NMCGA Journal - June 2024

SINGLETON

New Mexico’s largest cow-calf operation

The official publication of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association PO Box 850 Moriarty, NM 87035

505-247-0584

Editor: Abby O’Connor

The NMCGA Journal is published quarterly and dedicated to reporting facts relevant to the NM cattle industry Content of this journal is reviewed rigorously, however the opinions of articles do not reflect the opinion of the publisher Price is $110 a year, which is included in NMCGA dues POSTMASTER: Send address changes to PO Box 850 Moriarty, NM 87035

MEMBER SEEDSTOCK PRODUCERS

NEW MEXICO SALE BARNS

Roswell Livestock Auction

Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction

Valley Livestock Auction

Santa Teresa Livestock Auction

Clovis Livestock Auction

Five States Livestock

Cow House Auction

Dexter Livestock Commission

4G Mountain Angus 915-490-1817

A Lazy 6 Ranch

B&H Herefords

Bar J Bar Hereford Ranch

Bill King Ranch

Bradley 3 Ranch

Brennand Ranch

Clavel Ranch LLC

Copeland & Sons

Corn Herefords

Cornerstone Ranch

Cox Ranch Herefords

Grau Charolais

Henard Partnership

Hubbell Livestock Co.

Int Brangus Breeders Assn

Hearthog Angus Cattle

J-C Angus Ranch

Lack Morrison Brangus

Lavender Brangus

Manzano Angus McKenzie Angus

Miller Angus

Perez Cattle Co.

Red Doc Farm

Slash 3C Ranch

T-4 Cattle Co

Tequesquite Ranch

Townsend Brangus

Las Vegas, NM

Ribera, NM

Mesilla, NM

El Paso, TX

Moriarty, NM

Memphis, TX Pinon, NM

Roy, NM

Nara Visa, NM

Roswell, NM

Fort Sumner, NM

Winston, NM

Grady, NM

Tatum, NM

Quemado, NM

Adkin, TX

575-421-1809

575-644-6925

915-549-2534

505-220-9909

806-888-1062

575-687-2185

505-485-2591

575-403-8123

575-420-3630

575-355-2803

575-743-6904

575-760-6336

575-649-5268

505-469-1215

210-696-8231

806-825-2711 Farwell, TX

Moriarty, NM

Clovis, NM

Melrose, NM

Estancia, NM

Ft Stockton, TX

Floyd, NM

Nara Visa, NM

Belen, NM

Las Cruces, NM Tucumcari, NM

Albert, NM

Milburn, OK

Albq, NM Carlsbad, NM

505-379-8212

575-482-3254

575-714-3094

505-705-2856

915-637-3845

575-478-2398

575-633-2222

505-980-5093

575-649-5268

575-868-2475

575-673-2208

505-347-2550

575-638-5435

575-316-2071

Roswell, NM 575-622-5580

Belen, NM 505-864-7451

Albuquerque, NM 505-877-0723

Santa Teresa, NM 915-843-0132

Clovis, NM 575-762-4422

Clayton, NM 575-374-2505

Kirkland, NM 505-801-8393

Dexter, NM 575-624-2697

Bronson Corn President

575-420-1375

Tom Paterson President - Elect 575-547-2582

Dave Kenneke

NW Vice President 575-447-2366

Cliff Copeland

NE Vice President 575-403-8123

Jeff Decker

SE Vice President 575-399-4464

Roy Farr

SW Vice President 575-838-6325

Becky Spindle

Vice President at Large

505-252-0228

Shacey Sullivan Secretary Treasurer 505-239-5288

Loren Patterson

Immediate Past President

575-937-5458

Randell Major Past President 575-838-3016

MESSAGE FROM THE President

The day has finally come - NMCGA has put out its very first self-published journal to our membership We have put a lot of time, thought, and effort into putting this together When we started this venture, we wanted to make

sure the journal would be a tool in the hands of all of our membership We wanted something that you could pick up, and it would give you a semblance of what the outlook is on markets, on weather, and an idea of what we, as the leadership team, are doing.

I have to give a big shout out to Abby and Michelle, as they brought our vision for this journal to reality. It was a very long, arduous process of figuring out what we wanted to put in, what we wanted to take out, who we wanted to write, and what we wanted to write about What it boiled down to was ensuring that everything we put in is relevant to our industry here in New Mexico You will notice there are no advertisements in this journal The only outside industries in this journal are our legacy sponsors, and even at that, they don't get an advertisement We asked them to provide us with an informative article relative to their business I am very thankful for all of our legacy sponsors who help us throughout the year, and I wanted to be able to let our membership know just who they are and what they do

I am very proud of what we have accomplished! We put a lot of time and effort into figuring out what to put in this to make it a beneficial tool for all of our members This is a very fluid journal We will be constantly working to make it as useful as possible If there's something that you want different, please let me know As long as everything lines up just right, we are going to have this go out as a quarterly publication. Thank you very much each and every one of you for being a part of such a strong organization! I am proud to say that we don't just support and promote the cattle industry in New Mexico, we stand for all of the people of New Mexico. It would not be possible without your support.

Take Care, May God Bless You and Your Family!

