CS RANCH, EST.1873, THE 13TH OLDEST RANCH IN THE COUNTRY WHEN OPPORTUNITY BECAME LEGACY
NMCGA Journal
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 $35 a year or it is included in NMCGA dues POSTMASTER: Send address changes to PO Box 850 Moriarty, NM 87035
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4G Mountain Angus 915-490-1817 Las Vegas, NM
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EMMA SHERWOOD
ON THE COVER: “WHATCHA LOOKIN AT?” BY:
Emma said, “I took this photo while we were caking cattle, this black angus calf was curious with a touch of personality.”
Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction
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Bronson Corn President
575-420-1375
Tom Paterson
MESSAGE FROM THE President
The last few months have been a whirlwind on a personal level and for our organization As we all know from the struggles this year has brought us, we can sometimes feel like we are alone in our struggles Well, I can tell you that
President - Elect
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Dave Kenneke
NW Vice President
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Cliff Copeland
NE Vice President
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Jeff Decker
SE Vice President
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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
since May, I have driven 20k miles all over our state We are all facing the same problems We all may have a different approach on how to handle our tribulations, but the one thing that all of us have in common is the fact that there is a segment of our population that wants us off the landscape They want the ground that we operate to be turned into a National Monument, a National Wildlife Refuge, placed into renewable projects, or to be placed into a conservation easement What they just don’t seem to understand is WE as ranchers are the original conservationists They can't seem to wrap their heads around the fact that maybe, if it weren’t for us ranchers, there would be no suitable habitat for many of their precious endangered species Without US, there would be fewer wildlife in our awesome state! Don’t let people try to convince you that putting your ground into a conservation easement for a quick buck is the way to go Trust me, I’m just as broke as everyone else and the money is enticing, but if you choose to do so you will be tying the hands of our future generations forever! I can't tell you what you can or can't do with your private property, but I can and will tell you that if your land is acquired by title or by easement, it will never be a fully functional cattle operation again If ranchers loose, then we all lose! So, let's stand up a little straighter, pull our hat down a little tighter, and fight for what we have! Because if we don’t, we will be the next thing to be placed on that Endangered Species List!
MESSAGE FROM THEPresident-Elect
Dear Cattle Growers,
As I write this, summer is winding down. Fall works are straight ahead. And then comes the legislature Your NMCGA team has been gearing up for the 60-day 2025 Legislature that starts in January Getting ready means
playing good offense and defense Thanks to your help responding to our membership survey this past spring, NMCGA has a list of legislative initiatives to pursue in 2025 The initiatives are in four groups: Livestock Production (e.g., increase large animal veterinary services in NM), Rural Life (e g , bolster volunteer fire departments), Rural Health (e g , provide inducements for nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants) and Rural Education (e g , economic incentives for teachers in rural areas) We are discussing these initiatives with legislators on both sides of the aisle as well as with the Governor’s staff and our ag industry allies While we do this, we are also preparing for defense on the bills we will have to oppose. There, our message is simple: “You want us to produce beef for New Mexicans Let us do that Don’t pass bills that will make it more difficult and expensive ” More to come on both the offense and the defense
The most important thing we can each do to help NMCGA be successful with the Legislature is to vote in the November 5 election Are you registered? Are your family members and friends and neighbors registered? Are you willing to take them to vote early or get them to the polls? In so many respects, this is a critical election for our beloved state and nation We cannot endure the twenty percent voter showings we saw in the June primary Please Sinceramente,
Thank Thank Thank you, you, you, NMCGA UPDATE
We are excited to welcome Jeanette Rowland to the NMCGA team as our Membership Director!
NMCGA, in partnership with Purina Mills and Depot Farm and Ranch Agency, is thrilled to announce the fall scholarship applications are open with a goal to support the educational pursuits of young individuals from agricultural backgrounds These scholarships aim to nurture leadership and academic excellence within New Mexico’s vibrant cattle industry.
Applications for these scholarships can be found on the NMCGA website at www nmagriculture org The application deadline is October 15, 2024
NMCGA is proud to announce the Linda Davis Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy The program is designed for individuals ages 25 to 35 who aspire to assume pivotal roles within the livestock industry through NMCGA and its affiliated organizations
Participants in the Linda Davis YCLA will embark on an enriching journey encompassing educational tours of prominent cattle facilities, specialized training in advocacy techniques pertinent to
CATTLE GROWERS’ CALENDAR
beef production, and an in-depth exploration of critical issues affecting the industry’s sustainability and growth. This comprehensive initiative will span five dynamic sessions dedicated to fortifying participants' leadership acumen, fostering invaluable networking opportunities among peers and industry leaders, and providing firsthand insights into diverse cattle operations across New Mexico
Interested candidates are invited to apply for the inaugural Linda Davis Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy Class I by the October 15th, 2024 deadline
UPDATES FROM AROUND THE STATE
BECKY SPINDLE - VICE PRESIDENT AT LARGE
As the summer is winding down and fair season is upon us, I want to express the excitement of the youth who have been awarded the heritage buckles for each county It is a really unique way to
honor the kids who want to continue to be involved in agriculture and honor their heritage Our part of the state has been blessed with an abundance of rain this summer; it’s nice to be reminded what central NM looks like when not in perpetual drought. I have been getting emails from a new company called Bid on Beef, an online auction company that helps you advertise and market not only your beef, but cattle for sale as well
It may benefit some of our members trying to get established with their own retail customer base. They have clients all over the country including one from New Mexico Another thing we are keeping an eye on in this area is the cannabis industry The Chinese are buying farms This has brought issues such as human trafficking, wage theft, disregard for the current laws (exceeding allowable plant limits) Torrance county recently denied two applications for requested permits because of protests from community members over traffic issues, biosecurity, and light pollution from the grow houses
CLIFF COPELAND - NORTHEAST VICE PRESIDENT
The northeast region has had a wild ride this summer in terms of rain Some folks have had good moisture almost all summer and others have had their rains come fairly late It seems that most
everyone has finally gotten some rain Some have grown more grass than they can remember. A rancher told me yesterday that they missed a few calves on a gather because they were lying down and were just hidden in the tall grass
JEFF DECKER - SOUTHEAST VICE PRESIDENT
Dear friends and neighbors,
This summer has flown by and fall works are upon us. The rain in our area has been extremely spotty, but we are happy to see the storm clouds building I look forward
to seeing each of you in Roswell at the annual Southeastern Regional Meeting on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 You will not want to miss this one Everyone is welcome for a great meal at the Hi-Q Venue Several knowledgeable speakers and presentations are on agenda, and if that is not enough, then come visit and
Producers have seen excellent gains and are looking forward to reaping a lot of dollars per head on their sales Because of the high cost of everything ranchers certainly need to have their cattle bring in a lot of revenue
We continue to look at the DOE proposed powerline corridor that could take a lot more land than necessary and the use of eminent domain as well. Get out and vote!
