Summer 2023 New Mexico Farm and Ranch

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW MEXICO FARM AND LIVESTOCK BUREAU®

Ware Family

NMF&LB President’s Column

By Larry Reagan

Farm Bill Reaches Far Beyond Our Capitol

I was lucky to attend New Mexico State University in the early 1980s. At that time, there were several very good, young professors who were at the point in their careers when they were still teaching lower level courses. One quote I will never forget came from Dr. Lowell Catlett who said, “The most consistent policy of the United States Congress has been to maintain an abundant and affordable food supply for the American people.” I know this isn’t the exact quote but the gist of it is the same. It emphasizes the fact that people who are not hungry are mostly peaceful and content.

Recently, I was in Washington D.C. with a group of more than 150 Farm Bureau members from across the country for the American Farm Bureau Advocacy Fly-In, and we heard from the House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson. He expanded even

Reagan cont. on page 18

AFBF President’s Column

The Zipline

By Zippy Duvall

Ranchers on the Frontlines Caring for Public Lands

I love visiting the great American West. Every time, I leave in awe of all I have seen. I am not a stranger to diverse landscapes coming from my home state of Georgia, with its mountains, forests and coastline. But the West is truly unique—not only in the landscape but in how ranchers serve as caretakers of our shared public lands. The Bureau of Land Management is now proposing significant changes to how public lands are managed, and we are looking at this closely to ensure ranchers can continue their critical work, keeping the land healthy for agriculture and natural wildlife.

BLM recently released a proposal on “Conservation and Landscape Health” that really alters how multiple uses are balanced on public lands. Among other things, the proposal creates a new “conservation lease” that BLM claims will strengthen the stewardship of America’s public

Duvall cont. on page 18

NMF&LB CEO’s Column

From the President Field Notes

Summer is a Season of Change

By Elizabeth Foster

Summer is a busy time for many people. Many fond memories come to mind as I think of childhood summers moving cattle, putting up hay, corn stands, old fashioned Fourth of Julys with homemade ice cream and fresh peaches or strawberries, and county fair. At the end of summer we would take our lambs to Portland to sell, and on the way home, we would fill the back of the truck with fruits and vegetables from a fruit stand in Sandy. The fruit stand isn’t there anymore, but the memories are. Summers seem less stressful even if the busy schedules don’t lessen.

There are several fun and exciting things happening this summer for our organization. We again are sponsoring an Isotopes game. Come out and join us July 15th for a night of fireworks, baseball, and agriculture. This year, we sponsored ag facts about baseball that are shared

Foster cont. on page 19

SCOTUS Decision Significant for WOTUS

NMED seeks surface water permitting program in its place

A recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court is no drop in the bucket for farmers and ranchers who have struggled for more than 50 years to navigate the regulatory landscape created by the Clean Water Act and “water of the United States,” commonly referred to as WOTUS. The Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency decision is a win for farmers and ranchers.

Since its inception, the ambiguity, specifically of the term “waters of the United States,” has plagued stakeholders of the Clean Water Act. The term was included, but not defined, by Congress in 1972 when they expanded the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 into what would be commonly known as the Clean Water Act. Congress passed the Clean Water Act against the backdrop of a broader focus on the environment as the nation saw the Cuyahoga River Fire in Ohio in 1969 and the establishment of the EPA and the first Earth Day in 1970.

While Congress outlined a goal of restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of our nation’s waters by regulating discharges of pollutants from a point source into a navigable water, they failed to provide much direction beyond that.

“It’s been left to the EPA and the [Army] Corps [of Engineers] since then, and the courts to some degree because there’s been a lot of litigation, to figure out where the scope of the Clean Water Act is,” said Courtney Briggs, Senior Director of Government Affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation. “That’s why it’s been such a long, ongoing fight.”

By defining, in their own way through rulemaking, what qualifies as a WOTUS, each administration has adjusted the scope of the Clean Water Act. Briggs, who at the time was with a different industry segment, remarked on the “Ditch the Rule” campaign farmers launched in response to their displeasure to the Obama administration’s attempt to define WOTUS. The Trump administration provided its own narrowed definition through the Navigable Waters Protection Rule before the Biden administration came in and proposed a much broader definition in the rule finalized in January of 2023. It’s a “lack of clarity” that defines the ongoing issues, because everyone, farmers included, wants clean water, said Briggs.

The process triggered by a WOTUS designation is one reason farmers and ranchers struggle with the varying broad definitions. The need to obtain a Clean Water Act permit can

set off an “avalanche” of other federal statutes a landowner has to comply with and result in a “very long and drawn out” permitting process, said Briggs. Under the Biden administration’s 2023 rule, land features that have the ability to hold water after a rainfall, such as a low spot in a farm field, could be regulated as a WOTUS and subject to the resulting federal permitting process.

“It really does come down to a land rights issue,” said Briggs. “Over the last 50 years, there’s been this regulatory creep that has happened where we’re no longer regulating waters that are wet, we’re now regulating dry land. That’s why we are so invested in this issue.”

