Winter 2023 New Mexico Farm and Ranch

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

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Justin Ware

Of all the things this land grows, perseverance is the most valuable.

NMF&LB President’s Column

By Larry Reagan

Introductions

Hello, I am Larry Reagan, and I am honored to have been elected president of New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. I’d like to tell you a little about myself.

I was raised in the House and McAlister area on a dry land farm and cow-calf ranch. My dad also ran a few calves on wheat pasture every year. I graduated from Tucumcari High School in 1979, and then attended West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas. After two years, I returned home and helped on the farm for a year. While there, I met my wife, Kathy, and decided if I was going to be married, it was time to finish my degree. So, after we were married, I enrolled at NMSU and finished my bachelor’s degree in Ag Economics in 1984.

After I finished my education, we moved to Clovis and I worked for Production Credit Association of Eastern New Mexico for five years. Office work did not agree with me, so I drove

Reagan cont. on page 18

AFBF President’s Column

Beyond the Fencerows

Stepping Up in 2022

By Zippy Duvall

This time of year, my family farm mailbox is bursting full of holiday cards—and I bet yours is too! I love seeing the merry greetings from friends and family, pictures of everyone in their holiday best and highlights from the year. My favorite cards, though, are the ones that come with a good, old fashioned Christmas letter, recounting the year. Today, I’d like to bring you a Farm Bureau Christmas letter to share some of the great things our Farm Bureau family has been up to this year.

Our grassroots advocates were busy in 2022! You all stepped up to calls for action on key issues in record-breaking numbers. AFBF Action Alerts garnered nearly 38,000 engagements over the past 12 months—from comments to federal agencies to emails to lawmakers. That breaks down to an average of more than 100 contacts per day every day of the year. Wow.

Duvall cont. on page 24

NMF&LB CEO’s Column

From the President Field Notes

A Good Day

By Elizabeth Foster

My favorite smell may seem strange to some but for me it’s always been a hot saddle and a sweaty horse. It always meant I had the best day riding and gathering cattle. It didn’t matter if we were riding all day or just a couple of hours, it was a perfect day. It meant we worked hard and there was a well-earned reward at the end: grain for the horse and a cold soda for me. Once we were done and we headed toward the barn, there was a quickness to our step and we knew where we here headed.

Annual meeting is similar - it is my favorite event or program we do. Members spend the summer working through the issues and lining out what our position will be on any given issue. We gather our fellow county members, and we fine tune the policy to ensure it works for everyone. It’s then passed and sent to the state where it’s discussed, and debated, and voted on.

Foster cont. on page 24

You might think you have to choose between protecting your loved ones with life insurance or saving for your future, but you don’t have to.

You can do both, and it’s easy when you work with your Farm Bureau agent. Let’s talk about life insurance and ensure you’re prepared for the future.

I know I need life insurance, but I also need to save for retirement.

Auto | Home | Life | Business | Farm & Ranch | Crop | Financial Planning

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Friends

that became

and Mayra Jackson the 2022 Farm Family of the Year

Family

George Jackson Jr. and his wife Mayra were honored as the 2022 Farm Family of the Year during the 105th NMF&LB Annual Meeting that took place November 17-18, 2022, in Albuquerque.

“We are honored to recognize George Jackson Jr.’s lifetime of service to this organization,” said NMF&LB CEO Elizabeth Foster. “The family’s legacy of dedication to NMF&LB and the betterment of the agricultural community in Grant and Hidalgo counties is certainly worth recognition.”

Jackson has more than 40 years of involvement in NMF&LB under his belt and his family’s involvement spans five generations. Jackson and his late wife Nancy were involved in the Young Farmers and Ranchers program when it first began. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became an agent with Farm Bureau Financial Services in 1979 where he wrote many memberships as part of his insurance sales until his retirement in 2010. As an agent, Jackson served as an ex-officio member of the Grant and Hidalgo County Farm and Livestock Bureau boards.

“People trusted him,” said Mayra. “That is why he did so well in the insurance business. People knew they could count on him.”

After his retirement from the insurance and real estate business, Jackson served as president of Hidalgo County Farm and Livestock Bureau and as a member of the NMF&LB State Board of Directors. Jackson lost his wife Nancy in 2011 to lung cancer and married Mayra in 2013. His and Mayra’s continued involvement at the local and state level has brought them friends that are now like family, said Mayra.

Farm Bureau has always been a part of his life because he essentially grew up in the organization, said Jackson. His father, George Jackson Sr., helped establish the local Cliff-Gila Farm Bureau before going on to help found the Grant County Farm and Livestock Bureau in the late 40s.

“Grandpa told my dad that he should join an agricultural organization that would look out for his interests, so he took that to heart and joined Farm Bureau,” said Jackson. Jackson carried on the Farm Bureau legacy while also continuing his family’s agricultural legacy that began in Texas. After a drought in the late 1800s, Jackson’s great-grandfather, James Cureton, along with his wife and two boys settled on the Mimbres River in Grant County. After the addition of Jackson’s grandfather George H. Cureton, the family moved to the Burro mountains and established the Cureton Cattle

George

George and Mayra married in 2013 after Mayra lost her husband, Larry Hopkins, to lung cancer before Jackson lost Nancy the year before.

Company.

Jackson’s grandfather built up a registered Hereford herd and sold bulls throughout the southwest. The family partnership, which included George Cureton, his two sons, and his son-in-law, was “on the ground floor” of performance testing, said Jackson. They worked with New Mexico State University and the Cooperative Extension Service to improve their genetics and hosted two annual bull sales along with a barbeque on the family farm in Gila, NM. The desire to improve herd genetics and performance has continued with Jackson on the family ranch north of Lordsburg.

“George strives to continue improving on the long-standing genetics of the herd with a focus on low birthweight and rapid growth,” said Jackson’s daughter Connie Rooks. “This transition has improved milk production, better overall body condition of the cattle, low birthweight and a significant increase in weaning weight.”

As a forward-thinking steward of the land, Jackson has transitioned wells from diesel generators to solar and uses

management techniques such as herd reduction and pasture rotation to sustain and protect the environment for future generations. Seven generation of Cureton-Jacksons have helped, especially during shipping and branding season, on the family ranch.

“George is also a man of great faith and family values,” said Rooks. “He uses every opportunity to teach and share his love of ranching to his children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren. He is instilling the importance of agriculture, hard work, dedication, and responsibility.”

Jackson’s family includes Connie and her husband Stewart Rooks and their children Kelsey and Calvin, Stacey and her children Todd and Sammi, John and April Lee Anderson and their boys Brent and Ryan, and Shane and April Dawn Guin and their children Naiya and Colton. The family makes quite a ranch crew and are all good workers, said Jackson.

George and Mayra Jackson are the 56th recipients of the NMF&LB Farm Family of the Year award that recognizes farm and ranch families for their dedication to the betterment of the organization and good stewardship of their land and animals for future generations.