bring a neighbor We will be discussing several hot issues that we have been keeping an eye on including the Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge and the roller coaster ride of prices in the cattle market for both feeders and fat cattle
God
bless,
Jeff Decker SE Vice-President
ROY FARR - SOUTHWEST VICE PRESIDENT
The Southwest Region is excited to have six youth vying for the Heritage Buckle Statewide winner We are proud to announce our regional winners: Catron County, Treavor Saulsberry; Dona Ana
County, Kaycee Younker; Grant County, Gage Greeman; Hidalgo County Heidi Miller; Sierra County, Colt Richardson and Valencia County Kathryn Gibson. We applaud all of them for their essays and send best wishes on the statewide competition The future of agriculture is truly in good hands with future leaders
like these winners stepping up to take the reins We would also like to thank our sponsors, Ron and Mahona Burnett, Caprock Creek Ranches, Spur Ranch Cattle Company, Levi & Missy Klump and Representative Gail Armstrong, for supporting this program and our youth We invite everyone to attend the upcoming Joint Stockmen’s Convention in Albuquerque where the 2024 Heritage Buckle Statewide Winner will be announced at the Stockmen’s Award Luncheon on Friday, December 13th at Hotel Albuquerque
DAVE KENNEKE - NORTHWEST VICE PRESIDENT
Like much of the state, rains here have been a little scattered for the monsoon season County fairs have been taking place, and quite a few youths have been awarded Heritage Buckles I would like to
encourage all members of the Northwest Region to help promote the Heritage Buckle Program We had several counties that did not receive entries.
As we start moving into fall the forecast indicates isolated showers at best, but hopefully those areas will still be able to grow a little feed
I would also ask members of the Northwest Region to visit with neighbors (even if you haven’t asked them to join NMCGA yet!), on a location for a regional meeting next March or early April We need a location with some audio/ visual capabilities, and a restaurant or caterer that could prepare a meal for lunch We were in Rio Arriba County in 2023, Gallup in 2024, and would like to find a venue that we haven’t been to in a while--please bring some ideas to the Joint Stockmen’s Convention in December I hope your sale prices are better than you ever dreamed of!
LOREN PATTERSON - IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
I went to bed a couple of nights ago listening to a bull elk making the sounds of young love, which tells me that fall is upon us. As I travel the state for fairs and business, I see our normal situation of
abundance and paucity of precious moisture Hard decisions are in many producers' future What also seems to be a normal situation is the constant push to take control of our water and land We have a new State Engineer with zero agriculture knowledge but significant input into the 50 year water plan We must stay vigilant! The Federal Government has proposed a significant increase in the Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge, making producers on the eastern side of the state concerned The Endangered Species Act is no longer an isolated area of impact but controlling agriculture and rural community activity in every corner of the state Watch for the continued push on the Pinon Jay to be added to the Threatened List Grazing and Agriculture
are the only things that can be controlled, with the largest impacts coming from urban activity and the Avian Influenza virus. River and Waterway access is back on the radar. An overzealous Attorney General seems set on making an example out of someone for their unfriendly water gap fence I foresee a significant fight that might have multi-generational impacts to private property rights and fence laws We need to be proactive in protecting producers and landowners from the witch hunt
I have said this in the past and it continues to be true. I know of no other organization doing more to preserve traditional agriculture, property rights, and the future of our state’s rural communities than New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association Support our Staff, Officers and Programs Do business with those who support our members and association Contribute when you can and bring in new members Buena suerte on your Fall Works!
RANDELL MAJOR - PAST PRESIDENT
Maybe a little common sense is starting to catch on in this world We can only hope Here are a few examples:
According to the Daily Mail, the Olympic Games were going green this year to
minimize the carbon footprint, but the athletes were unsatisfied with the plant-based food they were being served After com pounds of eggs replace fake me
In other news, w on in Wyoming, not designated f
SHACEY SUL
Membership
Your membership provides stability for the Association insuring our long-term viability Without members’ dues fighting for producers would not be possible
NMCGA member ground to prote exceptional hote and both health ask that you rea are members If we would double buck at the year 35 cents a day T Revenue Streams
Bureau of Land Management has recently gathered 1,660 horses and burros to reduce the population for a lack of water and to prevent damage to range health Wild horse advocates demand these horse gatherings be stopped immediately. I’m glad to see the BLM going forward with plans that we all know are the right thing to do For too many years we have seen special interest
Leadership and Staff are working to bring in new sources of revenue and making sure we are providing value for those who support us financially. Programs
NMCGA is working hard to give members educational opportunities to enhance their businesses and operations We are excited to announce that NMCGA was awarded two grants from Rural Roots Endowment from American AgCredit:
$10,000 for Cattlemen’s College There is limited space so please register early
$7,500 for our new Linda Davis Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy that will give opportunities to our younger generation
meeting sponsors to show your appreciation for their support. Without their support, it would be hard to make these meetings affordable.
Other
Our move to Moriarty has opened a revenue stream with the rental of the third office at the property
We are excited to have a tenant that is as passionate about agricultural as we are Botton 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 We appreciate all the industry support from our allied partners to make this happen.
