle Contract Library Act, led by Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX).
The bipartisan bill would establish a cattle contract library within USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS), equipping cattle producers with the market data they need to make informed business decisions and exert greater leverage in negotiations with major meatpackers.
The cattle contract library is widely supported by industry groups and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and the introduction of this legislation comes after more than a year of NCBA pushing for the creation of the library.
Read Full Story HERE
October 19, 2021: In the News
Calf Run In Full-Swing, Prices Mixed
Greg Henderson, Drovers
The fall run of calves to auction markets is in full swing as the number of feeder cattle weighing over 600 pounds offered at auctions dipped below 40% last week.
The fall run began a “week earlier than the last two years with drought in the upper Midwest and Northern Plains being the underlying reason,” according to Agricultural Marketing Service reporters.
Steer and heifer calf prices were called uneven at $2 lower to $3 higher.
Read Full Story HERE
Greg Henderson, Drovers
The fall run of calves to auction markets is in full swing as the number of feeder cattle weighing over 600 pounds offered at auctions dipped below 40% last week.
The fall run began a “week earlier than the last two years with drought in the upper Midwest and Northern Plains being the underlying reason,” according to Agricultural Marketing Service reporters.
Steer and heifer calf prices were called uneven at $2 lower to $3 higher.
Read Full Story HERE
October 18, 2021: In the News
Celebrating Heritage at Joint Stockmen's Convention
Taylor Riggins, NMCGA
Sierra and Luna were the last of the state’s 33 counties to hold fairs this past weekend, October 6th -10th. The remaining county winners of the Heritage contest are as follows: JD Kersey (Socorro), Kayden Branum (Cibola), Cheyanne Carlisle (McKinley), Amanda Hibbard (Otero), Kayleigh Massengill (Grant), Braylin Chaffin (Luna) and Kaden Whetten (Sierra).
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association will announce an overall state Heritage award winner during the 2021 Joint Stockmen’s Convention held December 14-17 at Hotel Albuquerque in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The winner will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship during the December 16th noon Stockmen’s Award Luncheon.
“The support and participation that has come from this first year of the Heritage contest has been overwhelming,” said Amanda Culbertson, Promotion and Marketing Committee Vice-Chairman NMCGA. “Hearing stories of family and lessons learned has all of us at NMCGA excited for the future of agriculture.”
To be eligible for the Heritage buckle award, youth ages 9-21 were asked to provide a 200-500 word essay on the ‘value they placed on the heritage of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico’. Recipients from each county were presented with a trophy belt buckle and a one-year junior membership to NMCGA. Awards and the program scholarship fund were made possible by generous donations from membership and allied partners.
This is what our last set of county winners had to say:
JD Kersey (Socorro): I am from Magdalena, home of the Magdalena Stock Driveway also known as Trails End. Ranchers from Western New Mexico and Eastern Arizona would drive their cattle and their sheep to the Stock Driveway Pens. Ranching heritage is in my community and in my blood. Trails End ran through my grandfather’s cattle ranch named Montosa, located west of Magdalena. We are the lands’ voice. We are the land’s protector. We respect our livestock. Ranching will be my job when I grow up and will be something that will proudly pass through my family for years to come. Award sponsored by Dale Armstrong.
Kayden Branum (Cibola): New Mexico is a rural state made up of many ranches, dairies, and small cow-calf operations. Ranching heritage shapes the people of New Mexico, yet many overlook the importance of agriculture. Heritage in ranching instills youth with work ethic and responsibility, incorporates cultural diversity and customs, creates leaders through FFA and 4H, and brings together New Mexican producers and consumers. My heritage in ranching has shaped me to see the ways we all represent agriculture in our state. Award sponsored by U.S. Representative Yvette Herrell.
Cheyanne Carlisle (McKinley): All across New Mexico you can find trucks driving around with a front red license plate that reads “NEW MEXICO BEEF IS GREAT”. It’s true, our beef is great because our heritage runs deep. I am a 5th generation rancher from Tohatchi. There I grew up with days that started early and ended late. A place where animals were cared for and fed before I had breakfast or dinner. Where I have great memories of sitting on my grandpa’s tailgate eating a sandwich with dirty hands, smelling of horse sweat and smoke from branding calves. I am proud of my home and my heritage, it is my daily reminder of how hard my family works and cares for land and livestock. Award sponsored by Ag New Mexico Farm Credit.
Amanda Hibbard (Otero): Traditions come in all different forms, for example on Christmas Eve my family and I put out our boots in front of the fireplace instead of stockings and every Sunday night we eat popcorn together. Generationally people embrace new ways of doing things. I believe ranching itself is a tradition and can successfully be accomplished in many ways. Success does not come from demeaning our neighbors or anyone who chooses to do things differently from us. Success comes from helping each other and having open minds while maintaining our own uniqueness. Change doesn’t mean bad, it just means different. I am proud of my family’s ranching heritage because I know that our traditions are consistent to us and everything we accomplish we accomplish together. Award sponsored by Cross D Ranch, Darrell Brown.
Kayleigh Massengill (Grant): Without our heritages ranchers would not be who they are today. What was discovered and tried in the past helps us to do better in the future. But you don’t have to be a rancher to understand the values of hard work, honesty, responsibility and faith. Cattle teach us about these things while also providing us with delicious meat and useful byproducts like toothpaste! I value my heritage in ranching because it has taught me to learn to work for what I have. Award sponsored by Tom and Callie Paterson, Spur Ranch Cattle Co. LLC.
Braylin Chaffin (Luna): The cattle industry in New Mexico is valuable to me because it is good for our economy, supplies our state and other Americans with quality beef and it provides my dad with a job to take care of his family. Ranchers pay taxes, we sell our cattle and help other families by employing them, all of which helps the economy to grow. Our cattle eat old grasses, letting new grass and plants flourish. Cattle graze on land that humans can’t use and help protect environment meant for wildlife. Award sponsored by Tamara Hurt.
Kaden Whetten (Sierra): My family and I live on the Adobe Ranch where we run a cow/calf operation. Every member of my family is a part of raising cattle, whether that be out on a ranch or running a feedyard. My family ancestry dates back to Colonial Juarez, Mexico in the 1800’s. My ranching heritage is important to me because one day soon I hope to continue the legacy the generations before me have started. Award sponsored by Representative Rebecca Dow.
To learn more about the Heritage contest and how to become a 2022 sponsor please visit www.nmagriculture.org or call the office at 505-247-0584.
Taylor Riggins, NMCGA
Sierra and Luna were the last of the state’s 33 counties to hold fairs this past weekend, October 6th -10th. The remaining county winners of the Heritage contest are as follows: JD Kersey (Socorro), Kayden Branum (Cibola), Cheyanne Carlisle (McKinley), Amanda Hibbard (Otero), Kayleigh Massengill (Grant), Braylin Chaffin (Luna) and Kaden Whetten (Sierra).
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association will announce an overall state Heritage award winner during the 2021 Joint Stockmen’s Convention held December 14-17 at Hotel Albuquerque in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The winner will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship during the December 16th noon Stockmen’s Award Luncheon.
“The support and participation that has come from this first year of the Heritage contest has been overwhelming,” said Amanda Culbertson, Promotion and Marketing Committee Vice-Chairman NMCGA. “Hearing stories of family and lessons learned has all of us at NMCGA excited for the future of agriculture.”
To be eligible for the Heritage buckle award, youth ages 9-21 were asked to provide a 200-500 word essay on the ‘value they placed on the heritage of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico’. Recipients from each county were presented with a trophy belt buckle and a one-year junior membership to NMCGA. Awards and the program scholarship fund were made possible by generous donations from membership and allied partners.
This is what our last set of county winners had to say:
JD Kersey (Socorro): I am from Magdalena, home of the Magdalena Stock Driveway also known as Trails End. Ranchers from Western New Mexico and Eastern Arizona would drive their cattle and their sheep to the Stock Driveway Pens. Ranching heritage is in my community and in my blood. Trails End ran through my grandfather’s cattle ranch named Montosa, located west of Magdalena. We are the lands’ voice. We are the land’s protector. We respect our livestock. Ranching will be my job when I grow up and will be something that will proudly pass through my family for years to come. Award sponsored by Dale Armstrong.
Kayden Branum (Cibola): New Mexico is a rural state made up of many ranches, dairies, and small cow-calf operations. Ranching heritage shapes the people of New Mexico, yet many overlook the importance of agriculture. Heritage in ranching instills youth with work ethic and responsibility, incorporates cultural diversity and customs, creates leaders through FFA and 4H, and brings together New Mexican producers and consumers. My heritage in ranching has shaped me to see the ways we all represent agriculture in our state. Award sponsored by U.S. Representative Yvette Herrell.
Cheyanne Carlisle (McKinley): All across New Mexico you can find trucks driving around with a front red license plate that reads “NEW MEXICO BEEF IS GREAT”. It’s true, our beef is great because our heritage runs deep. I am a 5th generation rancher from Tohatchi. There I grew up with days that started early and ended late. A place where animals were cared for and fed before I had breakfast or dinner. Where I have great memories of sitting on my grandpa’s tailgate eating a sandwich with dirty hands, smelling of horse sweat and smoke from branding calves. I am proud of my home and my heritage, it is my daily reminder of how hard my family works and cares for land and livestock. Award sponsored by Ag New Mexico Farm Credit.
Amanda Hibbard (Otero): Traditions come in all different forms, for example on Christmas Eve my family and I put out our boots in front of the fireplace instead of stockings and every Sunday night we eat popcorn together. Generationally people embrace new ways of doing things. I believe ranching itself is a tradition and can successfully be accomplished in many ways. Success does not come from demeaning our neighbors or anyone who chooses to do things differently from us. Success comes from helping each other and having open minds while maintaining our own uniqueness. Change doesn’t mean bad, it just means different. I am proud of my family’s ranching heritage because I know that our traditions are consistent to us and everything we accomplish we accomplish together. Award sponsored by Cross D Ranch, Darrell Brown.
Kayleigh Massengill (Grant): Without our heritages ranchers would not be who they are today. What was discovered and tried in the past helps us to do better in the future. But you don’t have to be a rancher to understand the values of hard work, honesty, responsibility and faith. Cattle teach us about these things while also providing us with delicious meat and useful byproducts like toothpaste! I value my heritage in ranching because it has taught me to learn to work for what I have. Award sponsored by Tom and Callie Paterson, Spur Ranch Cattle Co. LLC.
Braylin Chaffin (Luna): The cattle industry in New Mexico is valuable to me because it is good for our economy, supplies our state and other Americans with quality beef and it provides my dad with a job to take care of his family. Ranchers pay taxes, we sell our cattle and help other families by employing them, all of which helps the economy to grow. Our cattle eat old grasses, letting new grass and plants flourish. Cattle graze on land that humans can’t use and help protect environment meant for wildlife. Award sponsored by Tamara Hurt.
Kaden Whetten (Sierra): My family and I live on the Adobe Ranch where we run a cow/calf operation. Every member of my family is a part of raising cattle, whether that be out on a ranch or running a feedyard. My family ancestry dates back to Colonial Juarez, Mexico in the 1800’s. My ranching heritage is important to me because one day soon I hope to continue the legacy the generations before me have started. Award sponsored by Representative Rebecca Dow.
To learn more about the Heritage contest and how to become a 2022 sponsor please visit www.nmagriculture.org or call the office at 505-247-0584.
Kayden Branum (Cibola) with Sheriff Tony Mace
Amanda Hibbard (Otero) with Darrell Brown and Gary Stone
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Cheyanne Carlisle (McKinley) with Karen Bedonie and Dorothy Carlisle
JD Kersey (Socorro) with Randell Major
Kaden Whetten (Sierra) with Dee Wear
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Kayleigh Massengill (Grant) with Preston Johnson
Braylin Chaffin (Luna) with Tamara Hurt
|
October 18, 2021: In the News
Will Farmers and Ranchers be Taxed Out of Agriculture?
Katherine E. Merck Budd-Falen Law Offices, LLC
As the Biden administration’s inevitable changes to the tax policy take shape, one thing remains constant: agriculture is under attack.
The House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over taxation, released draft legislation on September 13, 2021. As written, the proposed legislation would lower the amount that a person can transfer by gift or through an estate before incurring taxes, a change that will disproportionately impact agriculture.
Currently, a person may transfer a total of $11.7 million by gift or through their estate essentially tax-free and any amount above that is taxed by the federal government. This amount was raised by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and is set to sunset in 2026, meaning that the exemption level would revert to $5 million per person, adjusted for inflation to about $6 million per person. The currently proposed legislation, however, would move the date of the reduction up to January 1, 2022. The tax on the portion of an inherited farm or ranch estate that is over the exemption level is 40% and must be paid within 9 months of death.
Although this amount is often discussed simply in terms of estate taxes, it also includes any gifts above the annual gift exemption. Currently, a person may annually gift $15,000 each to an unlimited number of recipients without being taxed. Any amount above that uses up part of the lifetime exemption. For example, a gift of $20,000 to a person in a single year will diminish the total lifetime gift and estate tax exemption by $5,000.
While these numbers may seem high at first glance, especially for those familiar with the low liquidity of agriculture operations, they include the value of land and other non-liquid assets such as equipment. In other words, this amount includes the total value of a farm or ranch, not just the money in the bank. Generally, the most valuable asset of a farm or ranch is the land itself, which typically continues to appreciate over time. In many parts of the country, hot real estate markets are inflating the price of land to a point that a lowered exemption level is likely to trigger gift and estate taxes upon transfer through gift or inheritance.
Another major concern for agriculture under this administration is a change to step up in basis, and advocates for agriculture throughout the country collectively breathed a sigh of relief when the proposed legislation did not contain such a change. The proposed legislation is still subject to multiple rounds of debate and revision, so the threat of a change to step up in basis is by no means gone.
“Step up in basis” means that when property is passed at death, its value is adjusted to the current fair market value. When a property is sold, the owner is taxed on the difference between the current market value and their “basis” in the property, meaning the value of the property at the time they acquired it. This difference is referred to as a capital gain or loss, which is then federally taxed. A step up in basis reduces the capital gains realized by the inheriting generation because the calculation is based on the appreciation of the land during their ownership rather than since the original family purchase. Since land typically appreciates over time, an elimination of or tax on step up in basis would disproportionately impact generational transfers in agriculture.
Despite the proposed legislation not including this change, it is not completely off the table. The proposed legislation is not set in stone yet and such a change may easily be added back through the extensive revision process prior to congressional approval. Additionally, Biden’s “American Families Plan” released on April 28, 2021, supports limitations on the existing step up in basis.
Although the current elimination of changes to step up in basis are a move in the right direction, changes negatively impacting the generational transfer of farms and ranches are inevitable under the current administration. Estate taxes can bankrupt an operation, so farmers and ranchers need to reassess their estate plans to protect their operations for future generations. Hopefully, our country will realize the disastrous implications of taxing agriculture out of business before it is too late. In the meantime, estate planning is one of the most powerful tools we can use to keep the industry alive for the next generation.
Katherine E. Merck Budd-Falen Law Offices, LLC
As the Biden administration’s inevitable changes to the tax policy take shape, one thing remains constant: agriculture is under attack.
The House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over taxation, released draft legislation on September 13, 2021. As written, the proposed legislation would lower the amount that a person can transfer by gift or through an estate before incurring taxes, a change that will disproportionately impact agriculture.
Currently, a person may transfer a total of $11.7 million by gift or through their estate essentially tax-free and any amount above that is taxed by the federal government. This amount was raised by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and is set to sunset in 2026, meaning that the exemption level would revert to $5 million per person, adjusted for inflation to about $6 million per person. The currently proposed legislation, however, would move the date of the reduction up to January 1, 2022. The tax on the portion of an inherited farm or ranch estate that is over the exemption level is 40% and must be paid within 9 months of death.
Although this amount is often discussed simply in terms of estate taxes, it also includes any gifts above the annual gift exemption. Currently, a person may annually gift $15,000 each to an unlimited number of recipients without being taxed. Any amount above that uses up part of the lifetime exemption. For example, a gift of $20,000 to a person in a single year will diminish the total lifetime gift and estate tax exemption by $5,000.
While these numbers may seem high at first glance, especially for those familiar with the low liquidity of agriculture operations, they include the value of land and other non-liquid assets such as equipment. In other words, this amount includes the total value of a farm or ranch, not just the money in the bank. Generally, the most valuable asset of a farm or ranch is the land itself, which typically continues to appreciate over time. In many parts of the country, hot real estate markets are inflating the price of land to a point that a lowered exemption level is likely to trigger gift and estate taxes upon transfer through gift or inheritance.
Another major concern for agriculture under this administration is a change to step up in basis, and advocates for agriculture throughout the country collectively breathed a sigh of relief when the proposed legislation did not contain such a change. The proposed legislation is still subject to multiple rounds of debate and revision, so the threat of a change to step up in basis is by no means gone.
“Step up in basis” means that when property is passed at death, its value is adjusted to the current fair market value. When a property is sold, the owner is taxed on the difference between the current market value and their “basis” in the property, meaning the value of the property at the time they acquired it. This difference is referred to as a capital gain or loss, which is then federally taxed. A step up in basis reduces the capital gains realized by the inheriting generation because the calculation is based on the appreciation of the land during their ownership rather than since the original family purchase. Since land typically appreciates over time, an elimination of or tax on step up in basis would disproportionately impact generational transfers in agriculture.
Despite the proposed legislation not including this change, it is not completely off the table. The proposed legislation is not set in stone yet and such a change may easily be added back through the extensive revision process prior to congressional approval. Additionally, Biden’s “American Families Plan” released on April 28, 2021, supports limitations on the existing step up in basis.
Although the current elimination of changes to step up in basis are a move in the right direction, changes negatively impacting the generational transfer of farms and ranches are inevitable under the current administration. Estate taxes can bankrupt an operation, so farmers and ranchers need to reassess their estate plans to protect their operations for future generations. Hopefully, our country will realize the disastrous implications of taxing agriculture out of business before it is too late. In the meantime, estate planning is one of the most powerful tools we can use to keep the industry alive for the next generation.
October 18, 2021: In the News
Cattle Inch Higher As Supplies Tighten
Greg Henderson, Drovers
Cash cattle prices slowly move higher as supplies of market-ready cattle have continued to tighten. Cash cattle traded in the South this week at $124 in a moderate to active trade, steady with last week’s prices. Cattle in the North sold mostly at $124 with a few up to $125, and mostly $196 dressed, steady to $2 higher.
CME December cattle futures rose 67.5 cents to $130.975 per cwt., up 0.6% on the week for the second consecutive weekly gain and the highest settlement since $132.20 on Sept. 2. November feeder cattle fell 72.5 cents to $161.425, up 0.2% on the week.
Read Full Story HERE
Greg Henderson, Drovers
Cash cattle prices slowly move higher as supplies of market-ready cattle have continued to tighten. Cash cattle traded in the South this week at $124 in a moderate to active trade, steady with last week’s prices. Cattle in the North sold mostly at $124 with a few up to $125, and mostly $196 dressed, steady to $2 higher.
CME December cattle futures rose 67.5 cents to $130.975 per cwt., up 0.6% on the week for the second consecutive weekly gain and the highest settlement since $132.20 on Sept. 2. November feeder cattle fell 72.5 cents to $161.425, up 0.2% on the week.
