Fall 2025 NM Farm and Ranch

NEW MEXICO Farm & Ranch

The offical publication of New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

6 Shuts Down Government

7 As a NMF&LB Delegate

10 A Message from our Partners at FBFS

23 NMF&LB Annual Meeting Schedule

COLUMNS NMF&LB President AFBF President NMF&LB CEO

NMAITC Increasing Support NM Grow Project Winners Announced Ag Literarcy Project

OTHER On the Cover: Curry County President, Zane Slater with youth scholarship recipients to compete at NMF&LB YF&R Youth discussion meet

NMF&LB Annual Meeting Save the Date AFBF Save the Date Meet the new NMF&LB Staff Fall 2025 3

AFBF President’s Column The Zipline

By Zippy Duvall

Ag Innovation Challenge Bringing the Future of Our Farms

Agriculture is about the future. Farmers are always looking ahead for how we can do better from one season to the next. We are looking for ways to leave the land better than we found it. We are looking for innovative ideas to strengthen our communities and bring the next generation to the farm to ensure our nation continues to have a safe, healthy food supply. We rely on forward-thinkers, researchers and entrepreneurs who will help us create a brighter future for agriculture.

That’s why the Ag Innovation Challenge is a hallmark competition for the American Farm Bureau.

Duvall cont. on page 16

NMF&LB President’s Column From the President

By Larry Reagan

Exciting Times for New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau

It’s County Annual Meeting season, and that means big things are happening for New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. These meetings are at the heart of what makes Farm Bureau a true grassroots organization —this is where policy begins.

Reagan cont. on page 17

NMF&LB CEO’s Column From the CEO

By Benjamin Segovia

The 2025 Wrap-Up: Wins, Growth and Momentum

As we look back on the past year at New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, we're proud of the progress we've made in three key areas: Advocacy, Organizational Growth, and Member Engagement. These pillars have strengthened our foundation and energized our mission to serve New Mexico agriculture.

Segovia cont. on page 17 4 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

AFBF CORNER Congress Fails to Pass Budget Resolution, Shuts Down Federal Government Smith: The Congressional budget year runs through September 30, and the clock has recently run out. Emily Buckman, director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said Congress was unable to reach an agreement to keep the federal government open.

Buckman: Republicans, which hold the majority in both the House and Senate, have insisted on passing a clean funding bill, which means legislation with no controversial policy provisions attached, while a democratic minority has wanted to pass a temporary funding bill that would address Affordable Care Act premium subsidies that are due to expire at the end of the calendar year.

Smith: Buckman said the shutdown will affect some of the services offered to farmers and ranchers.

Buckman: So, for instance, local USDA office services are diminished, making it difficult for rural Americans to access important programs and services. Farmers can't take out loans, including mortgage and crop loans. A shutdown impacts disaster payments that help farmers make it through times of crisis.

Smith: The House previously passed a continuing resolution that will fund the government into November, which the Senate is now trying to pass. Buckman says it will take both chambers working together to bring the shutdown to a close.

Buckman: Farm Bureau has urged the House and Senate to work together to pass legislation that funds the government, so they can get back to work on other matters, including the regular appropriations process, as well as reevaluating the farm bill. A government shutdown impacts all Americans and has serious consequences, including for farmers. It just adds additional uncertainty, disrupts critical services.

Smith: Chad Smith, Washington.

Farm Bureau Applauds Proposed Rescission of Misguided Land Rule American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on a Bureau of Land Management proposal to rescind the 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health Rule which threatened the future of ranching in the U.S. by destabilizing a decades-old tradition of grazing on federal lands.

“Farm Bureau applauds the administration and Secretary Burgum for recognizing that the 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health Rule would do the opposite of its stated goal by limiting ranchers’ efforts in the stewardship of public lands. Farmers and ranchers care for the resources they’ve been entrusted with, and grazing on public lands helps clear brush that can fuel wildfires, controls invasive species and brings overall health benefits to the land.

“AFBF challenged the Biden administration in court because the rule exceeds the Bureau of Land Management’s authority and would have unfairly impacted America’s ranchers by limiting their ability to deliver safe and affordable protein to America’s families.