MESSAGE FROM THE President-Elect

Shortly after the 2024 legislative session ended, Cattle Growers geared up with regional meetings in Reserve, Gallup and Las Vegas A big thank you to all who organized and participated Plans are to have the Southeast Regional Meeting around the time of the Eastern New Mexico State Fair

Not all is over with the legislature or agencies A new legislative cycle is in the works and there are many issues being floated that will affect us Interim legislative meetings start soon We have sent a form to you asking about the problems you face in your operation and in the rural community in which you live Please complete that form and return it to us It will help us as we plan our legislative agenda for 2025

Callie and I look forward to visiting with you in Ruidoso during the mid-year meeting Nos vemos

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE UPDATES

BECKY SPINDLE - VICE PRESIDENT AT LARGE

We have had a great turnout at the regional meetings, which is very encouraging, but there are only so many of us I know as cattle growers we are very good at taking care of the land and the cattle, but something that may be somewhat out of our wheelhouse is recruiting new members I encourage everyone to visit with the people in their communities who you do business with; the restaurants, sale barns, feed stores, mechanics, parts stores, etc , and ask them to become members

We have a strong voice in Santa Fe, and we represent our membership on a variety of issues The list includes paid family medical leave, clean fuels, gross receipts tax, workers comp, conservation act, rural health care, and minimum wage issues We can explain to them that the larger our membership, the bigger our voice can be at the legislature on issues that affect their small businesses too. A lot of small business owners in our communities have no idea that our organization fights for things that affect them and may be interested in joining our organization. It never hurts to try and at least spread the news to a larger audience who may have not considered the work that we do.

CLIFF COPELAND - NORTHEAST VICE PRESIDENT

We had a good turnout for the Northeast Regional Cattle Growers’ Meeting in Las Vegas at the historic Plaza Hotel and Ilfeld ballroom

Some of the topics discussed were the current status on prairie chickens, elk, and wolves north and south of I-40 Also, Brian Bledsoe gave a very dismal outlook as far as rain goes, for the summer months In addition, we did have legislators make special effort to be at the meeting and give us updates on legislative happenings

Many members have had adequate moisture up until now, and the grass is trying to green up

See you down the trail

JEFF DECKER - SOUTHEAST VICE PRESIDENT

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

I hope this spring finds you with some green grass peeking through Rain has been scattered around our southeastern region of NM - as we continue to pray for rain and watch for grassfires Calves are getting big and branding smoke is definitely in the air Here, in southeast NM we continue to see more “green energy” infrastructure for example, the construction of a major transmission line crossing our county north and south We will continue to keep an eye on the Lessor Prairie Chicken legislation, as well We hope you were able to join us in the mountains at the Mid-Year Cattle Growers’ Meeting in Ruidoso Mark your calendars and plan to meet us in Roswell for the annual SE Regional Meeting that will take place during the Eastern New Mexico State Fair Last year, we had a great turn out at the regional meeting I hope to see you there, and as always, we will continue to promote and protect this way of life that we love God Bless, Jeff Decker

DAVE KENNEKE - NORTHWEST VICE PRESIDENT

The Northwest Region held a great meeting on April 3, in Gallup Dr John Wenzel gave an informative presentation on basic herd health and the Beef Quality Assurance Program All in attendance earned BQA credits

The meeting included “highlights” from the 2024 Legislative session and an informative update from State Representative Patty Lundstrom Jim Paxon, County Livestock Loss Authority, gave an enlightening presentation on wolf depredation standards

Shawn Davis from the NM Livestock Board gave updates on livestock health issues and fees, and the day wrapped up with a presentation on water well basics by Fred Black from the NM Rural Water Association Thank you to those in attendance and those who sponsored the event!

ROY FARR - SOUTHWEST VICE PRESIDENT

NMCGA SW regional meeting was held March 27th in Reserve, NM Thanks to Tracy Drummond and Tom Paterson for an informative, well-attended day Dr Wenzel spoke on the BQA program, vaccines and appropriate use, past noxious weed killing several cattle and elk in the county, and noxious weeds in general Tom Paterson, Representative Gail Armstrong, and Cody McCarty provided a legislative update including paid family medical leave and proposed gun control regulations Tom Paterson and Nelson Shirley gave updates about wolf depredation and better methods for identifying confirmed kills, increasing chances for compensation Belinda Garland and Shawn Davis spoke on challenges facing New Mexico Livestock Board and increased fee schedules to allow for employee raises

On April 5th, Judge R Wood ruled on a case concerning water appropriation on San Augustin Plains Court denied the application for lack of a verified end user NM State Game Commission held a public hearing on the Wolf program and E-Plus system Public comments were allowed following the status updates, and the general meeting ended when the commission members went into executive session at 6:15 pm

LOREN PATTERSON - IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

I am encouraged at the number of members that have jumped in with both feet! Across the state, I see where our members are running for Elected Office, County Commissions, Rural Electric Coop Boards and serving on Executive Boards and Commissions For those of you who have dedicated time and energy, Thank You! Involvement is how we turn the tide and secure our legacy of agriculture traditions for the next generation and families future I would recommend that those who serve to take a few minutes and look up American Stewards of Liberty and Margret Byfield’s explanation of Cooperating Agency Statues and Coordinating Agency Statues They have been successfully utilized to hold back 30x30, Wilderness designations and Endangered Species listings here in the state and across the West Our local, county and state governments have power and valid rights that can be exercised to hold back federal agencies and bureaucratic rule making. Good luck to all that are facing election, and please remember NMCGA when you need help. We have a great legacy of institutional knowledge within our membership and board of directors. As Finance Committee Chairman, I would like to thank our many Legacy Sponsors. As with everything, inflation has had an impact on everyday NMCGA expenses. Convention costs have skyrocketed. Our Legacy Sponsors have made it possible to keep registration costs to our members low. Please take time to thank those sponsors and bring a new member to convention! I think they will be impressed with what NMCGA offers! Pray your neighbor gets rain!

RANDELL MAJOR - PAST PRESIDENT

In 1916, New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association’s second President, Ray Morley, owned a ranch near Datil, NM And there was a severe drought going on then With permission from the United States, Ray brokered a deal with the Mexican government to lease grass country Many ranchers, including my grandfather, shipped their cattle by train to Mexico and grazed their cattle there for several years It is reassuring that after all these years, to know New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association continues to work in the best interest of ranchers I appreciate the a i i f h i i f ll i he livestock industry is facing There is nothing better es representing us Thanks to all who fight for our way of li

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Brian Bledsoe’s Long-term Weather Forecast

Hello, folks This is Brian Bledsoe I am a Meteorologist/Climatologist I have partnered with the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association to provide you some longrange forecast information I know some of you have heard me speak at some of your meetings, both locally and regionally I grew up on a farm and ranch and have been serving farmers and ranchers all across the country for several years My goal is to provide you actionable long-range forecast information to equip you with information to aid in making decisions. I won't always be 100% right, because that just isn't realistic. However, I will always shoot you straight and do the best that I can... and that is a promise.