Read Full Story HERE
October 15, 2021: In the News
Preparing for Cattle Transport Saves Time, Money and Stress
Jesse Fulton, Nebraska BQA
Many producers are beginning to plan shipment of this year’s calf crop or moving cattle from summer pasture to crop residues, fall/winter pastures, or to a dry lot. Each and every year, millions of head of cattle are transported from point A to point B. During this time, our bumper-pull trailers, gooseneck trailers, or cattle pots are giant billboards for the cattle industry. Because of this fact, we as cattle producers should be ensuring we are doing our part of shedding a positive light on the cattle industry by following best management practices when transporting our animals.
There are several important factors that should be considered when cattle are being transported including loading conditions, time in transit, weather conditions, comingling, segregation of different sexes and weight classes into separate trailer compartments, driver experience, and animal health status and physical condition.
Read Full Story HERE
Jesse Fulton, Nebraska BQA
Many producers are beginning to plan shipment of this year’s calf crop or moving cattle from summer pasture to crop residues, fall/winter pastures, or to a dry lot. Each and every year, millions of head of cattle are transported from point A to point B. During this time, our bumper-pull trailers, gooseneck trailers, or cattle pots are giant billboards for the cattle industry. Because of this fact, we as cattle producers should be ensuring we are doing our part of shedding a positive light on the cattle industry by following best management practices when transporting our animals.
There are several important factors that should be considered when cattle are being transported including loading conditions, time in transit, weather conditions, comingling, segregation of different sexes and weight classes into separate trailer compartments, driver experience, and animal health status and physical condition.
Read Full Story HERE
October 14, 2021: In the News
New Mexico Buys Ranch To Expand Wildlife Habitat
Greg Henderson, Drovers
New Mexico’s lesser prairie chicken and other grassland wildlife now have an expanded habitat, thanks to a public-private partnership that purchased the 7,560-acre Pipkin Ranch for management by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish (NMDGF).
Last month, NMDGF announced the purchase of the ranch which will connect two existing Department properties, creating over 10,000 continuous acres dedicated to the state’s grassland wildlife. The purchase was made possible through a public-private partnership with NGL Energy Partners and funds generated through the sale of fishing and hunting licenses.
The sale price was not revealed, though an online real estate advertisement listed the price at $3.28 million. Broker’s comments noted the ranch’s stocking rate at 177 cows year-round (15 cows per section), or about 450 yearlings for six months. The ranch is located about 40 miles southeast of Fort Sumner in southeast New Mexico.
Read Full Story HERE
Greg Henderson, Drovers
New Mexico’s lesser prairie chicken and other grassland wildlife now have an expanded habitat, thanks to a public-private partnership that purchased the 7,560-acre Pipkin Ranch for management by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish (NMDGF).
Last month, NMDGF announced the purchase of the ranch which will connect two existing Department properties, creating over 10,000 continuous acres dedicated to the state’s grassland wildlife. The purchase was made possible through a public-private partnership with NGL Energy Partners and funds generated through the sale of fishing and hunting licenses.
The sale price was not revealed, though an online real estate advertisement listed the price at $3.28 million. Broker’s comments noted the ranch’s stocking rate at 177 cows year-round (15 cows per section), or about 450 yearlings for six months. The ranch is located about 40 miles southeast of Fort Sumner in southeast New Mexico.
Read Full Story HERE
October 12, 2021: Sawtooth Mountain
Sawtooth Mountain - How the reinstatement of livestock grazing on the Cibola Forest allotment came about
Taylor Riggins, NMCGA
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) members Ron and Mahona Burnett recently shared their agriculture story with the Society of Range Management (SRM) and guests during the society’s summer tour in Datil.
The Burnett’s were awarded the permit to graze 22 sections of scenic Sawtooth Mountain. This particular allotment had been out of grazing rotation for several years. The couple was selected from a pool of five applicants, following critical review of detailed grazing and management plans for Sawtooth Mountain. With the addition of Sawtooth, Ron and Mahona run livestock on the Flying V and Sugarloaf allotments in the Datil area.
During the presentation, Ron highlighted benefits of working closely with officials such as Tina Cason, Rangeland Management Specialist of the Magdalena Ranger District on the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands. Ron and Tina further discussed the Forest Service grazing allotment grant process, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funding opportunities, impacts of the Mexican Grey Wolf, ecosystems of local wildlife and the importance of management practices.
“Well thought out decisions are required of a good land steward,” Ron stated to SRM and attendees. “Long term permittees are key to the long term health of rangeland through adaptive management tools.”
With Cason and her team, Ron and Mahona continually strategize ways to reinstate existing infrastructure to the allotment. This includes placement of watering sources to draw livestock towards areas with dense cover for better utilization of forage resources. Fencing to keep unauthorized cattle out of the Burnett’s herd lends to a tightened calving window and herd health plan.
The couple credits the presence of a well-developed National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the timing of likeminded leaders in regulatory positions and the years they have ranched in Datil to the success of the Sawtooth Mountain allotment being placed back into grazing.
“The influence of people and proper documentation keep the lines of communication open for a successful permittee and permit holder relationship,” said Ron.
With the goal of animal and range health at the forefront, open communication strengthens best management practices. Ranchers face challenges with drought conditions, wildlife depredations and fluctuating markets. For permit holders like the Burnetts, additional issues may arise with presence of heightened traffic due to hunters, woodcutters and recreational campers. There are also instances of bothersome and illegal littering. Yet they choose to embrace those differences, finding satisfaction in being right where they are doing what they enjoy.
“We choose to utilize permits to run our livestock and we treat each as if it was our own,” Ron said. “Putting our time and resources in each of the allotments, we treat everything like the business that it is.”
Taylor Riggins, NMCGA
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) members Ron and Mahona Burnett recently shared their agriculture story with the Society of Range Management (SRM) and guests during the society’s summer tour in Datil.
The Burnett’s were awarded the permit to graze 22 sections of scenic Sawtooth Mountain. This particular allotment had been out of grazing rotation for several years. The couple was selected from a pool of five applicants, following critical review of detailed grazing and management plans for Sawtooth Mountain. With the addition of Sawtooth, Ron and Mahona run livestock on the Flying V and Sugarloaf allotments in the Datil area.
During the presentation, Ron highlighted benefits of working closely with officials such as Tina Cason, Rangeland Management Specialist of the Magdalena Ranger District on the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands. Ron and Tina further discussed the Forest Service grazing allotment grant process, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funding opportunities, impacts of the Mexican Grey Wolf, ecosystems of local wildlife and the importance of management practices.
“Well thought out decisions are required of a good land steward,” Ron stated to SRM and attendees. “Long term permittees are key to the long term health of rangeland through adaptive management tools.”
With Cason and her team, Ron and Mahona continually strategize ways to reinstate existing infrastructure to the allotment. This includes placement of watering sources to draw livestock towards areas with dense cover for better utilization of forage resources. Fencing to keep unauthorized cattle out of the Burnett’s herd lends to a tightened calving window and herd health plan.
The couple credits the presence of a well-developed National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the timing of likeminded leaders in regulatory positions and the years they have ranched in Datil to the success of the Sawtooth Mountain allotment being placed back into grazing.
“The influence of people and proper documentation keep the lines of communication open for a successful permittee and permit holder relationship,” said Ron.
With the goal of animal and range health at the forefront, open communication strengthens best management practices. Ranchers face challenges with drought conditions, wildlife depredations and fluctuating markets. For permit holders like the Burnetts, additional issues may arise with presence of heightened traffic due to hunters, woodcutters and recreational campers. There are also instances of bothersome and illegal littering. Yet they choose to embrace those differences, finding satisfaction in being right where they are doing what they enjoy.
“We choose to utilize permits to run our livestock and we treat each as if it was our own,” Ron said. “Putting our time and resources in each of the allotments, we treat everything like the business that it is.”
Ron and Mahona Burnett
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Sawtooth Mountain allotment
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October 12, 2021: In the News
USDA Announces First Installment of Farm Service Agency and Rural Development State Directors
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2021 – Following a press release from President Joe Biden announcing the appointment of several regional appointments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the appointments of five Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Directors and seven Rural Development (RD) State Directors.
“These twelve individuals are incredible public servants who have a proven track record when it comes to their commitment to advance their states and communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Each will serve on the frontlines, carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level and ensuring the voice of each and every USDA customer is heard. We are fortunate to have each of these talented individuals at this critical time for farmers and producers and rural communities across America.”
FSA State Executive Directors oversee Farm Service Agency operations and agricultural policy implementation in the state. Each State Executive Director works with the State Committee to administer FSA programs and County office operations, develops and maintains stakeholder relationships with customers and other agencies and governments.
Read Full Release HERE
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2021 – Following a press release from President Joe Biden announcing the appointment of several regional appointments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the appointments of five Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Directors and seven Rural Development (RD) State Directors.
“These twelve individuals are incredible public servants who have a proven track record when it comes to their commitment to advance their states and communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Each will serve on the frontlines, carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level and ensuring the voice of each and every USDA customer is heard. We are fortunate to have each of these talented individuals at this critical time for farmers and producers and rural communities across America.”
FSA State Executive Directors oversee Farm Service Agency operations and agricultural policy implementation in the state. Each State Executive Director works with the State Committee to administer FSA programs and County office operations, develops and maintains stakeholder relationships with customers and other agencies and governments.
Read Full Release HERE
October 7, 2021: In the News
Government Interference Will cost Producers Billions, NAMI Says
Greg Henderson, Drovers
Current proposals for legislative action that would increase government intervention and mandates in the U.S. cattle industry will cost producers billions of dollars. That’s according to an analysis by livestock economists published in an extensive report titled “The U.S. Beef Supply Chain: Issues and Challenges,” the result of a collaboration with Texas A&M’s Agricultural and Food Policy Center, national experts and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The report was released just two days before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee holds another hearing to review the state of the livestock industry. In an unusual move, House Ag Committee Chairman David Scott (D-GA.) has called on Iowa senator Chuck Grassley to testify. Grassley and senator Jon Tester (D-MT) are co-sponsors of a bill that would require packers to buy at least 50% of their weekly cattle needs in negotiated cash market.
In a statement issued Tuesday, North American Meat Institute president and CEO Julia Anna Potts affirmed that her group opposes any government intervention such as the Grassley-Tester bill, and she said it should be no surprise that the Texas A&M analysis reflects the expert testimony delivered at three Congressional hearing this year.
Read Full Story HERE
Greg Henderson, Drovers
Current proposals for legislative action that would increase government intervention and mandates in the U.S. cattle industry will cost producers billions of dollars. That’s according to an analysis by livestock economists published in an extensive report titled “The U.S. Beef Supply Chain: Issues and Challenges,” the result of a collaboration with Texas A&M’s Agricultural and Food Policy Center, national experts and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The report was released just two days before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee holds another hearing to review the state of the livestock industry. In an unusual move, House Ag Committee Chairman David Scott (D-GA.) has called on Iowa senator Chuck Grassley to testify. Grassley and senator Jon Tester (D-MT) are co-sponsors of a bill that would require packers to buy at least 50% of their weekly cattle needs in negotiated cash market.
In a statement issued Tuesday, North American Meat Institute president and CEO Julia Anna Potts affirmed that her group opposes any government intervention such as the Grassley-Tester bill, and she said it should be no surprise that the Texas A&M analysis reflects the expert testimony delivered at three Congressional hearing this year.
Read Full Story HERE
October 6, 2021: Around the State
New Mexico Cattle Growers and Wool Growers are proud to support the Eastern New Mexico State Fair! Hear our association ads by tuning in to 92.9 The Brand and 106.5 Roswell's Talk FM.
Pecos Valley Broadcasting will also be live streaming the following events during the fair.
Tune in here: https://www.ksvptv.com/2021-eastern-new-mexico-state-fair/
Pecos Valley Broadcasting will also be live streaming the following events during the fair.
Tune in here: https://www.ksvptv.com/2021-eastern-new-mexico-state-fair/
- Wednesday, 10/6 - Market Lamb
- Thursday, 10/7 - Breeding Heifer, Market Beef, #NMCGA Showmanship Contest
- Friday, 10/8 - Natural Fibers & Wool Lead
- Saturday, 10/9 - Jr. Livestock Sale
October 5, 2021: In the News
Popular Online Farm Equipment and Land Auction Service Sites Crippled by Ransomware Attack
Tyne Morgan, AgWeb
Popular online auction bidding sites for farm equipment and farmland were the victim of a recent ransomware attack. As a result, sites such as TractorHouse, EquipmentFacts, AuctionTime and HiBid have been offline since Friday.
Over the weekend, the Lincoln Journal Star confirmed Sandhills Global, which hosts various online auction websites, was the target of a ransomware attack.
In a message to its customers, Sandhills Global said, “Systems and operations have been temporarily shut down to protect data and information, and we have retained cybersecurity experts to assist us with the investigation, which is ongoing.”
Full Story HERE
Tyne Morgan, AgWeb
Popular online auction bidding sites for farm equipment and farmland were the victim of a recent ransomware attack. As a result, sites such as TractorHouse, EquipmentFacts, AuctionTime and HiBid have been offline since Friday.
Over the weekend, the Lincoln Journal Star confirmed Sandhills Global, which hosts various online auction websites, was the target of a ransomware attack.
In a message to its customers, Sandhills Global said, “Systems and operations have been temporarily shut down to protect data and information, and we have retained cybersecurity experts to assist us with the investigation, which is ongoing.”
Full Story HERE
October 4, 2021: Around the State
Learn more here: https://chihuahuansc.nmsu.edu
October 4, 2021: Federal Register
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding for Two Petitions To List the Gray Wolf in the Western United States
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notification of petition findings and initiation of status reviews.
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to add the gray wolf (Canis lupus) in the Northern Rocky Mountains and a petition to add the gray wolf in western North America to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Based on our review, we find that the petitions present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned actions may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this document, we announce that we plan to initiate a status review to determine whether the petitioned actions are warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are requesting scientific and commercial data and other information regarding the species and factors that may affect its status. Based on the status review, we will issue a 12-month petition finding, which will address whether or not the petitioned actions are warranted, in accordance with the Act.
DATES:The findings announced in this document were made on September 17, 2021. As we commence our status review, we seek any new information concerning the status of, or threats to, the gray wolf, or its habitats in the Northern Rocky Mountains and/or Western United States. Any information we receive during the course of our status review will be considered.
View HERE
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notification of petition findings and initiation of status reviews.
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to add the gray wolf (Canis lupus) in the Northern Rocky Mountains and a petition to add the gray wolf in western North America to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Based on our review, we find that the petitions present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned actions may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this document, we announce that we plan to initiate a status review to determine whether the petitioned actions are warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are requesting scientific and commercial data and other information regarding the species and factors that may affect its status. Based on the status review, we will issue a 12-month petition finding, which will address whether or not the petitioned actions are warranted, in accordance with the Act.
DATES:The findings announced in this document were made on September 17, 2021. As we commence our status review, we seek any new information concerning the status of, or threats to, the gray wolf, or its habitats in the Northern Rocky Mountains and/or Western United States. Any information we receive during the course of our status review will be considered.
View HERE
October 4, 2021: In the News
Agricultural Estate Planning: A Prenup Could Save the Ranch
Katherine E. Merck, Budd-Falen Law Offices, LLC
The term “estate planning” brings to mind wills, trusts, and complicated tax implications, but it also includes protecting yourself and your family from the worst circumstances. Unfortunately, prenuptial agreements are a tool that must be considered to protect yourself and your family.
While most farmers and ranchers are not eager to discuss what will happen after their death, they are even less eager to diminish the joy of their wedding preparations with talk of a prenuptial agreement. This uncomfortable discussion is far less awkward, however, than dividing or losing the family ranch due to divorce or remarriage.
Divorce and remarriage can be extremely difficult to deal with in any family business, particularly a closely held, multi-generational business like an agricultural operation. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are powerful tools for protecting assets in divorce and remarriage. A prenuptial agreement is essentially a contract entered into prior to marriage that allows for a predetermined distribution of assets. Postnuptial agreements, on the other hand, are the same type of agreement, simply made after the couple is legally married.
Most states have statutes that dictate the distribution of assets upon divorce or death, but a prenuptial agreement may be used to waive statutory elective shares and community property rights. In community property states, including Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin, property acquired during marriage is owned equally by each spouse. While property that is inherited or gifted is not considered community property, property that is purchased during the marriage, including land and assets that contribute to the existing inherited ranch, are considered community property. This has the potential to lead to a sticky situation in the event of divorce.
Although prenuptial agreements are often considered to protect the parties in the event of a divorce, they can also be used to protect the farm or ranch in the case of a death or remarriage. In the case of a blended family, for example, the second spouse may be entitled to a portion of the ranch upon the death of the owner, even when the owner intended for the entire ranch to pass to his or her children from the first marriage. The second spouse may then transfer their share of the ranch to his or her kids from a prior marriage, dividing the ranch between two families rather than between siblings as intended. Therefore, it is important for a landowner to understand statutory estate distributions that would occur without any type of estate planning, which may include the distribution to a second spouse against the landowner’s wishes.
Nuptial agreements can be used to essentially opt out of statutory community property rights, which should be considered in blended family situations. Divorces and marriages that blend together families with children become even more complicated in situations involving multiple rights and encumbrances such as easements and federal grazing permits. In such cases, nuptial agreements should specifically address ownership of different property rights including mineral rights and water rights, as well as any entitlement to income from leases and other encumbrances.
As with all aspects of estate planning, it is essential that you have clear, long-term goals in mind. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are important tools that can be used for the benefit of keeping the ranch viable and ensuring that it remains in the family for future generations.
Katherine E. Merck, Budd-Falen Law Offices, LLC
The term “estate planning” brings to mind wills, trusts, and complicated tax implications, but it also includes protecting yourself and your family from the worst circumstances. Unfortunately, prenuptial agreements are a tool that must be considered to protect yourself and your family.
While most farmers and ranchers are not eager to discuss what will happen after their death, they are even less eager to diminish the joy of their wedding preparations with talk of a prenuptial agreement. This uncomfortable discussion is far less awkward, however, than dividing or losing the family ranch due to divorce or remarriage.
Divorce and remarriage can be extremely difficult to deal with in any family business, particularly a closely held, multi-generational business like an agricultural operation. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are powerful tools for protecting assets in divorce and remarriage. A prenuptial agreement is essentially a contract entered into prior to marriage that allows for a predetermined distribution of assets. Postnuptial agreements, on the other hand, are the same type of agreement, simply made after the couple is legally married.
Most states have statutes that dictate the distribution of assets upon divorce or death, but a prenuptial agreement may be used to waive statutory elective shares and community property rights. In community property states, including Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin, property acquired during marriage is owned equally by each spouse. While property that is inherited or gifted is not considered community property, property that is purchased during the marriage, including land and assets that contribute to the existing inherited ranch, are considered community property. This has the potential to lead to a sticky situation in the event of divorce.
Although prenuptial agreements are often considered to protect the parties in the event of a divorce, they can also be used to protect the farm or ranch in the case of a death or remarriage. In the case of a blended family, for example, the second spouse may be entitled to a portion of the ranch upon the death of the owner, even when the owner intended for the entire ranch to pass to his or her children from the first marriage. The second spouse may then transfer their share of the ranch to his or her kids from a prior marriage, dividing the ranch between two families rather than between siblings as intended. Therefore, it is important for a landowner to understand statutory estate distributions that would occur without any type of estate planning, which may include the distribution to a second spouse against the landowner’s wishes.