Enter the recent decision by the Supreme Court on Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. In a 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the method the EPA had used to determine their jurisdiction over the Sackett’s land was wrong. This method, called the Significant Nexus test, was developed by Justice Kennedy in the Supreme Court’s Rapanos v. United States decision, and states that if a feature on the land has a significant impact or connection to the chemical, physical, or biological integrity of a downstream water, the EPA can regulate it as a WOTUS. The ambiguity of what “significant” means left landowners, especially in the southwest where there are many land features that have the ability to hold water after a rainfall, confused about how to proceed.

“It’s such a subjective test, and you’re beholden to whatever Corps official is assigned to you, whatever their opinion is, is going to be the decision that is made,” said Briggs. “You have little recourse as a landowner to appeal that decision, unless you want to dedicate your life to trying to appeal this and spend all of your resources doing that.”

The elimination of the Significant Nexus test through the Sackett case is ultimately a win for farmers and ranchers across the nation seeking clarity on their working lands, but New Mexico farmers and ranchers aren’t in the clear yet. States can regulate their own waters, and New Mexico regulators are looking to fill the perceived gap left by the Supreme Court’s decision through a surface water permitting system.

“In New Mexico, it is difficult for us because the vast majority of water courses we have are ephemeral,” said Director of the Water Protection Division for the NM Environment Department John Rhoderick during a meeting of the Water and Natural Resources legislative interim committee. “They

are not continuous running yet if not protected they have the potential to have significant impact. That’s why we are looking at a surface water permitting system.”

NMED is planning an “incremental” rulemaking that will bring New Mexico’s surface water discharge permitting under the direction of the state with a goal of having a framework to present to the Water Quality Control Commission by 2025 and a functioning permitting program by 2027, said Rhoderick. The process will include public outreach to inform how NMED moves forward, said Rhoderick.

New Mexico currently has 3,955 permittees under the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which include 121 individual discharges from cities or large facilities like an Airforce base, 23 Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), and more than 3,600 stormwater discharges from municipalities, construction sites, and others, said Rhoderick.

“There won’t be substantial changes to what’s required under their [NPDES] permits at this point, if their compliant,” said Rhoderick. “The biggest impacts are going to be on our ability to protect dry water courses, the ephemeral streams, to deal with some of our dairies and things like that as they move forward.”

New Mexico’s surface water permitting program will have to meet requirements at least equal to those already in place by

the federal government, but the state has the ability to make the requirements more stringent. NMED will need an estimated 30 additional staff members and recurring funds of $6 million or more per year to take on the permitting load once fully operational, said Rhoderick. The intent is to have the permitting program partially or fully fund itself through permit fees, said Rhoderick. NMED does offer dairies, for example, the ability to pay current permitting fees over a period of several years, said Rhoderick.

“Our intent is not to create any type of hardship for industry of any type, but it is to ensure that we are protecting not only the surface water, but the ground water, for the citizens of the state of New Mexico,” said Rhoderick.

The WOTUS debate is far from over. With the Significant Nexus test off the table after the Sackett case, the federal agencies will now turn to the Relatively Permanent test established by Justice Scalia in the Rapanos v. United States case. The Biden administration’s 2023 rule is still in effect but challenged in three district courts and stayed in half of the states. The 2023 rule still needs to adjudicated, and AFBF is asking the court vacate the rule following the Sackett case, said Briggs.

“Our objective has always been to find a definition and scope of WOTUS that adheres to congressional intent, that respects Supreme Court precedent, and that respects the role states in protecting our nation’s waters,” said Briggs.

NMF&LB Welcomes New Staff Members

The New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau staff team welcomed two new members during the past few months. Erica Valdez joined the team as a regional manager in early May, and Marissa Cereceres joined the team in mid-June as marketing and event manager.

“I am thrilled to have both Erica and Marissa as part of our staff,” said NMF&LB CEO Elizabeth Foster. “I know they will serve our members well and be an integral part of our team as we lead New Mexico’s diverse agriculture through innovation and excellence.”

As a regional manager, Valdez works closely with county Farm Bureaus in the western part of the state. Valdez was raised on her family’s cow-calf ranch in the bootheel of NM. She and her husband, Bobby, manage that same ranch today. They also raise registered Quarter Horses and are approved Ranching Heritage Challenge breeders through AQHA. They both enjoy training horses, roping, and rodeoing. They have a 17-year-old daughter, Danli, who is homeschooled and competes extensively in rodeo, reined cow horse and cutting. She and her family are competing members of AZ Cowpunchers, WRCA, RHAA, and AQHA to name a few. She is also a member of NMCGA, NM Cowbelles and NMF&LB. Valdez has been a part of the Women in Agriculture Leadership Conference planning committee for almost 20 years and also serves as the Reined Cow Horse Director for the NMHSRA. Erica obtained a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and a master’s degree in agricultural education from New Mexico State University (NMSU) and has worked in several facets of the beef industry, from production to marketing and certification but loves the production side the most. She is excited to be a part of the NMF&LB team and is looking forward to working directly with New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers. She’s also looking forward to helping her counties grow their membership base and become more active in programs like YF&R and WLP.