In regard to precipitation, the past 3 months have been rough for most of New Mexico The map below shows % of "normal", during that time frame

As you can see, some areas have received less than 10% of their "normal" spring moisture Due to the storm track being positioned farther north, we have seen drought conditions continue to grow As I sit here and type, here is the latest Drought Monitor for the state

You can see that some areas are in deep trouble and likely going to get a lot worse before it gets better Why? Because we have a La Niña brewing La Niña refers to the periodic cooling of the ocean surface temperatures in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific Ocean Typically, La Niña events occur every 3 to 5 years, but can occur over successive years We last had a La Niña episode start in 2020 and last until early 2023 Historically, La Niña favors drought. There can always be exceptions, but drought is usually favored. The graphic below shows the odds of La Niña being present over the next several months.

La Niña chances look pretty strong, as there is a greater than 50% chance we enter full blown La Niña this summer New long-range model data just came in and here is what it says for the next 3 months. Here is the latest EURO seasonal model and NMME model precipitation anomaly forecasts for May/June/July. Brown means drier than average, green means wetter than average, and white means average...

Again, both models seem to focus on the monsoon being greatly diminished this summer, thus the drier than average anomaly for the Four Corners states southward into Mexico

What about the temperature forecast? Here is the Euro seasonal model and NMME model summer (June/July/August) temperature forecast

The summer not only looks drier than average, but it also looks hotter than average. With that in mind, I expect drought conditions to continue to develop across New Mexico and the Four Corners states. Given what I've said above, I am also forecasting more forest fire activity than we've seen in recent years I hope I am wrong with this analysis, but the history and the computer models are in sync with what is expected I would plan accordingly

Good luck, and we'll be chatting again soon

Brian

New Mexico Livestock Board Proposal for Fee Increase in 2025

New Mexico hasn’t had a fee increase since 2002 While the New Mexico Livestock Board has relied heavily on State General funds to close the gap between expenses and budget needs, that cannot always be relied on as a stable revenue source.

Our statutory cap limits have all been met and the NMLB has no way to increase fees without a statutory change. The reason for this analysis is to determine what those limits should be and consider a slow increase in inspection fees over the next few years.

Current Fees:

Horses and cattle: $ 50 per head

Sheep and goats: $ 16 per head

Service charge on all inspections: $10 per form

Permanent Horse Card: $35

Brand record and renewal: $100 for three years

Estray handling fees: $15 per estray case (not by the head)

Statute regulates the increases to be no more than $ 10 per year An increase to a dollar per head for cattle and horses would take five years An increase in mill levy taxes may also be needed They are currently capped at $ 10 mills per head and $ 05 mills for dairy cattle

Cost to ship 10 head of cattle comparison. From ranch/premise to another district or out of state. (Fees do not include either beef council/checkoff charges).

Cost to ship 10 head of sheep and goats' comparison.

Singleton Ranches – New Mexico’s largest cow-calf operation

By Julie Carter

Singleton Ranches A respected and admired ranching empire built by a man whose roots ran deep in hard work, tradition and family values To understand the mechanics of the acquisition and management protocols of Singleton Ranches, you have to first understand the genius of the man behind it all, Dr Henry Singleton

Henry Singleton was born in 1916, the youngest of the family on a small farm near Haslet, Texas, northwest of Fort Worth In his youth, he toiled with his family in the farm’s cotton fields "He knew how to pick cotton and tote a bag,” recalled Singleton Ranches President Alex Carone “From those basic beginnings he went on to become one of the most phenomenal business minds in the country He was the founder and CEO of Teledyne Technologies, an industrial conglomerate that at one time had 360 companies within its forte ”

A remarkable man, Singleton, with his unusual background, was not a stereotypical CEO He was a world class mathematician who enjoyed playing chess blindfolded and had programmed MIT's first computer while earning a doctorate in electrical engineering He was quiet, extremely analytical and very thorough, and that didn’t vary when he began amassing his ranching empire

Late in his life, Singleton began investing in land In the mid1980s, he started buying land grant ranches first in California and then in New Mexico, beginning there with the acquisition of the 81,000-acre San Cristobal Ranch south of Santa Fe

Within a 14-year period, Singleton purchased a total of 38 ranches, all private treaty, paid for in cash, making the Singleton Ranches the largest cow-calf operation in New Mexico

The California division is comprised of three ranches including the historic Peachtree and Topo ranches in the Salinas Valley, and across the San Joaquin Valley is the River Island Ranch in the foothills of the Sierras The Peachtree and Topo Ranches, a combined 90,000 acres, were once a part of the Mexican San Lorenzo Land Grant of 1842 and are considered to be among the most productive ranches for yearling steers in California

At the time of his death in 1999, Henry Singleton owned more than 1 5 percent of New Mexico Now managed by his children, Singleton Ranches own a total of 1 1 million acres in New Mexico and California and is one of the nation's top cattleand horse-breeding operations The Singleton Family is ranked as the eighth largest landholder in America