Nuptial agreements can be used to essentially opt out of statutory community property rights, which should be considered in blended family situations. Divorces and marriages that blend together families with children become even more complicated in situations involving multiple rights and encumbrances such as easements and federal grazing permits. In such cases, nuptial agreements should specifically address ownership of different property rights including mineral rights and water rights, as well as any entitlement to income from leases and other encumbrances.
As with all aspects of estate planning, it is essential that you have clear, long-term goals in mind. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are important tools that can be used for the benefit of keeping the ranch viable and ensuring that it remains in the family for future generations.
September 30, 2021: In the News
New Mexico Ranchers Capture Texas Murder Suspect
Greg Henderson, Drovers
Three New Mexico ranchers captured and held a Midland, Texas, murder suspect who fled law enforcement Monday night just north of Roswell, N.M.
Kionne Devaughn Lewis, 29, of Midland, fled law enforcement into the remote and rugged area north of Roswell, N.M. New Mexico State Police were contacted late Monday by the Texas Rangers requesting assistance finding Lewis, who had a rifle and was driving a 2013 Ford F-150. Law enforcement had issued a warning that Lewis was considered armed and dangerous.
“The New Mexico State Police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Lewis, who rammed the officer’s State Police vehicle disabling it,” the agency said in a statement.
Read Full Story HERE
Greg Henderson, Drovers
Three New Mexico ranchers captured and held a Midland, Texas, murder suspect who fled law enforcement Monday night just north of Roswell, N.M.
Kionne Devaughn Lewis, 29, of Midland, fled law enforcement into the remote and rugged area north of Roswell, N.M. New Mexico State Police were contacted late Monday by the Texas Rangers requesting assistance finding Lewis, who had a rifle and was driving a 2013 Ford F-150. Law enforcement had issued a warning that Lewis was considered armed and dangerous.
“The New Mexico State Police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Lewis, who rammed the officer’s State Police vehicle disabling it,” the agency said in a statement.
Read Full Story HERE
September 29, 2021: In the News
NCBA Sends Open Letter To Congress Regarding Tax Policy
By: Ethan Lane, NCBA
Dear Members of Congress,
In order to pay for a broad suite of policies and programs that align with President Biden’s “Build Back Better” agenda, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have contemplated several changes to the federal tax code that – despite misguided and ill-informed claims to the contrary – would have a devastating impact on family-owned businesses. Many of those family-owned businesses are the farms and ranches that put food on the table each day for millions of Americans and consumers across the globe and include the cattle producers the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) represents.
Most notably, President Biden has proposed changes to a longstanding provision of the federal tax code referred to as “stepped-up basis.” Under the plan, the President has proposed treating the transfer of inherited assets as a sale, meaning transfers of property at death may be subject to capital gains based on the untaxed appreciation (or gains) if certain assets exceed set exemption limits.
When cattle farmers and ranchers are planning for the next generation to take over the farm and build upon the years of economic and environmental contributions that have taken place, stepped-up basis is critical in ensuring that the operation can stay in production, instead of being crippled by a massive tax burden. Thankfully, and despite the push to eliminate stepped-up basis, there appears to be broad bi-partisan support for maintaining this tool for farm and ranch families already dealing with hurdle after hurdle to maintain business viability.
Despite this broad bi-partisan support, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack disappointingly came out in strong defense of the President’s plan in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed and in multiple radio appearances. His argument is this: first, family-owned agricultural operations will not be impacted under this proposal because farmers and ranchers will be exempt from the transfer tax if they keep their operation in the family. Second, because of the Administration’s proposal to exempt up to $2.5 million (for couples) in gain from taxation, 95 percent of family-owned farms and ranches won’t face any new taxes.
The first fallacy of so-called protections for family operations is that all generational transfers can occur within the family. The federal tax code fails to take in account the complex structure of family-owned businesses as it narrowly defines “family” as only those related by lineal descent (i.e., grandparent, to parent, to child) and often imposes several strict parameters around material participation.
This misguided understanding of how land is transferred between generations makes agriculture a prohibitively expensive possibility for many first-generation producers. The narrow definition of family fails to account for situations where an operation could be passed on to a member of the extended family or family friend – a common occurrence in rural communities. Federal tax policy has the potential to make or break land access for the farmers and ranchers who often face the most challenges when it comes to finding and affording land – beginning, veteran, and minority producers.
Read Full Letter HERE
By: Ethan Lane, NCBA
Dear Members of Congress,
In order to pay for a broad suite of policies and programs that align with President Biden’s “Build Back Better” agenda, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have contemplated several changes to the federal tax code that – despite misguided and ill-informed claims to the contrary – would have a devastating impact on family-owned businesses. Many of those family-owned businesses are the farms and ranches that put food on the table each day for millions of Americans and consumers across the globe and include the cattle producers the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) represents.
Most notably, President Biden has proposed changes to a longstanding provision of the federal tax code referred to as “stepped-up basis.” Under the plan, the President has proposed treating the transfer of inherited assets as a sale, meaning transfers of property at death may be subject to capital gains based on the untaxed appreciation (or gains) if certain assets exceed set exemption limits.
When cattle farmers and ranchers are planning for the next generation to take over the farm and build upon the years of economic and environmental contributions that have taken place, stepped-up basis is critical in ensuring that the operation can stay in production, instead of being crippled by a massive tax burden. Thankfully, and despite the push to eliminate stepped-up basis, there appears to be broad bi-partisan support for maintaining this tool for farm and ranch families already dealing with hurdle after hurdle to maintain business viability.
Despite this broad bi-partisan support, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack disappointingly came out in strong defense of the President’s plan in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed and in multiple radio appearances. His argument is this: first, family-owned agricultural operations will not be impacted under this proposal because farmers and ranchers will be exempt from the transfer tax if they keep their operation in the family. Second, because of the Administration’s proposal to exempt up to $2.5 million (for couples) in gain from taxation, 95 percent of family-owned farms and ranches won’t face any new taxes.
The first fallacy of so-called protections for family operations is that all generational transfers can occur within the family. The federal tax code fails to take in account the complex structure of family-owned businesses as it narrowly defines “family” as only those related by lineal descent (i.e., grandparent, to parent, to child) and often imposes several strict parameters around material participation.
This misguided understanding of how land is transferred between generations makes agriculture a prohibitively expensive possibility for many first-generation producers. The narrow definition of family fails to account for situations where an operation could be passed on to a member of the extended family or family friend – a common occurrence in rural communities. Federal tax policy has the potential to make or break land access for the farmers and ranchers who often face the most challenges when it comes to finding and affording land – beginning, veteran, and minority producers.
Read Full Letter HERE
September 29, 2021: Upcoming Cattle Growers' Fall Events
Representatives of New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) will travel across the state beginning the last weekend of September into the month of October. Mark your calendars for these upcoming community events.
September 25th NMCGA and New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc (NMWGI) will have a booth at the 2021 New Mexico State University (NMSU) Ag Day in conjunction with the university’s homecoming activities. Ag Day is sponsored by New Mexico Beef Council and is a tailgate event held prior to the NMSU Aggies vs. Hawaii football game. The event is located in the south Pan Am Center lot and the northeast Aggie Memorial Stadium lot from 2:00pm to 6:00pm in Las Cruces.
October 1st NMCGA will join the Intertribal Agricultural Council, Arizona Cattle Growers Association and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension for a regional producer meeting in Kirtland from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Randell Major, President NMCGA and Shelleen Smith, Executive Director NMCGA will discuss the importance of being an active member within an organization, as well as current issues NMCGA and NMWGI are fighting on behalf of all producers.
October 7th NMCGA will host the showmanship contest at the Eastern New Mexico State Fair Steer Show. All showmen in the novice, junior and senior divisions are invited to participate in the contest. Entry is $25.00 and pays for the child’s first year junior membership to NMCGA.
Rounding out the month, NMCGA along with the East Mountain Rodeo Association will host a harvest dance at Founders Ranch in Edgewood on October 16th from 6:00PM to 11:00PM. The family friendly event will include live music from eastern New Mexico’s own Limited Edition band, food vendors, a game of cornhole and roasting s’mores on fire pits under starry skies. Tickets on sale now or at the gate the day of.
NMCGA staff and representatives look forward to seeing you at these events. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for updates or visit our website at www.nmagriculture.org. For other inquires or to become a member please call the office at 505-247-0584.
September 25th NMCGA and New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc (NMWGI) will have a booth at the 2021 New Mexico State University (NMSU) Ag Day in conjunction with the university’s homecoming activities. Ag Day is sponsored by New Mexico Beef Council and is a tailgate event held prior to the NMSU Aggies vs. Hawaii football game. The event is located in the south Pan Am Center lot and the northeast Aggie Memorial Stadium lot from 2:00pm to 6:00pm in Las Cruces.
October 1st NMCGA will join the Intertribal Agricultural Council, Arizona Cattle Growers Association and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension for a regional producer meeting in Kirtland from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Randell Major, President NMCGA and Shelleen Smith, Executive Director NMCGA will discuss the importance of being an active member within an organization, as well as current issues NMCGA and NMWGI are fighting on behalf of all producers.
October 7th NMCGA will host the showmanship contest at the Eastern New Mexico State Fair Steer Show. All showmen in the novice, junior and senior divisions are invited to participate in the contest. Entry is $25.00 and pays for the child’s first year junior membership to NMCGA.
Rounding out the month, NMCGA along with the East Mountain Rodeo Association will host a harvest dance at Founders Ranch in Edgewood on October 16th from 6:00PM to 11:00PM. The family friendly event will include live music from eastern New Mexico’s own Limited Edition band, food vendors, a game of cornhole and roasting s’mores on fire pits under starry skies. Tickets on sale now or at the gate the day of.
NMCGA staff and representatives look forward to seeing you at these events. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for updates or visit our website at www.nmagriculture.org. For other inquires or to become a member please call the office at 505-247-0584.
September 28, 2021: Around the State
NMCGA and NMWGI were represented with a booth during 2021 Ag Day at NMSU! If you didn’t get to stop by, we look forward to seeing you down the road. (Pictured: Pistol Pete, Ella Gossett, NMCGA Intern and Rachel Widmaier, NMCGA member.) #nmcgaontheroad #nmwgi
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September 24, 2021: NMCGA offers four academic scholarships
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) will award four scholarships during their annual Joint Stockmen’s Convention set for December 14th-17th at Hotel Albuquerque. Purina Mills along with NMCGA Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Committee (YCLC) and Allied Industries Committee will award two $1,000 scholarships and two $500 scholarships.
All applicants will be considered for the two $1,000 Purina Mills scholarships, while the remaining two $500 scholarships will be awarded – one to a high school senior and one to a continuing college student.
“The goal is to invest in youth and to support the future of agriculture in New Mexico,” said Trent Bilberry, NMCGA YCLC Vice Chairman. “Scholarships are a foundation for future successes in both.”
Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or a college freshman, junior or senior in good academic standing. Applicants must be from New Mexico. Applicant or applicant parent(s) must be a member of NMCGA. Deadline to apply is November 22, 2021. Find application at www.nmagriculture.org or request an application by calling the NMCGA office at 505-247-0584.
Congratulations to the 2020 scholarship winners: Mia Encinias (Edgewood), Shawn Agar (Santa Rosa), Madison Miller (Lordsburg) and Riley Clavel (Roy).
All applicants will be considered for the two $1,000 Purina Mills scholarships, while the remaining two $500 scholarships will be awarded – one to a high school senior and one to a continuing college student.
“The goal is to invest in youth and to support the future of agriculture in New Mexico,” said Trent Bilberry, NMCGA YCLC Vice Chairman. “Scholarships are a foundation for future successes in both.”
Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or a college freshman, junior or senior in good academic standing. Applicants must be from New Mexico. Applicant or applicant parent(s) must be a member of NMCGA. Deadline to apply is November 22, 2021. Find application at www.nmagriculture.org or request an application by calling the NMCGA office at 505-247-0584.
Congratulations to the 2020 scholarship winners: Mia Encinias (Edgewood), Shawn Agar (Santa Rosa), Madison Miller (Lordsburg) and Riley Clavel (Roy).
Application ---> |
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September 21, 2021: In the News
Bureau of Land Management Seeks Advisory Council Nominations for the Southern New Mexico Resource Advisory Council
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management announces that it is seeking public nominations for vacant positions on its Southern New Mexico Resource Advisory Council (RAC), which advises the BLM on public land issues within the Las Cruces and Pecos District Offices and Socorro Field Office. As advertised in the Federal Register, the BLM will consider nominations until Oct. 21, 2021.
The Southern New Mexico RAC, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, helps the BLM carry out its stewardship of more than 10.4 million acres of public lands. The RAC consists of 12 members with an interest or expertise in public land management, including such individuals as conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal officials, and academics. The membership of the RAC helps ensure that BLM land managers get varying perspectives to achieve their mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple use. Learn more about the RAC at https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council.
“The BLM Resource Advisory Councils serves as a forum for the community conversation, which is a component of public land management,” said BLM Las Cruces District Manager Bill Childress. “RAC members provide a valuable service to the Bureau by delving into topics and proposing solutions on a wide variety of land and resource use issues.”
Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees, who must be residents of the State of New Mexico, will be selected based on their training, education, and knowledge of the RAC’s geographical area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. All nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations, a completed RAC application, and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications. This is the second call for nominations. If you have already applied, you do not need to reapply.
The Southern New Mexico RAC is soliciting applications for one vacancy in Category One and two vacancies in Category Three (one of whom must be an Elected Official). Members are appointed for 3-year terms. The categories represent the following interests:
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management announces that it is seeking public nominations for vacant positions on its Southern New Mexico Resource Advisory Council (RAC), which advises the BLM on public land issues within the Las Cruces and Pecos District Offices and Socorro Field Office. As advertised in the Federal Register, the BLM will consider nominations until Oct. 21, 2021.
The Southern New Mexico RAC, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, helps the BLM carry out its stewardship of more than 10.4 million acres of public lands. The RAC consists of 12 members with an interest or expertise in public land management, including such individuals as conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal officials, and academics. The membership of the RAC helps ensure that BLM land managers get varying perspectives to achieve their mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple use. Learn more about the RAC at https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council.
“The BLM Resource Advisory Councils serves as a forum for the community conversation, which is a component of public land management,” said BLM Las Cruces District Manager Bill Childress. “RAC members provide a valuable service to the Bureau by delving into topics and proposing solutions on a wide variety of land and resource use issues.”
Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees, who must be residents of the State of New Mexico, will be selected based on their training, education, and knowledge of the RAC’s geographical area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. All nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations, a completed RAC application, and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications. This is the second call for nominations. If you have already applied, you do not need to reapply.
The Southern New Mexico RAC is soliciting applications for one vacancy in Category One and two vacancies in Category Three (one of whom must be an Elected Official). Members are appointed for 3-year terms. The categories represent the following interests:
- Category One – Public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation.
- Category Two – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations.
- Category Three – Representatives of state, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large.
September 21, 2021: In the News
Ranchers, beef consumers ask 10th Circuit to revive US product label challenge
USDA labeling rules appear to allow the meat of animals that have spent almost no time in the United States be labeled as a U.S. product. But what did Congress intend?
(CN) — New Mexico cattle ranchers and beef consumers asked a 10th Circuit panel Monday to revive a lawsuit against beef manufacturers over cattle that are raised overseas but labeled as products of the United States.
In January 2020 a class of meat consumers and New Mexico ranchers sued Tyson Foods, Cargill Meat Solutions, JBS USA Food Company and National Beef Packing Company for mislabeling cattle raised overseas and shipped to the U.S. for slaughter and packaging as “products of the U.S.”
A federal judge granted Tyson’s motion to dismiss in November 2020. Plaintiffs Robin Thornton and Michael Lucero appealed.
“We have a situation where we have floating feed lots that come across the ocean under really no regulation whatsoever, they offload cattle, stand on American soil for minutes, maybe hours,” said attorney Blair Dunn, of the firm Western Agriculture, Resource and Business Advocates.
“Then they’re still receiving that same label, even though they didn’t really breathe much of the air here in this country, or eat much of the feed here,” Dunn said.
Chief U.S. Circuit Judge Timothy Tymkovich, appointed by George W. Bush, challenged this characterization.
“But they were slaughtered and processed here, why doesn’t that make them technically a product of the United States?” Tymkovich asked.
Dunn answered a proper label should reflect both countries of production, like the U.S. and Brazil, or the U.S. and Australia.
U.S. Circuit Judge Nancy Mortiz, a Barack Obama appointee, asked Dunn why the plaintiffs were suing Tyson for following rules created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Read Story HERE
USDA labeling rules appear to allow the meat of animals that have spent almost no time in the United States be labeled as a U.S. product. But what did Congress intend?
(CN) — New Mexico cattle ranchers and beef consumers asked a 10th Circuit panel Monday to revive a lawsuit against beef manufacturers over cattle that are raised overseas but labeled as products of the United States.
In January 2020 a class of meat consumers and New Mexico ranchers sued Tyson Foods, Cargill Meat Solutions, JBS USA Food Company and National Beef Packing Company for mislabeling cattle raised overseas and shipped to the U.S. for slaughter and packaging as “products of the U.S.”
A federal judge granted Tyson’s motion to dismiss in November 2020. Plaintiffs Robin Thornton and Michael Lucero appealed.
“We have a situation where we have floating feed lots that come across the ocean under really no regulation whatsoever, they offload cattle, stand on American soil for minutes, maybe hours,” said attorney Blair Dunn, of the firm Western Agriculture, Resource and Business Advocates.
“Then they’re still receiving that same label, even though they didn’t really breathe much of the air here in this country, or eat much of the feed here,” Dunn said.
Chief U.S. Circuit Judge Timothy Tymkovich, appointed by George W. Bush, challenged this characterization.
“But they were slaughtered and processed here, why doesn’t that make them technically a product of the United States?” Tymkovich asked.
Dunn answered a proper label should reflect both countries of production, like the U.S. and Brazil, or the U.S. and Australia.
U.S. Circuit Judge Nancy Mortiz, a Barack Obama appointee, asked Dunn why the plaintiffs were suing Tyson for following rules created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Read Story HERE
September 21, 2021: In the News
Cell-based meat company raises $97M in new funding
MeatingPlace – Eat Just Inc. announced that its GOOD Meat division has secured $97 million in new funding.
This past May, the company raised $170 million from a slew of investors, including UBS O’Connor, a hedge fund manager within UBS Asset Management; Graphene Ventures; K3 Ventures; and Resilience Reserve, a venture capital fund cofounded by TED curator Chris Anderson.
The company said that it will use the new funds to increase capacity and accelerate R&D cell-cultivated meat.
MeatingPlace – Eat Just Inc. announced that its GOOD Meat division has secured $97 million in new funding.
This past May, the company raised $170 million from a slew of investors, including UBS O’Connor, a hedge fund manager within UBS Asset Management; Graphene Ventures; K3 Ventures; and Resilience Reserve, a venture capital fund cofounded by TED curator Chris Anderson.