Cereceres joins the marketing and communications team to further NMF&LB as a trusted voice for agriculture. Cereceres is originally from Canutillo, Texas, where she was raised on a small family farm. She is a recent graduate of NMSU where she earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and agricultural business. During her time at NMSU, Cereceres was involved in Sigma Alpha Agricultural Sorority and the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA). In addition to receiving University Honors, Cereceres was on the 2023 National Champion NAMA team at NMSU. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading, and hanging out with her two dogs, Bailey and Rusty.

Marissa Cereceres joins the team as the marketing and event manager based in the Las Cruces office.

Erica Valdez joins the team as regional manager for counties in the western part of the state.

News from the Foundation

AVANGRID Becomes Corporate Sponsor of New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom

Las Cruces, New Mexico. April 13, 2023 – AVANGRID, a leading sustainable energy company and part of the Iberdrola Group, is the newest corporate sponsor of New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom (NMAITC). As a Gold Apple Sponsor, their $10,000 contribution will help NMAITC enhance its agricultural literacy efforts among Pre-K-12th grade New Mexico classroom teachers and their students.

“We sincerely appreciate AVANGRID for their support of our New Mexico agricultural literacy initiatives,” said Elizabeth Foster, CEO of the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau and secretary/treasurer of the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Foundation. “In 2022, we reached more than 15,000 students, teachers, and volunteers, representing a 184% increase over the previous year. We anticipate AVANGRID’s support will allow us to increase our impact this year.”

“We are thrilled to support this partnership with the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Foundation, which reflects our steadfast commitment to making a meaningful, positive impact in the communities where we are present,” said Pedro Azagra, CEO of AVANGRID. “We believe that this partnership will increase agricultural literacy throughout New Mexico, and we’re excited to see the results and keep collaborating.”

AVANGRID owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States and

employs more than 7,500 people across the country. The company has been recognized by JUST Capital in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as one of the JUST 100 companies – a ranking of America’s best corporate citizens. In 2023, AVANGRID ranked first within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2023 for the fifth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. AVANGRID is a member of the group of companies controlled by Iberdrola, S.A. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.

New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom is the educational outreach program of the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Foundation. The purpose of NMAITC is to educate the general public, with an emphasis on Pre-K-12th students and educators, about the importance of agriculture. Website: www.nmaitc.org

New Mexico Grow Project Grant Helps Students Grow All Year

The New Mexico Grow Project Grant, now celebrating the fifth year of helping students and educators across the state explore agriculture and natural resource connections, is excited to announce the 2023-2024 grant awardees. This special project is made possible by an educational partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New Mexico, and New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom (NMAITC). The grant provides each recipient with a classroom hydroponic system, fully assembled 4’x 8’ raised bed with hoop and drip

irrigation systems, and everything needed to get growing from the garden hose to the soil and seeds. Trainings and step by step support with experts in the field help assure that each recipient is able to use the materials, troubleshoot any issues and have access to great K-12 Ag in the Classroom curriculum connections to assure success.

Grant recipients have great plans for their grant materials and training.

“Students will learn how vital it is to grow their own food, become more knowledgeable on healthy eating and understand

how important New Mexico agriculture truly is,”said grant recipient, Alisha Day, with Tularosa Middle School.

“With these grant materials, Dream Diné staff and partners will provide a richness of expertise and Indigenous knowledge around gardening and agriculture,” said Nadine Chatto, principal at Dream Diné Charter School in Shiprock, NM. “It will help provide an excellent living classroom resource to help students reinforce their learning of productive skills in all subjects as well as the Diné and English languages and cultures.”

“The New Mexico Grow Project Grants cultivate collaboration and empower young minds to embrace agriculture. It’s a remarkable partnership between NRCS and NMAITC, inspiring students and educators with agricultural knowledge and tools including but not limited to hydroponic systems, raised beds, and unwavering support. We are nurturing a future where knowledge thrives,” said Alicia Rodriguez, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Partnerships.

“The educators participating in the New Mexico Grow Project are always the type that go above and beyond and it is truly a joy to get to work with them,” said Traci Curry, Director of New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom. “Each year we keep growing the NM Grow Project family and many teachers are happy to come back the following year to assist in the training workshops of the new participants to better illustrate their successes and learning experiences.”

Congratulations to these schools receiving a 2023-2024 NM Grow Project Grant:

• Dream Diné Charter School, Shiprock, NM, Nadine Chatto

• Central Primary, Bloomfield, NM, Christina Stamets

• Van Buren Middle School, Albuquerque, NM, Jessica King

• Albuquerque Institute of Science & Mathematics, Albuquerque, NM, Donna Brown

• Grants High School, Grants, NM, Amador Gonzales

• Santo Niño Regional Catholic School, Santa Fe, NM, Lia Martinez de Armendariz

• Longfellow Elementary, Raton, NM, Geneva Sandoval

• West Las Vegas High School, Las Vegas, NM, Etta Bustos

• Sixth Street Elementary, Silver City, NM, Holly Haworth

• Tularosa Middle School, Tularosa, NM, Alisha Day

• Nancy Lopez Elementary, Roswell, NM, Kimberly Cavin

• Cloudcroft High School, Cloudcroft, NM, Joni Watson

Anyone interested in applying for this grant is invited to attend one of the free summer workshop trainings that will provide the information to help their applications stand out in the crowd. Registration closes July 7, 2023 for each workshop and the easy online registration form can ,be found at https:// form.jotform.com/91183897031158.

