Spring 2013 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

™ General Membership Spring 2013 Edition

®

Scholarship Winners

by Dalene Hodnett, Director of Communications and Media Relations One of the goals of the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau is to protect and promote our state’s agricultural legacy.

Our scholarship program is one way to achieve this by advancing the next generation of NMF&LB members. We are proud to announce this year’s scholarship winners.

His team won the National 4-H Parliamentary Procedure contest in Denver in 2012 and he has served in the FFA offices of sentinel and treasurer. He plans to study Criminal Justice with an eye towards joining the US Marines after graduation from college. “My service will be a continuation of the traditions of those great men and women who stood before me, protecting our great country,” says Walker.

Timmy Pearce received the 2013 John Augustine Memorial Scholarship. He will graduate from Tatum High School this spring and plans to study Trent Eby Political has served as Trent Eby Walker Eby Economy at his FFA chapHillsdale Colter’s president lege. He plans a career in politics in orand treasurer as well as the district treader to “Be a voice for agricultural values surer. He has shown pigs for ten years and to the politicians and policy makers who says that showing animals “Isn’t about the write legislation which affects the future money or the glory; it’s about seeing someof farmers and ranchers in our country.” thing you have spent hours upon hours Timmy is already active in politics - curof time with do well. It’s about having rently serving as the Student Council pride with what you accomplish and being President. He is also active in FFA, and gracious to the other exhibitors.” He has excelled in football racking up impresplenty to be proud of having won the High sive stats this Point IndividuTanner Thompson Darci Thompson last season as al in Livestock number one Evaluation in rushing at the State and number 4-H contest Timmy Pearce two in tackin 2011 and les for New Mexico’s 8-man being a member of the team division. that won the National 4-H Parliamentary Procedure conNMF&LB received applicatest in Denver in 2012. After tions from two sets of twins graduation from college and this year and both sets won a career with the US Marines, scholarships. Trent and Walker Trent plans to return to the Eby are from Faywood and family farm. both will attend Western New Mexico University in the fall.

Darci and Tanner ThompWalker was named Student of son, twins from Dexter also the Year in 2012 and has seen won NMF&LB scholarships. success in both 4-H and FFA. cont. on page 5, see Scholars

IDEAS AND ELBOW GREASE

The President’s Column

By Michael S. White, President

It’s Your Choice, A Green Lawn or a Green Chile Cheeseburger Fortunately our choices are not quite so stark yet, but with the continuation of an historic drought, we’re getting there quickly. Forecasts for rain are bleak as we continue another year of La Niña, the weather pattern that leads to hot, dry spells and mountain snowpack to the north is expected to produce just 39% of the average runoff.

All of this points to reduced agricultural production in New Mexico, but particularly a reduction in our state’s iconic crop – green chile. Farmers in New Mexico, including Hatch, are having to make tough choices about whether to plant chile, plant another crop that requires less water, or to fallow their land altogether.

Farmers in the Rio Grande Valley generally rely on irrigation from the Rio Grande River and a typical allotment is three acre feet of water in a growing season that generally lasts from March through September.

However, for the past several years the allotment from the Elephant Butte Irrigation District has just been averaging 8 inches of water per acre. This is a significant decline that has been made up with pumping from wells. This scenario and others is common around the state and the shortage of water is having detrimental effects all over the state.

While chile farmers can choose another crop, or leave their land unplanted, pecan growers are working with trees that must be watered or they will die, wiping out a huge investment.

According to statistics compiled by the United States Department of Agriculture, New Mexico is the 2nd largest Farm & Ranch Page 2

producer of Pecans in the nation, and Dona Ana County is the largest pecan producing county in the nation with a harvest worth over $120 million in 2011. With more than 30,000 acres planted in pecan trees, hundreds of farmers stand to lose their livelihood if pumping is disallowed, which is a possibility if Texas is victorious in a recent lawsuit it filed with the United States Supreme Court. Texas claims that groundwater pumping has lowered the water table and thus decreased the amount of water available to their farmers dependent on the Rio Grande.

And due to the continued drought other law suits and demands pertaining to water delivery are starting to crop up around the state.

Some may question why we struggle to farm in such an arid climate. Why not just leave the farming to states that are fortunate to receive plenty of rainfall? The answer is because New Mexico’s climate is perfect for crops such as chile, vineyards and pecans that are susceptible to disease in more humid climes. And because our mild winters allow us to grow crops such as lettuce, spinach and cabbage in the early spring when the ground is still frozen in other parts of the country.

Also our sandy soils provide perfect drainage for onions that can’t stand the moisture a more clay type soil would hold. We also farm here because cotton thrives in our hot dry summers that promote boll development.