The company said that it will use the new funds to increase capacity and accelerate R&D cell-cultivated meat.
September 20, 2021: In the News
JBS fire highlights efforts to reform cattle markets
Steve White
GRAND ISLAND, Neb — Processing 1.4 million cattle a year, the JBS beef plant in Grand Island can’t afford even a few days of missed production.
“Some little blip can impact our industry in a really big way,” said Ashley Kohls of the Nebraska Cattlemen.
Fortunately a fire is far from a worst case scenario, like the fire at a Tyson plant in Kansas that closed that facility for months. But it is another reminder of how fragile supply chains are, something the Senate Ag Committee recently held a hearing on.
Kohls said, “We're appreciative they are helping draw attention to that because it's a huge issue for our members, the concentration we continue to see and black swan events.”
Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer is actively engaged along with a colleague from Iowa.
“Now Sen. Grassley and I are working and if not the full bill, which is my goal, at least bits and pieces of it,” Fischer told NTV recently.
Transparency and price discovery are elements they’re trying to work out. For members of her association, Kohls said it’s a tough one to find solutions for.
“The cattle market's complicated, it's a complicated issue, will take a complicated solution to address that,” she said.
And it’s not just farm state Republicans. President Biden has raised concerns about anti-competitive practices.
“It's interesting to hear that narrative coming from the White House and something we'll take advantage of,” Kohls said.
The USDA is also putting hundreds of millions to support new packing plants.
Kohls said, “Competition is good. There's a place for big 4 packers, absolutely. But I think there's a place for regionality and putting in appropriate capacity where cattle are. I think that gives some increased resiliency in supply chain but also increases competition, which we need.”
Industry groups say the effects of COVID and lack of labor are to blame for rising meat prices, saying it’s supply and demand.
But there appears to be growing consensus to do something legislatively to level the playing field for cattlemen.
“I think we have momentum we need to take advantage of it, and present it to the Ag Committee and get it out,” Fischer said.
And in a related issue a bipartisan group of senators has introduced legislation trying to bring back mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for beef, something that previously got the U.S. in trouble for with the World Trade Organization.
Read Story HERE
Steve White
GRAND ISLAND, Neb — Processing 1.4 million cattle a year, the JBS beef plant in Grand Island can’t afford even a few days of missed production.
“Some little blip can impact our industry in a really big way,” said Ashley Kohls of the Nebraska Cattlemen.
Fortunately a fire is far from a worst case scenario, like the fire at a Tyson plant in Kansas that closed that facility for months. But it is another reminder of how fragile supply chains are, something the Senate Ag Committee recently held a hearing on.
Kohls said, “We're appreciative they are helping draw attention to that because it's a huge issue for our members, the concentration we continue to see and black swan events.”
Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer is actively engaged along with a colleague from Iowa.
“Now Sen. Grassley and I are working and if not the full bill, which is my goal, at least bits and pieces of it,” Fischer told NTV recently.
Transparency and price discovery are elements they’re trying to work out. For members of her association, Kohls said it’s a tough one to find solutions for.
“The cattle market's complicated, it's a complicated issue, will take a complicated solution to address that,” she said.
And it’s not just farm state Republicans. President Biden has raised concerns about anti-competitive practices.
“It's interesting to hear that narrative coming from the White House and something we'll take advantage of,” Kohls said.
The USDA is also putting hundreds of millions to support new packing plants.
Kohls said, “Competition is good. There's a place for big 4 packers, absolutely. But I think there's a place for regionality and putting in appropriate capacity where cattle are. I think that gives some increased resiliency in supply chain but also increases competition, which we need.”
Industry groups say the effects of COVID and lack of labor are to blame for rising meat prices, saying it’s supply and demand.
But there appears to be growing consensus to do something legislatively to level the playing field for cattlemen.
“I think we have momentum we need to take advantage of it, and present it to the Ag Committee and get it out,” Fischer said.
And in a related issue a bipartisan group of senators has introduced legislation trying to bring back mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for beef, something that previously got the U.S. in trouble for with the World Trade Organization.
Read Story HERE
September 20, 2021: In the News
BLM Will Relocate Headquarters Back To D.C.
Greg Henderson, Drovers
The Bureau of Land Management is relocating – again. On Friday Interior secretary Deb Haaland announced the BLM will move back to Washington, DC, after having relocated to Grand Junction, Colo., during the Trump administration.
The BLM oversees nearly one-fifth of public lands in the U.S. and has more than 7,000 employees. The agency said it lost nearly 300 employees to retirement or resignation after relocating its headquarters to Colorado in 2019.
Haaland, a former New Mexico congresswoman and the first Native American Cabinet secretary, said that the Colorado office would be overhauled to become the agency's Western headquarters.
"The Bureau of Land Management is critical to the nation's efforts to address the climate crisis, expand public access to our public lands, and preserve our nation's shared outdoor heritage. It is imperative that the bureau have the appropriate structure and resources to serve the American public," she said. "There's no doubt that the BLM should have a leadership presence in Washington, DC – like all the other land management agencies – to ensure that it has access to the policy-, budget-, and decision-making levers to best carry out its mission."
The Colorado office will expand and strengthen Western perspectives in its overall mission, especially as it relates to clean energy, conservation, and scientific missions.
Critics of the previous administration's decision allege that the relocation was intended to push out longtime employees and stifle the agency.
"While I am disappointed that the national headquarters will be in Washington, I believe establishing and growing a permanent BLM Western Headquarters in Grand Junction should be a very positive development," Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado said.
However, GOP Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming criticized the decision.
"The Biden administration's answer for everything is to double the size of government," he said. "The Bureau of Land Management doesn't need two headquarters. The single headquarters of the Bureau of Land Management belongs in the West, closer to the resources it manages and the people it serves."
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) also condemned the decision to relocate the BLM amid what the groups called “multiple, historic environmental crises” in the western United States.
"More than 5.5 million acres of land have burned in catastrophic wildfires so far this year,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover. “From Arizona to Minnesota, 14 states are experiencing extreme drought that has thrown thousands of rural communities into crisis. In a normal season, we would find this relocation decision disappointing — in the middle of immense and immediate threats to public lands ecosystems, wildlife, businesses and residents, it is dangerously irresponsible.
"Unfortunately, the BLM’s operations suffered as a result of their move to Grand Junction, Colo., and the subsequent uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing another move now, when the time and attention of the BLM staff is more needed than ever, is a step western communities cannot afford. The BLM should be prioritizing time-sensitive land management improvements, not playing political football with their mailing address."
Read Story HERE
Greg Henderson, Drovers
The Bureau of Land Management is relocating – again. On Friday Interior secretary Deb Haaland announced the BLM will move back to Washington, DC, after having relocated to Grand Junction, Colo., during the Trump administration.
The BLM oversees nearly one-fifth of public lands in the U.S. and has more than 7,000 employees. The agency said it lost nearly 300 employees to retirement or resignation after relocating its headquarters to Colorado in 2019.
Haaland, a former New Mexico congresswoman and the first Native American Cabinet secretary, said that the Colorado office would be overhauled to become the agency's Western headquarters.
"The Bureau of Land Management is critical to the nation's efforts to address the climate crisis, expand public access to our public lands, and preserve our nation's shared outdoor heritage. It is imperative that the bureau have the appropriate structure and resources to serve the American public," she said. "There's no doubt that the BLM should have a leadership presence in Washington, DC – like all the other land management agencies – to ensure that it has access to the policy-, budget-, and decision-making levers to best carry out its mission."
The Colorado office will expand and strengthen Western perspectives in its overall mission, especially as it relates to clean energy, conservation, and scientific missions.
Critics of the previous administration's decision allege that the relocation was intended to push out longtime employees and stifle the agency.
"While I am disappointed that the national headquarters will be in Washington, I believe establishing and growing a permanent BLM Western Headquarters in Grand Junction should be a very positive development," Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado said.
However, GOP Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming criticized the decision.
"The Biden administration's answer for everything is to double the size of government," he said. "The Bureau of Land Management doesn't need two headquarters. The single headquarters of the Bureau of Land Management belongs in the West, closer to the resources it manages and the people it serves."
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) also condemned the decision to relocate the BLM amid what the groups called “multiple, historic environmental crises” in the western United States.
"More than 5.5 million acres of land have burned in catastrophic wildfires so far this year,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover. “From Arizona to Minnesota, 14 states are experiencing extreme drought that has thrown thousands of rural communities into crisis. In a normal season, we would find this relocation decision disappointing — in the middle of immense and immediate threats to public lands ecosystems, wildlife, businesses and residents, it is dangerously irresponsible.
"Unfortunately, the BLM’s operations suffered as a result of their move to Grand Junction, Colo., and the subsequent uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing another move now, when the time and attention of the BLM staff is more needed than ever, is a step western communities cannot afford. The BLM should be prioritizing time-sensitive land management improvements, not playing political football with their mailing address."
Read Story HERE
September 20, 2021: October Regional Meeting Flyer
September 17, 2021: Federal Register
Eagle Permits; Incidental Take
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; request for comments.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, or we) seeks public and regulated-community input on potential approaches for further expediting and simplifying the permit process authorizing incidental take of eagles. This document also advises the public that the Service may, as a result of public input, prepare a draft environmental review pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. We are furnishing this advance notice of proposed rulemaking to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions and obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental review. Public and regulated community responses will be used to improve and make more efficient the permitting process for incidental take of eagles in a manner that is compatible with the preservation of bald and golden eagles.
DATES: You may submit comments on or before October 29, 2021. We will consider all comments on this advance notice of proposed rulemaking, including the scope of the draft environmental review, that are received or postmarked by that date. Comments received or postmarked after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.
Full Listing HERE
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; request for comments.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, or we) seeks public and regulated-community input on potential approaches for further expediting and simplifying the permit process authorizing incidental take of eagles. This document also advises the public that the Service may, as a result of public input, prepare a draft environmental review pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. We are furnishing this advance notice of proposed rulemaking to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions and obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental review. Public and regulated community responses will be used to improve and make more efficient the permitting process for incidental take of eagles in a manner that is compatible with the preservation of bald and golden eagles.
DATES: You may submit comments on or before October 29, 2021. We will consider all comments on this advance notice of proposed rulemaking, including the scope of the draft environmental review, that are received or postmarked by that date. Comments received or postmarked after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.
Full Listing HERE
September 17, 2021: In the News
USDA Extends Deadline to Apply for Pandemic Assistance to Livestock Producers with Animal Losses
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing additional time for livestock and poultry producers to apply for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP). Producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing may now apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals through Oct. 12, 2021, rather than the original deadline of Sept. 17, 2021. PLIP is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
“Livestock and poultry producers were among the hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We want to ensure that all eligible producers have the opportunity to apply for this critical assistance. The October 12 deadline also aligns with the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 deadline.”
PLIP provides payments to producers for losses of livestock or poultry depopulated from March 1, 2020 through Dec. 26, 2020, due to insufficient processing access as a result of the pandemic. Payments are based on 80% of the fair market value of the livestock and poultry and for the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animal. Eligible livestock and poultry include swine, chickens and turkeys.
Read Full Story HERE
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing additional time for livestock and poultry producers to apply for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP). Producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing may now apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals through Oct. 12, 2021, rather than the original deadline of Sept. 17, 2021. PLIP is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
“Livestock and poultry producers were among the hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We want to ensure that all eligible producers have the opportunity to apply for this critical assistance. The October 12 deadline also aligns with the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 deadline.”
PLIP provides payments to producers for losses of livestock or poultry depopulated from March 1, 2020 through Dec. 26, 2020, due to insufficient processing access as a result of the pandemic. Payments are based on 80% of the fair market value of the livestock and poultry and for the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animal. Eligible livestock and poultry include swine, chickens and turkeys.
Read Full Story HERE
September 17, 2021: In the News
AG Day celebrates everything New Mexico agriculture Sept. 25
American Idol contestant, Las Cruces native to perform at family-friendly event
LAS CRUCES – Do you like free entertainment, giveaways, tasty food samples, family-friendly fun and live music? If so, you won’t want to miss the 2021 AG Day.
The event takes place Saturday, Sept. 25 from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Pan American Center south parking lot and the Aggie Memorial Stadium northeast parking lot. Admission is free. Sept. 25 is also NMSU’s Homecoming celebration, with the “Aggies are back in action” theme. The homecoming parade begins at 10 a.m., and the day culminates with the NMSU vs. Hawaii football game at 6 p.m.
AG Day is hosted by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and New Mexico State University (NMSU) College of Agricultural, Environmental and Consumer Sciences (ACES). New Mexico Beef Council is this year’s title sponsor. AG Day will feature ACES departments’ exhibits, dozens of agricultural organizations, businesses, non-profits and student organizations.
The NMSU Alumni Association and AG Day organizers have joined forces to provide live entertainment. Las Cruces musician and American Idol contestant Dzaki Sukarno kicks off this year’s event at 2 p.m. Local artist LC DJ takes the stage from 4 to 6 p.m.
Sukarno is a 20-year-old NMSU student majoring in agricultural business. He has been singing, playing the guitar and practicing music nearly his entire life. This past spring, he earned the opportunity to appear on the hit reality television show “American Idol,” advancing to the second round and receiving national recognition and praise for his talents in the competition. He has a large following of fans on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where he is known for his covers of popular country hits and singing original songs.
In addition to local musicians, there will be lots of fun for families to enjoy at AG Day. Groups such as the NMSU Therapeutic Riding Program and the NMSU Animal and Range Sciences department will provide pony and horse rides, along with a variety of farm animals and livestock that the public can interact with to learn more about. New Mexico Ag in the Classroom will have a fishing-pond game, while organizations such as New Mexico 4-H, NMSU Cooperative Extension Service and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum will help educate the public about how agriculture is integrated into their communities and everyday lives. Attendees will also have the chance to sample New Mexico products, such as beef and dairy.
For more information about AG Day, visit https://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/ag-day/, email krgarcia@nmda.nmsu.edu or call 575-646-2804.
American Idol contestant, Las Cruces native to perform at family-friendly event
LAS CRUCES – Do you like free entertainment, giveaways, tasty food samples, family-friendly fun and live music? If so, you won’t want to miss the 2021 AG Day.
The event takes place Saturday, Sept. 25 from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Pan American Center south parking lot and the Aggie Memorial Stadium northeast parking lot. Admission is free. Sept. 25 is also NMSU’s Homecoming celebration, with the “Aggies are back in action” theme. The homecoming parade begins at 10 a.m., and the day culminates with the NMSU vs. Hawaii football game at 6 p.m.
AG Day is hosted by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and New Mexico State University (NMSU) College of Agricultural, Environmental and Consumer Sciences (ACES). New Mexico Beef Council is this year’s title sponsor. AG Day will feature ACES departments’ exhibits, dozens of agricultural organizations, businesses, non-profits and student organizations.
The NMSU Alumni Association and AG Day organizers have joined forces to provide live entertainment. Las Cruces musician and American Idol contestant Dzaki Sukarno kicks off this year’s event at 2 p.m. Local artist LC DJ takes the stage from 4 to 6 p.m.
Sukarno is a 20-year-old NMSU student majoring in agricultural business. He has been singing, playing the guitar and practicing music nearly his entire life. This past spring, he earned the opportunity to appear on the hit reality television show “American Idol,” advancing to the second round and receiving national recognition and praise for his talents in the competition. He has a large following of fans on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where he is known for his covers of popular country hits and singing original songs.
In addition to local musicians, there will be lots of fun for families to enjoy at AG Day. Groups such as the NMSU Therapeutic Riding Program and the NMSU Animal and Range Sciences department will provide pony and horse rides, along with a variety of farm animals and livestock that the public can interact with to learn more about. New Mexico Ag in the Classroom will have a fishing-pond game, while organizations such as New Mexico 4-H, NMSU Cooperative Extension Service and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum will help educate the public about how agriculture is integrated into their communities and everyday lives. Attendees will also have the chance to sample New Mexico products, such as beef and dairy.
For more information about AG Day, visit https://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/ag-day/, email krgarcia@nmda.nmsu.edu or call 575-646-2804.
September 15, 2021: In the News
Antitrust Lawsuit Against Packers To Move Forward
Greg Henderson, Drovers
America’s largest beef packers, JBS SA, Tyson Foods Inc., Cargill Inc., and National Beef Packing Co. must face antitrust litigation over an alleged industrywide scheme to widen the “meat margin” between the cost of live cattle and the price of processed beef, a federal judge in Minneapolis ruled Tuesday.
Judge John R. Tunheim denied the defendants motion to dismiss the class-action antitrust filed in April 2019 by R-CALF USA. The case may move forward in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, where the four meatpackers are accused of forcing the cost of cattle down, and the price of beef up, through cartel tactics like coordinated procurement and “slaughter restraint.”
The lawsuit alleges the four packers violated the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 by engaging in a price-fixing conspiracy, and alleges the packers violated the Packers and Stockyards Act as well as the Commodity Exchange Act.
Tunheim’s order allows the antitrust case to proceed to discovery so Plaintiffs may test their claims.
The suit alleges that from at least January 1, 2015 through the present, the four packers conspired to depress the price of fed cattle they purchased from American ranchers, thereby inflating their own margins and profits.
The class action lawsuit seeks to recover the losses suffered by two classes believed harmed by the packing companies’ alleged conduct. The first class includes cattle producers who sold fed cattle to any one of the firms from January 2015 to the present. The second class consists of traders who transacted live cattle futures or options contracts on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) from January 2015 to the present. The complaint, which plaintiffs claim is supported by witness accounts, including a former employee of one of the packers, trade records, and economic evidence, alleges that the packers conspired to artificially depress fed cattle prices through various means.
Full Story HERE
Greg Henderson, Drovers
America’s largest beef packers, JBS SA, Tyson Foods Inc., Cargill Inc., and National Beef Packing Co. must face antitrust litigation over an alleged industrywide scheme to widen the “meat margin” between the cost of live cattle and the price of processed beef, a federal judge in Minneapolis ruled Tuesday.
Judge John R. Tunheim denied the defendants motion to dismiss the class-action antitrust filed in April 2019 by R-CALF USA. The case may move forward in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, where the four meatpackers are accused of forcing the cost of cattle down, and the price of beef up, through cartel tactics like coordinated procurement and “slaughter restraint.”
The lawsuit alleges the four packers violated the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 by engaging in a price-fixing conspiracy, and alleges the packers violated the Packers and Stockyards Act as well as the Commodity Exchange Act.
Tunheim’s order allows the antitrust case to proceed to discovery so Plaintiffs may test their claims.
The suit alleges that from at least January 1, 2015 through the present, the four packers conspired to depress the price of fed cattle they purchased from American ranchers, thereby inflating their own margins and profits.
The class action lawsuit seeks to recover the losses suffered by two classes believed harmed by the packing companies’ alleged conduct. The first class includes cattle producers who sold fed cattle to any one of the firms from January 2015 to the present. The second class consists of traders who transacted live cattle futures or options contracts on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) from January 2015 to the present. The complaint, which plaintiffs claim is supported by witness accounts, including a former employee of one of the packers, trade records, and economic evidence, alleges that the packers conspired to artificially depress fed cattle prices through various means.