“It’s an awesome compliment to us because I have seen all of the nominees over the years and there have been some awesome people awarded,” said Jackson. “It’s an honor to be included in that bunch.”

Top: The Cureton Cattle Company divided the ranch into the Walking X, the C Bar, and the Thompson Canyon Company for each of the three sons. Below: Jackson married Nancy Phelps in December of 1964. Right: Jackson primarily cares for the ranch but family returns to help during branding and shipping.

Fresh Re New Re Focus Re

The 2022 New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Annual Meeting theme “ReFresh, ReNew, ReFocus” set the tone for the conference as members elected new leadership to the NMF&LB State Board of Directors, adopted policy, and networked with fellow members from across the state. Members, organizational partners, and youth from across the state gathered in Albuquerque on November 17 and 18 for the 105th Annual Meeting.

Central to the foundation of Farm Bureau is the grassroots advocacy process, including the process of passing resolutions to become part of the state policy book. This year’s resolutions addressed topics such as electric vehicles and equipment, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and chemical contaminants. The House of Delegates, which was comprised of voting delegates sent by county Farm Bureaus from across the state, also elected new leadership to the NMF&LB Board of Directors. Larry Reagan from De Baca County was elected as president, Don Hartman from Luna County was elected 1st vice president, and Travis Harris from Socorro County was elected 2nd vice president. Members voted five new members to the state board as well.

The grassroots advocacy process would not be possible without the members who drive it. In recognition of their

efforts to increase membership, Sierra County Farm and Livestock Bureau received the First County to Make Quota award. After members focused on setting the direction of the organization for the coming year, Friday was full of fellowship and fun. Cassidy Johnston, a first-generation rancher who originally grew up in the Denver metro area, shared how she got involved in agriculture. She instructed members on how they can build relationships and form bold partnerships in the gap between ranch and table. The second keynote was Dr. Shannon Norris-Parrish. Dr. Norris-Parrish brought energy to the conference and reminded members to take care of themselves while they grow food, fuel, and fiber for the world. She connected her unique doctoral experience developing a curricular framework for the U.S. Army Special Forces to implement when conducting agricultural assessments in Middle Eastern conflict zones with her background growing up on a beef cattle ranch in Cliff, NM. Attendees also listened to updates on national policy, the EPLUS program, and animal health.

Meanwhile, the top competitors from each state district were competing in the YF&R high school discussion meet. The final four contestants competed in their final round answering the question “Many external influences are causing supply chain disruptions for agricultural goods. How can

Dr. Shannon Norris-Parrish (left) received her PhD from Texas A&M University in 2020 and is now an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Communications at New Mexico State University.

As the final four competitors in the high school discussion meet, Wylie Schwebach (left), Remington Hunt, Addison Folmar, and Braden Fuentes completed their last round on the main stage.

Recapping the 2022 NMF&LB Annual Meeting

Farm Bureau reduce the impact of external influences through policy development and programming?” The placings were announced during the awards luncheon. In first place was Remington Hunt from Texico, second was Wylie Schwebach from Moriarty, third was Braden Fuentes from Artesia, and fourth was Addison Folmar from Artesia.

“We are really pleased we were able to host another successful discussion meet this year,” said Chair of the NMF&LB YF&R Committee Russell Johnson. “All of these students shine a bright light on the future of New Mexico agriculture, and we are proud of how they all competed. We look forward to seeing many of them compete again next year.”

Also recognized at the awards luncheon was the 2022 Media Person of the Year Anthony Lucero. Anthony Lucero is news and program director for KALH Radio in Alamogordo. He started work in production in 1989 with his father who was the station manager. He has worked on air and in management in multiple markets as well as voice work and even at one time a syndicated show. Lucero found his way back to small market radio in KALH which was started by long-time friend, Ken Bass. In his bio, Lucero said he is proud to serve the community Mr. Bass loved so much after his passing. KALH is a dedicated partner of NMF&LB running the weekly Ag Minute spot. Specifically, Lucero is a friend to New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers and enjoys learning about the truth of the industry.

The meeting closed out with the awards banquet and dance. NMF&LB leaders recognized Russell Johnson as the

2022 Volunteer of the Year. Johnson joined the Luna County Farm and Livestock Bureau board as the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) representative in 2017. Later that year, he became the District IV representative for the NMF&LB YF&R Committee. Currently, Johnson serves as the president of Luna County Farm and Livestock Bureau, chairman of the NMF&LB YF&R Committee, and was recently voted onto the Deming Soil and Water Conservation District board of supervisors. He is also an active volunteer for numerous county fair events. As an advocate, Johnson has used his previous service in the United States Border Patrol and his experience ranching with his wife Brandy and two children McKenzie and Lukas to bring attention to issues at the border. Johnson hosted a tour with American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall along with local and state government officials to highlight border issues.

“It is our honor to recognize Russell for his contributions to NMF&LB,” said Elizabeth Foster, NMF&LB CEO. “Russell has done so much for our young farmers and ranchers and is a fantastic advocate for the issues that impact his community and New Mexico agriculture as a whole.”

George and Mayra Jackson were recognized as the 2022 Farm Family of the Year. Similar to the YF&R high school discussion meet, the New Mexico State University Collegiate Farm Bureau also hosted a discussion meet for its members. Brandon Larrañaga was announced as the winner of the competition.

Recognizing the vital partnership between NMF&LB and Farm Bureau Financial Services, leaders recognized outstanding agents for their efforts. Larry Marshall was recognized as the Top Senior Agent, Sharon Luna was recognized as the Top Junior Agent, and the Roadrunner District was announced the winners of the “Raise the Steaks” competition. NMF&LB members added the Top Harvester award to the list of annual awards given to FBFS agents. The Top Harvester awards recognizes the work of insurance agents to bring in the ag members who engage in county Farm Bureaus, take on volunteer leadership roles, and set policy. The award was given to the insurance agent who brings in the most ag members during the year. The inaugural recipient of the traveling award was Sharon Luna. The 2022 Annual Meeting marked the conclusion of some

board members terms of service. Attendees thanked Steve Myrick, Stewart Rooks, Crystal Diamond, Mario Trujillo, and Boe Lopez for their time and dedication to NMF&LB. Joining the board as new members are Jeroen van der Ploeg from Clovis, Jamie Viramontes from Deming, Tina Wilson from Las Cruces, Ron Baca from Aztec, and Patrick Torres from Santa Fe.

Attendees concluded the night with a special presentation honoring Craig Ogden for his dedication to the organization during his term as president. Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation President Todd Fornstrom and Montana Farm Bureau Federation President Cyndi Johnson joined the presentation as fellow state presidents from the western region.