We appreciate the current administration for hearing our concerns, and we now urge them to move forward quickly to rescind this misguided rule.”

Turkey Inventory Squeezed as Shoppers Look Toward Thanksgiving USDA recently released its Turkeys Raised Report just ahead of Thanksgiving. Chad Smith has more on what’s in store for the holiday.

Smith: As the weather turns cooler across the U.S., many shoppers are beginning to plan holiday meals. American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Bernt Nelson says USDA’s latest Turkeys Raised Report gives us some important insight on the size of the U.S. flock ahead of Thanksgiving.

Nelson: Now this number came in estimated at 195 million turkeys raised in 2025. This is down about three percent from 200 million turkeys raised in 2024. Now, if we look a little bit further back, this is down 16 percent from about 10 years ago, and 35 percent from the peak of the report, which had about 301 million turkeys being raised in 1996.

Smith: He said turkey farmers saw some good news on the HPAI front throughout the last few months, but the situation is starting to change.

Nelson: We had very few detections throughout the summer. If you looked at June, there was just a couple detections, none in July, and just a couple in August to kind of round out the month. But now, as we've gotten into September, cases have started to pick back up again. There have been 15 additional detections in September. This has affected about three-and-three-quarter million birds.

Smith: Nelson says there is some good news, though, as turkeys for Thanksgiving are already in the pipeline and shouldn’t see much impact due to the rising number of avian influenza cases.

Nelson: It shouldn't have a major impact going forward on the prices as we get closer to Thanksgiving. I think you'll see a little bit more consistency. The prices are definitely higher than last year. We see that uptick right now in the wholesale price by about 40 percent, so we'll definitely see some price increases there, but I don't think they're going to go a whole lot higher above where they are at.

Smith: Chad Smith, Washington

As a New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Delegate In the ever-evolving landscape of American agriculture, the voice of the farmer and rancher has never been more critical. With complex regulations, shifting market conditions, environmental concerns, and technological changes influencing the industry daily, it is essential that those who live and work on the land have a say in the policies that govern their livelihoods. One of the most powerful and effective ways for farmers and ranchers to shape their future is by serving as a New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau delegate. A delegate plays a vital role in the policy-making process of the organization. These individuals are not just attendees at annual meetings—they are decision-makers, representatives, and advocates for agriculture at the local, state, and national levels. Their contributions ensure that the organization remains a true grassroots federation, driven by the people it serves.

What is a delegate? Delegates are elected by their peers to represent counties or districts at the state annual meeting.

These meetings are where the Farm and Livestock Bureau’s policy positions are proposed, debated, amended, and adopted. The decisions made by delegates guide the organization's advocacy efforts, legislative priorities, and strategic direction for the coming year. Delegates may include farmers, ranchers, agribusiness professionals, and other individuals involved in agriculture who are agricultural members of their local county farm and livestock bureau. Delegates serve as a conduit for communication between the local level and state or national leadership. When they stand up to speak at a policy session, they carry with them the collective voice of their county.

Their insights, lived experiences, and perspectives ensure that policy remains grounded in reality.Their job is not ceremonial; it requires engagement, thoughtful deliberation, and a commitment to accurately represent their local agricultural community’s interests.

The Farm Bureau’s strength lies in its grassroots structure. Unlike top-down organizations, policies start at the local level.

7 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

Members propose resolutions at their county meetings, which, if passed, move on to state resolutions committee.

Eventually, the most critical and widely supported proposals reach the state or national annual meeting floor for final debate and adoption by delegates. This bottom-up approach ensures that policy positions are truly reflective of the needs, concerns, and innovations of real farmers and ranchers across the state. Delegates are the crucial link in this chain, turning local voices into official policy stances.

By participating in this process, a delegate helps set the tone for lobbying efforts with state legislators, Congress, and federal agencies. Whether it’s fighting for crop insurance reform, opposing burdensome regulations, or promoting rural broadband access, every policy begins with a delegate representing their fellow producers.

A delegate is more than just a voting member—they are an advocate for their community, charged with ensuring that rural and agricultural voices are not lost in the noise of politics or bureaucracy.By engaging in the policy development process, delegates help create an environment where farms and rural communities can thrive, not just survive.