NMCGA FINANCIAL FORCAST
Reports from Farm and Ranch Owners Now Required Under New Corporate Transparency Act
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and deadlines for filing these reports are rapidly approaching. For companies created or registered prior to January 1, 2024, FinCEN reports must be submitted by January 1, 2025. For companies created in 2024, owners have just 90 days after forming their company to submit a report to FinCEN That deadline shrinks to just 30 days in 2025 Additionally, any updates or corrections to FinCEN reports must be submitted within 30 days.
In 2021, Congress passed a law called the Corporate Transparency Act. Its goal was simple: prevent financial crimes by knowing the identity of corporation owners. In many states, forming a company is as easy as filing a document with the secretary of state and many types of legal entities like limited liability companies (LLC) offer tremendous privacy to their owners With concerns mounting around foreign business acquisitions, Congress wanted a way to unmask anonymous legal entities.
While the law’s intentions may have been good, honest farmers and ranchers have been unfortunately caught up in the Corporate Transparency Act and are now subject to its onerous rules. The law requires companies with 20 or fewer employees to file beneficial ownership information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, identifying who owns or controls the company The stakes are also high because the law comes with severe penalties. Failing to file a report on time can result in fines of $500 per day and willfully ignoring the law can result in up to two years of jail time.
Thankfully, complying with the law is fairly straightforward but farmers and ranchers must act now to review the law and gather information to file with FinCEN. Any corporation, LLC, or other type of legal entity that has 20 or fewer employees and files with the secretary of state is likely required to file with FinCEN These reports to FinCEN include basic identifying information about the people who have “beneficial ownership” of a company information like legal name, date of birth, home or business address, and a driver’s license or passport number. While FinCEN has a specific legal definition of “beneficial owner,” it generally applies to those who own over 25% of the company, have significant say in its operations, or receive a large benefit from its assets.
FinCEN started accepting reports at the start of 2024
This new requirement can be confusing, but FinCEN has created resources like a frequently asked question document and a Small Entity Compliance Guide Both resources, and the form to file with FinCEN, are available at www.fincen.gov/boi. Producers with additional questions can also contact FinCEN by calling 1-800-767-2825 toll free or 703-905-3591.
This is not professional advice Consult with a tax professional or attorney for advice as to whether the Corporate Transparency Act applies to you.
ROUNDUP CLUB
ANMCGAMEMBERSHIPPROGRAM
The Roundup Club is the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association member recruitment program that recognizes the work of members that show diligence and commitment to building a stronger organization
How do you become a member?
By recruiting a new NMCGA Member by December 1, 2024 New Member must mention your name when paying dues
Grand Prizes
Grand prize drawing will be held once a year at the Joint Stockmen’s Convention For every new member you recruit, an additional entry will be put into the drawing.
NMCGA Store Discounts 1-5
2024 Roundup Club Members
Copeland - 3 Randell Major - 2
Kye Burris - 1 Vivian Culbertson -1
Sidwell - 1
Romero - 1 Heidi Humphries -1 Bronson Corn - 1
WEATHER OUTLOOK
By: Brian Bledsoe
Since we last chatted, it has been a wild ride for many of us. We saw catastrophic wildfires followed by catastrophic flooding, and the continuation of major and long lasting drought. First, let's start with a look at what has happened over the past three months. The map below shows precipitation anomalies June 7th to September 7th
Clearly, it appears that it was a wet summer for many in New Mexico. However, a lot of the rain that fell happened during the month of June Unfortunately, coming on the heels of the devastating fires that occurred in and near Ruidoso The map below shows the amount of rainfall (in inches) that occurred from June 6th to July 6th.
Despite all of that water happening outside of what is the traditional heart of the monsoon season, we are still having issues with drought The map below clearly shows who is still struggling with dryness and drought
The severe to extreme drought that remains in place across southern New Mexico is largely the same area of concern from the spring. The "abnormal dryness" (yellow shading) that has recently expanded for many other areas is due to the failure of the monsoon to produce, during the heart of the monsoon season. This is something that I was worried about when we spoke in the spring. Granted, June was incredibly wet for many areas and I did not see that coming But what was really needed was a more steady and frequent monsoon season to fix drought for other areas of the state. That simply didn't happen...
So, where are we headed? Well, we are in the midst of a developing La Niña episode. The map below shows cooler than average sea surface temperatures along the equatorial Pacific Ocean
While we are technically not in a La Niña yet, we will likely achieve that status in the coming months That is rarely ever a good thing for us... As you can see below, there are significant weather pattern differences during La Niña and El Niño
The problem during La Niña episodes is that the storm track usually ends up too far to the north That leaves us on the warmer, drier, and windier side of things. The forecast maps for the next several months reflect that trend too... EURO Seasonal Model Forecast Precipitation Anomaly October - December December - February
The brown shading indicates drier than average However, it is important to remember...this is the forecast precipitation ANOMALY. It doesn't mean that it will be completely dry or that there won't be any storms It means that the overall flavor of the forecast will be drier than average And as I mentioned, there will also be an increased likelihood of warmer than average temperatures and windier than average weather too. I would love to be wrong about this, but I expect drought conditions to worsen this fall and winter This is especially true for southern areas, where drought is already firmly established.
WHEN OPPORTUNITY BECAME LEGACY
CS RANCH, EST.1873, THE 13TH OLDEST RANCH IN THE COUNTRY
By Julie Carter
In 1873, when Frank Springer topped Raton pass on his way to the Territory of New Mexico, he saw the same endless vistas of New Mexico grasslands any I25 traveler can see today from that vantage point Springer had no idea he was looking at his own eventuality below in what is known as some of the best cattle range in the American West He was eager to pursue a future in a place that was on the verge of an economic explosion fueled by the arrival of the railroad.