Primarily, famers farm here because agriculture has always been part of this State and our local farmers have provided a local food source for as long as there have been communities in this region. It’s up to the residents in our state to determine if food production, or green lawns, will be a priority in the future.

Want more information about farming and ranching in New Mexico?

Go to www.nmflb.org or like us on Facebook.

THE AG AGENDA

By Bob Stallman, President American Farm Bureau Federation -------------------------------------------

April Showers Bring…

Taxes It’s that time of year again—tax time.

Boston threw a tea party to protest it; Shakespeare and Mark Twain have prattled off quotes about it; the Beatles even dedicated a song to it. Nothing brings people together more than rallying against a tax.

While taxes are necessary for a functioning government and society (where would we be without public schools, roads and firemen or police officers), if not reigned in, they can become too much for American families and businesses.

There’s one for you Taxes should never impede job creation, higher wages and economic investment. But, unfortunately, complex and unjust tax laws have been doing just that. To get the country back on track, Congress is working to reform the tax code and Congressional leaders say that nothing is off the table, which is good news for farmers and ranchers.

Farm Bureau supports an overhaul of the current federal income tax system.

The new tax code should encourage, not penalize, success and promote savings, investment and entrepreneurship.

Importantly, it should be fair to farmers and ranchers and other family and small business owners. The tax system should be transparent and simple for Americans to understand.

Nineteen for me Farmers and ranchers work in a world of uncertainty. From volatile global markets to fluctuating operating expenses, Spring Edition 2013

from Mother Nature’s many moods to disease outbreaks, it makes running a farm or ranch challenging under the best of circumstances. Add a complex and burdensome tax code, and the challenge becomes even greater.

To provide a fairer tax system, Farm Bureau supports lowering tax rates for individuals and providing additional relief from the capital gains tax for farmers since they are hit especially hard by the tax. We also advocate repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax. This tax no longer serves its original purpose of preventing tax avoidance by higher income Americans, but instead creates a burden on the middle class. While these measures would significantly help farmers and ranchers, it would benefit many other Americans and small family businesses.

Other tax provisions, like the Health Insurance Tax and the Medicare Contribution Tax, also need repealed. The HIT tax will raise insurance costs for farmers and ranchers, making it harder to purchase coverage for themselves, their families and their employees. The Medicare Contribution Tax, which is a tax on unearned income, will especially burden farmers and ranchers since theirs is such a capital-intensive business.

Benjamin Franklin once said that nothing in this world is more certain than death and taxes. While both are inevitable, the federal tax code should be the lesser of the two evils. Making our tax system fair, simple, understandable and non-burdensome is imperative for all Americans.

Coming Soon: New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau’s Summer Meeting in conjunction with the New Mexico Cattle Grower’s Association, New Mexico Wool Grower’s Association, New Mexico CowBelles, and NMSU, June 16-18, 2013 at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque. The group rate is $99 plus tax if reserved by May 31st.

Please call (505) 245-7100 and mention NMF&LB. Spring Edition 2013

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Legislative Recap

by Chad Smith, NMF&LB Senior Director of Government Affairs The 2013 60-day Legislative Session has come to an end and we were able to defeat various measures that would have negatively impacted agriculture in New Mexico. While our mission is to protect and promote agriculture I think it is important to understand how legislation affects not only the agriculture industry but also New Mexico as a whole. We saw a total of 1656 bills introduced and of those 290 were passed and sent to the Governor for signature.

The legislature passed a $5.9 billion dollar budget for 2013-14, which hikes New Mexico’s spending by 4.4%. The bill also incorporated a 1% pay raise for state workers and teachers, and a 4% increase for some law enforcement officers. Included was also $274 million for public works and infrastructure projects that will benefit all 33 counties.

Many of the legislative discussions revolved around taxes, which affect all New Mexico residents. The legislature looked at a complete overhaul of the New Mexico tax code but in the end only one last minute tax measure passed. The tax bill had several components, but one to note is the reduction in corporate income tax from 7.6% to 5.9% over five years. This will be an ongoing conversation, as we all know the tax system in New Mexico is broke.

However, tackling 112 different ideas on how to fix it may take some time.

The legislature also took on the Public Regulation Commission, passing stricter qualifications for members of the PRC, removing the Superintendent from the PRC to an independent office, and shifting the oversight of corporations to the Secretary of State.

From an education standpoint, over the past few years we have seen attempts to overhaul the state’s education system. This year the legislature passed a couple of measures dealing with education and made the Public Education Commission an independent entity authorized to review charter school Farm & Ranch Page 4

appeals. The lottery scholarship fund was extended for one-year, appropriating $10 million from the Tobacco Settlement Permanent Fund. They also provided teachers in low-income, poorly performing public schools relief for re-payment of student loans and expanded the eligibility for K-3 Plus programs.