The NM Grow Project workshop schedule this year is as follows:

• Friday, July 14th, at Van Buren Middle School in Albuquerque, NM

• Tuesday, July 18th, at Tularosa High School in Tularosa, NM

• Tuesday, July 25th, at Santo Niño Regional Catholic School, Santa Fe, NM

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Services is an agency committed to “helping people help the land.” For more than 80 years, NRCS has made investments in farm, ranch, and forest operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and habitat, keep working lands working, boost rural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. Their mission is to deliver conservation solutions so agricultural producers can protect natural resources and feed a growing world.

New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom (NMAITC) is a non-profit educational outreach program funded primarily by the membership of the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau. The purpose of NMAITC is to educate the general public, with an emphasis on K-12 students and educators, about the importance of agriculture. Visit us at www.nmaitc. org for more information.

New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau is a 20,000-member organization comprised of farmers and ranchers, and those who are interested in private property rights and a local food supply. NMF&LB is the state’s largest, private agricultural organization and was founded in 1917. For information about joining us, please call 575-532-4703 or visit www.nmflb.org.

Digging Deep into Agriculture

On June 5th and 6th, NMAITC co-hosted the 2023 Albuquerque Public School STEM in the Garden teacher conference, and 65 teachers attended.

“The vision for this conference was to give teachers resources (lessons, activity ideas, networking opportunities with fellow teachers, and industry leaders) that could assist them introducing, digging deep, and eventually expanding on garden/agricultural education through the use of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), as well as broadening the scope that gardening teaches students to not only learn about how a plant grows, but to also show them why it’s important to know how to grow our own food,” said Britney Lardner, NMAITC Program Coordinator. “This conference showcased how versatile garden/agricultural curriculum is, and that New Mexico Ag in the Classroom is excited to be a supportive resource for their classes. A special thanks goes out to the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Bueno Foods for supporting this AGmazing conference, as well as all the many hands that chipped in and volunteered their time to make it a complete success.”

Conference attendees visited Dolores Gonzales Elementary, Del Norte High School, Polk Middle School, and Mountain Mahogany Charter School to learn from their peers about utilizing school gardens in their curriculum and received a

variety of resources to connect the school gardens to STEM and agriculture.

“First and foremost, teaching all about agriculture is crucial to the garden,” said Theresa Sandoval, a teacher who oversees the school garden at Dolores Gonzales Elementary. “Britney Lardner and Traci Curry have provided wonderful resources and lessons to the staff and students to enhance their knowledge pertaining to agriculture and the garden. In addition, they go above and beyond to enhance students with hands-on activities to see how the process of how things work. In April, during an agriculture day event at our school, Britney provided extremely important information to students and staff about the variety of components to agriculture. I recall a student saying, ‘I want to be a farmer and feed people.’ I have written grants where Traci has given me ideas and suggestions to support the grant. Most important, Traci and Britney provided information and ideas on what they could teach their students about agriculture. In addition, how our state standards are tied to the lessons provided on NM Ag in the Classroom’s website. It is an honor to have these two Ag in the Classroom representatives provide assistance and resources to educators. One can see the love and passion they have for what they do.”

NMAITC co-hosts APS “STEM in the Garden” teacher conference

“By helping teachers see what resources and teaching opportunities are available to them, we can better equip their classrooms to support students on their journey to truly knowing where their foods, fiber, and natural resources come from,” said Lardner.

Platinum Apple Sponsors

Gold Apple Sponsors

Silver Apple Sponsors

Copper Apple Sponsors Thank you

We also extend our thanks to the following Copper Apple and Apple Sponsors who are new sponsors or have increased their support of New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom this year. They include Dairy Max, First American Bank, Heart of the Desert Pistachios, High Plains Journal, Paul’s Veterinary Supply, Pioneer Bank, Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply, and White Sands Federal Credit Union.

NMF&LB Members Respond to BLM Proposed Rule

On April 3, 2023, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register entitled, “Strengthening the Stewardship of America’s Public Lands.” The proposed rule includes significant changes to the way BLM currently manages public lands and has the potential to adversely impact current permitted uses like grazing, mining, and energy development. The rule was drafted in the shadows and included no stakeholder input or opportunity for public engagement.

The proposed rule:

• Aims to place conservation on equal footing with other uses, potentially compromising how the current lease programs operate.

• Would apply “Land Health Standards” to all 245 million acres under the BLM’s portfolio. (This standard currently only applies to grazed lands.)

• Proposes the creation of “Conservation Leases.”

• Prioritizes the creation of more Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).

With just over 13 million acres of BLM land located in NM, the proposed rule will significantly impact how we utilize these lands.

The proposed rule was open for public comment until July 5, 2023. More than 152,000 comments were submitted to the Federal Register by the deadline, and NMF&LB members sent nearly 200 messages to New Mexico’s congressional delegation and the Federal Register. The BLM held virtual and in-person informational public meetings throughout May and June, and multiple NMF&LB members attended the meeting in Albuquerque on May 30.