Born to Francis (an attorney) and Nancy Colman (the daughter of an Iowa Judge) Springer in Wapello, Iowa, June 17, 1848, Frank was the eldest of four sons and a daughter His father spent much of his working life as a judge, public administrator and later a gentleman farmer, fostering a pattern of influence that would later bloom in Frank After primary schooling in a rural log schoolhouse, Frank furthered his academics at a Baptist college where the curriculum offered classes that had
Above: Frank Springer on Raton Pass
applications in law and sciences leading to a lifelong interest in both At the age of 14, he enrolled at the State University of Iowa where after five years he graduated with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree The atmosphere of his years at the University was shrouded with the daily news of the ongoing Civil War, and although Frank confessed to having caught “war fever,” his desire to enlist was cut short by an adamant veto from his parents. In his final year, he devoted his studies to physical and social science and a course in geology It was there he formed an enduring friendship with an engineering student, William R. Morley. The need to earn an income to fund his life plans became greater than his commitment to science Frank turned to law as his chosen profession with his legal training in the traditional methods of the time: “reading law” in the office of a practicing attorney and formal education in a university law department graduating in 1867. He was admitted to the bar in Iowa in 1869 Only three years later, he was offered an employment opportunity that would change the course of his life and set in motion the events that still stand 150 years later in the CS Ranch
New Mexico
Frank’s opportunity came from his longtime good friend William Morley who had gone west after graduating from the university and was managing the affairs of the Maxwell Land Grant and Railway Company in New Mexico. Frank settled in Cimarron, where he practiced law and married Josephine M Bishop and together, they raised seven children In 1890, he was elected president of the New Mexico Bar Association. He was twice a member of the legislative council of New Mexico and after retiring from law in 1906 studied paleontology, on which he wrote books and articles. Reportedly, he was also an intriguing personality -- an introvert who engaged in very public activities, speaking to large audiences and leading in major civic
endeavors Frank’s influence on New Mexico's economic development was far-reaching and lasting. As president of the Maxwell Land Grant company, he also led in the development of mining, logging, ranching, and irrigation enterprises. A Supreme Court victory establishing title to the 1.7 million acre Maxwell grant earned him a reputation as a brilliant attorney He also helped lay the foundations of New Mexico Highlands University, the Museum of New Mexico, and other cultural institutions
Throughout his adult life, Springer also engaged in paleontological study, publishing his findings through the Smithsonian Institution and other leading scientific publishers He amassed the largest collection in the world of a certain kind of fossil, a collection he donated to the Smithsonian, where it is still housed.
The CS Ranch
Within a month of arriving in New Mexico, Frank bought rangeland along the Cimarron River from the Maxwell Land Grant Company Five years later his brother Charles joined him, and they expanded the ranch, stocked it with native Longhorn cattle from Texas crossed with pure bred Hereford cattle imported from Iowa Branding the cattle with Charles’ 7UP brand, they later decided to use Charles’ initials for the herd resulting in the now famous CS brand
Late in 1879, the Santa Fe Railroad made its way over Raton Pass, through
Raton and south to the Cimarron River, establishing the town of Springer named in honor of Frank The stockyards erected there became the main shipping point for the northern part of the territory and for the next 40 years, thousands of CS branded steers were shipped to markets in Chicago and Kansas City
Out of the need for ranch horses, the Springer brothers started raising their own After the purchase of two Thoroughbred stallions in 1883, they crossed them with select range mares, producing a line of hardy, intelligent, using horses During the 1920s the CS Ranch was a supplier to the U S Army’s Western Remount Service. When the depression loomed over the country causing plummeting cattle prices, the CS horses, a band of 200 high quality mares and numerous quarter horse and thoroughbred stallions became the profit center for the ranch The CS produced premium all-around ranch horses, cavalry mounts, hunter-jumpers and polo ponies, setting a new and higher standard in the western United States Throughout the decades, the Springer brothers continued acquiring property and expanding ranchlands, including some mountain acreage to use as summer pasture Eventually, all pastures were fenced and water wells drilled to aid better utilization of the grass. Hay fields were planted and irrigated to provide winter feed for the all the livestock Charles ran the ranch until 1910 when he turned the reins over to Frank’s son Henry, noted for his keen eye for horses
Above: Frank and Josephine Springer
Above: CS Ranch Cowboys pre-1920
and cattle. (Frank passed away in 1927.)
Henry expanded the CS horse breeding program until his death in 1920, when his older brother Edward took over, continuing to increase and improve the program
The Davis Era
Les Davis, the third son of Frank’s youngest daughter Ada who was married to a plastic surgeon in Philadelphia, was born in 1919 In his youth, Les frequently visited the family ranch in New Mexico, falling in love with the outdoors, horses and working cattle During his senior year at Dartmouth College, he wrote a letter to his Uncle
Above: Les and Linda Davis Ed inquiring about coming to the ranch and learning the cattle and horse business His uncle responded with an enthusiastic “yes” and by the summer of 1941, Les was punching cows and being coached by the CS cowboys including top hands Jiggs and Raymond Porter
alongside Uncle Ed was Albert Mitchell, a respected cattleman and manager of the Bell Ranch since the 1930s. Through this connection, Les met Albert’s daughter, Linda, and they married in 1953 Linda grew up riding with the cowboy crew at both the Bell and her father’s Tequesquite ranch, the very foundation for her immensely respected reputation as an exceptional cattlewoman
Together Les and Linda took on the challenge of growth and improvement of the cattle, horse and farming operations at the CS Working in the aftermath of a serious drought, Linda said she “got busy and made a hand.” With the able assistance of their foreman Jiggs Porter who served in that capacity for 63 years, they built an even stronger foundation to the CS lines adhering to the principle of “never selling a top heifer of the ranch ” The Davis’ dedicated their lives to their family, the CS and the livestock industry. Their success
Les’ ranch life took a pause when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with the 4th Armored Division of Patton’s Third Army During his tour he was awarded three Purple Hearts and Bronze Star, finishing the war with the occupation army in Germany and discharged in 1946 He was soon back at the CS in time for branding and later that year assumed management of the CS when his uncle retired. Mentoring Les through the years
was recognized in 2000 when both were inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Linda was also inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in 1995 In 2007, the ranch’s horse breeding program earned the American Quarter Horse Association’s Legacy Award for registering AQHA horses for more than 50 years Les passed away in May 2001, after a long illness stemming from wounds received during World War II Linda continued to lead and manage with renowned ability and even at the age of 70, she became an EMT and served with the Cimarron Volunteer Ambulance Linda, passed away at home in February 2024 at the age of 93.