Henry Singleton was directly involved with the ranching operations as well as in efforts to preserve the many archaeological features on the land Carone recalled, “One time I asked him directly Why are you here? And he said, ‘Well, I’ve always had a background in farming and a few cows, sheep and goats What I wanted was to invest a huge part of what I’ve built into land And then that land will be there for multiple generations ’ ” His goals were clear cut He wanted to raise good cows and horses as well as preserve the ranching heritage brought to New Mexico 400 years ago Today, the New Mexico Singleton Ranches are divided into seven distinct divisions: the San Cristobal, Conchas, Pecos, Trigg, Bojax, Aqua Verde and Lobo Each division is run independently on their own financial merits and are corporately structured with general managers responsible to President Alex Carone and Vice President Jeff Bilberry, who also oversees the three California ranches The New Mexico ranches employ an average of 30 cowboys, handling annual operations of 10,000 mother cows and seasonal intake of 67 000 pasture steers

Photo courtesy of Alex Carone

Photo courtesy of Alex Carone

According to Carone, Henry Singleton was ever present on his New Mexico ranches “On this big Conchas-Pecos ranch, he knew every pasture and had been in every pasture Same with the Trigg, which was one of his favorite places He knew all his ranching properties inside and out He spent considerable time here touring around each ranch until his health gave out ”

Not long after his last visit to New Mexico, Henry Singleton, 82, died in August 1999 of brain cancer at his home in west Los Angeles “He loved this land,” said Carone “While he toured the ranches, he’d say, that’s one of my favorite points right there ”

Per a request from Henry Singleton before his death, Singleton ranches began to transition from the Brangus and Beefmaster seedstock cattle they’d inherited through acquisition in ranch purchases This included 1800 head of full-blooded registered Brangus cows that had belonged to Robert O Anderson on the Latigo Ranch east of Santa Rosa, New Mex Singleton instructed Carone to buy some registered Angus bulls and start upgrading a set of registered cows and supply bulls to all of the rest of the Singleton Ranches Year by year the seed stock operation grew to the present where Carone said this year they will have 170 bulls to test for sale to all the ranches “So that’s where we get all of our black cattle and that’s where they originated and that’s where we have continued to operate the seedstock operation ”

“From day one, we have not bought any outside females,” Carone said “It’s a one-iron outfit There was an original purchase of a lot of cattle with the ranches From that, descended our own one-iron set of cows and they are today, a one-iron set of cattle Every cow here at Singleton Ranches is raised here And we have some breeding protocols, we have a measured breeding system and time frame We breed our heifers 30 days, we breed our cow herds 90 and we insist that they give us a calf to sell every year or themselves to sell We have never fluctuated from the protocol Survivability and sustainability It all starts right there ”

“Henry knew the value of a dollar. He had the resources, and it was all paid for,” said Carone. “What he wanted to do and what he charged me and Jeff and some of the other managers with while he was still alive was ‘please, just gain sustainability. Continue to operate and meet all of your costs.’ And that’s been our goal since day one. We own the land, we own the resources, we ought to be able to make a profit. So that’s what we’ve been charged with and we’ve done it every year.”

However, it is the families that work the land who form the heart of Singleton Ranches. For Henry Singleton and his rural roots, the greatest reward was “just being out in the country, the association with the land, animals and people.” The Singleton family and their employees are fiercely proud of their present lifestyle and treasure this way of life. Employer/employee relations at Singleton Ranches are of the old school, where respect and work ethic are still appreciated. The families on Singleton Ranches are included in ranch activities year-roundhand whether it is spring or fall works, everyone helps

Th of Si w

Mexico through donations to 4-H and FFA clubs, the New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp and the New Mexico High School Rodeo Association The Foundation strives to lend a helping hand in the local communities in proximity to Singleton Ranches The Foundation is also a proud supporter of the Working Ranch Cowboys Foundation and Horses for Heroes-New Mexico, Inc The foundation screens and disperses approximately $250,000 a year to qualified applicants

Carone, who has been with Singletons since the spring of 1996 will relocate this fall to his home near Elko, Nevada, where he will continue to administratively oversee the operations of the Singleton Ranches

In all his brilliance and business sense, Henry Singleton’s philosophy about his ranches was basic As he put it, “take care of the land, and have it in turn take care of the people who work on it ” That has sustained Singleton Ranches for 38 years and counting

Singleton

Photo courtesy of Alex Carone

Photo courtesy of Alex Carone

The NM CowBelles hosted the Region 6 American National CattleWomen Inc (ANCW) Meeting in Las Cruces on the NMSU Campus last month NM Beef Council Registered Dietician, Kate Schulz, shared valuable insights and research related to beef consumption. In a world where nutrition information can be overwhelming, she emphasized the importance of clarity in the current nutrition landscape, which can confuse even seasoned healthcare professionals. With a focus on protein specifically beef Schulz explained how beef, with its rich protein content, plays a vital role in nourishing our bodies across all life stages from infancy to aging. Beef provides essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, choline, and B vitamins Whether it’s a tender steak or a hearty stew, beef’s versatility makes it a beloved choice in a variety of dietary patterns

The Beef Checkoff continues to work educating medical professionals and consumers about lean beef, sharing the definition of “lean beef” and its impact on health Backed by nearly 20 research studies, lean beef can be

part of a healthy eating pattern. The session included exciting results from the Beef Checkoff “Strong Minds Strong Bodies” campaign directed at physicians Post campaign results indicate a whopping 91% of physicians either recommended or intend to recommend beef for school-aged children The campaign’s impact was evident, emphasizing beef’s role in supporting growing minds and bodies.