NMF&LB will continue to provide updates to members on next steps on the proposed rule. More information about the rule and a recording of the virtual meeting held May 15 is available at https://www.blm.gov/public-lands-rule.

Proposed Public Lands Rule

Protecting, Restoring, Making Wise Management Decisions

The proposed Public Lands Rule would establish a framework to ensure healthy landscapes, abundant wildlife habitat, clean water, and balanced decision-making on our nation’s public lands. It will ensure public lands and the resources they provide are available for future generations.

The Three Main Components of the Proposed Public Lands Rule

Protect the most intact, healthiest landscapes

Protect Intact Landscapes

Manage landscapes for wildlife habitat and clean water.

Designate Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)

Use this existing tool to protect and manage important landscapes for natural, cultural, scientific, and other values.

Use Conservation Leasing

Restore landscapes back to health

Restoration

Identify priority landscapes, develop restoration plans, and put people to work restoring America’s public lands.

Mitigation

When permitting development, avoid damaging lands, reduce damage where possible, and direct companies to offset damage when necessary.

Allow this tool for two uses: restoration and mitigation. Partners like conservation districts and sporting groups could lease public lands to make investments in restoration. Conservation leases could also be used to balance the impacts of development elsewhere.

Ensure wise decision making, based on science and data

Make management decisions informed by the health of lands and waters using science and data. Expand land health assessments beyond the grazing program to all BLM-managed public lands. Ensure science drives decision making, by incorporating assessment, inventory, and monitoring information.

https://www.blm.gov/public-lands-rule

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management

Reagan from page 4

further upon Dr. Catlett’s sentiment stating U.S. agriculture production is an important tool for helping to maintain peace throughout the world meaning full bellies are a great deterrent to world conflict.

I say all of this to drive home the point that the upcoming farm bill is vital to our national security. The farm bill is the vehicle that maintains a safe, abundant, affordable, and consistent food supply for us and the world. The commodity programs and the safety net provided by federal crop insurance keep our farmers and ranchers in business when disaster strikes whether it be drought, or storms, or price failures. The conservation programs help keep our land fertile for us and future generations by offering incentives for improvements that would otherwise be unaffordable for many of us in the ag community. It is imperative these programs stay connected to the nutrition program that is so important to so many people.

In addition to hearing from Chairman GT Thompson, we also heard from Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman and House Agriculture Ranking

Duvall from page 4

lands. On the surface, that term “strengthening stewardship” has a good ring to it. Ranchers are stewards of the land after all. They are on the frontlines, often the only folks for miles with eyes on the land and wildlife.

But this BLM proposal raises a lot of questions providing much time for ranchers to get answers. Many are concerned that by making conservation a new “use” and issuing conservation leases, vast areas could be shut down from public use altogether. The public comment period, which is only 75 days in total, closes on June 20. Usually, big changes like these take months to years of conversations with interested stakeholders and many public hearings to ensure a sustainable, workable solution for all.

Ranchers are delivering a return on the trust placed in them to care for public lands. They are clearing debris, spotting wildfire risks, and reporting other potential dangers to local law enforcement. Livestock grazing also brings overall health benefits to the land, from reducing wildfire risk and slowing the spread of invasive weeds to building robust root systems and spurring forage growth for native species. The University of Wyoming Extension crunched the most recent USDA Census numbers and found that for each pound of beef raised on public lands, Americans get $0.44 in ecosystem related returns.

So back to that BLM proposal. There are red flags both in policy and process from BLM. They are using vague language and coming up with their own new terms for public lands use. Ranchers don’t know what the impact will be on their current grazing leases or what happens when they are up for renewal. What’s more, there are some areas out West where the lines of public and private land look a bit like a checkerboard. So, if a rancher suddenly cannot graze or move their livestock across

Member David Scott. All of them indicated their commitment to passing a farm bill this year as the current farm bill expires in September. While in D.C., several of us from New Mexico were able to meet with our representatives, senators, or their staff members. All were committed to passing a new farm bill and most were receptive to our suggested changes and improvements to the current farm bill, so I am confident that a new farm bill will be passed this year with needed improvements. Farmers and ranchers have a unique opportunity to shape this crucial piece of agriculture policy. I encourage each of you to reach out to your representative and senator and encourage them to support the farm bill.

neighboring public lands, they will quickly be out of feed and out of business. Ranchers are already becoming an endangered species, if you will, out West with the rising cost of land and other challenges from water access to restrictions like these on public lands. One rancher out in Colorado, Chuck Haus, observed that in the region where he works with his in-laws, the number of ranch families is barely a third of what it was 30 or 40 years ago.

What makes this proposal even more of a tough pill to swallow is that ranchers have traditionally worked closely with BLM. It’s truly been a partnership, but ranchers were blindsided by this proposal. Western ranchers have been caring for the land for decades, if not centuries, for some families. Their work is critical not only to the nation, but also to their local, rural communities. A rule of this magnitude should provide the broadest opportunity for feedback, especially given the impact on those local communities.

Farm Bureau is actively engaging on this issue. We are urging BLM to extend the comment period, and we will submit comments highlighting our concerns on behalf of our rancher members. We are also working with members of Congress to pass legislation that would send BLM back to the drawing board. Most importantly, now is the time for BLM and lawmakers to hear directly from ranchers. Ranchers, I urge you to share your story, share your concerns and talk with your lawmakers about the benefits your work brings to the land.