We also saw legislation trying to increase the minimum wage once again and one measure passed both houses and went to the governor for signature that would have increased the state minimum wage to $8.50.

The Governor did veto this measure.

Water is a precious resource and hard to come by these days.

During this ongoing drought we are all challenged with the conservation of water. Next time you sit down at the table to enjoy your daily nourishment I would like all to remember where that food came from and what produced it, WATER. Water was a big part of the discussion this year - there were many ideas on how to fix this problem legislatively. Though you cannot legislate rain we are going to have to come up with a fix to the problem and we saw this attempted through various bills introduced during the sixty-day session. We fought several water bills early on in the session. House Bill 19, which would have allowed unlimited sub-leasing of water rights, and its companion Senate Bill 188. HB 181 and its companion SB 309, both specifying in-stream flow as a beneficial use, would have been another detrimental law that would have negatively impacted agriculture and the water that we rely on.

The impacts of all of these bills

combined on our already drought stricken water supply would have only hurt the supply of our agriculture water necessary to provide the food and fiber for our country. There were two bills which went hand in and hand, aimed at curtailing double dipping when someone sells their water rights and then subdivides land, only then to obtain domestic well permits. SB 479 & 480 both passed. Many of the other water bills aimed at providing solutions and being proactive at solving the state’s water issues failed, but were certainly a great start to another lengthy conversation. We will continue to see a struggle between urban and agriculture when it comes to water. What is important for many to understand is that though cities cannot survive without water, neither can our food supply, so the balance is a necessity.

Some of the other major wins we had this legislative session were tied to animal cruelty, trapping, animal killing contests, and the requirement to label genetically modified foods. We were able to defeat all attempts at legislation that would have hindered the way we live and survive on the land today.

No one cares more for animals than those of us in agriculture.

We know first and foremost what animal husbandry is and how to tend our flocks and protect our herds.

However, our industry is faced with the misperception of animal cruelty and how we treat our animals. Two pieces of legislation expanding the definition of animal cruelty were introduced. Both would have serious unintended consequences for our industry and will only continue to expand until one day we are prohibited from traditional animal husbandry practices. We will always defend and protect our rights and abilities to care for our animals.

SB 18 would have required food containing genetically modified ingredients to be labeled. Although we stopped this legislation, imagine the effects it could have had not only on our producers, but on the food Spring Edition 2013

supply and food costs. Our policy Scholars continued.... supports all types of growers, but we Darci plans to attend West Texas simply cannot support legislation that A&M University where she will study would have had such a detrimental to be an Agriculture Education teacher. economic impact on certain farmers. “I will teach students about the importance of agriculture and teach them to Many other measures were be leaders in the agricultural industry,” introduced that relate to agriculture says Darci. She has been a leader including House Joint Memorial 28, herself as an FFA chapter president, a memorial requesting the state to National Honors society secretary take action in eradicating feral hogs. and student council member. Darci This legislation passed both houses. has also raised show animals, particiHouse Memorial 21 requesting efforts pated in 4-H, as well as in the Chaves to protect the Lesser Prairie Chicken County Sheriff’s Posse. and avoid its listing as an endangered species was signed by Officers of the Tanner Thompson has decided to House. HB-238 and its companion major in Mechanical Engineering at SB-234, Expansion of the Chile New Mexico State University. “I am Advertising Act passed both houses interested in using my degree to go and was signed by the Governor. out and improve agricultural machinLegislation requesting the study of ery. Throughout my life I have gained the return of federal lands to the state a huge respect for this industry and both failed but the conversation will wanted to devote my life to helping continue in the interim. it out.” Tanner has served as an FFA vice president and as an FFA district treasurer. He has also been active in We saw two different measures aimed at studying horse slaughter in student council, rodeo, and his church youth group and choir.

New Mexico, both of which failed.

We also saw several firearms related NMF&LB also offers the Erik L. bills, one which never moved out of Ness Agricultural Communications committee and the other which died Scholarship available to both new on the floor during the last seconds and continuing students majoring in of the session. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture Secretary, agricultural communications at New Jeff Witte, sought legislation to repeal Mexico State University. This year’s winner was Taysha Ham a 2010 several laws; SB-91 Commercial graduate of Hot Springs High School Feed Act, SB-138 Repeal of Fruit who will graduate from NMSU next and Vegetable Standards, SB-184 semester. Asked how her occupation Plant Protection Act, and SB-268 New Mexico Act all passed and were will benefit society Taysha replied “My occupation will not only increase signed by the Governor. SB-194 and awareness of agricultural industries, companion HB-652, amending the Right to Farm Act to provide further but will also increase knowledge and protection for frivolous lawsuits both interest in where food comes from and who makes it.” failed.