The Davis’ had six children: Warren, Julia, Randy, Kirk, Bruce and Kim who all grew up and worked at the ranch Still today, Jiggs is given the credit for “training” the Davis children for the continued improvement of the cattle and horses and the knowledge they use to maintain the CS as one of the most progressive ranches in the western U it d St t
ht, ue he
Left: Linda Davis working cattle
Below: CS branding crew in the 1950's
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-Kaitlynn Glover, Executive Director PLC
As autumn work rolls around and Congress comes back into session for the short, legislative sprint toward November, agriculture and public lands policy are top of mind for many in Washington, D C With a Farm Bill deadline looming large and appropriations bills that are almost certain to be delayed, the remainder of the legislative year is sure to bring plenty of fireworks In the leadup to funding the government for Fiscal Year 2025 PLC secured key policy riders, like defunding the BLM’s new Public Land Rule, restoring common sense and realistic process to the Endangered Species Act listing and delisting process, defunding implementation of a final Western Solar Plan, specific funding for depredation payments from Mexican Gray Wolf kills, increased funding to improve BLM’s ability to remove horses and burros from overstocked Herd Management Areas, and more Additionally, PLC has been working closely with Congress to support the introduction of several pieces of legislation to provide regulatory relief to ranchers. We successfully worked with New Mexico’s own Representative Vasquez to introduce the Ranching without Red Tape Act and a bill to increase the use of grazing to reduce wildfire risk While it may be an uphill battle to get any big legislative packages across the finish line this fall, PLC remains committed to securing these legislative wins now or early in the next Congress Federal agencies have been busy this year: the U S Fish and Wildlife Service finalized 4 new damaging Endangered Species Act rules, U.S. Forest Service finalized new handbooks and directives related to grazing and range management, and BLM has taken on a slate of massive regulatory overhauls that will upend the traditional multiple use management As a result, PLC is leading litigation challenging several of these rules We have built coalitions to defending grazing, remove regulatory barriers, and limit federal agencies’ impacts to the very small footprint Congress intended PLC has never been afraid to sue the federal government and is willing to spend time in court so that grazing permittees do not have to As we look ahead, the pathway is clear: PLC’s work centers around ensuring that the public, federal agencies, and members of Congress know that grazing is good – for local economies, for the environment, and for national food security PLC regularly funds research to study the role grazing plays on the landscape, and this year’s findings show not only that grazing is good for nest success of ground birds like the sage grouse, but also that grazing is a key tool in restoring a reasonable fire cycle On the ground in New
Mexico, this kind of academic work is key in helping to push back on ill-advised efforts like the expansion of the Muleshoe Refuge It’s also helpful in showing the larger scale impacts of what could happen to the landscape if activists are successful in pushing cows too hard, too far, with predator expansion PLC brings together the science, the politics, and the people to defend grazing and our historic way of life
While this is just a snapshot of a few of the things that will affect New Mexico producers, permittees, and lessees, I look forward to joining you in December to talk about PLC’s work to defend public and private property rights, investments in students and partners, and our global communications work to advocate for Western ranching traditions
NMLB Trich Committee to reevaluate rules
On August 20th, the Trich Committee met in Albuquerque to discuss possible changes to the trich rules In accordance with NMAC rule 21 30 6 9 (E) “The need for slaughter surveillance will be reevaluated by the working Trichomoniasis Committee, every two years”
State Veterinarian, Dr Sammie Holeck, coordinated and led the meeting, which lasted about two hours The meeting, which was attended by producers and veterinarians from all corners of the State, was cordial and full of valuable input Discussion began with the current number of quarantines and the discussion on whether surveillance testing was effective
It was reported that slaughter surveillance testing results yielded almost three times the reported trich positive bulls versus test done on ranches or prior to sale in the country According to records provided by our lab in calendar year 2023, 14,103 bulls were tested
At the height of our trich quarantines, prior to the implementation of slaughter surveillance, there were over 80 quarantines in the state There are currently 40 active quarantines, which can be viewed by county on our website at :https://www nmlbonline com/documents/Trich Cases By Cou nty pdf?un=2EwKSH5Yj6
The committee decided to make a few changes to existing rules, which will be compiled and made available for public comment prior to a board vote, possibly as soon as December They also agreed to continue the slaughter surveillance with a review at the next two-year interval
CATTLE SUPPLIES
The cattle-on-feed on August 1, 2024, was 11 095 million head and that is up 3% from the year prior Placements during the May to July period were up 63,000 head from the year prior However, for the year placements are down 257,000 head
Fed cattle slaughter during the May to August period was 8.549 million head, which is down 113,000 head. Keep in mind, the projection was for fed slaughter to be down about 280,000 head from May to August The remainder of the year fed cattle slaughter is projected to be down 200,000 to 250,000 head.
·Non-fed cattle slaughter was down 400,000 head compared to the year prior for the May to August period Looking forward to the September to December period, the projection is for non-fed slaughter to be down 250,000 to 300,000 head Improved margins for the dairy industry will be a big influence on the number of cows harvested this fall
Ration costs at the feedyard have been mostly static through the summer and will decline some into the fall, but those reductions will be limited due to higher corn basis
·Steer carcass weights, on average, have been roughly 30 pounds above year ago levels for summertime frame
Seasonally, weights will increase into the fall, but the year over year increases will be smaller.
CATTLE PRICES
The Kansas/Panhandle fed cattle price from May to August has performed better than expected with prices averaging near $187/cwt Prices are projected to weaken in the last four months of the year, with an average price near $184/cwt
The CME feeder index has tracked as projected with support near $240/cwt and resistance just on top of $260/cwt
During the September to December period, prices will find resistance near $250/cwt to $255/cwt The downside risk is $230/cwt. to $235/cwt. all basis the CME feeder index.
·The summer video season did provide sellers a chance to market their calves higher than year ago levels with most values being 4-7% stronger Those looking to market the
calves at weaning this fall must acknowledge that the risk is for prices to be approaching levels witnessed last fall The prospects or lack thereof for winter wheat grazing could swing the calf market $5-10/cwt up or down.