Stewardship is truly strengthened when farmers and ranchers have the flexibility we need to do right by the land. Stewardship is strengthened when farmers and ranchers have access to tools and incentives that help bolster their sustainability practices. The BLM can and should do better.

throughout all home games. If you attend any of the Isotopes games, be sure to look for our ag facts. One example of the ag facts we are sharing is one cowhide provides 144 baseballs. This outreach effort continues to connect farmers and ranchers with our urban neighbors and share how many parts of their lives are impacted by New Mexico agriculture. It is especially important this year with the farm bill. We will be joined by several other agricultural groups for this game, and we hope to see you there.

Summer is a season of change from the routine and traditional parts of the year to something new and fresh that brings more flexibility and a different way of viewing the routine of life. New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau is in a season of change. We have several new staff members, new leadership, new programs and events on the horizon. One of our big changes coming this summer is updating and increasing leadership development opportunities with our county leaders. We are bringing back the regional trainings for county board members, and our field staff are working hard to bring these sessions to your local communities. We will host a county

Council of Presidents retreat in September and provide county presidents the opportunity to have specific training provided by American Farm Bureau staff to help them grow in their roles as well as assist them in developing their next generation of leaders. While we have all of the county presidents together, we are going to be moving the Resolutions Committee meeting to coincide with the retreat in September. Counties will still be able to submit late resolutions prior to the delegates meeting in November. This change will give both staff and counties time to review the resolutions and allow members more time to have a discussion on where the county stands on the resolutions so delegates can vote appropriately. This will better prepare both delegates and counties for the state annual meeting.

Even with the new and exciting opportunities to experience this summer in our organization, one thing doesn’t change and that is our mission to be the voice of agriculture and to continue to pursue the issues and priorities determined by our members and leadership.

CALLING ALL AGVOCATES

C O M M U N I T Y O U T R E A C H R E S O U R C E E D U C A T I O N

F r e e A g A d v o c a c y R e s o u r c e s G l e a n f r e e r e s o u r c e s d e s i g n e d t o s t r e n g t h e n y o u r a b i l i t y t o a d v o c a t e f o r a g r i c u l t u r e a n d n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e s . B e i n s p i r e d t o l e a r n h o w e a s y i t c a n b e t o b e a n A G v o c a t e !

C o m m u n i t y N e t w o r k s

I t i s t i m e t o c o m e t o g e t h e r i n a g r i c u l t u r e t o s t r e n g t h e n o u r v o i c e , e d u c a t e , a n d s h a r e o u r s t o r i e s a n d s u c c e s s e s ! T h e r e i s s o m u c h t o b e p r o u d o f i n a g a n d s o m a n y g r e a t t h i n g s t o s h a r e . G e t i n s p i r e d t o a d v o c a t e f o r a g .

$ 2 0 0 S t i p e n d A v a i l a b l e

Q u a l i f y i n g p a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l r e c e i v e a $ 2 0 0 s t i p e n d f o r y o u r v o l u n t e e r t r a i n i n g t i m e a n d t o b u y r e s o u r c e s t o u s e f o r a d v o c a t i n g f o r a g r i c u l t u r e i n y o u r c o m m u n i t y .

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Scholarship NMF&LB Memorial

New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau looked toward the future of agriculture and awarded three outstanding students a $1,000 scholarship. The NMF&LB Memorial Scholarship is annually awarded to New Mexico students whose academic and personal achievements and aspirations show great promise for the future of agriculture. This year the committee selected Dalli Cain from Mountainair, Emma Hobbs from Roswell, Preslie Poling from Clayton.

“Each year we have outstanding students apply for this scholarship,” said NMF&LB Scholarship Committee Chair Gary Hathorn. “This year’s recipients show a true passion for agriculture, and the committee is happy to support them in pursuing their future careers.”

Dalli Cain graduated valedictorian of her class at Mountainair High School and plans to pursue a career in anesthesiology. In 2021 and 2022, Cain was the New Mexico High School Rodeo Champion Trap Shooter, and in 2021, placed 4th in light rifle at the National High School Rodeo Finals. She has held officer positions in the Mountainair FFA Chapter, Mountainair National Honor Society Chapter, local 4-H club, and Torrance 4-H County Council. Cain is a fifth-generation rancher, and although her chosen career field is outside of the agriculture industry, she said she plans to stay involved and continue to advocate for it.

“I have always felt that I am a great ambassador for the ranching industry,” said Cain. “I invite people to the ranch to teach them about our way of life. I enjoy having conversation about being good stewards of the land and the livestock.”

Emma Hobbs plans to attend Texas Tech University to

study optometry.

“Personal health is a crucial concern for the majority of people in the U.S.,” said Hobbs. “Optometrists make an impact by serving others everyday.”

Hobbs is a three-time recipient of the Patrick Henry Dairy Award and serves as a Chaves County Dairy Ambassador. She is president of her local 4-H club and is corresponding secretary for Assisteens of Chaves County. She is also a student of Lively Piano Studio and Ruidoso Ballet Company. Hobbs graduated from her homeschool program in May while completing dual enrollment at Southeastern University.