Lastly, one that our industry has been working on for a couple years now passed and was signed

by Governor Martinez. SB-326, a railroad-fencing bill, gives the railroads thirty days to repair fencing or face double damages.

One thing that we all need to remember is the legislative process affects each and every one of us. We want to thank all of you who took the time to be involved in our legislative process. We must never forget that the world is run by those who show up and we need more and more of us showing up. There is nothing more impressive than boots on the ground and hats in the Round House.

Spring Edition 2013

Locally Grown

Fruits & Vegetables Depend on a Local Water Supply

New Mexico’s high desert climate is perfect for food production such as chile and pecans that are susceptible to disease in more humid states, and onions and lettuce which thrive during our mild winters.

All of these locally grown crops need water.

Although farmers throughout the state have constitutionally granted water rights for irrigation, those rights are threatened by population growth.

Since locally grown fruits and vegetables depend on a local water supply, we should all support farmers’ access to this vital resource.

Call your legislator and let them know you support farmers’ rights to irrigation water and that you’re

Good to GROW.

Grazing Fees Go Directly to Public Classrooms

How do cattle grazing in remote areas pay for desks in classrooms?

Through grazing fees.

When New Mexico became a state it kept certain tracts of land in order to generate funding for public schools. Ranchers lease some of these state lands to graze their cattle and last year they paid $5.4 million dollars in grazing fees, which directly benefitted public education in New Mexico.

Support continued funding of our schools by supporting ranchers’ access to state lands.

Taysha Ham

Congratulations to all of our scholarship winners. Donations to our scholarship fund can be sent to NMF&LB, 2220 N. Telshor, Las Cruces, NM 88011.

Call your legislator and let them know you support ranchers’ access to state lands and that you’re Good to GROW.

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Spring Edition 2013

Since 1916, we’ve been here to help New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers with financial tools and services they can rely on.

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Be Prepared When Wicked Weather Strikes From the Desk of Rich Murdock, New Mexico Regional Sales Vice President

An estimated 100,000 thunderstorms occur in the U.S. each year according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), and around 10 percent of those reach severe levels. A number of dangerous weather conditions are associated with thunderstorms including hail, wind gusts, lightning, flash floods and tornadoes. Before wicked weather strikes, these tips can help you be prepared.

Know the difference between a watch and a warning. As you see and hear the weather alerts sounding on the television or radio, be sure everyone in your family knows how to respond. The attached graphic describes the differences between watches and warnings.

Develop a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together when wicked weather occurs, so develop a family emergency plan in advance. Discuss how your family will make contact in different situations.

Designate a safe area. Depending on the type of weather or disaster, designate a specific safe place for family members to gather, and don’t forget your pets.

If severe weather is approaching, take shelter on the lowest level of your home in a room without windows.

Take inventory of your belongings. Create a list of valuable items in your home such as electronics, appliances, furnishings and collectibles. An online home inventory can help you note the contents of your home and their value.

Put together a disaster supply kit. Before wicked weather hits, take time to put together items you might need in case of a disaster. Some recommendations include a flashlight, batteries, bottled water, first-aid kit, radio, and blankets.

Review your insurance with your agent. Make sure you have the coverage you’ll need to meet your needs should a disaster occur. Learn more about steps you can take to minimize your severe weather risks at www.FBFS.com/weather.

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Spring Edition 2013

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A Message from Matt certain kinds of rice. This selective breeding of various plants has been practiced since Native Americans took a grass called teosinte and, by choosing the grains of the largest seed heads, created maize - the forerunner of our current corn.

Something similar occurred when Gregor Mendel experimented with peas and discovered the theory of dominant and recessive genes.

But what took years to develop in the 1800’s, now takes months due to modern scientific processes.

Through genome mapping, scientists can select certain traits like vitamin A content and amplify them while deselecting other traits such as susceptibility to disease.

About GMOs…

By Matt Rush, NMF&LB Executive Vice President What do you think of when you hear GMO? Many Americans are concerned about genetically modified organisms, fearing that these foods are unhealthy in some way. In reality approximately 85% of the foods you eat already are genetically modified since “genetically modified” just means that their characteristics have been modified in some way. Perhaps they have been bred to be more drought tolerant, which in our continuing drought is a lifesaver for your locally grown food supply. Or maybe they are more nutritious than their ancestors, as is the case with

GMO crops are attractive to farmers since they lead to higher yield and greater efficiency. GMO crops are attractive to people such as Bill Gates since they provide an answer to the problem of how we feed an estimated 9 billion people by 2050. If populations continue to grow at current levels, agricultural output must increase by 70% if we are to feed these 2 billion more people, using an ever-shrinking base of agricultural land. Growing more food on fewer acres is imperative.