Full Story HERE
September 14, 2021: In the News
H-2A program doubles in size from 2010 to 2019
Tom Karst, The Packer
The H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Program more than doubled in size in less than ten years, and fruit, vegetable and nut growers were a big reason for the growth.
The H-2A program allows agricultural employers in the U.S. to bring in foreign farmworkers to fill seasonal labor contracts lasting less than a year.
A new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service said that, between 2010 and 2019, H-2A positions certified by the U.S. Department of Labor increased more than 220%.
Read Full Story HERE
Tom Karst, The Packer
The H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Program more than doubled in size in less than ten years, and fruit, vegetable and nut growers were a big reason for the growth.
The H-2A program allows agricultural employers in the U.S. to bring in foreign farmworkers to fill seasonal labor contracts lasting less than a year.
A new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service said that, between 2010 and 2019, H-2A positions certified by the U.S. Department of Labor increased more than 220%.
Read Full Story HERE
September 13, 2021: In the News
Muddying the Clean Water Act
If you Don’t Get the Answer You Want, Go Ask Your Father
Conner Nicklas, Budd-Falen Law Offices LLC
(Opinion) - Remember when you were a kid and you would calculate whether to ask your mother or your father depending on the answer you wanted? That is exactly what the Biden Administration did with the definition of “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). As of today, there are two opposing court decisions regarding the effect of the Trump definition of a WOTUS, followed by an announcement by the Biden Administration picking which court it wanted to follow.
On March 2, 2021, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled it did not have the jurisdiction to stop the enforcement of the Trump WOTUS rule until there was a ruling on the merits of the case or Biden had legally issued a new rule. In stark opposition, on August 30, 2021, a Federal District Judge vacated the enforcement of the Trump rule even before the Biden Administration had a new rule to put in its place. Thus, in contrast to the 10th Circuit’s decision, with the stroke of a pen, the Arizona Judge vacated the application of the Trump rule throughout the nation.
The decision is very frustrating. Normally the previous regulation remains in place until it is replaced. However, instead of simply dismissing the case and sending the regulation back to the EPA and Corp of Engineers to revise, the Arizona judge, appointed by President Obama, issued a national vacatur of Trump’s WOTUS definition. Her ruling brings up a major issue-- should a federal district judge in Arizona, who does not have any jurisdictional authority outside of the state of Arizona, have the power to nationally end a legally adopted rule?
Judge Marquez’s ruling once again muddies the waters and allows the EPA and Army Corp. of Engineers to arbitrarily enforce a law that could result in thousands of dollars in fines and jail time to a violator. The CWA was passed in 1972 to protect the “Waters of the United States” by making it illegal to discharge a pollutant into a WOTUS unless a permit is obtained. However, the law became mired in controversy when the federal agencies began charging people with CWA violations for discharging pollutants in waters that were never intended to be regulated, including irrigation ditches, stock ponds, and isolated and seasonal wetlands. The lack of a tangible statutory definition for a WOTUS has generated hundreds of cases to ascertain the span of the federal government’s jurisdiction. In turn, the CWA has a history of being weaponized to prevent development projects from moving forward and harassing farmers and ranchers.
Also, it is important to note that just because a body of water may not be defined as a WOTUS does not mean that it is not protected. All waters not directly under the federal government’s jurisdiction usually fall into the state’s jurisdiction. For example, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality is the state agency tasked to protect Wyoming’s water quality.
By killing the Trump CWA rules, we are once again left in an impossible position because no one actually knows what a “Water of the United States” is. Does the federal government have jurisdiction over your irrigation ditch? How about the bog down the street? In its pleadings before the court, the EPA identified 333 projects it believed it would have had jurisdiction over prior to the Trump rules. Disturbingly, the Trump rule has only been in place for less than a year. Thus, Washington DC will again arbitrarily insert itself into our lives.
The situation surrounding the national demise of the Trump CWA rules begs an even bigger question. How does a single judge in Arizona have the power to invalidate legally enacted regulations for the entire nation? By allowing district court judges to invalidate regulations on a national scale, we are giving an undemocratically elected judge the ability to affect people outside of their jurisdiction. It is particularly egregious when the 10th Circuit Court came to the opposite result. This unprecedented power encourages the worst kind of forum shopping in which organizations target specific judges to advance their radical agendas. In the past couple years, the Supreme Court has questioned the authority of district courts issuing nationwide injunctions. The hope is that the Supreme Court finally puts an end to this form of radical lawmaking and forum shopping from the judge’s bench.
If you Don’t Get the Answer You Want, Go Ask Your Father
Conner Nicklas, Budd-Falen Law Offices LLC
(Opinion) - Remember when you were a kid and you would calculate whether to ask your mother or your father depending on the answer you wanted? That is exactly what the Biden Administration did with the definition of “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). As of today, there are two opposing court decisions regarding the effect of the Trump definition of a WOTUS, followed by an announcement by the Biden Administration picking which court it wanted to follow.
On March 2, 2021, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled it did not have the jurisdiction to stop the enforcement of the Trump WOTUS rule until there was a ruling on the merits of the case or Biden had legally issued a new rule. In stark opposition, on August 30, 2021, a Federal District Judge vacated the enforcement of the Trump rule even before the Biden Administration had a new rule to put in its place. Thus, in contrast to the 10th Circuit’s decision, with the stroke of a pen, the Arizona Judge vacated the application of the Trump rule throughout the nation.
The decision is very frustrating. Normally the previous regulation remains in place until it is replaced. However, instead of simply dismissing the case and sending the regulation back to the EPA and Corp of Engineers to revise, the Arizona judge, appointed by President Obama, issued a national vacatur of Trump’s WOTUS definition. Her ruling brings up a major issue-- should a federal district judge in Arizona, who does not have any jurisdictional authority outside of the state of Arizona, have the power to nationally end a legally adopted rule?
Judge Marquez’s ruling once again muddies the waters and allows the EPA and Army Corp. of Engineers to arbitrarily enforce a law that could result in thousands of dollars in fines and jail time to a violator. The CWA was passed in 1972 to protect the “Waters of the United States” by making it illegal to discharge a pollutant into a WOTUS unless a permit is obtained. However, the law became mired in controversy when the federal agencies began charging people with CWA violations for discharging pollutants in waters that were never intended to be regulated, including irrigation ditches, stock ponds, and isolated and seasonal wetlands. The lack of a tangible statutory definition for a WOTUS has generated hundreds of cases to ascertain the span of the federal government’s jurisdiction. In turn, the CWA has a history of being weaponized to prevent development projects from moving forward and harassing farmers and ranchers.
Also, it is important to note that just because a body of water may not be defined as a WOTUS does not mean that it is not protected. All waters not directly under the federal government’s jurisdiction usually fall into the state’s jurisdiction. For example, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality is the state agency tasked to protect Wyoming’s water quality.
By killing the Trump CWA rules, we are once again left in an impossible position because no one actually knows what a “Water of the United States” is. Does the federal government have jurisdiction over your irrigation ditch? How about the bog down the street? In its pleadings before the court, the EPA identified 333 projects it believed it would have had jurisdiction over prior to the Trump rules. Disturbingly, the Trump rule has only been in place for less than a year. Thus, Washington DC will again arbitrarily insert itself into our lives.
The situation surrounding the national demise of the Trump CWA rules begs an even bigger question. How does a single judge in Arizona have the power to invalidate legally enacted regulations for the entire nation? By allowing district court judges to invalidate regulations on a national scale, we are giving an undemocratically elected judge the ability to affect people outside of their jurisdiction. It is particularly egregious when the 10th Circuit Court came to the opposite result. This unprecedented power encourages the worst kind of forum shopping in which organizations target specific judges to advance their radical agendas. In the past couple years, the Supreme Court has questioned the authority of district courts issuing nationwide injunctions. The hope is that the Supreme Court finally puts an end to this form of radical lawmaking and forum shopping from the judge’s bench.
September 13, 2021: In the News
Fire at JBS Grand Island, Neb., Facility
Greg Henderson, Ag Web Farm Journal
Grand Island, Neb., fire department responded to a fire at the JBS beef plant about 9:45 p.m. Sunday night. Multiple news sources report firefighters were on the scene throughout the night.
The fire appeared to be located in the roof on the rendering side of the plant. According to scanner traffic, styrofoam in the roof was involved, reported Nebraska TV.
Reportedly the fire set off five alarms, but it took several hours for crews to get it under control. No injuries have been reported.
On Facebook, JBS said "fabrication and slaughter A and B shift will not be working September 13, 2021," adding "we will post updates as soon as possible."
The Grand Island facility has a daily slaughter capacity of 6,000 head.
Greg Henderson, Ag Web Farm Journal
Grand Island, Neb., fire department responded to a fire at the JBS beef plant about 9:45 p.m. Sunday night. Multiple news sources report firefighters were on the scene throughout the night.
The fire appeared to be located in the roof on the rendering side of the plant. According to scanner traffic, styrofoam in the roof was involved, reported Nebraska TV.
Reportedly the fire set off five alarms, but it took several hours for crews to get it under control. No injuries have been reported.
On Facebook, JBS said "fabrication and slaughter A and B shift will not be working September 13, 2021," adding "we will post updates as soon as possible."
The Grand Island facility has a daily slaughter capacity of 6,000 head.
September 10, 2021: In the News
NCBA Puts Pressure on Congress to Protect Family-Owned Businesses
WASHINGTON (September 8, 2021) — As Co-Chair of the Tax Aggie Coalition, NCBA spearheaded a letter to House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committee leadership urging them to consider the implications that changes to federal tax policy will have on family-owned agricultural businesses. Nearly 330 trade associations representing family-owned food, agriculture and related businesses agree that, when drafting legislation to implement President Biden's "Build Back Better" agenda, it is critical that the “American Families Plan” must also support family farms and ranches.
“Congress must consider the complex structure of family-owned agricultural businesses that serve as the backbone of rural economies; therefore, understand how changes to long-standing provisions in the tax code could be detrimental to the financial viability of these businesses as they transfer to the next generation,” said Senior Executive Director of Government Affairs Danielle Beck.
“This is not a partisan issue; in fact, it’s an issue that affects every single American. With more than 370 million acres expected to change hands in the next two decades, preserving long-standing provisions in the federal tax code is a win-win situation for producers and consumers alike. Whether their family has preserved the land for generations, or they are a beginning, veteran or minority farmer getting their start in the industry – without federal tax policy that supports a viable business climate for the next generation of producers, building on the environmental and economic contributions of today’s producers is impossible and risks compromising our nation’s ability to produce a safe, abundant and affordable food supply. The consequences of taxing family farms and ranches out of business completely undermines the 'Build Back Better' agenda.”
Some federal tax policy proposals have been accompanied by the promise of purported protections to family-owned businesses. However, signatories on the letter stress that those accommodations may not necessarily apply to the diverse complexity of ownership structures across family-owned agricultural entities. The only way to ensure the future viability of family-owned business, specifically farms and ranches, is to fully preserve critical provisions such as stepped-up basis, like-kind exchanges, the Section 199A small business deduction and maintain the current estate tax code provisions.
WASHINGTON (September 8, 2021) — As Co-Chair of the Tax Aggie Coalition, NCBA spearheaded a letter to House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committee leadership urging them to consider the implications that changes to federal tax policy will have on family-owned agricultural businesses. Nearly 330 trade associations representing family-owned food, agriculture and related businesses agree that, when drafting legislation to implement President Biden's "Build Back Better" agenda, it is critical that the “American Families Plan” must also support family farms and ranches.
“Congress must consider the complex structure of family-owned agricultural businesses that serve as the backbone of rural economies; therefore, understand how changes to long-standing provisions in the tax code could be detrimental to the financial viability of these businesses as they transfer to the next generation,” said Senior Executive Director of Government Affairs Danielle Beck.
“This is not a partisan issue; in fact, it’s an issue that affects every single American. With more than 370 million acres expected to change hands in the next two decades, preserving long-standing provisions in the federal tax code is a win-win situation for producers and consumers alike. Whether their family has preserved the land for generations, or they are a beginning, veteran or minority farmer getting their start in the industry – without federal tax policy that supports a viable business climate for the next generation of producers, building on the environmental and economic contributions of today’s producers is impossible and risks compromising our nation’s ability to produce a safe, abundant and affordable food supply. The consequences of taxing family farms and ranches out of business completely undermines the 'Build Back Better' agenda.”
Some federal tax policy proposals have been accompanied by the promise of purported protections to family-owned businesses. However, signatories on the letter stress that those accommodations may not necessarily apply to the diverse complexity of ownership structures across family-owned agricultural entities. The only way to ensure the future viability of family-owned business, specifically farms and ranches, is to fully preserve critical provisions such as stepped-up basis, like-kind exchanges, the Section 199A small business deduction and maintain the current estate tax code provisions.
| tax_aggie_letter_re_budget_reconciliation_9.8.21_.pdf |
September 8, 2021: Youth remind us of strength in rural roots
Youth remind us of strength in rural roots
Throughout the 2021 fair season members of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association have been encouraged by the words of rural youth as they reflect on the heritage of ranching. In the past few weeks our communities have come together in support of one another proving once again that they will not give up on our kids. The Heritage award recognizes that spirit of strength and determination.
“The future of our industry relies on the involvement of our youth,” said Dusti Caviness, NMCGA Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Committee Chairman. “This award not only ensures that our youth are involved in our association but also rewards them for their hard work.”
The inaugural year of the Heritage award continues with this week’s winners: Kyleigh Stephenson (Roosevelt), Alexis Rosales (Taos), Elizabeth Baldridge (Catron) and Madison Miller (Hidalgo).
To be eligible for the Heritage buckle award, youth ages 9-21 were asked to provide a 200-500 word essay on the ‘value they placed on the heritage of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico’. This is what this week’s winners had to say:
Kyleigh Stephenson (Roosevelt): I am blessed and fortunate to be able to have cattle on the land that has been in my family for 4 generations. In fact our cattle graze at the old homesite where my grandfather was born! Not all kids are as lucky. The reason I am absolute in my advocating for our heritage, the cattle industry and agriculture, is I understand the important role it plays in our world. Without agriculture we would not be able to feed the ever growing population. The agriculture industry is constantly adapting and developing new technology and science to maintain our populations’ needs. I want others to understand that although there is hardship in our heritage, we persevere and become stronger with the lessons learned. Award sponsored by Pat and Cindy Boone.
Alexis Rosales (Taos): My great grandfather first began raising the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle and today we still do. I love to go out to the field when the new calves are born and watch them grow up to be beautiful mother cows or big strong bulls. I began showing Santa Gertrudis as a novice in 4H and have always taken pride in my heifers for their deep cherry red color and gentle temperaments. Raising Gerts has touched me a lot, they help me to remember my heritage on the land and have given me a special love for the animals we get to raise. Award sponsored by Ag New Mexico Farm Credit.
Elizabeth Baldridge (Catron): Beginning in the early 1600s and still going strong, ranching has been one of the most significant and abundant occupations in New Mexico. The cattle industry and ranching is a heritage that is valued for its legacy in the present and in the future. Ranchers work to develop and enhance knowledge while strategically managing cattle for their good as well as the good of those they support. It all begins with management of self, which involves honesty and integrity. We have been given a great responsibility by God to care for and have dominion over His creatures. Award sponsored by Ron and Mahona Burnett.
Madison Miller (Hidalgo): I am proud to be a 5th generation New Mexico rancher. In the beginning, ranching families had strong women that cared for their families in hostile and barren territory in the Southwest. In the late 1800’s and 1900’s when the area of Hidalgo county had just begun to be settled, our ancestors set on the path of making a home, a living, and a lifestyle that still exists to this day. This heritage has taught us to rely on each other and work together in times of need. This is a place where everyone pitches in willingly and perseverance is a common trait. Ranching has taught me how to rely on God for help with things I can’t control, and has given me amazing examples of how to be a strong woman. Award sponsored by Keeler Ranches.
Recipients from each county are presented with a trophy belt buckle and a 1 year junior membership to NMCGA, winners are then automatically entered in the overall state Heritage contest.
Throughout the 2021 fair season members of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association have been encouraged by the words of rural youth as they reflect on the heritage of ranching. In the past few weeks our communities have come together in support of one another proving once again that they will not give up on our kids. The Heritage award recognizes that spirit of strength and determination.
“The future of our industry relies on the involvement of our youth,” said Dusti Caviness, NMCGA Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Committee Chairman. “This award not only ensures that our youth are involved in our association but also rewards them for their hard work.”
The inaugural year of the Heritage award continues with this week’s winners: Kyleigh Stephenson (Roosevelt), Alexis Rosales (Taos), Elizabeth Baldridge (Catron) and Madison Miller (Hidalgo).
To be eligible for the Heritage buckle award, youth ages 9-21 were asked to provide a 200-500 word essay on the ‘value they placed on the heritage of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico’. This is what this week’s winners had to say:
Kyleigh Stephenson (Roosevelt): I am blessed and fortunate to be able to have cattle on the land that has been in my family for 4 generations. In fact our cattle graze at the old homesite where my grandfather was born! Not all kids are as lucky. The reason I am absolute in my advocating for our heritage, the cattle industry and agriculture, is I understand the important role it plays in our world. Without agriculture we would not be able to feed the ever growing population. The agriculture industry is constantly adapting and developing new technology and science to maintain our populations’ needs. I want others to understand that although there is hardship in our heritage, we persevere and become stronger with the lessons learned. Award sponsored by Pat and Cindy Boone.
Alexis Rosales (Taos): My great grandfather first began raising the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle and today we still do. I love to go out to the field when the new calves are born and watch them grow up to be beautiful mother cows or big strong bulls. I began showing Santa Gertrudis as a novice in 4H and have always taken pride in my heifers for their deep cherry red color and gentle temperaments. Raising Gerts has touched me a lot, they help me to remember my heritage on the land and have given me a special love for the animals we get to raise. Award sponsored by Ag New Mexico Farm Credit.
Elizabeth Baldridge (Catron): Beginning in the early 1600s and still going strong, ranching has been one of the most significant and abundant occupations in New Mexico. The cattle industry and ranching is a heritage that is valued for its legacy in the present and in the future. Ranchers work to develop and enhance knowledge while strategically managing cattle for their good as well as the good of those they support. It all begins with management of self, which involves honesty and integrity. We have been given a great responsibility by God to care for and have dominion over His creatures. Award sponsored by Ron and Mahona Burnett.
Madison Miller (Hidalgo): I am proud to be a 5th generation New Mexico rancher. In the beginning, ranching families had strong women that cared for their families in hostile and barren territory in the Southwest. In the late 1800’s and 1900’s when the area of Hidalgo county had just begun to be settled, our ancestors set on the path of making a home, a living, and a lifestyle that still exists to this day. This heritage has taught us to rely on each other and work together in times of need. This is a place where everyone pitches in willingly and perseverance is a common trait. Ranching has taught me how to rely on God for help with things I can’t control, and has given me amazing examples of how to be a strong woman. Award sponsored by Keeler Ranches.
Recipients from each county are presented with a trophy belt buckle and a 1 year junior membership to NMCGA, winners are then automatically entered in the overall state Heritage contest.