Preslie Poling also plans to attend Texas Tech University to study business with a minor in agricultural communications. Poling is a graduate of Clayton High School. She served as treasurer of her FFA chapter, varsity basketball team captain, and student body treasurer. Poling served as the XIT Rodeo and Reunion Queen, Union County Fair Queen, and Union County Fair Princess.

“One need I see in the rural community I live in is keeping a sustainable population,” said Poling. “I want to help with finding ways to have quality jobs available in our communities, activities and programs for our youth and ways to help small businesses succeed. I believe that to be able to do this I need to have a good education and become involved at a local, state and even national level in many organizations that have made preserving agriculture their mission.”

NMF&LB proudly supports these students as the future of agriculture. We look forward to seeing them excel in their chosen careers.

Dalli Cain from Mountainair Emma Hobbs from Roswell Preslie Poling from Clayton

NMF&LB awards three students $1,000 scholarship

Farm Bill Keeps Farmers on the Farm and Food on Your Table

By Larry Reagan, NMF&LB President

As a fourth-generation cattle rancher and president of the grassroots agriculture organization New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau, I am encouraged that Americans see the value of reauthorizing the farm bill in 2023 as clearly as I do. In fact, almost three-quarters of Americans say that not reauthorizing the farm bill would have a significant impact on the country, according to a recent poll from the American Farm Bureau Federation.

I have utilized several voluntary and incentive-based conservation programs funded by the farm bill to assist me in improving the natural resources throughout my family ranch. I started participating in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) 11 years ago. I saw increased quantity and quality of grasses that soon brought a robust population of wildlife to our ranch. I have also utilized the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for mechanical brush control to improve our pasture quality, for cross fencing to support our rotational grazing management, and for pipeline installations to increase access to water for livestock and wildlife. I would not have been able to complete this work without the incentive-based conservation programs in the farm bill.

In addition to the conservation programs available through the farm bill, I also rely on federal crop insurance to pull our family ranch through the hard times. The extended drought we face in the West and across the country highlights the importance of these farm bill programs that serve as a safety net for farmers and ranchers. Insurance programs such as Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF), which I have personally used, are the bread and butter of the farm bill and have kept many farmers and ranchers like me in business over the past several

years. According to the AFBF poll, nearly 70% of adults say these risk management programs that provide a safety net to farmers and ranchers, along with nutrition programs that support families facing hunger, should be a top priority for government funding in the farm bill.

While it’s vital Congress continues to support what has worked as they look to reauthorize the farm bill, we can also take this opportunity to improve it. Although the conservation programs are extremely beneficial and allow a lot of work to be done in improving our natural resources, there are some areas that could be improved to better serve all farmers and ranchers. The current system used to rank and score projects is falling short in serving our small and medium-sized producers because these producers have a hard time generating enough points to be competitive. Additionally, the inclusion of “supplemental projects” in contracts are oftentimes viewed as unnecessary or unwanted by farmers and ranchers but are required to secure the contract. Finally, we need to re-establish a lamb insurance program. NMF&LB and our state’s sheep producers believe that it is important to re-establish an insurance program that could provide some reassurance and protection from severe market volatility.

The farm bill touches family farms and ranches just like mine across New Mexico and the nation. I have used farm bill programs to better steward the natural resources entrusted to my care and keep my family ranch viable so the next generation has the opportunity to provide our community and nation with a safe and abundant food supply. I urge you to contact your member of Congress and encourage the timely reauthorization of the farm bill.

Farm Bill Vital to Supporting NMSU’s Mission

By Dr. Rolando A. Flores, NMSU College of ACES Dean and Chief Administrative Officer;

Dr.

Dr.

Jon Boren, NMSU Cooperative Extension Service Associate Dean and Director; &

Leslie D. Edgar, NMSU Agricultural Experiment Station Associate Dean and Director

The Farm Bill is pivotal to New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) ability to uphold our promise to New Mexico communities and our mission as a land-grant university.

The farm bill authorizes federal appropriations to be designated for land-grant universities to receive capacity funds, which includes Hatch, Hatch Multistate, McIntire-Stennis, Animal Health, and Smith-Lever Funds. These funding sources support research projects and Extension programs across New Mexico.

The Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) is the principal research unit of ACES. The AES system consists of scientists from NMSU’s main campus in the College of ACES and twelve agricultural science and research centers throughout the state. Research programs focus on four identified critical issues for New Mexico that will also have a global impact.

ACES critical issues include Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, Family Development and Health of New Mexicans, and Environmental Stewardship all of which are based on the foundation of education and training of qualified professionals in the field of agriculture.

These issues help guide research initiatives for federal capacity funded research through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

NIFA capacity projects can include Hatch, Hatch multistate, McIntire-Stennis, Animal Health and Renewable Resources Extension programs. Each of these funding sources has specific distinctions for a research focus. These funds are leveraged with state funds to support additional research and outreach and enables the state Agricultural Experiment Station to pivot in response to unexpected events (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires). The NMSU AES has 48 projects

ongoing in various areas of research.