New Mexico Farm & Ranch

Top Left: Brandon Larrañaga (center) will compete in the national collegiate discussion meet during the FUSION Conference in Jacksonville, FL, March 3-6, 2023. Top Right: Sharon Luna (center) was the inaugral recipient of the Top Harvester award. Bottom: During his time with the U.S. Border Patrol, Russell Johnson (right) patrolled the banks of the Rio Grande and flew in helicopters over the deserts of New Mexico protecting the United States’ southern border.

Community Coming Out on Top

Keylee Topmiller, a sixth-grade science teacher at Harrison Schmitt Elementary School in Silver City, was named as the 2022 New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year during the 105th NMF&LB Annual Meeting. The award recognizes a New Mexico teacher or teacher team for their integrated efforts to teach students about the importance of agriculture.

“Keylee is passionate and innovative and continues to be an inspiration to her students and fellow colleagues,” said NMAITC Director Traci Curry. “She has carried the torch for agriculture that has then become the spark to help other teachers see the value in teaching agricultural topics. We desperately need more teachers like her. NMAITC and NMF&LB are honored to be able to provide this well-earned award to such a deserving educator.”

Topmiller connected to NMAITC through the New Mexico Grow Project grant which includes a raised bed, drip irrigation system, classroom hydroponics system, trainings and support from experts, and connections to K-12 curriculum and lessons. Although she missed the grant deadline, Topmiller requested a list of supplies to build her own classroom hydroponics system and was donated a raised bed from a recipient

who was retiring from their teaching career and could no longer participate.

With support and funding from organizations in the community, Topmiller is installing a hydroponics lab to grow lettuce for the school cafeteria, placing compost bins to collect leftover cafeteria waste, installing a pollinator garden, and revamping the school garden. Topmiller is also overseeing the inclusion of NMAITC curriculum into first- through sixthgrade classrooms with the goal of reaching more than 375 students.

“Mrs. Topmiller has always been eager to develop new teaching skills and learn new ways to connect with the students,” said Harrison Schmitt Elementary Principal Megan Evans. “She is an incredibly dedicated teacher who builds strong relationships with her students through experiential learning opportunities such as worm farms, pollinator gardens, and hydroponics-grown vegetables. All students would be lucky to have a teacher as dedicated to ag as Mrs. Topmiller.”

Topmiller grew up on her family’s cattle ranch in Catron County. She was involved in 4-H and FFA. She joined the livestock judging team at Redlands Community College in El Reno, Oklahoma, before attending NMSU to earn her bachelor’s degree in animal science. Topmiller has been teaching for five years with four of those at her current school. She is a current member of the Grant County Farm and Livestock Bureau.

“The relationship NM Ag in the Classroom, Grant County Farm and Livestock Bureau, Mrs. Topmiller, and Silver Consolidated Schools share is one that should be replicated across New Mexico and the United States,” said Jeff Fell, member of Grant County Farm and Livestock Bureau. “As Farm and Livestock Bureau members we always want to see our money go toward things that improve and strengthen agriculture in New Mexico and I, for one, am proud to see my contributions go into a proactive program that is working on establishing the importance of getting accurate information about agriculture out to children and helping them understand the vital role it plays in their lives.”

Topmiller, a sixth-grade science teacher at Harrison Schmitt Elementary School, is the recipient of the 2022 NMAITC Teacher of the Year award. L to R: NMF&LB President Larry Reagan, Keylee Topmiller, Harrison Schmitt Elementary Principal Megan Evans, Silver Consolidated Schools Associate Superintendent for Instruction Cindy Barris, and Silver Consolidated Schools Federal Programs and District Testing Coordinator Melissa Brown.

As the 2022 NMAITC Teacher of the Year, Topmiller will attend the 2023 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference and will be entered into the National Ag in the Classroom Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture award program.

Harrison Schmitt Elementary School teacher named 2022 Teacher of the Year

The Mosaic Company Supports New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom

The New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau Foundation (NMF&LBF) announced today that Mosaic Company has generously donated $20,000 to support New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom (NMAITC). Mosaic Company’s support of NMAITC will allow the organization to increase its impact through its work with Pre-K-12th grade New Mexico teachers.

“We sincerely appreciate Mosaic Company’s support of NMAITC,” said Traci Curry, Director of NMAITC. “Mosaic’s support will allow us to enhance our agricultural literacy initiatives throughout New Mexico, helping to ensure a greater understanding of the agriculture and food industries. We are grateful for their commitment.”

“Early education on the importance of agriculture and how it relates to food security around the world is crucial. We are proud to support this great program that aligns with Mosaic’s mission of helping the world grow the food it needs.”

– Clint Prier, General Manager – Carlsbad, The Mosaic Company.

The Mosaic Company (NYSE: MOS) is the world’s leading integrated producer and marketer of concentrated phosphate and potash, employing more than 12,700 people in nine countries and participate in every aspect of crop nutrition development to help the world grow the food it needs. Mosaic is an important driver of economic activity in each of our operating communities and strives to be a thoughtful and engaged neighbor. Website: The Mosaic Company | Potash Mining | Phosphate Mining | Mining Company

2023 Pre-Session Preview

What to expect in the upcoming 60-day session

By Tiffany Rivera, Director of Government Affairs

The 2023 legislative session will begin January 17th at noon. This year we will be heading into a 60-day session where the legislature will create a budget and debate a multitude of legislation. What will make this session different from those of the past is the vast amount of money that the legislature and the executive will have at their discretion as well as the very new composition of the House of Representatives and its respective leadership. We will also be curious to see what the Governor chooses to focus on as she heads into her second administration.

Budget

Thanks to increased oil and gas production, the legislature will have a handsome amount of funding to play with this session. The state could have nearly $3.6 billion in new money which they will appropriate as they see fit. As has been the theme with the previous few sessions, NM lawmakers will continue to analyze ways for the state to diversify our economy. Oil and gas account for the generation of roughly two-thirds of state revenue, and the state’s reliance on the oil and gas industry for financial support has both its pros and cons. When oil and gas production is strong NM fares very well, but the flip side of that coin is also true, when production and prices are down, NM’s budget takes a nosedive. How legislators balance the appropriation of this historical amount of funding will impact New Mexico and our economy for years to come. In addition to the decisions on how the state will appropriate the

new money, lawmakers must also consider how much to put away into our state’s reserve accounts. Legislators will have to grapple with the challenge of solving the issues of today or planning for a strong tomorrow.

New Legislators

Following the 2022 general elections, New Mexico’s political power dynamic did not change. Governor Lujan Grisham was re-elected for a second term and democrats continue to hold the majority in the House of Representatives and Senate. Although the Senate was not up for election this year, the chamber’s composition did observe one change with democrats regaining a seat. Former Representative Moe Maestas was appointed by the Bernalillo County Commission to fill Senator Jacob Candelaria’s vacant seat.

The New Mexico House of Representatives will kick off the new year with 16 new legislators. Myself, along with other members of the New Mexico agriculture community, had the opportunity to meet with a majority of these new members over the past few weeks. It was great getting to meet our newly elected officials and learn more about who they are, what they look to achieve during their first session, and what committees they hope to participate in.