The role of a Farm Bureau delegate is essential in keeping the organization grounded in its grassroots values and responsive to the needs of the people it serves. These individuals are more than just meeting attendees—they are stewards of policy, champions of agriculture, and leaders in their communities.

At a time when many rural voices feel unheard, farm and livestock bureau delegates ensure that agriculture remains at the table—not on the menu. Their work ensures that farmers and ranchers have a strong, united voice in shaping the future of American agriculture.

If you are a member of your local farm and livestock bureau and care deeply about the direction of agriculture in your state and nation, consider stepping into this vital role.

Your voice matters—and as a delegate, it can make a real difference.

Memo: To: County Farm Bureau Presidents CC: County Secretaries From: Benjamin Segovia Date: October 1, 2025 Subject: Delegate Allocation for the NMF&LB Annual Meeting _______________________________________________________________________________________ __ Dear County Presidents, As we prepare for the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau Annual Meeting scheduled for November 20, I am writing to inform you of the number of delegates each county is entitled to for the House of Delegates.

Per the Article VII, Section 5 of our bylaws – “The regular members within a county shall be entitled to representation at the annual meeting of voting delegates and at any regular or special meeting of members, by one voting delegate, and one additional voting delegate for each sixty regular members, or major fraction thereof. Representation at any annual meeting of voting delegates or regular or special meeting of members shall be determined on the basis of regular membership on September 30th.”

Accordingly, the number of delegates your county may send is listed in the attached 2025 Voting Delegate Report.

Please ensure that your selected delegates are submitted by November 10. There will be no substitutions after that date. Attached, you will find the necessary delegate credentials form.

This meeting is a critical opportunity for counties to influence policy and governance within our organization. Your participation in the House of Delegates ensures that the voices of your county’s members are heard and represented.

If you have any questions about the delegate process or the upcoming meeting, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to the success of the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau.

Please contact your field representative for additional assistance.

8 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

Fall 2025

9

When Should You Increase Your Life Insurance Coverage? (5 Tell-Tale Signs) How do you know if you need to increase your life insurance coverage?

Your recommended life insurance coverage depends on your stage of life, your family size and status, your income, and much more. When those things change, your life insurance needs change. So, if any of these things have happened to you, contact your Farm Bureau agent to discuss increasing your life insurance coverage.

1. You’ve Grown Your Family Adding a child to the family is a joyous celebration, but it’s also expensive. The average cost of raising a child is over $200,000. If one partner passes away, it can suddenly be a struggle to have enough money to pay for all of those expenses. An appropriately sized life insurance policy can help ensure that your partner has a safety net and your children will be supported.

2. You’ve Increased Your Financial Commitments Having the right life insurance coverage gives you peace of mind that your financial commitments wouldn’t overwhelm your family if you were to pass away. If you’ve recently added to your financial responsibilities, such as starting a business, funding the care for an aging relative (either at home or a facility) or purchasing a new home, you should consider increasing your coverage.

3. Your Family’s Employment Status Has Changed Earning a promotion or a significant raise signifies the increased value you bring to your employer, and it also changes how much income you bring to your family.

When your paycheck increases, consider changing your coverage to take into account your higher income.

You should also consider increasing your coverage if your spouse is no longer working outside the home.

Paycheck replacement is an important reason many people have life insurance; if yours are the only earnings, a higher level of coverage could help alleviate the stress of your partner immediately finding a way to support your family.

4. Your Long-Term Needs Have Changed The purpose of life insurance is to care for your loved ones even after you pass away. If someone you care for has been diagnosed with a chronic disease that requires additional care over their lifespan, or has suffered a life-changing injury, an increase in your life insurance coverage can help provide them with the ongoing support they need.

5. You’re Thinking About Estate Planning There are a variety of ways to transfer wealth, but don’t discount life insurance as a way to leave an inheritance. This is especially helpful if some of your heirs will inherit a farm or business. You can designate other heirs as life insurance beneficiaries to equalize the inheritances.