Closing the session, Schulz discussed the upcoming Fuel for Success banquet scheduled for NMSU student athletes in the Fall semester. She also introduced the Sports Nutrition Game Plan, developed by the Texas Beef Council, which is a free program targeting high school student athletes, coaches, trainers, and parents. Each component focuses on proper nutrition principles, sports-specific guidance, and the essential role of beef in fueling training, performance, and recovery. NMBC also plans to introduce this program to NM high school athletes in the next school year

ANCW ATTENDEES LEARN ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE BEEF CULINARY ARTS PROGRAMS

Patty Waid, NM Beef Council Beef Foodservice and Education Consultant, presented a program entitled “NMBC Introducing Beef Education into High School and College Culinary Classrooms” as part of the American National Cattlewomen’s Region VI Conference. Cattlewomen from New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, California, Wyoming and Texas attended the conference and learned about NMBC partnerships with culinary programs at NMSU, CNM, and high schools in New Mexico

Patty provided an in-depth look as to how classes are planned with an emphasis on content, presenters, and an up-close, personal format to include students in all aspects of the class Beef industry information is introduced to the students on production from “Gate to Plate”. The cattlewomen were able to see a behind the scenes look at how to plan these beef classes while working with faculty, chefs, students, and program professionals to offer a solid Beef program as part of the student’s semester coursework

ANNUAL CHEF ARTIST

The New Mexico Beef Council was thrilled to sponsor the New Mexico State University’s School of Hotel Restaurant Tourism Management’s annual dinner

held in the beautiful La Quinta Ballroom at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm in Albuquerque This exclusive event for one hundred guests included a tour of the farm, opening reception and silent auction topped off by an incredible five-course meal featuring beef short ribs Each course was paired with an excellent selection from a New Mexico winery. The dinner is a required element of the HRTM curriculum where the students help prepare and serve the dinner

NMBC Registered Dietician, Kate Shulz, addresses ANCW Region VI attendees using easy-to-understand infographics

Patty Waid presents to an enthusiastic crowd at the ANCW conference

NMCGA FINANCIAL FORCAST

Membership

Our membership provides stability for the Association Insuring our long-term viability Without members’ dues, fighting for producers would not be possible We appreciate our members and encourage you to ask your neighbors to join

Revenue Streams

Leadership and Staff are working to bringing in new sources of revenue and making sure we are providing value for those who support us financially Here are a few highlights: Staff has applied for 3 grants so far in 2023 and is currently managing two grants We continue to explore opportunities in this area

Five legacy sponsors have stepped up to support NMCGA and our mission Those organization are: Lyssy & Eckle Feeds, Depot Farm and Ranch Agency, American AgCredit, AgTrust Farm Credit, and CKP Insurance

NMCGA ALLIED INDUSTRY PARTNERS

The Association awards $10,000 in scholarships each year

Thanks to our partners: Depot Farm and Ranch Agency, Purina Mills and the entire Allied Industry and YCLC Committees

The Producer Relief Fund, producers helping producers is making an impact to those affected by natural disasters

NMCGA and our partners will be sending over $20,000 of monetary donations and hay to the Texas Producer Relief Fund

Bottom Line

Our balance sheet is strong Our current assets and total equity are rising year over year Our staff do an amazing job managing costs Leadership and staff are aligned in making sure we serve you well in the most efficient manner possible An example is the efforts being made to keep meeting registrations low and hotel room prices reasonable As those costs continue to rise, staff has been creative on how to make the events meaningful and cost effective to attend We appreciate all the industry support from our allied partners to make this happen

Shacey Sullivan NMCGA Secretary/Treasurer

ROUNDUP CLUB

A NMCGA MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

The Roundup Club is the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association member recruitment program that recognizes the work of members that show diligence commitment to building a stronger organization do you become a member?

ecruiting a new NMCGA Member by December 1, 4 New Member must mention your name when ng dues

Grand Prizes

d prize drawing will be held once a year at the Stockmen’s Convention For every new member recruit, an additional entry will be put into the drawing.

Store Discounts

CATTLE SUPPLIES

·The cattle-on-feed on April 1, 2024, was 11 821 million head and that is up 1 5% from the year prior Placements during the month of March were down 12% Placements during the first quarter of 2024 were down 224,000 head compared to the first quarter of 2023

Fed cattle slaughter during the first four months of the year is estimated to be about 8 235 million head and that is down just slightly from the year prior Look for fed slaughter to be down about 280,000 head from May to August of 2024 compared to the same time frame of 2023.

Non-fed cattle slaughter is down basically 260,000 head in the first four months of 2024 vs. 2023. This trend will continue into the summer months, with non-fed slaughter down roughly 300,000 head

The economic signal due to the relationship of the fed cattle market value and the total cost of gain value at the feedyards has been clear since last fall and that is to add days on feed which in turn results in added weight to the fed cattle

·Steer carcass weights, on average, have been about 15 pounds above year ago levels for the first four months of the year They will decline seasonally into the month of June but are still forecasted to be 15-20 pounds above year prior levels for the late spring and early summer

The trade data for proteins is a lag, data released in early May is only through the first quarter. Beef exports for the year 2024 are projected to be down 5 percent compared to 2023.

CATTLE PRICES

·The Kansas/Panhandle fed cattle price from January to April will average about $181, with a range from $173/cwt to $188/cwt That same price average and range is the forecast for the May to August period

The CME feeder index is expected to find a lot of support in the low $240’s into the spring and early summer and find some resistance in the mid-$260’s There will not be a lot of cattle offered to the market once the cattle are moved off graze out wheat until later in the summer

·Based on a 550-pound US average calf, there are very few calves available The summer video season is just around the corner and the market this year is projected to be, at the minimum, fully steady with year ago levels with a chance of being stronger for those looking to market their calves on the video this summer

Utility cull cows have experienced a big price increase since the first of the year, trading in the upper $90’s/cwt. to as high as the low $130’s/cwt. The market value, near $130/cwt., is forecasted to be sustainable through the summer period.

Bred female market movement is at the time of the year it is non-existent Stay tuned to later in the summer for what that market will look like later in the fall

FACTORS TO WATCH

Interest Rates – Rate cuts are not likely due to strong inflation reports.

Weather – La Nina is projected to return, this implies dryer conditions across the state and the central plains, unfortunately the drought map already shows dryness across New Mexico.