Anticipated Legislation

With such a large amount of funding available to fulfill New Mexico’s greatest wish list this year, we will see many pieces of legislation looking to create programs and fund pet

projects. High on the list of priorities this year will be the continued transition to alternative forms of energy as well as climate and environmental initiatives.

Additionally, as is traditional with legislative sessions, we anticipate seeing many familiar and repeat pieces of legislation this year. Below you will find a brief list of what we anticipate will be introduced.

Green Amendment

An amendment that looks to guarantee citizens of NM clean and healthy air, water, soil, and environments, looks to have the state, counties, and municipalities serve as the trustee of our natural resources.

Feral Horse Management

The legislation looks to help manage the wild horse population while granting more responsibility and authority to local governments.

State Meat Inspection

The legislation will provide the livestock board the authority to develop and implement a statewide meat inspection program that is in compliance with standards established at the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).

Changing the composition and mission of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Past attempts have looked to rename the department and to expand its scope to include all wildlife.

Amending or dissolving the Elk Statute which governs the Elk Private Land Use System Program (EPLUS)

The elk tags are provided to landowners who provide water, food, and habitat resources to the wildlife, landowners can then use the tags as they see fit. Many landowners sell the tags to generate income which supports conservation projects and improvements on their land. Opponents of the program argue that the allocation of the tags is unfair and benefits out-of-state hunters over resident hunters.

Increasing Milk Hauler Weight limits

The legislation would propose to increase the truck weight limits that are allowed for dairy haulers.

Regional Water Plan Proposal

This legislation would support the development of regional water resilience planning entities under the authority of the Interstate stream commission. Entities would be responsible for the creation and implementation of regional water resiliency plans.

Amending the Watershed District Act

Requirements in the NM Local Election Act (LEA) have created challenges in filling seats on watershed district boards. The legislation will amend the LEA to better fit the needs of watershed districts, this will allow more individuals the opportunity to serve on the board.

Conservation Funding Initiative

The legislation would create a fund that would provide an annual disbursement to various agencies to fund work in legislatively specified programs. The work would largely be focused on conservation, natural, and historic resource initiatives.

Amending the Chile Advertising Act

Mexico Farm

The proposed legislation looks to create an exemption in the CAA for jalapenos and bell peppers. Currently, the state is unable to produce the number of peppers needed to meet the advertising act regulations, this limits our processor’s ability to create products and use the term NM chile on their labels. The legislation looks to amend the CAA to meet the needs of our value-added companies.

Tax Reform

Proposals will likely be presented to eliminate tax breaks and exemptions, changes to the personal income tax structure, reinstitute an estate tax, increase fuel taxes, and more.

Advocacy

As we head into the 2023 legislative session we need your help more than ever, rural communities are struggling, the populations are becoming further removed from the farm and ranch, and connections to our food systems are diminishing. That’s where you come in!

We strongly encourage you to stay engaged! NMF&LB offers many opportunities for advocacy and participation not only during the legislative session but far beyond.

Tools for Staying Engaged

• Request to be added to the Daily Dirt email list by emailing katelins@nmflb.org.

• Monitor the legislative trackers on the NMF&LB website at nmflb.org.

• Call/email/text your Representative and Senator frequently! We must work to foster these relationships; your input is highly valued.

• Monitor your email for calls to action and engage on the request made.

• Come to Santa Fe! We’d love to have you participate in a committee hearing. If you are in Santa Fe, give Tiffany a call and she can guide you through the process.

• Participate in a committee hearing virtually (if available), we can guide you through this process.

Ranch

Janelle Anyanonu

2023 Freshman Class Cont.

House District: 64

Occupation: Former District Attorney

Joseph Sanchez

House District: 40

Occupation: Engineer

House District: 47

Occupation: Former Chief of Staff (Speaker of the House)

Harlan Vincent

House District: 56

Occupation: Businessman (Owner/Operator of Flash Paving & Flash Quality Hunts)

Reagan from page 4

18 wheelers for the next 14 years. I enjoyed that work because I liked knowing that moving a product from point A to point B safely and on time wasn’t subject to someone else’s opinion.

In 1998, my wife and I had the opportunity to lease from my parents the ranch my maternal grandfather had purchased in 1933. While living here, we raised our two sons and this is where we became involved with Farm Bureau. We live northeast of Ft. Sumner and are members of the De Baca County Farm and Livestock Bureau.

Since joining Farm Bureau, I have served on the county board of directors, been the De Baca County Farm and Livestock Bureau county president, and served on the NMF&LB state board of directors. I served as the NMF&LB second vice-president for four years and first vice-president for six years.

I am looking forward to addressing the many challenges New Mexico farmers and ranchers are facing in the months and years ahead. Among them are President Biden’s and Governor Lujan-Grisham’s directives for 30 X 30. We still don’t have a clear definition of what that means. Also, the Endangered

Species Act is always a concern i.e. Mexican gray wolves, lesser prairie chickens, meadow jumping mice, and a whole lot more. Water is always an issue in New Mexico, including Waters of the U.S., Rio Grande and Pecos River Compacts, as well as issues on the San Juan and Canadian Rivers. I invite ag producers across our state to join me in staying informed and working for our collective benefit regarding issues impacting agriculture.

I look forward to working with our new CEO, Elizabeth Foster, who joined our team in September. She comes to us with over 20 years of experience with Arizona Farm Bureau. She has been busy familiarizing herself with our state, and our state organization, as well as conducting interviews to fill vacancies in the state office to add to the wonderful staff already in place.

I am grateful for the professionalism and experience of the staff in our state office. They are willing and able to offer support to our members at all times.

For as long as I am president, New Mexico farmers and ranchers will be my focus and priority.

Andrea Reeb

Reena Szczepanski

BEEF CHECKOFF PROGRAM

DEAR FELLOW RANCHERS & DAIRY FARMERS:

LETTER FROM ZITA

It has been a whirlwind year for me serving as the Chairperson of the New Mexico Beef Council. As you read through our annual report, you will undoubtedly be as impressed as I am with all of the programs and activity in which the Council participates, and plans for, each year.

Our industry continues to have its challenges with supply chain hiccups, the lingering pandemic and, of course, the financial state of our country. However, there is much to celebrate as the Council and Cattleman’s Beef Board continue to create and refine programs to increase demand for beef.

The Annual Report is a chance to toot our horn about everything we have accomplished in the previous year. As you read through our report, please consider the commitment and hard work of the NMBC staff, CBB staff and Checkoff contractors who work tirelessly to present our industry and products to consumers, health professionals, students and thought leaders across the State. Allow me to highlight some of our programs:

• The New Mexico Beef Council continued a partnership with New Mexico State University’s Hotel Restaurant & Tourism Management to present hands-on lectures. The students learned about how beef is fabricated, the difference between the various cuts and beef grades as well as the taste and texture of grass-fed, organic and grain-fed beef. The students also learned about the beef supply chain and how beef is produced.