Alexis Rosales (Taos) with Lee, Victoria and Waylon Knox
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Ron Burnett with Elizabeth Baldridge (Catron)
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Kyleigh Stephenson (Roosevelt) with Pat Boone
Judy Keeler with Madison Miller (Hidalgo) and Colleen Miller
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September 8, 2021: In the News
USDA Expands Assistance to Cover Feed Transportation Costs for Drought-Impacted Ranchers
WASHINGTON, September 8, 2021— In response to the severe drought conditions in the West and Great Plains, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today its plans to help cover the cost of transporting feed for livestock that rely on grazing. USDA is updating the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) to immediately cover feed transportation costs for drought impacted ranchers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide more details and tools to help ranchers get ready to apply at their local USDA Service Center later this month at fsa.usda.gov/elap.
“USDA is currently determining how our disaster assistance programs can best help alleviate the significant economic, physical and emotional strain agriculture producers are experiencing due to drought conditions,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The duration and intensity of current drought conditions are merciless, and the impacts of this summer’s drought will be felt by producers for months to come. Today’s announcement is to provide relief as ranchers make fall and winter herd management decisions.”
ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish for losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.
ELAP already covers the cost of hauling water during drought, and this change will expand the program beginning in 2021 to cover feed transportation costs where grazing and hay resources have been depleted. This includes places where:
Read Full Release HERE
WASHINGTON, September 8, 2021— In response to the severe drought conditions in the West and Great Plains, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today its plans to help cover the cost of transporting feed for livestock that rely on grazing. USDA is updating the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) to immediately cover feed transportation costs for drought impacted ranchers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide more details and tools to help ranchers get ready to apply at their local USDA Service Center later this month at fsa.usda.gov/elap.
“USDA is currently determining how our disaster assistance programs can best help alleviate the significant economic, physical and emotional strain agriculture producers are experiencing due to drought conditions,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The duration and intensity of current drought conditions are merciless, and the impacts of this summer’s drought will be felt by producers for months to come. Today’s announcement is to provide relief as ranchers make fall and winter herd management decisions.”
ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish for losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.
ELAP already covers the cost of hauling water during drought, and this change will expand the program beginning in 2021 to cover feed transportation costs where grazing and hay resources have been depleted. This includes places where:
- Drought intensity is D2 for eight consecutive weeks as indicated by the U.S. Drought Monitor;
- Drought intensity is D3 or greater; or
- USDA has determined a shortage of local or regional feed availability.
Read Full Release HERE
September 7, 2021: In the News
New Mexico cattle ranchers pummeled by ongoing drought
Robert Nott, Santa Fe New Mexican
State Sen. Pat Woods saw a lot of it over this past year — cows culled from a herd and sent to the slaughterhouse because their owners couldn’t afford to feed them anymore.
“It was awfully dry,” said the longtime rancher and Republican lawmaker from Broadview, a ranching community about 30 miles north of Clovis. “They were forecasting it would never rain again and it was going to be such a tough year that a lot of ranchers didn’t want to put their money into the cow.”
The drought strikes again — and its effects are having a significant impact on the state’s cattle ranching industry, according to a new report from the New Mexico State University Department of Animal and Range Sciences.
The report, which was presented to Woods and other members of the interim Water and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, laid out in stark terms how drought conditions are hurting ranchers.
Some climate experts have called the drought enveloping the southwestern part of the country one of the worst in centuries. As of last Thursday, when the last U.S. Drought Monitor report for New Mexico was updated, about two-thirds of the state was experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. And that was after a healthy monsoon season in many areas.
Among other outcomes, drought conditions decrease animal growth, diminish forage opportunities for livestock, increase the cost of production and decrease calf prices, the report says.
That in turn leads to extra costs when it comes to restocking herds that have been thinned out.
Calling the situation “the perfect storm of drought and pandemic,” Loren Patterson, president-elect of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, said the industry is reeling under “all of the above” pointed out in the study.
“It has a pretty big impact on us economically,” he said by phone following the presentation of the report. “It raises our cost of production. Not only do we have to reduce cow numbers, we have to supplement more for the cows we keep.”
Economically speaking, the cattle industry is a meaty, if not mighty, force. A 2019 report, from the environmental publication Sustainability, said its role in the state economy is “substantial.” Using 2012 data, it said about 44 percent of revenue from the state’s agricultural industry is derived from cattle.
Economically speaking, the cattle industry is a meaty, if not mighty, force. A 2019 report, from the environmental publication Sustainability, said its role in the state economy is 'substantial.'
Patterson said while those who work in agriculture are accustomed to dealing with problems brought on by longterm drought, “it’s always a little tougher than you prepare for.”
Ultimately, consumers will feel the brunt of the impacts at meat markets, grocery stores and restaurants, Patterson said.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index reports the price of beef and veal went up 6.5 percent between July 2020 and July 2021 — though it does not provide an explanation for the increase.
And there may be less beef to go around. Patterson said ranchers who have thinned herds are now trying to restock them by keeping female cows so they birth calves. Those cows are not headed into the food supply chain anytime soon. That can affect the beef supply for up to three years, he said.
Restocking is expensive, the report says.
Rep. Candy Spence Ezzell, R-Roswell, who is a rancher and a member of the interim committee, said she has experienced that cost firsthand — noting in an interview she had to sell off more than 100 of her herd at the end of 2019 because of the effects drought had on her operation.
Now, trying to restock, she finds cows once worth $700 going for nearly twice that price as demand outpaces supply.
“That’s a scarcity of a commodity that we as ranchers need,” Ezzell said.
Carla Gomez, a small cattle rancher in Mora County, said the drought has had a “devastating” impact on fellow ranchers in her area, despite a season of really good rainfall.
“Here in Mora, a lot of people who have had cattle in the past don’t anymore because of this continual drought cycle,” she said. “People sell their cattle … some people build the herd back up and some don’t.”
The report offers a number of recommendations for easing the drought’s effects, such as weaning and selling offspring early to reduce grazing fees; providing supplements to replace milk and grass for feed purposes; culling both old and young “low productivity” animals out of herds; keeping animals in a pen to feed them stored-up food products.
Some of these options are expensive, the report noted.
While Patterson said these options will “absolutely” help, selling off livestock or sending them to the slaughterhouse is “economically devastating” for cattle ranchers.
And, he said, it will cost the state and local counties in tax revenue because cattle ranchers “pay taxes on every head of livestock, so obviously the counties and state will realize less taxes.”
Story found HERE
Robert Nott, Santa Fe New Mexican
State Sen. Pat Woods saw a lot of it over this past year — cows culled from a herd and sent to the slaughterhouse because their owners couldn’t afford to feed them anymore.
“It was awfully dry,” said the longtime rancher and Republican lawmaker from Broadview, a ranching community about 30 miles north of Clovis. “They were forecasting it would never rain again and it was going to be such a tough year that a lot of ranchers didn’t want to put their money into the cow.”
The drought strikes again — and its effects are having a significant impact on the state’s cattle ranching industry, according to a new report from the New Mexico State University Department of Animal and Range Sciences.
The report, which was presented to Woods and other members of the interim Water and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, laid out in stark terms how drought conditions are hurting ranchers.
Some climate experts have called the drought enveloping the southwestern part of the country one of the worst in centuries. As of last Thursday, when the last U.S. Drought Monitor report for New Mexico was updated, about two-thirds of the state was experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. And that was after a healthy monsoon season in many areas.
Among other outcomes, drought conditions decrease animal growth, diminish forage opportunities for livestock, increase the cost of production and decrease calf prices, the report says.
That in turn leads to extra costs when it comes to restocking herds that have been thinned out.
Calling the situation “the perfect storm of drought and pandemic,” Loren Patterson, president-elect of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, said the industry is reeling under “all of the above” pointed out in the study.
“It has a pretty big impact on us economically,” he said by phone following the presentation of the report. “It raises our cost of production. Not only do we have to reduce cow numbers, we have to supplement more for the cows we keep.”
Economically speaking, the cattle industry is a meaty, if not mighty, force. A 2019 report, from the environmental publication Sustainability, said its role in the state economy is “substantial.” Using 2012 data, it said about 44 percent of revenue from the state’s agricultural industry is derived from cattle.
Economically speaking, the cattle industry is a meaty, if not mighty, force. A 2019 report, from the environmental publication Sustainability, said its role in the state economy is 'substantial.'
Patterson said while those who work in agriculture are accustomed to dealing with problems brought on by longterm drought, “it’s always a little tougher than you prepare for.”
Ultimately, consumers will feel the brunt of the impacts at meat markets, grocery stores and restaurants, Patterson said.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index reports the price of beef and veal went up 6.5 percent between July 2020 and July 2021 — though it does not provide an explanation for the increase.
And there may be less beef to go around. Patterson said ranchers who have thinned herds are now trying to restock them by keeping female cows so they birth calves. Those cows are not headed into the food supply chain anytime soon. That can affect the beef supply for up to three years, he said.
Restocking is expensive, the report says.
Rep. Candy Spence Ezzell, R-Roswell, who is a rancher and a member of the interim committee, said she has experienced that cost firsthand — noting in an interview she had to sell off more than 100 of her herd at the end of 2019 because of the effects drought had on her operation.
Now, trying to restock, she finds cows once worth $700 going for nearly twice that price as demand outpaces supply.
“That’s a scarcity of a commodity that we as ranchers need,” Ezzell said.
Carla Gomez, a small cattle rancher in Mora County, said the drought has had a “devastating” impact on fellow ranchers in her area, despite a season of really good rainfall.
“Here in Mora, a lot of people who have had cattle in the past don’t anymore because of this continual drought cycle,” she said. “People sell their cattle … some people build the herd back up and some don’t.”
The report offers a number of recommendations for easing the drought’s effects, such as weaning and selling offspring early to reduce grazing fees; providing supplements to replace milk and grass for feed purposes; culling both old and young “low productivity” animals out of herds; keeping animals in a pen to feed them stored-up food products.
Some of these options are expensive, the report noted.
While Patterson said these options will “absolutely” help, selling off livestock or sending them to the slaughterhouse is “economically devastating” for cattle ranchers.
And, he said, it will cost the state and local counties in tax revenue because cattle ranchers “pay taxes on every head of livestock, so obviously the counties and state will realize less taxes.”
Story found HERE
September 2, 2021: NMCGA New Event!
August 30, 2021: On the Road with Cattle Growers'
Representatives of New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association have traveled to Los Lunas, Las Cruces, Taos and numerous county fairs over the past month. Whether it be to recognize winners of the Heritage award, to attend educational field days, a facility groundbreaking or legislative interim committee meeting. NMCGA is making their way to your area soon.
Loren Patterson, President-Elect and Legislative Committee Chairman of NMCGA addressed members of the Water and Natural Resources Committee in Taos on Friday, August 13th. Patterson shared the history and mission of our association, as well as the economic impacts of agriculture and livestock production to New Mexico.
“Sharing a panel discussion with those organizations which consider livestock production a detriment to the environment and wildlife is never easy but presenting the contributions our members make on a daily basis not only to the environment and wildlife but the State of New Mexico is,” said Patterson.
Additional topics included the association’s concerns with takings imposed on producers by the Mexican Grey Wolf and the negative impacts awaiting the agriculture and energy industries due to proposed changes in the listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken. The importance of The Jennings Law to agriculture and private property was discussed as well as the uneasiness felt by membership when Senate Bill 312 Game and Fish and Wildlife Changes was proposed during the 2021 legislative session.
“We have to engage in conversations to secure a future seat at the table as changes are proposed,” said Patterson.
On Wednesday, August 18th the New Mexico State University / Natural Resources Conservation Service Agricultural Science Center hosted the Los Lunas Field Day. NMCGA was a sponsor and set up a booth with merchandise and literature. The daylong event had almost 200 guests in attendance giving Taylor Riggins, NMCGA staff member, a great opportunity to share our mission and the importance of becoming a member. Attendees had a selection of vendors to visit with and enjoyed a trolley ride through the fields to learn from graduate students about their research projects. NMCGA encourages everyone to attend a Field Day near you. Please visit the NMSU field day schedule here: https://aces.nmsu.edu/aes/field-days.html
The New Mexico State University Board of Regents, Chancellor Dan Arvizu and College of ACES Dean Rolando Flores hosted the groundbreaking of the Agricultural Modernization and Educational Facilities site Thursday, August 19th on the NMSU campus. NMCGA Executive Director Shelleen Smith was in attendance to watch as shiny new shovels turned the soil, commemorating the initiation of construction. The Food Science, Security and Safety Facility will feature laboratories focused on food processing, dairy science, beer and wine making. The Biomedical Research Center will provide opportunity for NMSU to excel in the fields of cancer treatment, epidemiology and border health. Finally, the Animal Nutrition and Feed Manufacturing Facility will support the mission of ACES through education, research and outreach programs strengthening New Mexico’s agricultural and livestock industries. Funding for the project was approved by voters last fall, demonstrating a commitment to build expansively for the future. Demolition of existing buildings is complete and construction will begin immediately, with a planned 12 month timeline for completion.
NMCGA has represented the beef industry in New Mexico and the West since 1914. With members in 32 of the state’s 33 counties as well as some 16 other states. The Association participates in venues necessary to protect beef producers and private property rights including litigation, state and federal legislation and regulatory affairs. You can visit or join the NMCGA online at www.nmagriculture.org.
Loren Patterson, President-Elect and Legislative Committee Chairman of NMCGA addressed members of the Water and Natural Resources Committee in Taos on Friday, August 13th. Patterson shared the history and mission of our association, as well as the economic impacts of agriculture and livestock production to New Mexico.
“Sharing a panel discussion with those organizations which consider livestock production a detriment to the environment and wildlife is never easy but presenting the contributions our members make on a daily basis not only to the environment and wildlife but the State of New Mexico is,” said Patterson.
Additional topics included the association’s concerns with takings imposed on producers by the Mexican Grey Wolf and the negative impacts awaiting the agriculture and energy industries due to proposed changes in the listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken. The importance of The Jennings Law to agriculture and private property was discussed as well as the uneasiness felt by membership when Senate Bill 312 Game and Fish and Wildlife Changes was proposed during the 2021 legislative session.
“We have to engage in conversations to secure a future seat at the table as changes are proposed,” said Patterson.
On Wednesday, August 18th the New Mexico State University / Natural Resources Conservation Service Agricultural Science Center hosted the Los Lunas Field Day. NMCGA was a sponsor and set up a booth with merchandise and literature. The daylong event had almost 200 guests in attendance giving Taylor Riggins, NMCGA staff member, a great opportunity to share our mission and the importance of becoming a member. Attendees had a selection of vendors to visit with and enjoyed a trolley ride through the fields to learn from graduate students about their research projects. NMCGA encourages everyone to attend a Field Day near you. Please visit the NMSU field day schedule here: https://aces.nmsu.edu/aes/field-days.html
The New Mexico State University Board of Regents, Chancellor Dan Arvizu and College of ACES Dean Rolando Flores hosted the groundbreaking of the Agricultural Modernization and Educational Facilities site Thursday, August 19th on the NMSU campus. NMCGA Executive Director Shelleen Smith was in attendance to watch as shiny new shovels turned the soil, commemorating the initiation of construction. The Food Science, Security and Safety Facility will feature laboratories focused on food processing, dairy science, beer and wine making. The Biomedical Research Center will provide opportunity for NMSU to excel in the fields of cancer treatment, epidemiology and border health. Finally, the Animal Nutrition and Feed Manufacturing Facility will support the mission of ACES through education, research and outreach programs strengthening New Mexico’s agricultural and livestock industries. Funding for the project was approved by voters last fall, demonstrating a commitment to build expansively for the future. Demolition of existing buildings is complete and construction will begin immediately, with a planned 12 month timeline for completion.
NMCGA has represented the beef industry in New Mexico and the West since 1914. With members in 32 of the state’s 33 counties as well as some 16 other states. The Association participates in venues necessary to protect beef producers and private property rights including litigation, state and federal legislation and regulatory affairs. You can visit or join the NMCGA online at www.nmagriculture.org.
August 26, 2021: Heritage Award Continues County Tour
Taylor Riggins, New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association
As the month of August wraps up, students all across the state are heading back to the classroom. New Mexico Cattle Growers’ would like to wish all students, parents, and teachers a great year. In celebrating, it’s not too late to go to a county fair this weekend or to even make your plans now to attend the New Mexico State Fair next month.
The inaugural year of the Heritage award continues with this week’s winners: Avery Pipkin (Curry), Chloe Jean Harral (Torrance), Brayden Wright (Quay), Mandy Crisp (Union), Rebekah Roybal (Mora), Shane Henry (DeBaca) and Sakari Frazier (San Juan).
“The success of New Mexico’s agricultural future lies with today’s young people, whose intelligence, work ethic and appreciation for heritage are reflected in the words of these essays,” said Shelleen Smith, Executive Director NMCGA. “We are proud to share the sentiments of the award winners with our members.”
To be eligible for the Heritage buckle award, youth ages 9-21 were asked to provide a 200-500 word essay on the ‘value they placed on the heritage of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico’. This is what this week’s winners had to say:
Avery Pipkin (Curry): When growing up on a family ranch, bonds created last a lifetime. Not only do ranchers show up for their immediate family, they also show up for their neighbors. Ranchers are tight knit and have created unbreakable bonds even living miles apart. My grandpa once told me, “Every single one of us is part of a big family, and always will be.” On the land covered in yuccas, the deepest conversations occur. I hold the heritage of ranching families near and dear to my heart. It is up to the next generations to continue the legacies left behind, pave our own individual paths and stick true to our roots. Award sponsored by Bronson & Barbara Corn.
Chloe Jean Harral (Torrance): The heritage of cattle ranching is important because it has taught me the meaning of hard work. My grandfather always quotes “early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” I am fortunate to be growing up with my three sisters, my parents and my grandparents on the ranch. What we do contributes to the land, the state’s economy and the families of New Mexico. Award sponsored by Brett & Linda Rizzi, No Bull Prime Meats.
Brayden Wright (Quay): One of the best things about working on my family ranch is that we have a lot of fun together. We work hard, but we play harder. When working with my Grampy, I have hauled water, fed cake, climbed windmills, drove the tractor and fixed fence, my Grampy makes it all fun! As a 4th and 5th generation rancher I like to tell anyone who listens how important our job is to the world. A cow does more that provide meat for us to eat, but also gives us leather for our boots, belts and seat covers and their pancreas even helps to make insulin for diabetics. I am Brayden Wright and ranching is my heritage. Award sponsored by Tom & Mimi Sidwell.
Mandy Crisp (Union): The hardships of ranching are well worth the triumphs, they have helped me to succeed in my day to day life by showing that through perseverance you can still come out on top. As a 6th generation rancher, my heritage has taught me to endure the hard times and appreciate the abundance of joys this lifestyle gives. Drought and markets may be uncertain, but there is hope found in a newborn calf hunkered down by its mother and the satisfaction of a big rainstorm. I would not choose any other way of life. Award sponsored by Cliff & Pat Copeland.
Rebekah Roybal (Mora): I am grateful for the knowledge I have acquired learning from my grandparents cattle operation, my mother who serves as my FFA advisor and from my own herd of cattle. I am avid about improving the agriculture industry in New Mexico because I am a part of it. I am fortunate to have learned responsibility, hard work and the importance of a handshake. I can’t thank the generations before me enough. Award sponsored by Ag New Mexico Farm Credit.