STATUS AND ITS EFFECT ON FETAL DEVELOPMENT AND HERD LONGEVITY

Is your cow’s nutrition affecting your future herd? Fetal programming is the processes of modifying your herd’s breeding program and lineage through the use of proper nutrition and supplementation of the cow through the gestational period If a dam has a high plane of nutrition from the time of conception through calving, then her calf will be born genetically superior to her This trend has the capability of spanning through generations

It is often believed late pregnancy is when the cow’s nutritional intake is most important, and while nutrition through the whole gestational period is key, the majority of secondary muscle fibers formed in the first trimester that develop late in the pregnancy cannot form properly unless the primary muscles have given them a strong foundation to grow off For this reason, prebreeding and early prenatal nutrition and mineral supplementation in the cow is a vital management decision Your nutrition program should be addressing performance measures for a lifetime: reproduction, birth, growth and production

According to research backed by ZinPro Performance Minerals, a properly nourished cow will produce a calf that is able to establish strong building blocks for late pregnancy development allowing the cow to calve out at above average markers in body weight. That same cow will in turn not suffer stress from lactation demands as their nutritional status did not decline during pregnancy As an added bonus, heifer calves exposed to these nutritional conditions as a fetus could reach puberty up to 19 days sooner Timelier breed back rates have a direct effect on your bottom line This leads to the question, how do you most efficiently supplement your cattle in order to achieve fetal programming and enter breed back season with ease?

When compared to the traditional use of sulfates, oxides and other inorganics in feeding rations, amino acid complexes and hydroxy trace mineral sources have a greater impact to feed stability, herd palatability and solubility in the rumen; while also having a positive effect on digestibility of mature forages and higher sustained trace mineral levels in the animal Amino acid complexes and hydroxy trace mineral sources are not antagonized by high levels of sulfur or iron, both of which are prevalent in New Mexico soils, forages and water sources

ZinPro Amino Acid Complexes trace mineral sources consist of one metal ion (zinc, copper or manganese) bonded to sixteen amino acid ions; this newly formed molecule then utilizes the amino acid transporter for optimal absorption.

The AAT is responsible for the transfer of amino acids into and out of cells. Cellular level absorption of ZinPro complexed zinc, manganese and copper have proven to increase conception rates by 20% while also positively increasing colostrum IgG (immunoglobulin G, an antibody) by 28%

IntelliBond Hydroxy trace mineral sources consist of one metal ion (zinc, copper or manganese) bound by a covalent bond to several hydrogen ions and one chloride ion Likened to the layers of an onion, the crystalline structure of a hydroxy allows for slow release in low pH which occurs in the abomasum Research has shown IntelliBond hydroxy trace mineral sources were found to improve the digestion of fiber by 6% and volatile fatty acid production by 22% Bulls supplemented with IntelliBond produced sperm with a 26% greater progressive motility and 30% greater concentration; while 80 out of 100 of cows in a similar study showed an improvement in good quality freezable embryos

The utilization of ZinPro and IntelliBond trace mineral sources ensures greater absorption pathways for key reproductive nutrients such as:

Zinc – contributes to making protein and is necessary for immunity, fertility, epithelial health, Vitamin A utilization, skin and hoof integrity, muscle development and milk production.

Manganese – active in maintaining immunity, reproductive health, digestion, metabolism, enzymes, healthy bone and cartilage growth

Copper – supports joint health, immunity, reproductive health, red blood cell health, collagen production, skin and hoof integrity, iron metabolism, bone development and maintenance

Selenium – a crucial antioxidant especially during periods of high stress such as calving, lactation and drying off Selenium is complimentary to Vitamin E

Vitamin A – a fat soluble vitamin necessary for proper growth, bone development, vision, mucosal secretions and reproductive health

Vitamin E – acts as a buffer for cells against oxidation and free radicals, preventing damage to tissues and cells

In summary, using a well-researched and backed trace mineral source in maternal supplementation ensures your herd will establish the highest plane of nutrition possible during breeding and gestation This is then transferred to the fetus, producing a calf crop that is stronger, better performing and able to withstand stress with greater immunity, thus having an overall impact on herd longevity.

June 2024 NMCGA Journal

CowBelles’ Corner

nd Cattlewomen! After a long winter, it’s hard to believe how fast the spring has come on and how fast it seems to be slipping by Maybe it’s because I have a senior in high school graduating soon

The last few months have truly shown me the value of a good neighbor. From folks reaching out to help with the Panhandle Fire Relief efforts, to a whole community showing up to voice their dislike for a proposed monument, and a group effort by our own NMCB and industry supporters to sponsor and host the ANCW Region VI Meeting- these “good neighbors” are invaluable What a great thing to have such good neighbors!

I have to admit- agriculture is well represented in New Mexico by our respective industry groups As a whole, each of our organizations supports the livelihoods of so many through our advocacy, outreach, and lobbying efforts We’re even more effective as a voice when we band together I have a confession I watch quietly from the side at what our opposing groups are doing, and I’m sure most of you do, too

They have a huge network of people (and funds) that work together to fight for the things they deem important- and they’re loud about it While we may not agree with their tactics, you have to admit they are effective I don’t like to say it, and I’m sure I will ruffle some feathers- but maybe all of our industry groups need to band together and do the same. We need to be one unified voice. We need to pool our resources. I’m afraid if we don’t, we will continue to face an uphill battle of being on the defensive, rather than going on offense to fight for what’s important to all us Let’s all practice being good neighbors

In the meantime, I pray we all get some relief from this ongoing drought soon, and we have a summer blessed with gentle monsoons and fat cattle I look forward to that, and I look forward to seeing you all in Ruidoso at Mid-Year Meeting Until then wishing you all the blessings that spring has to give

Warm regards,

Michelle Greeman NMCB President

NEW MEXICO CATTLE GROWERS ASSOCIATION

2024 Legislative Session 2024 Legislative Session

Thank you for supporting NMCGA’s legislative efforts!