• NMBC has continued a partnership with ProStart which is offered by 28 high schools and consists of 40 programs, across the state. ProStart is a national program coordinated by each state’s restaurant trade association to introduce students to career options in the food service and culinary industries.

• We welcomed Kate Schulz RDN, LD, LMNT as the consulting dietitian for the New Mexico Beef Council. Through her, we are now able to bring nutrition messages to our consumers.

• NMBC continues to manage a robust advertising program on radio, and online with digital and social media. We recognize the importance of having our messages on radio stations around the state, and since we receive lots of positive feedback about our radio buys, we think you must like it also. In closing, I encourage you to become active with the Council. The six years I spent on the Council were eye opening for me. I always appreciated the work of the Council, but being immersed in these programs encourages me to support both the Checkoff and the Council Assessment in a much grander way.

Be well and God bless you and your families.

Zita Lopez, Chairperson, New Mexico Beef Council 

DAIRY CONSORTIUM IS HUGE SUCCESS

Thanks to Robert Hagevoort, PhD, NMSU/ACES and all the producers the consortium relies on and the sponsored support from the allied industry, the Dairy Consortium was able to have an in-person program in 2021. The Consortium was not held last year due to the pandemic. COVID safe practices were in place, and only a limited number of students were able to attend. Thirty-five students from all over the U.S. called Clovis home for 4 (instead of the regular 6) weeks and learned all about modern dairy management. The class is grateful for the support received from producers, allowing the class to come out and visit the dairies. For several program parts the students are out in corrals with the cows. Many producers welcomed this large group of outsiders back on their farms which marked the first visit of outsiders since the pandemic began. Dr. Hagevoort, coordinator of this program, says, “The Dairy Consortium’s strength is the handson, or experiential learning experience, it defies logic to try and conduct a pro¬gram like this long-distance or online. Ultimately learning the ‘what’s what’ and ‘who’s who’ in the industry is done by being out on dairies and seeing and doing it first-hand!”

Congratulations to the Dairy Consortium Class of ‘21

The United States Beef Academy (USBA) is an educational event for young men and women who are motivated to learn about the beef industry. This event is under the direction of New Mexico State University Department of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources, and Texas Agri-Life Extension. It was designed to be a follow-up edu¬cational program for young men and women who have completed another New Mexico Extension program, the NM Youth Ranch Management Camp.

In 2021, the US Beef Academy, held at the Corona Range and Livestock Research Center in Corona, NM, completed their sixth Academy. The Academy has hosted 83 students from 17 states and Mexico over the six-year period. The class is capped at 16 students per year and in 2021, there

were more applicants than roster positions. The 2021 student roster consisted of one veterinarian, three veterinary students, four graduate students (both Master’s and PhD) and seven upper class undergraduate students. The students were from several universities and colleges including NMSU, Dine College, TX A&M, Colorado State and Oklahoma State. The Academy receives corporate and industry support from several local, regional and national companies that facilitate the delivery of the US Beef Academy. It is a collaborative effort of NMSU Dept of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Agri-Life Extension and Colorado State University. NMBC is grateful to John Wenzel, DVM, and faculty for coordinating and conducting this program. 

Ag Day was celebrated in October at NMSU Homecoming by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and New Mexico State University (NMSU) College of Agricultural, Environmental and Consumer Sciences (ACES). New Mexico Beef Council was this year’s title sponsor. AG Day featured ACES departments’ exhibits, dozens of agricultural organizations, businesses, non-profits and student organizations sponsored food booths and educational exhibits.

Groups such as the NMSU Therapeutic Riding Program and the NMSU Animal and Range Sciences department provided pony and horse rides, along with a variety of farm animals and livestock that the pub¬lic interacted with to learn more about. New Mexico Ag in the Classroom had a fishing-pond game, while organizations such as New Mexico 4-H, NMSU Cooperative Extension Service and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum helped educate the public about how agriculture is inte¬grated into their commu¬nities and everyday lives. Attendees had the chance to sample New Mexico grown products, such as beef and dairy. 

Dr. Thomas gives hands-on instruction in fabricating.

Director Jim Hill sporting his TEAM

jersey serves

NEW MEXICO BEEF COUNCIL PARTNERS WITH NMSU’S HOTEL, RESTAURANT & TOURISM MANAGEMENT

NMSU-Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management (HRTM) teamed up with NMBC staff in September for three beef classes that took place at New Mexico State University as part of a partnership between NMBC and the NMSU-H R T M program. The three classes HRTM 363 Quantity Food Production & Service, and two sections of HRTM 2120 Food Production & Service Fundamentals, attended lectures, and hands-on presen¬tations over three days.

Tom Bertelle and Daniel Chavez, NMBC Center-of-the-Plate Specialists and Beef experts, provided hands on training for the students. Sub-primals rib, chuck and loin were used in the fabri¬cation of cuts and as visual aids. Students were able to taste test cuts to understand grading and beef choices. Beef videos were used for the classes to reinforce fabrication information, examples of the versatility of beef in menuing ideas, and the sustainability of beef production. Dina Chacón-Reitzel, NMBC Executive Director, presented informa¬tion about the beef industry, including the beef supply chain, and sustainable beef production practices. Students were provided “Beef in the Culinary Classroom” binders, developed through NMBC, and supplemental prined resources to support the presenta¬tions given. In addition, they were all given beef aprons, “The Beef Book”, and chefs jackets with the NMBC logo. Culinary instructors were provided posters, resources and video presen¬tations which they will be able to use for future classes. 

The New Mexico Beef Council is helping boost the next generation of culinary professionals through support of the ProStart® program. ProStart® is a nationwide, twoyear program for high schools students pursuing a career in culinary arts and hospitality management.

NMBC’s Beef Grant program is available to all of the ProStart® culinary classroom programs across New Mexico. This sponsorship includes beef education for teach training. In addition, schools are provided an opportunity to apply for grants up to $1,000 to cover the cost of beef purchase to use both in their classroom and for ProStart® state and national competitions.. 

NMBC’s Tom Bertelle grills steaks for sampling different grades of beef as students look on.

Tom Bertelle and Daniel Chavez fabricate beef primals for students.

Students enjoy beef samples

Happy student showing off his Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. apron and cow mascot at the Beef dinner prepared by the HRTM students.

Congratulations to Carlsbad Culinary, winners of the ProStart® competition. The Carlsbad team went to Washington D.C. to compete nationally.

Congratulations to Cloudcroft High School on winning the “Management Competition”.