·The cull cow market is one of the strongest seasonal markets in the industry, and utility cow prices will decline from levels experienced in August into the fall The risk could be as large as $20 to $25/cwt. decline from the summer peak to the fall lows However, that should still result in prices being 10-15% higher in 2024 vs 2023 The same price improvement is expected for cull bulls
The monsoon season was hit and mis in terms of the impact on drought inflicted operations However, the bred female market is going to establish a practical range, depending on quality and age, between $2400 and $2900/head
FACTORS TO WATCH
Interest Rates – Rate cuts are now expected, at least twice in 2024
Unemployment - Continued increases are a caution flag for beef demand, as recessions historically are negative to demand for beef.
·Election – Policy can be very impactful to markets
NMCGA Photo Contest
CowBelles’ Corner
Greetings Cattlemen and Cattlewomen! Fall is here, maybe not meteorologically or by the equinox, but it’s here It’s the change in the air Mornings are a little cooler; the days a little shorter It’s evident by the handful of kids in sweatshirts at the bus stop, and families hustling to get all the chores done before dark.
Fall also means a changing of the guard for some Many of our industry organizations are getting ready for their annual meetings or conferences, even though it seems like we just had summer gatherings New Mexico CowBelles is no different We will transition to new leadership at Annual Meeting, and I couldn’t be more encouraged by the group of ladies that will take the helm While they have been with our Executive Board f a while now, they will continue the work of organization, and bring forward new ideas to energ our members I have been proud and honored to h served with them. We also have an opportunity for members to step up to fill some committee vacanc that are important to our group I look for these dynamic ladies to leave their mark as well
While I know that a break in the heat will be welcome for many, I hope that those who desperately need it get some rain, and it stays warm long enough to make some grass For others, I hope you have a chance to dry out some and recover The summer has been a little rough around the edges for some, or a lot for others around our state. I pray that fall gives you time to slow down, catch up, and recharge We still have a lot of work ahead of us as we continue to advocate for the industry that we love
As I sign off, I want to thank you all for the opportunity to lead New Mexico CowBelles during this year. What an honor it has been to represent you
Warm regards,
Michelle Greeman NMCB President
2024 MID-YEAR MEETING
USDA Updates Guideline for Animal-Raising and Environmental Claims on Meat Labels
By Jennifer Shike August 28, 2024
USDA announced on Aug 28 the availability of an updated guideline that makes recommendations to strengthen the documentation that supports animal-raising or environment-related claims on meat or poultry product labeling This action builds on the work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels and to implement President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American economy, USDA said in a release “USDA continues to deliver on its commitment to fairness and choice for both farmers and consumers, and that means supporting transparency and high-quality standards,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a release “These updates will help to level the playing field for businesses who are truthfully using these claims and ensure people can trust the labels when they purchase meat and poultry products ”
USDA explains that animal-raising claims, such as “Raised Without Antibiotics,” “Grass-Fed” and “Free-Range,” and environment-related claims, such as “Raised using Regenerative Agriculture Practices” and “ClimateFriendly,” are voluntary marketing claims that highlight certain aspects of how the source animals for meat and poultry products are raised or how the producer maintains or improves the land or otherwise implements environmentally sustainable practices
Documentation submitted by companies to support these claims is reviewed by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the claims can only be included on the labels of meat and poultry products sold to consumers after they are approved by the agency FSIS previously updated its guideline on these claims in 2019
In the updated guideline, FSIS strongly encourages the use of third-party certification to substantiate animal-raising or environment-related claims
"Third-party certification of animal-raising or environment-related claims helps ensure that such claims are truthful and not misleading by having an independent organization verify that their standards are being met on the farm for the raising of animals and for environmental stewardship The revised guideline also emphasizes more robust documentation for environment-related and animal-raising claims," USDA wrote.
actions. FSIS advised them to determine how antibiotics were introduced into the animal and to take appropriate measures to ensure that future products are not misbranded
FSIS and ARS will be publishing a peer-reviewed paper with complete results from the study in the near future.
USDA said the study findings underscore the need for more rigorous substantiation of such claims and sampling results may lead to additional testing by the agency
FSIS noted that it has the authority to collect samples any time it believes a product is mislabeled with any claim covered by the guidance. Also, FSIS may consider future additional actions, including random sampling and rulemaking, to further strengthen the substantiation of animal-raising and environment-related claims
UPDATE FROM WASHINGTON: FARM BILL PROCESS STILL PROCESSING
Currently, the 2018 Farm Bill is the law of the land until September 30, 2024, having been extended late last year in a must-pass government spending bill Congress will either need to pass a new Farm Bill in September or extend the current one again Extending the current Farm Bill is not out of the ordinary, with the 2008 Farm Bill needing to be extended until 2014 and numerous other delays with other Farm Bills. It is very likely due to legislative gridlock of the past two years, that the new Farm Bill will not pass this year and another extension will be needed To their credit, Congress is diligently working on the new Farm Bill and making progress
The House Agriculture Committee passed H.R. 8467, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, otherwise known as the Farm Bill, out of committee this past May in a bipartisan vote and awaits a full vote on the House floor NCBA fully supports the House Farm Bill and the bipartisan work of Chairman GT Thompson (PA) to reach a consensus in committee. The Senate Agriculture Committee, on both the Republican and Democrat side, have only released Farm Bill frameworks, not full legislative text, and there are no hearings scheduled to mark-up a Senate Farm Bill text NCBA supports Senator John Boozman’s (AR) framework, due to its similarities to the House bill Unfortunately, Chair Stabenow’s (MI) Farm Bill Framework is riddled with poison pill policies that would hurt producers and ignores the conservation benefits of cattle production
Chairman Thompson spoke about the Farm Bill process on a recent episode of NCBA’s Beltway Beef podcast saying: “I led this process the only way I knew how, let’s get outside of the Beltway in Washington. Let’s hear the voices of American ranchers and farmers and foresters, as well as key stakeholders in rural America and that’s what we’ve done I have chaired 85 listening sessions in 40 states and one territory It’s been great to have ranchers and folks from the cattle industry and commodity groups… We have had more input from
across this country, shore to shore, than perhaps ever before as we prepared for this Farm Bill.”