The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) provides a critical link between the research performed at public land-grant institutions and its implementation in local communities.

The New Mexico Cooperative Extension utilizes Smith-Lever funding through the Farm Bill to provide practical, research-based knowledge and programs to serve the citizens of New Mexico. CES has staff in all 33 counties and many Tribal areas in New Mexico, and collaborates with more than 1,000 organizations, state and federal agencies, other universities, and 10,000 volunteers.

We focus on collaboration to foster economic, educational, and community development, keeping the needs of our neighbors at the forefront of our work. Extension agents and specialists have worked during the last couple of years to create effective ways for youth to access science, technology, art, and math education opportunities as well as identify and address behavioral health concerns for not only our children and families, but also in our agricultural communities.

CES has worked in numerous ways to assist our communities hit the hardest by devasting wildfires and continues to work with multiple state agencies to protect our food supply and develop programs to address a wide range of potential threats to our agricultural infrastructure. CES specialists continue to address the challenges of making critical management decisions through extended drought conditions and work to promote economic development through agriculture.

As the NMSU College of ACES continues to serve the state by fostering excellence in research innovation while providing avenues to train future global leaders in agriculture and provide practical education to our communities these federal funding resources are as important to the success of our mission as they were more than a 100 years ago.

Farm Bill Provides Food Security for NM Families

By Lorenzo Alba, Jr., Casa de Peregrinos Food Pantry Executive Director

As the Farm Bill comes up for renewal in Congress, we are reminded again of its critical importance, not only to the New Mexico delegation, but to the entire House and Senate. Food assistance programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as well as funding for the nation’s food insecurity advocates like Feeding America, which are beacons of hope for countless individuals and families facing food insecurity, are funded through this bill, which also leverages state funding for these assistance programs.

But in New Mexico, with its rich history of agriculture, the Farm Bill is also a necessity for many small farmers who need assistance with natural and unforeseen crises that affect their business year to year, and help with equipment and new technology.

Here in New Mexico, where cultural heritage and economic disparities intersect, food pantries like ours serve as lifelines, bridging the gap between hunger and sustenance. They live out the motto of Casa de Peregrinos, “Food for Today, Hope for Tomorrow.” In the border region, food insecurity and poverty profoundly impact families and communities who are in urgent need of collective action. In Doña Ana County the poverty level has lingered at around 24% for many years in some areas of the county as high as 40%.

Food banks and food pantries such as ours have a strong intersection with the local agricultural community for fresh

produce, not only because we want to purchase locally but also because of the generosity these farmers offer organizations such as ours, with donations and rebates. A robust Farm Bill, driven to improve value added agriculture and a steady food supply chain leads to both a healthy and prosperous local farmer, and food security for hungry families.

Food insecurity is one of the state’s largest social issues because of generational poverty, and legislators and local leaders have long been challenged in addressing it. A strong Farm Bill, which assists food-insecure New Mexicans as well as the New Mexico agricultural community will make a major impact on the lives of thousands of children, seniors, and our Native American neighbors.

I urge not only the New Mexico delegation to pass a Farm Bill that makes sense for not only our country but for our state, which is sensitive to the cultural differences from community to community and honors the unique dietary needs and traditions of these communities.

I ask you, as the Farm Bill comes up for a vote, not to forget the large numbers of food-insecure New Mexicans that all of you serve, as well as the small farmer in Hatch, the farming family in Array, the dairy farmer in Anthony, and the cattle rancher in northern Doña Ana County.

Put them at the forefront of how you vote and how important this bill is to New Mexicans.

2220 N. Telshor

Las Cruces, NM 88011

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NEW MEXICO FARM & LIVESTOCK BUREAU

Since 1917 . . . a Leader in New Mexico

NMF&LB

2220 N. TELSHOR BLVD. LAS CRUCES, NM 88011

575.532.4700 • FAX: 575.532.4710

OFFICERS

Larry Reagan President, Ft. Sumner

Don Hartman

1st Vice President, Deming

Travis Harris

2nd Vice President, San Antonio

Elizabeth Foster

Chief Executive Officer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ron Baca, Aztec

Bud Deerman, La Mesa

Jim Ellett, Hope

Duane Frost, Claunch

Leon Hemann, McDonald

Gary Hathorn, Flora Vista

John Jackson, Lake Arthur

Deena Kinman, Elida

Donald Martinez, El Rito

Kim Miller, Grenville

Tommy Ortiz, Las Vegas

Troy Sauble, Maxwell

Patrick Torres, Santa Fe

Jeroen van der Ploeg, Clovis

Jamie Viramontes, Deming

Tina Wilson, Las Cruces

Tom Wilton, Ft. Sumner

Connie Rooks, Chair

Women’s Leadership Committee

Russell Johnson, Chair

Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee

STAFF

Marissa Cereceres Marketing Manager

Traci Curry

Director of Ag in the Classroom

Cecilia Diaz-Johnson Bookkeeper

Britney Lardner

Ag in the Classroom Coordinator

Tiffany Rivera

Director of Government Affairs

Benjie Segovia Regional Manager

Katelin Spradley

Director of Communications and Media Relations

Erica Valdez

Regional Manager

Theresa Widner

Executive Administrative Assistant