2021-2022

DIRECTORS

ZITA LOPEZ, CHAIRPERSON & FEDERATION DIRECTOR FEEDER, SPRINGER 575-447-1117

COLE GARDNER, VICE CHAIRPERSON PRODUCER, YESO 575-910-5952

MARJORIE LANTANA, SECRETARY PRODUCER, CROWNPOINT 505-860-5859

DAN BELL PRODUCER, CORONA 575-799-0763

MATT FERGUSON PRODUCER, CARRIZOZO 575-491-9025

JOHN HECKENDORN PUREBRED PRODUCER, MORIARTY 505-379-8212

JAMES HILL FEEDER, MESILLA PARK 575-993-9950

KIMBERLY STONE PRODUCER, CAPITAN 202-812-0219

JOEL VAN DAM DAIRY REPRESENTATIVE, TEXICO 575-714-3244

BOE LOPEZ N.M. CATTLEMAN’S BEEF BOARD REPRESENTATIVE FEEDER, SPRINGER 505-469-9055

KENNETH MCKENZIE USMEF REPRESENTATIVE PRODUCER, ENCINO 575-760-3260

DINA CHACON REITZEL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 505-841-9407 WWW.NMBEEF.COM

ONLINE MARKETING

The NMBC’s target market, busy millennials and their families, are best reached through online tactics. Consequently, we focus much of our advertising and consumer information campaigns online. The New Mexico Beef Council’s marketing plan includes maintaining and promoting our website, and a robust digital ad and social media campaign. All of our metrics

METRIC 7/1/21-6/30/22 7/1/20-6/30/21 % OF CHANGE Sessions 29,559 24,659 19.9% Users 26,330 21,720 21.22% Bounce Rate 29.44% 80% 50.5% Page Views 61,063 36,449 67.5%

Facebook 3,973 127,062 15,587 Instagram 892 2,401 1,022 Pinterest 14,170 417

Council Assessment $556,949 100.00% Total Sources $556,949 100.00% Uses: Refunds of Council Assessment 99 0.1% National Program Investments 0 0.% Promotion Programs 341,747 61.3% (Social Media, Digital & Native Advertising, Retail, Foodservice) Consumer Information Programs 13,411 2.4% (Health Educators, School Programs, Events) Research/Meat Science Programs 81,813 14.6% Producer Communication 12,061 2.2% Industry Information 3,083 0.6% Collections 22,278 4.0% Administration Cost 32,370 5.8% Total Use $506,862 91.01% Carry forward to Next year $50,087 9.0%

DEAR FELLOW PRODUCERS,

For decades, state beef councils have partnered with the national Beef Checkoff to drive the demand for beef with remarkable success. By working together and sharing a unified voice, we develop creative and innovative ways to reach consumers even as their buying behaviors change.

Despite changes in how families make their grocery purchases, they still love beef! Recent research shows that 69% of consumers eat beef at least weekly. Research like this serves as the foundation of all Checkoff programs, and the Federation of State Beef Councils continues to support product quality, nutrition, beef safety, sustainability and market research to strengthen beef’s promotional efforts.

For more than 35 years, the Beef Checkoff has been using funds wisely and effectively and the Supreme Court recently confirmed that USDA has appropriate and adequate oversight to ensure that Checkoff funds are being spent in compliance with the Beef Promotion and Research Act. As Checkoff dollars are budgeted for projects, the Federation of State Beef Councils is at the table with producer input guiding decisions through a grassroots process.

This annual report touches on some of the programs that producers help direct. From research and promotion to consumer and industry outreach, these efforts demonstrate the positive impact that national programs have when extended at the state level. These success stories confirm that we are better and stronger when we work together!

As we look forward to 2023 when the Federation of State Beef Councils commemorates its 60th anniversary, let’s take time to celebrate our accomplishments, plan for the future and continue to work together to drive beef demand.

Sincerely, Chair, Federation of State Beef Councils

BETTER AND STRONGER TOGETHER

The Federation of State Beef Councils (FSBC) builds a larger, more impactful, coordinated plan that is executed as a partnership between the Federation and individual state beef councils (SBCs). State beef councils voluntarily invest in the FSBC each year, and more than 50% of those contributions supplement tactics within Authorization Requests (ARs) approved by the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC). Supplementing these tactics helps the national Checkoff program have a larger impact on consumer demand.

In 2022, the FSBC contributed $4.5 million to supplement the approximately $40 million national plan funded by the BPOC for promotion, research, industry information, consumer information, and

Specific programs made possible by SBC contributions include but are not limited to the following.

PROMOTION $1,165,000

For the second year, the FSBC sponsored the Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner 300, the 41st seasonopening race for the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Daytona International Speedway in February, 2022. Consumers were reached through BIFWS race coverage and television spots encouraging them to shop at Smith’s/Kroger’s for race related offers.

Beef was the star of the holidays with 125 ads airing during the holiday season on the Hallmark Channel including Thanksgiving weekend and a movie sponsor premier.

PROMOTING BEEF TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF CONSUMERS

Kids are influencing their family’s buying behaviors and are more engaged with social issues than ever before. NCBA, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, and state beef councils recognized the importance of educating America’s youth about beef’s positive sustainability story and created fun and exciting ways to reach the next generation of consumers.

As part of reputation management initiatives around sustainability, NCBA partnered with kid-focused media outlets, such as The Week Jr. and ScoutLife. Through these partnerships, kids and parents alike were directed to the newly created Beef Sustainability for Kids page on the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. website. An important aspect of the online content was kids sharing their stories of life on the ranch with their urban neighbors, helping bridge the gap between pasture and plate. 

STATES EXTEND E-COMMERCE EFFOR TS

In November and December 2021, a nationwide club store promoted beef and the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand during the holidays on the retailer’s digital properties. Holiday beef digital ads were placed on the retailer’s website and app directing consumers to a page where they could add beef to their shopping cart. Almost 40,000 consumers interacted with the ads, and those ads drove more than $8 million in beef sales with 8.6 percent new buyers to the beef category. The return on ad spend for the campaign was $41.72, which means that for every Checkoff dollar spent on the project, nearly $42 was returned in beef sales. In addition, the effort was supported by 14 state beef council partners which helped increase the overall reach and impressions and brought additional beef sales to individual states. 

EARLY BITES WITH BEEF

The Early Bites with Beef campaign continued in 2022 to advance awareness and increase health professional recommendations that beef can (and should) be a safe complementary first food for babies starting at around six months of age and continuing throughout childhood. Campaign efforts also provided consumers with information about how to effectively and safely feed babies beef.

Funding from the Federation and individual state beef councils extended outreach efforts to health professionals nationwide. More than 3,000 toolkits, complete with posters, fact sheets and

newsletters, were distributed to pediatric health care offices in 32 states. Health professional response to toolkits was very positive with nearly 9 in 10 professionals recommending or intending to recommend beef to parents and caregivers. In addition, 75% of respondents reported being more knowledgeable about beef as an early complementary food after receiving the information. On the consumer side, half of respondents reported that receiving the information from their pediatric professional made them more likely to feed beef to their child. 