How does NMCGA Participate in the Legislative Session?

Entire staff + President-Elect are in Santa Fe for the duration of the legislative session

Testify in committee hearings

Communicate with legislators

Host legislative dinners

Assist in coordinating the Ag Fest and Ag Feed events

NCBA DEFENDS THE BEEF CHECKOFF FROM ANIMAL ACTIVIST ATTACKS

Early last year, animal activist groups started ramping up their attacks against the Beef Checkoff to put themselves one step closer to achieving their overarching goal of ending animal agriculture The Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023 (OFF Act) was introduced in Congress and animal activists gave their support to this legislation in an attempt to silence cattle producers by gutting the best marketing program for beef That legislation has not seen any movement in Congress but last September, Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) offered an amendment to the agriculture appropriations bill that stated that no federal funding is allowed to go to Checkoff programs. This amendment was simply a placeholder for the OFF Act because everyone knows all funding to implement the Beef Checkoff comes from producers NCBA strongly believes that cattle producers should be the ones deciding how Checkoff dollars are spent, not the federal government interfering through the OFF Act NCBA aggressively campaigned to defeat the Amendment, using an all-of-the-above approach including activating our grassroots network to send letters to Congress, educating congressional leaders on the benefits of the Checkoff and leading a pro-checkoff coalition of 130 agricultural and forestry groups to show the widespread support of these programs When the Spartz Amendment was brought up on the House floor, the amendment failed by a vote of 49-377 This sent a strong message that farmers and ranchers will not let D C politicians meddle with producer-funded marketing programs NCBA is staying vigilant and warning producers that there will be more attacks on the Checkoff before the end of year It is expected that another iteration of the OFF Act will be offered as an amendment to the upcoming Farm Bill The OFF Act is supported by the usual groups such as The Humane Society of the United States and ASPCA but there has been an increase in lobbying activity by fake farm groups including the Organization for Competitive Markets and Farm Action. These are shell groups that pretend to be grassroots producer associations, but they are Trojan horses funded by animal activists to undermine U S agriculture interests NCBA is fiercely opposed to any proposals that would harm the Beef Checkoff, but it will be the continued engagement of our members, cattle producers themselves, that will ultimately determine our success or failure That is why that we ask producers to spring to action when NCBA sends out an action alert by contacting your elected officials and telling them that you support the Beef Checkoff because this grassroots campaigning is tremendously effective in moving the needle in Washington in support of the U S cattle industry

PLC BATTLES ANTI-GRAZING POLICIES

Spring 2024 may go down in the record books as one of the most controversial periods in federal land management policy of all time In the first few months of the year, we’ve seen the administration finalize a handful of problematic Endangered Species Act rules The BLM’s approach in their final “conservation and landscape health” rule looks more like a “landscape designation and creative accounting” rule – while also proposing a near-complete overhaul of land management plans across the West. The administration has rolled out the beta version of the Atlas of Conservation, long touted as the best way to catalog their process in pursuit of their “30 by 30 goal”. All of this is happening at the same time as massive review of the BLM’s approach to solar siting, revision of sage grouse land use plans, and the administration’s latest approach to overhauling the National Environmental Policy Act

This crescendo of bad policy has been building for some time, but we’ve finally reached the point at which there is bipartisan opposition to these egregious administrative overreaches – even in the most polarized of Congressional environments In late April, the House of Representatives passed the WEST Act, led by Rep Curtis (R-UT) with bipartisan support to block the BLM from implementing their conservation and landscape health “public lands” final rule The rule would allow the BLM to offer leases for conservation purposes and allow BLM to give preferential treatment to those conservation leases over other uses The rule would disadvantage stakeholders like grazers, hikers and hunters; threaten rural economies; and result in the erosion of the balanced multiple-use management the American people expect

PLC spent countless hours developing comments, leading engagement with the BLM to address significant issues in the proposed rule, and working with Members of Congress to expose the BLM’s blatant attempt to act outside their Congressionallydirected mission. Passage of the WEST Act demonstrates that even in the current political environment, there are opportunities for Republicans and Democrats to act together to hold agencies accountable

This bipartisan action will be critical as we look to other threats to grazing access and multiple use PLC continues to defend against ill-conceived Endangered Species Act rule changes and designations, block Forest Service attempts to promote oldgrowth management restrictions nationwide, and push for commonsense supports for ranchers in the Farm Bill PLC is proud to work with New Mexico and all of our state affiliates across the West, and hope you join us September 17-19 in Grand Junction, Colorado for PLC’s 56th Annual Meeting

-Kaitlynn Glover, Executive Director

What started as a grassroots independent insurance agency CKP insurance has grown into a true American success story. Agents Chuck Hemphill and Kevin Rader formed a Partnership in Boca Raton, Florida, and began with family members filling the administrative and organizational support roles in the new company With a combined 60 years of experience in the insurance industry, Chuck and Kevin launched CKP in 2010 to specialize in the Rainfall Index programs These innovative new programs include the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage (PRF) program and the apiary (bee) program covering a single peril-lack of rainfall As these innovative programs grew in popularity and spread throughout the country, CKP grew right along with it Chuck and Kevin’s extensive background in insurance has helped them navigate the myriad facets of a large government program, resulting in CKP now being the top writer of the rainfall index program in the country.

At CKP, it’s all about supporting the needs of our clients. While our agents specialize in the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage (PRF) program, we also offer the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program, as we have seen the impact a declining market can have on our clients’ operations. This

year we have implemented a new state-of-the-art software system that we designed ourselves based on feedback from our clients and agents We don’t overwhelm clients with thousands of quotes to choose from, we simply provide the most effective ones and explain the differences between them, so the most informed decisions are made At CKP, we don’t just sell, we teach our clients about their policy in an easily understandable way CKP agents are expected to focus on the individual policy owner, whether that is a large corporation or a small family farm As technology continues to replace personal interactions, CKP believes insurance is not an area that necessarily benefits from the automation trend When a busy farmer or rancher has a concern about their policy or needs information quickly, CKP agents take the time to engage in a conversation right away. We provide detailed monthly reports that keep clients up to date on their policy.