Gates recognizes that utilizing technology is crucial to keep millions from starving. The Roman Catholic Church agrees stating “We urge those who oppose or are skeptical about the use of genetically engineered crop varieties and the application of modern genetics

generally to evaluate carefully the science, and the demonstrable harm caused by withholding this proven technology from those who need it most.”

And in the process of filling empty bellies, GMOs are also completely safe since the American Medical Association, American Dietetic Association, World Health Organization, National Academy of Sciences and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration all concur that research shows that there are no negative effects from consuming genetically engineered foods.

Additionally, they agree with the FDA “that requiring specific labeling for foods containing GMO’s would mislead and falsely alarm consumers.” Since virtually every soybean, ear of corn and nearly 95% of America’s sugar beet crop is from GE seeds, it might actually be easier to follow Whole Foods’ example of labeling foods that are GMO-free, rather than label those that contain GMOs. The bottom line is this, the majority of the people who vocalize their dislike for GMO crops are the people who have the wealth to choose where they shop. The majority of us just want affordable food that is safe. Don’t let the scare tactics of the elite mislead you. We all know that an ear of corn with melting butter, a fresh, juicy tomato or a delicious, crisp apple is just what the doctor ordered.

Celebrating Food Check Out Day on National Ag Day Dona Ana County Farm Bureau celebrated Food Check Out Day by shopping for Jardin de los Ninos, a homeless shelter for children in Las Cruces. The event was held at the Village Market in Hatch on National Ag Day, March 19th. The guest checker was Rocky Ward, coach for the NMSU baseball team. Also in attendance were Dona Ana County 4-H members and Elephant Butte Irrigation District educators who were educating shoppers about irrigation water with their water trailer.

In all, the county donated $947.54 to the worthwhile cause.

Photo by Traci Curry Farm & Ranch Page 10

Spring Edition 2013

The lifeblood of America.

They’re the humble heroes who rise before dawn and battle the elements. They put clothes on our backs and food on our tables. Their genuine values and tireless work ethic are an inspiration to us all. We appreciate all that America’s farmers do and invite you to join us in saying thanks at www.fbfs.com/SayThanksToAFarmer.

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Non-profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Albuquerque, N.M. Permit No.42

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NEW MEXICO FARM & LIVESTOCK BUREAU Since 1917 . . . a Leader in New Mexico

ISSN 0028-6192 2220 N. TELSHOR BLVD. • LAS CRUCES, NM 88011 575.532.4700 • FAX: 575.532.4710 PUBLISHER: New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau New Mexico Farm & Ranch is published monthly. Yearly subscription is $24.00.

New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau members receive a complimentary subscription with yearly dues.

U.S. Postage PAID, bulk rate, PERMIT #31, Las Cruces, NM 88001. FORWARDING/RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED, ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED. OFFICERS Michael White President, Dexter Craig Ogden 1st Vice President, Loving Larry Reagan 2nd Vice President, Ft. Sumner Farm & Ranch Page 12

Matt Rush Executive Vice President BOARD OF DIRECTORS Donnie Bidegain, Tucumcari Burl Brown, Des Moines Greg Daviet, Las Cruces Jim Ellett, Hope Duane Frost, Claunch Leon Hemann, McDonald Brad Houston, Roswell George Jackson, Lordsburg Janet Jarratt, Los Lunas Dustin Johnson, Farmington Deena Kinman, Elida Boe Lopez, Springer Donald Martinez, El Rito Steve Myrick, Clovis Anna Sanchez-Glenn, Albuquerque Troy Sauble, Maxwell Paula Sichler, San Antonio John Sweetser, Deming Jim Taylor, Albuquerque Tom Wilton, Ft. Sumner John York, Mimbres

REGIONAL DIRECTORS Joel Alderete, Roswell Dennis Garcia, Santa Fe Benjie Segovia, Las Cruces Chad Smith, Albuquerque Theresa Widner Director of Membership Services Carmen Macias Administrative Assistant Dalene Hodnett Director of Communications and Media Relations Traci Curry Director, Ag in the Classroom Anna Sanchez-Glenn, Chair Women’s Leadership Committee Dustin Johnson, Chair Young Farmer & Rancher Committee

Spring Edition 2013