BEEF ADVOCATES BLAZE NEW TRAILS

The new Trailblazers program takes advocacy to an unprecedented level by giving participants the tools and training they need to promote beef to new audiences while addressing and correcting myths. Ten Trailblazers from across the country attended a multi-day training, which provided them with the resources, information, and engaging activities they need to become expert communicators, excel in media interviews and understand how to build confidence in beef related practices when talking to consumers. 

NEW SPOKESPERSON

SCORES

POINTS FOR BEEF

Beef scored points this summer with new spokesperson, Tony Romo. The former professional football quarterback and current sports commentator shared his family’s passion for beef with consumers, and promoted beef nationwide through digital and social media, outdoor advertising, on ESPN.com and through broadcast television ads on the Food Network, HGTV and the Magnolia Network. State beef councils extended this national programming through billboards, displays, advertising and other promotional efforts. Tony Romo’s Playbook on BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com also highlighted new recipes and valuable information about beef’s taste, nutrition, versatility and sustainability. 

Trailblazers Shaye Koester and Jaclyn Wilson of Nebraska plate their beef dish during a social media and culinary challenge.

The resolution becomes our position on the policy. It’s a process and when we are done, we know that through the blood, sweat and tears, we have come together to be unified in our voice. This is what sets the Farm and Livestock Bureau apart from other non-profits. We are a federation, and we are only as strong as our collective voice.

In November, many voices from across the state came together to talk about critical issues facing agriculture and rural communities in the state. It was my first annual meeting with New Mexico but just like other members in other states, we made new friends, reacquainted ourselves with old friends, and took to the delegate floor to voice opinions. Our delegates laid

Duvall from page 4

We kicked off the year strong with grassroots comments to EPA on the Waters of the U.S. rule and carried that momentum. The Securities and Exchange Commission chair heard from farmers and ranchers, probably more than ever before, as we spoke up on their climate rule proposal that would impact the whole supply chain. When the railroads were on the verge of a strike, you sent thousands of emails to Congress to help ensure these critical lines remained open which kept essential agricultural goods moving from the farm to consumers. Together, we made a difference not only to keep agriculture strong this year, but to ensure its vibrancy in years to come.

Advocacy with our urban and suburban neighbors is critically important, too, and as of the end of this year, 4,333 of you have undergone 9,031 hours of training to become better advocates for agriculture and leaders in your communities, whether in Farm Bureau or the local PTA. Not to mention the thousands registered for online learning with FB University and those who take their advocacy engagement to the next level through programs like PAL (Partners in Advocacy Leadership) and the GO (Grassroots Outreach) Team. And a special congratulations and thank you to our 2022 GO Teamers of the Year! Nancy Caywood from Arizona, April Clayton from Washington and Paula Peterson from Nebraska have exemplified the Farm Bureau advocacy spirit and gone above and beyond with media interviews, engagement with lawmakers and outreach to consumers.

I’m pleased that AFBF’s own engagement efforts were noticed in 2022 as we received the gold award for best video from Association TRENDS, competing against trade associations across the country representing every industry. Winning top honors for the “Sustainability: It’s Just What We Do” video is a tribute to the power of our members’ stories, featuring Tara Vander Dussen from New Mexico, Doug Darling from Michigan and Kamal Bell from North Carolina.

Farm Bureau continues to be a leader in the agriculture community, and this October, we hosted an unprecedented meeting to tackle Federal Milk Marketing Order challenges. Meaningful change here is long overdue, and we took it

out our positions and set the course for both staff and leaders for the next year when we are representing agriculture at the state and national levels.

Just like when I knew I had a good day seeing the results from the work that had been done gathering cattle, I know we had a good day creating policy and setting the direction for the next year for the organization. Our members deserve a well-deserved pat on the back for the work they put in over the last few months.

seriously when Secretary Vilsack called on the entire industry to come together to discuss solutions. We had a great turnout with over 180 farms, cooperatives, processors and other dairy groups represented. After a couple days of long discussions, we found common ground on recommendations to modernize federal milk marketing.

The strength of the Farm Bureau family also shines through in how we come together to strengthen our rural communities through efforts like Farm State of Mind. Topics like mental health and addiction are not easy to talk about, but together, with partners like National Farmers Union, we are making a difference and reducing the stigma. Just this week, our organizations released a new poll that shows more folks are aware and willing to talk about the opioid crisis. Sixty percent say adults in their community are more aware of the crisis than they were five years ago, and nearly eight in 10 rural adults say they feel comfortable having a conversation about opioids. Being willing to talk about it is a critical piece of the puzzle and this is encouraging progress from where we started five years ago.

Finally, our Christmas letter would not be complete without sharing a bit of the great work of our Foundation for Agriculture in 2022. The Foundation’s Feeding Minds Press keeps churning out high-quality children’s books that help young consumers learn about how their food is grown. But don’t take my word for it. They brought home a Good Housekeeping award for “I LOVE Strawberries!” this year! That’s just one example of the work the Foundation is doing to engage learners of all ages and share the innovative world of agriculture with those far from the farm.

I am so proud to be part of this Farm Bureau family, and I could fill pages bragging on you all and the great work you do together. I hope as you reflect on this year, that you are encouraged by what we can do through our united voice and in service to our communities and that you are excited for what’s to come in the new year. From all my family to yours, have a blessed Christmas.

Agricultural Education

Building the next generation of agriculturalists is imperative to our domestic food, fiber, and fuel supply. We support expanded funding for opportunities that provide exposure to agricultural education, culture, and experiences.

Legislative Priorities

Natural Resources & Environment

Animal health and care are of utmost importance to NM’s farmers and ranchers. NMF&LB will continue to support the ability of producers to utilize generally accepted agricultural practices that are science-based in the production of livestock, poultry, and other animals.

NM producers need affordable and secure sources of energy to meet their production needs. We support domestic energy production which benefits local economies and reduces our dependence on foreign sources. Agriculture will play a vital role in the deployment of renewable energy and the diversification of our energy portfolio.

Secure labor is essential to the agriculture sector. We support efforts to improve the agricultural guest worker program to better meet the needs of agriculturalists while addressing the labor shortage. We support efforts that allow farmers and ranchers to remain profitable as well as programs that look to develop the agricultural workforce.

Animal Care Energy Labor Land Use

Private property is the producer’s largest and most valuable business asset. We will continue to advocate for policies that honor private property rights and support agricultural production while opposing additional regulations which limit producers’ ability to fully utilize their land.

Wildlife

Agriculture plays a major role in providing wildlife habitat and water resources. We will pursue active management approaches that reduce conflict and provide incentives for landowners for damage caused by wildlife.

Agriculture is a vital component of the sustainability and conservation of our natural resources and the environment. We will work with policymakers to ensure climate incentives and policies do not negatively impact the viability of our farmers and ranchers or the tools they use. We oppose a hands-off protectionist approach to resource management. We will continue to support voluntary and incentive-driven approaches to conservation that support multiple-use and active management principles.