Congress will always find a way to get a Farm Bill passed, the bigger questions are when final passage will be and what will be in the final bill While the funding date may have changed, the goals remain the same and NCBA is continuing with a full-throated advocacy effort to pass a Farm Bill sooner rather than later. It is important to remember that this is just the beginning of a long and public process to pass the Farm Bill and negotiations are certain to change the legislative text in both the House and Senate many times before final passage. What is not changing is that NCBA’s top policy priority remains delivering a Farm Bill that strengthens risk management programs, supports disaster recovery programs, promotes voluntary conservation programs, and pushes for more funding to protect the U S cattle herd from potential foreign animal disease outbreaks through the vaccine bank.
NMCGA Welcomes
ve and currently lives in nd has been serving as a ranch hand for the past nine years They have six children who are active members in FFA and 4H, show livestock and compete in judging competitions.
Jeanette comes to us from several years in the vet med field where she worked as lead administrative staff She has a passion for agriculture and looks forward to using her fresh perspective and administrative skills to make a positive impact
CYLA
LINDADAVISYOUNGCATTLEMEN’S
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
INDUCTION CEREMONY
Joinus
at the Family Luncheon to induct the inaugural class of the Linda Davis Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy!
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Wednesday
Dec. 11, 2024
9:00am - 5:00pm
Ballroom f - H
“THEY’RE” COMING AFTER OUR RANCH WATER, LAND AND CATTLE. HOW DO WE PROTECT OURSELVES?
DR. JOHN PATERSON
Nutrition & Supplements
DR. CRAIG GIFFORD
DR. CASEY SPACKMAN
Recommended Practices to Protect Ranch Lands
ANDREW COPPIN
Efficient Water System Monitoring, Management, and Conservation
DR. MARCY WARD
Avoiding the Public’s Glare on the Ranch Cattle Utilization and Water Quality
ANTHONY MADRID, USFS
Dealing with the Issues that Affect Public Lands
BID ON $1,500 BULL CREDIT DURINGTHEAWARDSDINNER DONATEDBY:
FAMILY LUNCHEON SPEAKER
KEVIN OCHSNER, HOST OF NCBA’S CATTLEMEN TO CATTLEMEN
NATURAL RESOURCES
GENERAL SESSION SPEAKER
KAITLYN GLOVER, PUBLIC LANDS COUNCIL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
NATURAL RESOURCES
GENERAL SESSION SPEAKER
DR. HEATH HAYDEN
FERA DIAGNOSTICS AND BIOLOGICALS
PROPERTY RIGHTS
GENERAL SESSION SPEAKER
MARGARET BYFIELD, AMERICAN STEWARDS OF LIBERTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PROPERTY RIGHTS
GENERAL SESSION SPEAKER
COLIN WOODALL NCBA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
We are proud to be the Property/Casualty Insurance Administrator for New Mexico Cattle Growers for the past 24 years Jim Lyssy and his staff have been assisting members on all their insurance needs We are the difference
Providing comprehensive insurance options, including ranch dwellings, family, household property, personal effects, barns, outbuildings, structures, scheduled machinery & equipment, livestock, and General Liability. We also provide auto liability and physical damage coverage for your autos, trucks, and trailers, combining these insurance coverages into a single policy It is highly recommended to discuss an Umbrella policy with us for additional liability protection. Don’t forget your ATV’s for liability coverage!
Workers Compensation coverage is required in the State of New Mexico. If you have 3 or more employees which includes the owners of the operation, whether full-time or part-time you are required to carry Workers Compensation This coverage provides medical coverage for injured or ill employees, 66 2/3% pay of the normal income, and disability caused by work conditions.
Waypath Employee Benefits is a full-service insurance brokerage firm assisting New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association members with their insurance needs
With the Medicare Annual Election Period starting on October 15th, we want to remind Medicare recipients to contact a licensed Medicare broker to review their coverage and make any necessary changes before December 7th This is particularly important for Part D Prescription Drug Coverage. Plan carriers can change their covered drug lists, including removing medications or changing drug tier levels Medicines that were covered in 2024 may not be covered in 2025
Employers' Liability offers additional protection for the employer. Workers' Compensation premiums are based on the employee’s annual payroll and their classification of employment Policies are audited annually As an employer you are to report a Workers Compensation injury claim as soon as possible, ideally the same day. The law allows up to 72 hours to file a report, the sooner, the better
Agribusiness, commercial or personal insurance involve many different coverages We are here to analyze and explain your insurance options to guide you in the right direction Since not all operations are the same, we customize each policy for optimal protection.
Insurance Services of New Mexico has been writing business since 1980 Our staff's experience, along with our commitment to providing the best insurance coverage, has earned the trust of our customers and New Mexico Cattle Growers We work for you, the members Give us a call and let us work for you We are the difference
-Jim Lyssy, President, Insurance Services of NM
Additionally, beginning in 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) have made significant changes to the Part D program, starting with removing the “Donut Hole” phase of drug benefits The Part D deductible is $590, and the True Out-of-Pocket (TrOOP) threshold has been reduced to $2,000 for 2025. Covered insulin products must be covered at $35 or less per CMS Medicare Part D enrollees must review their coverage to ensure their medications will continue to be covered and confirm their Part D premium amounts. We’re here to help.
Please be aware of the following dates:
Off Exchange Health Insurance: Open enrollment is November 1st – December 15th. Any plans direct to carriers off exchange must be submitted during this time for coverage beginning 1/1/25
BeWellNM: Open enrollment for on exchange individual health insurance is November 1st- December 31st for coverage beginning 1/1/25 Enrollments can be made January 1st-15th for coverage beginning 2/1/25 Members may qualify for subsidies to lower premium costs.
Contact Waypath Employee Benefits for answers to your insurance questions
What Does the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association Do?