Shane Henry (De Baca): I am a 5th generation cowboy. I grew up hearing stories about how my Great Grandfather Red Kyle arrived by train as a child to the ranch west of Fort Sumner many years ago. I plan to continue my family tradition in living the cowboy way of life to not only be a steward of the land but to be an advocate for the importance of cattle and ranching heritage and what it provides to the rest of the world. I can do this because my parents have taught me to work hard and always “make a hand.” Award sponsored by Singleton Ranches.
Sakari Frazier (San Juan): My family and I have been involved in agriculture for 3 generations. I have a deeply shared passion for valuing and most importantly continuing our ranching and agriculture heritage because ranching and agriculture never stop. During the coronavirus this past year, New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers played a large role in feeding people of our state and country. Every person in agriculture found a way to deliver their products to our citizens and beyond, because that is what we do. Award sponsored by Dustin Johnson.
Recipients from each county are presented with a trophy belt buckle and a 1 year junior membership to NMCGA. Winners are then automatically entered in the overall state Heritage contest. To learn more about the Heritage contest and NMCGA please visit: www.nmagriculture.org
As the month of August wraps up, students all across the state are heading back to the classroom. New Mexico Cattle Growers’ would like to wish all students, parents, and teachers a great year. In celebrating, it’s not too late to go to a county fair this weekend or to even make your plans now to attend the New Mexico State Fair next month.
The inaugural year of the Heritage award continues with this week’s winners: Avery Pipkin (Curry), Chloe Jean Harral (Torrance), Brayden Wright (Quay), Mandy Crisp (Union), Rebekah Roybal (Mora), Shane Henry (DeBaca) and Sakari Frazier (San Juan).
“The success of New Mexico’s agricultural future lies with today’s young people, whose intelligence, work ethic and appreciation for heritage are reflected in the words of these essays,” said Shelleen Smith, Executive Director NMCGA. “We are proud to share the sentiments of the award winners with our members.”
To be eligible for the Heritage buckle award, youth ages 9-21 were asked to provide a 200-500 word essay on the ‘value they placed on the heritage of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico’. This is what this week’s winners had to say:
Avery Pipkin (Curry): When growing up on a family ranch, bonds created last a lifetime. Not only do ranchers show up for their immediate family, they also show up for their neighbors. Ranchers are tight knit and have created unbreakable bonds even living miles apart. My grandpa once told me, “Every single one of us is part of a big family, and always will be.” On the land covered in yuccas, the deepest conversations occur. I hold the heritage of ranching families near and dear to my heart. It is up to the next generations to continue the legacies left behind, pave our own individual paths and stick true to our roots. Award sponsored by Bronson & Barbara Corn.
Chloe Jean Harral (Torrance): The heritage of cattle ranching is important because it has taught me the meaning of hard work. My grandfather always quotes “early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” I am fortunate to be growing up with my three sisters, my parents and my grandparents on the ranch. What we do contributes to the land, the state’s economy and the families of New Mexico. Award sponsored by Brett & Linda Rizzi, No Bull Prime Meats.
Brayden Wright (Quay): One of the best things about working on my family ranch is that we have a lot of fun together. We work hard, but we play harder. When working with my Grampy, I have hauled water, fed cake, climbed windmills, drove the tractor and fixed fence, my Grampy makes it all fun! As a 4th and 5th generation rancher I like to tell anyone who listens how important our job is to the world. A cow does more that provide meat for us to eat, but also gives us leather for our boots, belts and seat covers and their pancreas even helps to make insulin for diabetics. I am Brayden Wright and ranching is my heritage. Award sponsored by Tom & Mimi Sidwell.
Mandy Crisp (Union): The hardships of ranching are well worth the triumphs, they have helped me to succeed in my day to day life by showing that through perseverance you can still come out on top. As a 6th generation rancher, my heritage has taught me to endure the hard times and appreciate the abundance of joys this lifestyle gives. Drought and markets may be uncertain, but there is hope found in a newborn calf hunkered down by its mother and the satisfaction of a big rainstorm. I would not choose any other way of life. Award sponsored by Cliff & Pat Copeland.
Rebekah Roybal (Mora): I am grateful for the knowledge I have acquired learning from my grandparents cattle operation, my mother who serves as my FFA advisor and from my own herd of cattle. I am avid about improving the agriculture industry in New Mexico because I am a part of it. I am fortunate to have learned responsibility, hard work and the importance of a handshake. I can’t thank the generations before me enough. Award sponsored by Ag New Mexico Farm Credit.
Shane Henry (De Baca): I am a 5th generation cowboy. I grew up hearing stories about how my Great Grandfather Red Kyle arrived by train as a child to the ranch west of Fort Sumner many years ago. I plan to continue my family tradition in living the cowboy way of life to not only be a steward of the land but to be an advocate for the importance of cattle and ranching heritage and what it provides to the rest of the world. I can do this because my parents have taught me to work hard and always “make a hand.” Award sponsored by Singleton Ranches.
Sakari Frazier (San Juan): My family and I have been involved in agriculture for 3 generations. I have a deeply shared passion for valuing and most importantly continuing our ranching and agriculture heritage because ranching and agriculture never stop. During the coronavirus this past year, New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers played a large role in feeding people of our state and country. Every person in agriculture found a way to deliver their products to our citizens and beyond, because that is what we do. Award sponsored by Dustin Johnson.
Recipients from each county are presented with a trophy belt buckle and a 1 year junior membership to NMCGA. Winners are then automatically entered in the overall state Heritage contest. To learn more about the Heritage contest and NMCGA please visit: www.nmagriculture.org
Brayden Wright (Quay)
Rebekah Roybal (Mora)
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Avery Pipkin (Curry)
Mandy Crisp (Union)
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Chloe Jean Harral (Torrance)
Shane Henry (DeBaca)
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August 26, 2021: In the News
The New Mexico Youth Livestock Expo has been finalized. It will take place in Roswell, NM Sept 14-17. All New Mexico livestock exhibitors are welcome. The sale will be Friday 1 pm. Please plan on attending, and show support for NM youth. Rules and details to follow.
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August 26, 2021: NMSF Update & Refund Application
2021 Junior Livestock Show Refund Application
Submit your refund request by Friday, September 3, 2021. Requests will be processed as soon as possible.
FORM FOUND HERE
Submit your refund request by Friday, September 3, 2021. Requests will be processed as soon as possible.
FORM FOUND HERE
August 25, 2021: Joint Stockmen's Raffle Announcement
August 20, 2021: In the News
From the Office of Rep. Yvette Herrell
WASHINGTON - Rep. Yvette Herrell has sent a letter to New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham requesting that individuals be allowed to attend the upcoming State Fair if they test negative for COVID. The letter was co-signed by James Townsend, Republican Leader of the New Mexico House of Representatives, Gregory Baca, Republican Leader of the New Mexico Senate, and Randell Major, President of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association.
To date, Governor Lujan Grisham has required that all State Fair attendees be vaccinated, blocking low-risk children and otherwise COVID-negative Americans who wish to attend
"You have already imposed a mask mandate. Further imposing this vaccine mandate will prove unworkable for many who wish to enjoy our great state fair, which is a source of pride for all New Mexicans," reads the letter. "There are very few exemptions for your recent order. Many, especially children from rural areas, will likely be unable to receive their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine in time to participate in the fair. Additionally, the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine is not available to children under 18 at this time, nor is the Moderna vaccine."
"It is unreasonable and harsh to ask families to choose between unwanted medical decisions and their child’s hard work," said State Senator Baca. "Our rural families who work all year to show at the State Fair deserved to be included in this decision. The Governor's mandate is clearly not about health policy, since the majority of the events are outside. We urge the Governor: let kids be kids, let parents make the right decisions for their children, and let individuals exercise personal responsibility."
Full letter in file below or HERE
WASHINGTON - Rep. Yvette Herrell has sent a letter to New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham requesting that individuals be allowed to attend the upcoming State Fair if they test negative for COVID. The letter was co-signed by James Townsend, Republican Leader of the New Mexico House of Representatives, Gregory Baca, Republican Leader of the New Mexico Senate, and Randell Major, President of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association.
To date, Governor Lujan Grisham has required that all State Fair attendees be vaccinated, blocking low-risk children and otherwise COVID-negative Americans who wish to attend
"You have already imposed a mask mandate. Further imposing this vaccine mandate will prove unworkable for many who wish to enjoy our great state fair, which is a source of pride for all New Mexicans," reads the letter. "There are very few exemptions for your recent order. Many, especially children from rural areas, will likely be unable to receive their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine in time to participate in the fair. Additionally, the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine is not available to children under 18 at this time, nor is the Moderna vaccine."
"It is unreasonable and harsh to ask families to choose between unwanted medical decisions and their child’s hard work," said State Senator Baca. "Our rural families who work all year to show at the State Fair deserved to be included in this decision. The Governor's mandate is clearly not about health policy, since the majority of the events are outside. We urge the Governor: let kids be kids, let parents make the right decisions for their children, and let individuals exercise personal responsibility."
Full letter in file below or HERE
| 8.19.21_mlg_re_state_fair_vaccine_herrell.pdf |
August 19, 2021: In the News
Gila National Forest in New Mexico to restrict grazing to protect habitat
Story by: Scott Wyland, Santa Fe New Mexican
The U.S. Forest Service will impose more stringent measures under a legal settlement to keep grazing cattle away from waterways in two national forests to better protect endangered wildlife.
The Center for Biological Diversity reached the settlement with the Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service calling for the agencies to better protect riparian areas against stray cattle within New Mexico's Gila National Forest and Arizona's Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
In all, about 150 miles of waterways will have increased oversight in the agreement that's set to last three years — including the Gila, San Francisco, Tularosa and Blue rivers.
"The majority of endangered species in the Southwest live along rivers and riparian areas, and so it's really critical to protect these areas," said Todd Schulke, a senior staffer and co-founder of the Center for Biological Diversity.
He cautioned the Forest Service must enforce the measures laid out in the settlement for it to be effective. The agency has not always followed through on enforcement in the past, he said.
The Forest Service will monitor riparian areas, maintain and repair fencing along pastures and remove any intruding cattle, according to the settlement. The agency also will address invasive species and other conservation challenges facing imperiled southwestern species.
The Center for Biological Diversity is pushing for similar riparian protections throughout the region, Schulke said. In New Mexico, that would include the Santa Fe and Carson national forests, he added.
"This is just the first step in a more comprehensive effort for the entire state," he said.
Read More HERE
Story by: Scott Wyland, Santa Fe New Mexican
The U.S. Forest Service will impose more stringent measures under a legal settlement to keep grazing cattle away from waterways in two national forests to better protect endangered wildlife.
The Center for Biological Diversity reached the settlement with the Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service calling for the agencies to better protect riparian areas against stray cattle within New Mexico's Gila National Forest and Arizona's Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
In all, about 150 miles of waterways will have increased oversight in the agreement that's set to last three years — including the Gila, San Francisco, Tularosa and Blue rivers.
"The majority of endangered species in the Southwest live along rivers and riparian areas, and so it's really critical to protect these areas," said Todd Schulke, a senior staffer and co-founder of the Center for Biological Diversity.
He cautioned the Forest Service must enforce the measures laid out in the settlement for it to be effective. The agency has not always followed through on enforcement in the past, he said.
The Forest Service will monitor riparian areas, maintain and repair fencing along pastures and remove any intruding cattle, according to the settlement. The agency also will address invasive species and other conservation challenges facing imperiled southwestern species.
The Center for Biological Diversity is pushing for similar riparian protections throughout the region, Schulke said. In New Mexico, that would include the Santa Fe and Carson national forests, he added.
"This is just the first step in a more comprehensive effort for the entire state," he said.
Read More HERE
August 19, 2021: In the News
New Mexico State Fair vaccine mandate for youth exhibitors sparks outcry
Story by: Daniel J. Chacon, Santa Fe New Mexican
Bad news awaited brother and sister JD and Abby Kersey when they got home from school Tuesday afternoon.
Just an hour earlier, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that anyone eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine must show proof of being fully vaccinated to attend the New Mexico State Fair, where the middle school students from Magdalena planned to show steers, lambs and pigs — animals they’ve been raising for months.
JD, who is 12 and eligible for a vaccine, isn’t vaccinated, and even if he got his first dose this week, he would be too late to meet the governor’s mandate.
“I just wish that she would have gotten some feedback from rural New Mexico on the impacts,” Kayla Kersey, the children’s mother, said in a telephone interview Wednesday. “I know that there’s the carnival and the rides and all of that, but the junior livestock group of people would have helped figure out a way to do this in a safe manner without having to make these mandates.”
The vaccine requirement for young exhibitors, announced three weeks before the start of the state fair, is generating harsh criticism against the governor.
The New Mexico Cattle Growers Association and a couple of Republican senators are urging Lujan Grisham to reconsider the vaccine requirement for youth, saying it will prevent scores of students from showing their animals or participating in other exhibits at the state fair.
“First and foremost, we do understand the governor’s desire to protect New Mexicans and especially those under 12 against the COVID-19 infection,” said Shelleen Smith, the association’s executive director. “But we also feel that consideration has to be given for exhibitors. They cannot meet the requirements due to this short notice.”
Smith said there are youth who have put a year’s worth of work into their livestock projects and won’t be able to afford to do a project next year if they can’t sell their livestock this year.
“We just have concern for our kids,” she said. “They’ve worked so hard for the past year.”
Sens. Crystal Diamond, R-Elephant Butte, and Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell, want the governor to lift the vaccine requirement at the state fair for all youth, not just exhibitors.
“While we understand the pressures you and other state officials are experiencing, we feel this decision was particularly careless and inconsiderate of the children and parents of our state,” Diamond and Pirtle wrote in a joint letter to the governor. “No family should be faced with the dilemma of receiving an experimental vaccine or having their hard work be completely lost.”
Read more HERE
Story by: Daniel J. Chacon, Santa Fe New Mexican
Bad news awaited brother and sister JD and Abby Kersey when they got home from school Tuesday afternoon.
Just an hour earlier, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that anyone eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine must show proof of being fully vaccinated to attend the New Mexico State Fair, where the middle school students from Magdalena planned to show steers, lambs and pigs — animals they’ve been raising for months.
JD, who is 12 and eligible for a vaccine, isn’t vaccinated, and even if he got his first dose this week, he would be too late to meet the governor’s mandate.
“I just wish that she would have gotten some feedback from rural New Mexico on the impacts,” Kayla Kersey, the children’s mother, said in a telephone interview Wednesday. “I know that there’s the carnival and the rides and all of that, but the junior livestock group of people would have helped figure out a way to do this in a safe manner without having to make these mandates.”
The vaccine requirement for young exhibitors, announced three weeks before the start of the state fair, is generating harsh criticism against the governor.
The New Mexico Cattle Growers Association and a couple of Republican senators are urging Lujan Grisham to reconsider the vaccine requirement for youth, saying it will prevent scores of students from showing their animals or participating in other exhibits at the state fair.
“First and foremost, we do understand the governor’s desire to protect New Mexicans and especially those under 12 against the COVID-19 infection,” said Shelleen Smith, the association’s executive director. “But we also feel that consideration has to be given for exhibitors. They cannot meet the requirements due to this short notice.”
Smith said there are youth who have put a year’s worth of work into their livestock projects and won’t be able to afford to do a project next year if they can’t sell their livestock this year.
“We just have concern for our kids,” she said. “They’ve worked so hard for the past year.”
Sens. Crystal Diamond, R-Elephant Butte, and Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell, want the governor to lift the vaccine requirement at the state fair for all youth, not just exhibitors.
“While we understand the pressures you and other state officials are experiencing, we feel this decision was particularly careless and inconsiderate of the children and parents of our state,” Diamond and Pirtle wrote in a joint letter to the governor. “No family should be faced with the dilemma of receiving an experimental vaccine or having their hard work be completely lost.”
Read more HERE
August 18, 2021: In the News
New Mexico State Fair vaccine mandate spurs concern
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Some are calling a requirement for everyone attending the upcoming New Mexico State Fair to show proof of vaccination anything but fair.
The mandate was announced Tuesday by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham as part of a new public health order that also requires health care workers and others to get vaccinated within a certain period of time or risk losing their jobs. A statewide mask mandate for all public indoor spaces also was reinstated.
An official with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association said the vaccine requirement for the state fair comes with short notice and may cost some juniors a year of work if they can’t get vaccinated in time and aren’t allowed to exhibit and sell their animals.
Cliff Copeland, the association’s northeast regional vice president, said the governor’s office had given no indication through the summer months that a COVID-19 vaccination would be required to participate at the fair, which begins Sept. 9.
“These exhibitors may not be able to financially afford livestock projects next year if not allowed to show and sell these animals at the current state fair,” he said. “There is hardly enough time to become vaccinated and meet the requirements because of the late announcement.”
He said the requirement also potentially affects the buyers at the junior livestock sale and even the judges already under contract if they are not vaccinated.
Under the order, nearly everyone eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine must show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter the fairgrounds. There are limited exemptions — for medical, disability or religious reasons — to the state’s policy.
State officials contend the policy will help to protect children under 12 who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Some are calling a requirement for everyone attending the upcoming New Mexico State Fair to show proof of vaccination anything but fair.
The mandate was announced Tuesday by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham as part of a new public health order that also requires health care workers and others to get vaccinated within a certain period of time or risk losing their jobs. A statewide mask mandate for all public indoor spaces also was reinstated.
An official with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association said the vaccine requirement for the state fair comes with short notice and may cost some juniors a year of work if they can’t get vaccinated in time and aren’t allowed to exhibit and sell their animals.
Cliff Copeland, the association’s northeast regional vice president, said the governor’s office had given no indication through the summer months that a COVID-19 vaccination would be required to participate at the fair, which begins Sept. 9.
“These exhibitors may not be able to financially afford livestock projects next year if not allowed to show and sell these animals at the current state fair,” he said. “There is hardly enough time to become vaccinated and meet the requirements because of the late announcement.”
He said the requirement also potentially affects the buyers at the junior livestock sale and even the judges already under contract if they are not vaccinated.
Under the order, nearly everyone eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine must show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter the fairgrounds. There are limited exemptions — for medical, disability or religious reasons — to the state’s policy.
State officials contend the policy will help to protect children under 12 who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.
August 17, 2021: Seven Youth Showmen Receive Heritage Award
Taylor Riggins, New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association
The inaugural year of the Heritage buckle award is off to a great start as New Mexico fair season is well underway. The month of August will host 18 county fairs, make sure to go out and support the youth in agriculture this summer.
“The essays received from around the state have been absolutely amazing”, said Ron Burnett, NMCGA Promotions and Marketing Committee Chairman. “With ag kids like these leading the next generation our future looks brighter than ever.”
This week’s winners were: Isabella Sugg (Lincoln), Myra Olivas (Valencia), Breylin Rubio (Colfax), Earl Velasquez (Sandoval), James Tucker (Santa Fe), Natalie Smith (Harding) and Kooper Kerby (Lea).
To be eligible for the Heritage buckle award, youth ages 9-21 were asked to provide a 200-500 word essay on the ‘value they placed on the heritage of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico’. This is what this week’s winners had to say:
Isabella Sugg (Lincoln): My family has been ranching on the Bar W Ranch outside of Carrizozo since 1888. Part of passing down heritage is being honest about the rewards, challenges and sorrows that occur in ranching. With fewer choosing to become a part of the cattle industry, it is important that we continue to educate the public with our knowledge of animal husbandry and how food is produced. This begins with the knowledge we pass from generation to generation. Lincoln County award sponsored by, Kendal & Chelsea Wilson – Wilson Beef.