From the very beginning, CKP has focused on supporting industry organizations at the local, state, and national levels CKP is noted for their generous sponsorships of educational and other activities of the apiary and livestock industries Another strategic focus has been to hire agents who are currently working in these industries and provide them extensive training in insurance best practices and systems These local agents bring not only their experiences on farms and ranches, but a keen desire to help their fellow agriculturalists Many of them have policies on their own operations they have fully invested in the program on a personal level

Whether it is client assistance, advanced technology, or industry support, CKP is the leader in the PRF and LRP programs Come see what a difference a policy with CKP makes!

For more information, please contact Suzanne Menges

928-961-0915

smenges@ckpinsurance com

Chuck Hemphill and Kevin Rader, Owners of CKP Insurance

Thank Thank Thank you, you, you,

NMCGA UPDATE

2024 has begun with many activities and events! Starting with the 30-day Legislative Session, hosting three regional meetings and representing NMCGA at New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum Cowboy Days, Sierra Soil and Water District Ag Day and Indian Livestock Days. NMCGA staff and leadership are gearing up for the “Special Session” that will start on July 18th to address “public safety” and any other items that the Governor may want to address It is important that people get out to support and vote for elected officials who protect our way of life and our rural communities

We are excited to have the new membership portal and communication center to help keep members updated on issues and events Be sure to check out ALL of your membership benefits online!

We are settling into our new office in Moriarty and invite you to come by and visit when you are in town Be sure to check out new items in the NMCGA Shop online at nmagriculture.org.

CATTLE GROWERS’

We are excited to announce new events and topics for the 2024 Joint Stockmen’s Convention in December. The 2024 Cattlemen’s College will address “Water” and we will host a NFR Watch Party on Thursday night, so that you can cheer on your favorite cowboys and cowgirls at the Finals. Be sure to watch for the opening of the room block at Hotel Albuquerque! Finally, we would like to say “THANK YOU” to all of our Mid-Year Meeting sponsors Your support and sponsorship make our meetings affordable for our members to attend and learn about new technology and tools, hear updates from agency officials, visit and catch up with good friends and do some shopping at our trade show!

MICHELLE FROST-MAYNARD NMCGA DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Member Highlight: Tequesquite Ranch

In the Northeastern corner of New Mexico – from the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the Texas-Oklahoma state lines and from Highway 66 north to Colorado – is known as some of the finest grassland in the state, if not in the nation In the center of this area, lined with red sandstone rimrocks and carpeted with strong grass, lies the Tequesquite Ranch

Thomas Edward Mitchell came to the Tequesquite Valley in 1881, as manager of the Bar T Cross outfit, owned by the Dubuque Land and Cattle Company In those open-range days, the use of the range was controlled by those who owned the land along running streams, surrounding springs, or water holes

In the early 1890s, it was obvious the free-range days were ending Small ranchers and homesteaders were fencing their claims In the mid-1890s, when the Bar T Cross holdings came up for sale, T E Mitchell bought the deeded land owned in the valley and the "improved" herd of mixed Hereford and Shorthorn cattle to produce range bulls T E was married to Linda Elizabeth Knell and they had one son, Albert Knell Mitchell, and three daughters The family left the old Bar T Cross headquarters and moved to Mr Mitchell's homestead in the middle of the valley where the current Tequesquite Ranch headquarters is today (Incidentally, for the record, Albert Knell Mitchell and Albert, New Mexico, were both named after T E ’s brother, Albert John Knell, who was killed in a roping accident while working with a round-up crew in the early 1890's)

Situated at the new headquarters in 1896, the Mitchells decided to try a modest start with a registered Hereford herd T E Mitchell purchased six head of select registered heifers from William Powell, of Channing, Texas From that beginning, the Tequesquite Ranch raised and bred registered Hereford cattle Today, there are remnants of those genes in the 1000head commercial herd of cattle that the ranch supports

The Tequesquite Ranch also runs a registered Quarter Horse operation It is one of the few ranches that helped perpetuate the Quarter Horse breed when it was threatened with extinction in the 1940’s Albert K Mitchell is known as one of the founders of AQHA The ranch has been raising horses for 80 years and takes pride in the broodmare band and remuda

Albert J Mitchell and his wife, Sherrie, took over the reins from Albert K in the 1970’s They raised four children as the fifth generation: Albert J Jr (Scooter), Thomas E III (Tom), Terry, and Lyn A J and Sherrie passed away in the late 1980s leaving the ranch in the hands of their children Today, Tom and his wife Karen, Lyn and her husband Billy, and Terry oversee the operation Since the turn of the century, solar pumps gradually replace windmills, soil conservation practices having been improved by implementing a rotational grazing system, and the commercial herd and remuda continues to improve The sixth generation of Mitchells were raised on the ranch and are producing the seventh

128 years have passed since T. E. and Linda Mitchell moved to the present-day headquarters. 128 years of highlights and heartaches; droughts and waving gramma-grass; dustbowls, fires and blizzards; gay-hearted sunrises gathering cattle and long nights pulling calves – all part of the proud heritage of Tequesquite Ranch.

*This article was taken from the 1971 All American Junior Hereford Field Day Brochure It was written originally by Sherrie Mitchell and modified and edited by her daughter Lyn Ray and granddaughter Sherrie

Lynda and Billy Ray and Evie Eubank - the 6th generation on the ranch

Albert K. Mitchell

Albert J. Mitchell