That’s the question that is sometimes asked. Here is our response that covers just the past twelve months:
NMCGA hosted four regional and two state-wide meetings to educate our membership on current issues, opportunities and developments they need to know to protect and enhance their operations. Once again, NMCGA coordinated and hosted Cattlemen’s College for a day-long program with educational material NMCGA developed and delivered multiple programs to promote education and youth. These include the Linda Davis Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy, NMCGA Heritage Buckle Program, $10,000 worth of scholarships given annually, and multiple internship opportunities
Coordinated disaster relief for livestock producers from catastrophic events; we are proud to say that, with the help from our membership, we provided over $20,000 for wildfire relief.
Worked with the USFS to assign vacant allotments to permittees Each month, we have hard conversations with them about their management decisions that affect the land that permittees care for and make their living on.
Worked to protect private property rights, including the rights of producers who operate on federal lands We have fought issues such as stream access, Mimbres Peak, Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge, transmission line corridors, and the 30x30 Land Grab.
Worked with the USFS and Congress to keep permittees around the Valles Caldera from having the obligation to fence the Valles Caldera.
Sued or continued our litigation against the USFS over killing cattle in the Gila Wilderness; we sued the Fish and Wildlife Service over the listing of the lesser prairie chicken and we are appealing a decision over the FWS listing of the SW Willow Flycatcher.
Represented you in the state legislature to help successfully get State Meat Inspection, to help obtain an appropriation to cover Mexican wolf damages, to help defeat paid family medical leave, to help defeat firearms legislation, to help defeat the green amendment, to help pass a dyed diesel tax credit, and to help get funds for windmill repair training.
Were active participants in monitoring Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza to protect the beef industry
Testified before the NM Game Commission on multiple occasions concerning Mexican wolves and elk. We met with NM Department of Game and Fish officials on multiple species, especially on EPLUS and Mexican wolves as well as on the agency budget and mission
Represented you in Congress on the Farm Bill to get Mexican wolf damages included for confirmed and probable depredations and to raise the amount paid for each.
Represented you before federal agencies over management of our operations given the status of the lesser prairie chicken and Mexican wolves. We met monthly with the USFS over multiple matters that relate to grazing on forest allotments.
Member Highlight: Dr. John Wenzel
National BQA Educator of the Year
Dr Wenzel was born and raised in Albuquerque’s South Valley At 14, he began working at the Rio Bravo Animal Clinic after school and on weekends, which introduced him to the field of Veterinary Medicine. Throughout high school and after, he continued working and learning from the veterinarians at Rio Bravo He graduated from Rio Grande High School in 1977 After graduating high school, Dr Wenzel began attending college at UNM. In 1979, he quit working at the veterinary clinic, married his high school sweetheart Dolly, and they moved to Las Cruces so he could attend New Mexico State University and pursue the goal of Veterinary School While at NMSU, he worked for Dr Joe Armstrong at the NMSU Horse Farm as well as Dr. Skip Pritchard at Mesilla Valley Animal Clinic After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from NMSU in 1982, Dr Wenzel was accepted into the Veterinary Medical program at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, graduating with a DVM degree in 1986.
Upon graduating, Dr Wenzel returned to Albuquerque’s South Valley to begin his veterinary career In 1987, an opportunity presented itself to join a practice in the Silver City area, so Dr Wenzel, Dolly and their three sons moved to Silver City. He began working for Dr Hal Hopson at the Arenas Valley Animal Clinic, who was a great veterinarian and teacher, setting the stage for Dr Wenzel to develop his veterinary skills and eventually purchase the practice in 1991 The next 20 years were spent operating the busy mixed animal practice Dr Wenzel enjoyed all aspects of the practice but began to concentrate on cow/ calf preventative health care and focused his continuing education efforts towards cow/calf medicine. This led to an interest in immunology, vaccinology and the immune response in cattle and that interest continues today He sold his practice in 2011 but continues in limited part time ranch practice
In 2006, Dr Wenzel joined the faculty at NMSU as New Mexico’s first Extension Veterinarian The opportunity to join a young, bright, enthusiastic faculty interested in livestock production was too good to resist Since joining NMSU, Dr Wenzel has had the opportunity interact with, learn from, and share new information with cattle producers all over NM He has given over 800 presentations, trainings and workshops at large conferences to small county meetings He feels the small, local cattle meetings are the best as they allow for discussion and questions that benefit each producer present This is the focus of his extension activities. Dr. Wenzel has the opportunity to work with cattle producers all over NM every day, resulting in a very rewarding professional career Along with producer education, Dr Wenzel has been very involved with increasing veterinary educational opportunities for NM students He has served on the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education- Veterinary Medical Advisory Council since 2008 He assisted with the NMSU- Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine partnership formation and serves on its admissions committee and chairs a committee that reviews NM resident applications to the WICHE partner schools He is also co-founder and chairman of the US Beef Academy, held annually in Corona. Dr. Wenzel also serves as the NM BQA State Coordinator beginning in 2009, the State Coordinator for the NM-ALIRT Veterinary Livestock Emergency Response group since its formation, on Advisory Boards for the NM Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and the Central NM Community College Veterinary Technician Program He has served on the Grant County Fair Board since 1991 and holds memberships in the NM Cattle Growers Association, NM Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Academy of Veterinary Consultants and Society for Theriogenology. Dr. Wenzel has received the Distinguished Service Award from the NMVMA, The Beef Backer Award from the NM Beef Council, The Alice and Bruce King Memorial Service Award from The NM Cattle Growers Association, Distinguished Service Award from the Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Center, Appreciation Award from the Institute for Infectious Animal Disease and Appreciation Award from the Grant County Fair Board for 30 years of being the fair announcer. He was awarded the National Cattleman’s Beef Association BQA Educator of the Year Award in 2024 Dr Wenzel has been married to Dolly since 1979, and they have three sons and 10 grandchildren
Below: Dr. John Wenzel receiving the Beef Backer Award in 2019
Above: Dr. John Wenzel instructing his students on how to properly pull a calf
Left: Dr John Wenzel receiving the 2024 National BQA Educator of the Year