Myra Olivas (Valencia): I recently asked myself this question: Who will share the heritage of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico if there is no one in the future to maintain its legacy? I was able to explore this more after attending the New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp. Surrounded by like minded youth, we learned about grazing, administering vaccines and consumer driven markets. Consumers want to know where their food comes from! I see opportunities now that I didn’t see before attending camp. Valencia County award sponsored by, Representative Gail Armstrong.
Breylin Rubio (Colfax): A big part of ranching heritage is work ethic. To get things done you have to have a good attitude and love your work. My grandpa and my dad have taught me that along with responsibility. I have a large amount of responsibility when I shoot my rifle, care for my animals, and someday when the ranch is passed to me. My responsibility and work ethic are what will keep my ranching heritage alive. Colfax County award sponsored by, Major Ranch Realty.
Earl Velasquez (Sandoval): The cattle industry is not just a job but a way of life and how many provide for their families. My great great grandpa was the first to start ranching in our family in the late 1800s. Ever since then we have proudly been ranchers and have raised cattle to contribute to the history of America. Sandoval County award sponsored by, Bill Humphries – in memory of Carol Humphries.
James Tucker (Santa Fe): I place high value in heritage ranches and their owners, specifically in my neighbor Mr. Tom Spindle. Since starting a small cattle operation of my own, I have been lucky to learn and ask questions on how to properly feed and manage my cattle, how to deal with drought and range management, and when the best time is to sell my calves. One day I hope to have a heritage ranch of my own. Santa Fe County award sponsored by, Bill King Ranch.
Natalie Smith (Harding): Generations of ranchers have faced hardships. It has made our skin tan, our muscles strong and our work ethic real. Obstacles such as drought, animal rights groups and other activists help me to better value my heritage in ranching. I know that I want to carry on the legacy of a strong, capable people who have come before me. Harding County award sponsored by, Culbertson-Whatley Ranch.
Kooper Kerby (Lea): For 5 generations my family has pushed through the hardships and successfully ranched in southeastern New Mexico. It all started with my great, great, great Grandpa William Standifer “Colonel” Williams in 1898. Nearly 123 years later we still own some of the original ranch where my father is the 5th generation and I hope to be the 6th. Lea County award sponsored by, Robert L. Homer & Associates, LLC.
Recipients from each county are presented with a trophy belt buckle and a 1 year junior membership to NMCGA. Winners are then automatically entered in the overall state Heritage contest.
The inaugural year of the Heritage buckle award is off to a great start as New Mexico fair season is well underway. The month of August will host 18 county fairs, make sure to go out and support the youth in agriculture this summer.
“The essays received from around the state have been absolutely amazing”, said Ron Burnett, NMCGA Promotions and Marketing Committee Chairman. “With ag kids like these leading the next generation our future looks brighter than ever.”
This week’s winners were: Isabella Sugg (Lincoln), Myra Olivas (Valencia), Breylin Rubio (Colfax), Earl Velasquez (Sandoval), James Tucker (Santa Fe), Natalie Smith (Harding) and Kooper Kerby (Lea).
To be eligible for the Heritage buckle award, youth ages 9-21 were asked to provide a 200-500 word essay on the ‘value they placed on the heritage of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico’. This is what this week’s winners had to say:
Isabella Sugg (Lincoln): My family has been ranching on the Bar W Ranch outside of Carrizozo since 1888. Part of passing down heritage is being honest about the rewards, challenges and sorrows that occur in ranching. With fewer choosing to become a part of the cattle industry, it is important that we continue to educate the public with our knowledge of animal husbandry and how food is produced. This begins with the knowledge we pass from generation to generation. Lincoln County award sponsored by, Kendal & Chelsea Wilson – Wilson Beef.
Myra Olivas (Valencia): I recently asked myself this question: Who will share the heritage of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico if there is no one in the future to maintain its legacy? I was able to explore this more after attending the New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp. Surrounded by like minded youth, we learned about grazing, administering vaccines and consumer driven markets. Consumers want to know where their food comes from! I see opportunities now that I didn’t see before attending camp. Valencia County award sponsored by, Representative Gail Armstrong.
Breylin Rubio (Colfax): A big part of ranching heritage is work ethic. To get things done you have to have a good attitude and love your work. My grandpa and my dad have taught me that along with responsibility. I have a large amount of responsibility when I shoot my rifle, care for my animals, and someday when the ranch is passed to me. My responsibility and work ethic are what will keep my ranching heritage alive. Colfax County award sponsored by, Major Ranch Realty.
Earl Velasquez (Sandoval): The cattle industry is not just a job but a way of life and how many provide for their families. My great great grandpa was the first to start ranching in our family in the late 1800s. Ever since then we have proudly been ranchers and have raised cattle to contribute to the history of America. Sandoval County award sponsored by, Bill Humphries – in memory of Carol Humphries.
James Tucker (Santa Fe): I place high value in heritage ranches and their owners, specifically in my neighbor Mr. Tom Spindle. Since starting a small cattle operation of my own, I have been lucky to learn and ask questions on how to properly feed and manage my cattle, how to deal with drought and range management, and when the best time is to sell my calves. One day I hope to have a heritage ranch of my own. Santa Fe County award sponsored by, Bill King Ranch.
Natalie Smith (Harding): Generations of ranchers have faced hardships. It has made our skin tan, our muscles strong and our work ethic real. Obstacles such as drought, animal rights groups and other activists help me to better value my heritage in ranching. I know that I want to carry on the legacy of a strong, capable people who have come before me. Harding County award sponsored by, Culbertson-Whatley Ranch.
Kooper Kerby (Lea): For 5 generations my family has pushed through the hardships and successfully ranched in southeastern New Mexico. It all started with my great, great, great Grandpa William Standifer “Colonel” Williams in 1898. Nearly 123 years later we still own some of the original ranch where my father is the 5th generation and I hope to be the 6th. Lea County award sponsored by, Robert L. Homer & Associates, LLC.
Recipients from each county are presented with a trophy belt buckle and a 1 year junior membership to NMCGA. Winners are then automatically entered in the overall state Heritage contest.
Kooper Kerby (Lea)
Johni Gallegos (Rio Arriba)
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Natalie Smith (Harding)
James Tucker (Santa Fe)
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Isabella Sugg (Lincoln)
Earl Velasquez (Sandoval)
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August 16, 2021: NMSU dean wins lifetime achievement award from STEM organization
Rolando A. Flores Galarza, dean and chief administrative officer of New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, has received a lifetime achievement award from Great Minds in STEM, the organization announced Aug. 11.
Flores Galarza was among 22 STEM professionals selected by a peer-review committee to receive the 2021 HENAAC Awards from Great Minds in STEM, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting STEM careers, especially in underserved communities.
“Dean Flores Galarza is an outstanding educator, and we’re so fortunate to have him at our university,” NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu said. “He has dedicated his entire career to ensuring students are equipped not just with knowledge in the STEM disciplines, but also with important, foundational skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. I congratulate him on this well-deserved national recognition.”
The awards honor the achievements of America’s top engineers and scientists from the Hispanic community. Flores Galarza received the organization’s lifetime achievement award for education. He and the other award winners will be recognized at the 2021 Great Minds in STEM conference, set to take place virtually Oct. 11-22.
“This award humbles and fills me with gratitude for all the students, who in one way or another, I have contributed to moving them through the education process,” Flores Galarza said. “I am grateful to my beloved family for their patience, support and love, to all the colleagues and staff I have worked with, and to the ones who nominated me. Education is fundamental to the growth of an individual, and without it, our society will not move forward. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to contribute to this rich endeavor.”
Flores Galarza, a food scientist, joined NMSU in 2016 to serve as dean and chief administrative officer of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
Flores Galarza has dedicated his career to advancing food science and technology and cultivating the next generation of food scientists and engineers. He also has conducted pioneering research in waste and byproduct utilization.
Flores Galarza was among 22 STEM professionals selected by a peer-review committee to receive the 2021 HENAAC Awards from Great Minds in STEM, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting STEM careers, especially in underserved communities.
“Dean Flores Galarza is an outstanding educator, and we’re so fortunate to have him at our university,” NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu said. “He has dedicated his entire career to ensuring students are equipped not just with knowledge in the STEM disciplines, but also with important, foundational skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. I congratulate him on this well-deserved national recognition.”
The awards honor the achievements of America’s top engineers and scientists from the Hispanic community. Flores Galarza received the organization’s lifetime achievement award for education. He and the other award winners will be recognized at the 2021 Great Minds in STEM conference, set to take place virtually Oct. 11-22.
“This award humbles and fills me with gratitude for all the students, who in one way or another, I have contributed to moving them through the education process,” Flores Galarza said. “I am grateful to my beloved family for their patience, support and love, to all the colleagues and staff I have worked with, and to the ones who nominated me. Education is fundamental to the growth of an individual, and without it, our society will not move forward. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to contribute to this rich endeavor.”
Flores Galarza, a food scientist, joined NMSU in 2016 to serve as dean and chief administrative officer of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
Flores Galarza has dedicated his career to advancing food science and technology and cultivating the next generation of food scientists and engineers. He also has conducted pioneering research in waste and byproduct utilization.
August 11, 2021: Congratulations
Students Awarded for Generational Commitment to Agriculture
The inaugural year of the Heritage buckle award is off to a great start as New Mexico is officially one week into county fair season.
“We encourage and thank the youth for their appreciation of this lifestyle,” said Randell Major, President New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association. “They are critical to our future on the land.”
This week’s winners were: Lacey Knight (Dona Ana), Jacee Smith (Eddy), Jordan Perez (Guadalupe) and Caycie Wood (Chaves).
To be eligible for the Heritage buckle award, youth ages 9-21 were asked to provide a 200-500 word essay on the ‘value they placed on the heritage of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico’. This is what this week’s winners had to say:
Lacey Knight (Dona Ana): As a member of 4-H and FFA, I feel that it is my responsibility to tell others about my agriculture way of life and how rewarding it is. There is no greater feeling of accomplishment than to care for the animals and the land, with my family by my side.
Jacee Smith (Eddy): My great grandpa raised cattle, rode horses, and taught many lessons to my grandpa and my father who have taught them to me. If I don’t place a large importance on ranching in my life the next generation may not have the same opportunities as me. I hope that I can keep learning and growing and one day become a leader in the cattle industry.
Jordan Perez (Guadalupe): My legacy was built from a cattle and sheep homestead in the 1900’s. Now as the 4th generation, I place my family’s successes in the traditions and old fashioned values found in 3 words: hard work, sacrifice and determination.
Caysie Wood (Chaves): The heritage of the cattle industry is invaluable to our present and future generations because of the traditions it honors, the land it conserves, and the people it values. Ranchers are dedicated to their land, their livestock and their families. Keeping these traditions alive is an active and ongoing responsibility.
Recipients from each county are presented with a trophy belt buckle and a 1 year junior membership to NMCGA, winners are then automatically entered in the overall state Heritage contest.
The inaugural year of the Heritage buckle award is off to a great start as New Mexico is officially one week into county fair season.
“We encourage and thank the youth for their appreciation of this lifestyle,” said Randell Major, President New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association. “They are critical to our future on the land.”
This week’s winners were: Lacey Knight (Dona Ana), Jacee Smith (Eddy), Jordan Perez (Guadalupe) and Caycie Wood (Chaves).
To be eligible for the Heritage buckle award, youth ages 9-21 were asked to provide a 200-500 word essay on the ‘value they placed on the heritage of the cattle industry and ranching in New Mexico’. This is what this week’s winners had to say:
Lacey Knight (Dona Ana): As a member of 4-H and FFA, I feel that it is my responsibility to tell others about my agriculture way of life and how rewarding it is. There is no greater feeling of accomplishment than to care for the animals and the land, with my family by my side.
Jacee Smith (Eddy): My great grandpa raised cattle, rode horses, and taught many lessons to my grandpa and my father who have taught them to me. If I don’t place a large importance on ranching in my life the next generation may not have the same opportunities as me. I hope that I can keep learning and growing and one day become a leader in the cattle industry.
Jordan Perez (Guadalupe): My legacy was built from a cattle and sheep homestead in the 1900’s. Now as the 4th generation, I place my family’s successes in the traditions and old fashioned values found in 3 words: hard work, sacrifice and determination.
Caysie Wood (Chaves): The heritage of the cattle industry is invaluable to our present and future generations because of the traditions it honors, the land it conserves, and the people it values. Ranchers are dedicated to their land, their livestock and their families. Keeping these traditions alive is an active and ongoing responsibility.
Recipients from each county are presented with a trophy belt buckle and a 1 year junior membership to NMCGA, winners are then automatically entered in the overall state Heritage contest.
Jacee Smith (Eddy)
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Lacey Knight (Dona Ana)
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Caysie Wood (Chaves)
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Jordan Perez (Guadalupe)
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August 5, 2021: In the News - USDA
New USDA Market News Reports to Enhance Price Transparency in Cattle Markets
WASHINGTON, August 5, 2021—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that beginning Monday, August 9, 2021, it will issue two new USDA Market News reports based on Livestock Mandatory Reporting data that will provide additional insight into formula cattle trades and help promote fair and competitive markets. This action is one piece of USDA’s efforts to deliver on President Biden’s Executive Order 14036 on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, which directed USDA to, among other things, “enhance price discovery, increase transparency, and improve the functioning of the cattle and other livestock markets.” The Executive Order on Competition launched a whole-of-government effort to promote competition, including 72 specific agency initiatives. USDA has already undertaken several other initiatives under the Executive Order, including announcing investments of at least $500 million in meat processing capacity, new rulemakings under the Packers & Stockyards Act, and a top-to-bottom review of the “Product of USA” label.
The first new report, the National Daily Direct Formula Base Cattle, which will be issued on Monday, August 9, will provide greater information into the foundational prices used in cattle market formulas, grids and contracts. The second report, the National Weekly Cattle Net Price Distribution, which will be issued Tuesday, August 10, will show the volume of cattle purchased at each different level of pricing within those formulas, grids, and contracts.
Read More HERE
WASHINGTON, August 5, 2021—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that beginning Monday, August 9, 2021, it will issue two new USDA Market News reports based on Livestock Mandatory Reporting data that will provide additional insight into formula cattle trades and help promote fair and competitive markets. This action is one piece of USDA’s efforts to deliver on President Biden’s Executive Order 14036 on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, which directed USDA to, among other things, “enhance price discovery, increase transparency, and improve the functioning of the cattle and other livestock markets.” The Executive Order on Competition launched a whole-of-government effort to promote competition, including 72 specific agency initiatives. USDA has already undertaken several other initiatives under the Executive Order, including announcing investments of at least $500 million in meat processing capacity, new rulemakings under the Packers & Stockyards Act, and a top-to-bottom review of the “Product of USA” label.
The first new report, the National Daily Direct Formula Base Cattle, which will be issued on Monday, August 9, will provide greater information into the foundational prices used in cattle market formulas, grids and contracts. The second report, the National Weekly Cattle Net Price Distribution, which will be issued Tuesday, August 10, will show the volume of cattle purchased at each different level of pricing within those formulas, grids, and contracts.
Read More HERE
August 3, 2021: A Night at the County Fair
County fair season in communities all across the state began this week. From late July to October people of all ages, backgrounds and interests will come together to showcase talent, enjoy food, and the see a year of hard work come to fruition. This is a great opportunity for the agriculture community to grow, educate and showcase its best!
New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service and youth organizations like 4-H and FFA cultivate opportunities for every member of the family to be involved in the fair. There are several classes to showcase talents as a member of these youth organizations including: animal science, horticulture, engineering science, creative arts, and home economics. For those who are still a kid at heart, the adult open division includes: farm crops, baked and canned goods, clothing, needlework, arts and crafts, and photography.
“4-H and Extension touches 650,000 New Mexicans every year! That's one-third of our great state. 4-H is one of many organizations that children and even adults can take part in, one which holds a huge piece of my heart”, said Tatum O’Toole, former State 4-H President.
The livestock barn holds a range of animals including cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, llamas and alpacas. Every animal is accompanied and cared for by a hardworking youth. These showmen work all year feeding, watering and grooming their animals to lead them through the show ring for a chance to make the sale. The Junior Livestock sale benefits the future of these showmen through the generosity of bidders, scholarships, trophy buckles, and awards given for showmanship.
“As the largest youth organization in the world, the goal of 4-H is to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills through experiential learning programs with a positive youth development approach,” said O’Toole. “New Mexico alone has more than 30,000 youth from ages 5-19 that participate in citizenship leadership and many other various projects areas.”
If you find yourself lacking in weekend plans, a trip to the local fair is sure to be a blast. There you can also indulge in deliciously fried foods like funnel cakes and corn dogs. Better yet, try out the green chile cheeseburger! You can also spend your time catching a few stomach-dropping carnival rides, listen to live music and attend the occasional rodeo or goat roping. Community involvement is huge surrounding fair event. You can often find local business owners selling their wares or see your classmates at the face painting booth.
“One of the best things about 4-H and New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service is that they have a huge outreach and are all about teaching and sharing the message of New Mexico agriculture,” said O’Toole. “The agricultural community is truly a family that supports each other. In the words of 4-H, working to make the best better.”
New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service and youth organizations like 4-H and FFA cultivate opportunities for every member of the family to be involved in the fair. There are several classes to showcase talents as a member of these youth organizations including: animal science, horticulture, engineering science, creative arts, and home economics. For those who are still a kid at heart, the adult open division includes: farm crops, baked and canned goods, clothing, needlework, arts and crafts, and photography.
“4-H and Extension touches 650,000 New Mexicans every year! That's one-third of our great state. 4-H is one of many organizations that children and even adults can take part in, one which holds a huge piece of my heart”, said Tatum O’Toole, former State 4-H President.
The livestock barn holds a range of animals including cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, llamas and alpacas. Every animal is accompanied and cared for by a hardworking youth. These showmen work all year feeding, watering and grooming their animals to lead them through the show ring for a chance to make the sale. The Junior Livestock sale benefits the future of these showmen through the generosity of bidders, scholarships, trophy buckles, and awards given for showmanship.
“As the largest youth organization in the world, the goal of 4-H is to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills through experiential learning programs with a positive youth development approach,” said O’Toole. “New Mexico alone has more than 30,000 youth from ages 5-19 that participate in citizenship leadership and many other various projects areas.”
If you find yourself lacking in weekend plans, a trip to the local fair is sure to be a blast. There you can also indulge in deliciously fried foods like funnel cakes and corn dogs. Better yet, try out the green chile cheeseburger! You can also spend your time catching a few stomach-dropping carnival rides, listen to live music and attend the occasional rodeo or goat roping. Community involvement is huge surrounding fair event. You can often find local business owners selling their wares or see your classmates at the face painting booth.
“One of the best things about 4-H and New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service is that they have a huge outreach and are all about teaching and sharing the message of New Mexico agriculture,” said O’Toole. “The agricultural community is truly a family that supports each other. In the words of 4-H, working to make the best better.”
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