Rural Resiliency Value Added and Local Food Systems

Rural communities face many unique challenges especially as the rural-urban divide grows. We will prioritize our rural communities and support policies, programs, and opportunities that work to build economic resilience. We support funding, deployment, expansion, and access to services such as broadband, cellular service, and healthcare. We support economic efforts that assist producers in diversifying their operations.

Rural economies are strongly supported through agricultural production. We support efforts to improve resiliency throughout the food supply chain while providing opportunities for producers to enter the value-added sector.

Water

Agricultural water rights and interests must continue to be acknowledged and protected. Efforts to address water management, development, conservation, efficiency, storage, and compact compliance must honor agricultural use and rights. New Mexico’s prior appropriation doctrine should serve as a compass for water management. We oppose any effort to utilize a highest and best-use model that departs from the traditional understanding and utilization of the principle of beneficial use.

Living with wildlife

EPLUS system mutually beneficial for landowners, outfitters, and wildlife

New Mexico’s Elk Private Land Use System (EPLUS) has been referred to as a model program that “creates new revenues to counterbalance the cost of living with wildlife and promote conservation practices that maintain or enhance habitat.” Yet this system is currently under attack by two special interest groups (the NM Wildlife Federation and NM Backcountry Hunters and Anglers) who are looking to dissolve the system to generate more NM resident hunting licenses.

HISTORY OF EPLUS

During the 1980s the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) came to the realization that if they were going to properly manage elk populations in the state they must do so on both public and private land. Since approximately 50% of New Mexico’s elk habitat is on private land, as elk populations continued to steadily grow, so did the conflict between wildlife and agriculture. In 1989, the New Mexico State Legislature mandated, by statute, that the NMDGF develop a landowner authorization system to provide licenses for elk hunting on private land which would allow for better management of the state’s elk herds.

Because the NM Constitution has an anti-donation clause which prevents any state agency from “directly lending or pledging its credit” to a private landowner, the NMDGF was (and still is) prevented from providing wildlife conflict reimbursements to landowners through direct compensation. The EPLUS program was created to establish an equitable and flexible system that recognizes the contributions of private lands and landowners in the management of elk and their habitats while providing hunting opportunities on private land as a method to support appropriate, biologically sound, and effective harvest goals set by the NMDGF. The program gives hunters and landowners a way to work together to effectively manage elk on private lands.

WHO QUALIFIES AND HOW IT WORKS

For a NM landowner to become eligible to obtain permits through the EPLUS program they must enroll their property according to the elk management zone in which the property is located. Most landowner permits are issued in the Primary Management Zone (PMZ), which is the area where the bulk of NMDGF elk management efforts are focused. Elk authorizations are issued to landowners through a benefit-based allocation system. Each property is evaluated to determine the level of forage, water, cover, surrounding area, and agriculture use. Permits in the PMZ can be issued for deeded acreage (Ranch Only - RO) or Unit Wide (UW), which can be used within the Game Management Unit (GMU).

The Special Management Zone (SMZ) is an area where no specific elk management goals are set, however control of licenses is desirable due to the SMZ elk herd’s proximity to the PMZ elk herds. Elk authorizations issued in the Special Zone are a negotiation between the landowner and Department. All permits authorized to landowners in the SMZ are RO.

The Secondary Management Zone (Secondary) is an area where no specific elk management goals are set by the NMDGF but huntable elk populations exist. Licenses in the Secondary are available over the counter to hunters who possess a ranch code from a landowner who must be registered with the department. Hunters must also have written permission from the landowner issuing the ranch code for their elk license to be valid. All permits in the Secondary are RO.

Most of the private land authorizations issued through the EPLUS system are RO. In fact, less than 15% of the total private land elk authorizations are designated UW. However, landowners who selected the UW option receive authorizations that can be used within the same GMU on all UW private lands, any legally accessible public lands, and other private land (with written permission). Landowners who

By Kerrie Cox Romero, NM Council of Outfitters and Guides Executive Director

choose UW must also agree to allow free access to their entire ranch to all public draw elk hunters.

EPLUS VS TRESPASS FEES

A common argument of those opposed to the EPLUS program is that landowners could instead sell trespass fees to allow hunters to access deeded land. Several states do utilize this type of system and those states have proven that straight trespass fees work for very large landowners but are ineffective in managing elk herds located on small, deeded properties or properties with high levels of checkerboard public/private land. Additionally, trespass fees systems are difficult to regulate and do not promote partnership between agriculture and wildlife conservation. The trespass fee systems also lead to other wildlife management decisions such as how to distribute hunting permits.

One assumption is that permits under a trespass fee system would be distributed through the public land draw. In NM, a distribution of tags exclusively through the draw would lead to financial complications to the NMDGF since tags allocated through the draw are restricted to the resident/nonresident quota (84% of bull tags, and 100% of cow tags would go to resident under this scenario). Because the NMDGF depends on nonresident revenues generated primarily through the EPLUS program, a sudden redistribution of tags to resident hunters (who pay 6 times less for a license) would have devastating consequences for the agency’s annual budget. But that problem aside; distributing all elk tags through the draw would have

other dire consequences. The most alarming of which would be the amount of hunting pressure that would be created on public land.

NM landowners are not just going to open their private land to hunters for free. After all, they could do that right now if they wanted to and they don’t. A trespass fee system (like EPLUS) would primarily be utilized by hunters who have the means to pay for access. Most NM resident hunters would not be willing to pay trespass fees and would instead look to use public land. This would increase the number of hunters on public land, decrease overall hunter satisfaction, push elk herds further onto private land, and increase landowner/elk conflict. Why would NM want to risk the quality of elk hunting just to move to a straight trespass fee system?

CONCLUSION

The EPLUS program is not broken. In fact, it is the envy of many states that have not yet adopted the idea of transferable landowner tags. More and more western states are looking to NM as a model that is mutually beneficial to all stakeholders; hunters, landowners, outfitters and most of all, wildlife. The EPLUS program exists to facilitate landowner partnership in the conservation of the state’s elk herds. Dissolving the program may create a slight increase in resident hunter opportunity but it would deteriorate the quality of elk hunting in NM, put unnecessary stress on our elk populations, and reverse decades of partnership between the NMDGF and NM landowners.

2220 N. Telshor

Las Cruces, NM 88011

ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

NMF&LB

NEW MEXICO FARM & LIVESTOCK BUREAU

Since 1917 . . . a Leader in New Mexico

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

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

REGIONAL DIRECTORS

Benjie Segovia Dakota Belcher

Tiffany Rivera

Director of Governmental Affairs

Traci Curry Director, Ag in the Classroom

Britney Lardner

Coordinator, Ag in the Classroom

Francisco Hatay

Membership and Marketing Manager

Katelin Spradley

Director of Communications and Media Relations

Cecilia Diaz-Johnson Bookkeeper

Theresa Widner

Executive Administrative Assistant