Protect the Ones You Love Talk to a Farm Bureau agent if you have experienced any of these life changes or if you think your life insurance coverage doesn’t meet your needs. Increasing your coverage can be an easy way to achieve the peace of mind that comes from knowing the ones you love are protected.

To learn more go to fbfs.com Note: this link is embedded for tracking purposes: https://www.fbfs.com/insurance/life-insurance?utm_campaign=lifeinsurance&utm_source=nmflb.org%2Fnews%2Fnewsletter&utm_medium=corp-pr&utm_content=lc-increase-life-insurance

10 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

Unexpected Things Life Insurance Can Help How Life Insurance Can Help Take Care of The Unexpected Life insurance gives your family important protection in case you’re not there to provide for them someday.

But there are other uses of life insurance that can help, too. If you’re asking yourself, “What can I do with life insurance?” here are a few times when it might be helpful.

Long-Term Care Expenses With some policies, you can access money to pay for long-term care expenses like help with daily activities or care in a nursing home. So, if you need this type of care, you may be able to use some of your life insurance benefits.

Chronic or Terminal Illnesses In some cases, you can use a life insurance rider to receive benefits if you’re diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness. You may want the money to travel while you’re still healthy enough, pay for medical bills or pass on to your heirs while you’re still with them.

Retirement Income You might be able to use life insurance while you’re alive to supplement your retirement income with the cash value you’ve built up in your policy. You may be able to take out a loan against your policy’s cash value.

These loans are usually received tax-free.

Cash Withdrawals You may also be able to withdraw money from the cash value of the life insurance policy to use for the down payment on a home, a child’s education, a financial emergency or another reason. Be aware you may have to pay income taxes on these withdrawals.

Buying Time to Sell Assets If your business will be liquidated after your death, life insurance can buy some time. That way, your family or employees have cash to cover expenses, so they don’t have to sell assets quickly, when they might have to take low offers for them.

Business Succession Planning You can use a life insurance policy to fund a buy-sell agreement and reclaim the shares of a co-owner when they pass away or depart your business. A partnership or family buy-sell agreement can help ensure a smooth transition of ownership between business partners or heirs.

Secure Financing Life insurance can also help you get financing for your business. You can name the bank as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy so they know the loan will be paid back if you pass away.

Get Advice on Your Life Insurance Options Keep in mind that using the value of your life insurance policy when you’re alive will reduce the amount your beneficiaries receive after your death. So, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons and make the choices that are right for your family.

Understanding all your options when you’re figuring out what life insurance can be used for might be confusing or overwhelming. Farm Bureau agents can help you sort through your choices and explain them to you so you can make sense of it all. Reach out today to schedule a review and make sure you have the protection you need.

To learn more visit fbfs.com Note: this link is embedded for tracking purposes: https://www.fbfs.com/insurance/life-insurance?utm_campaign=lifeinsurance&utm_source=nmflb.org%2Fnews%2Fnewsletter&utm_medium=corp-pr&utm_content=lc-use-life-insurance

Fall 2025 11

NM AG IN THE CLASSROOM

INCREASING SUPPORT! Chevron Increases Support By 60% "Chevron is proud to deepen our partnership with New New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom (NMAITC) is pleased to announce that Chevron has increased its support by 60% and is a top-tier Platinum Apple Sponsor at $40,000 in 2025.

Chevron's support has enhanced agriculture education by reaching a broader audience. At the New Mexico State Fair's STEM Day, Chevron sponsored teacher totes filled with hands-on activities, resources, and lessons designed for middle and high school students and teachers to explore STEM careers in agriculture.

Additionally, Chevron showcased a special hydroponics education opportunity for interested classrooms and organized a "lifecycle of a chile pepper" activity for participating families at their booth throughout the fair. This collaboration and outreach will continue at various events across the state, including the NMSU Ag Day game.

Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom," said Meegan Fierro Abella, Chevron Director,New Mexico Region.

"By supporting hands-on STEM learning tied to agriculture, we're helping students and teachers across New Mexico explore the vital connection between science, technology, and the food systems that sustain our communities. Investing in education is investing in the future of New Mexico."

NM State Fair Chevron Booth: Ethan Wright & Beverly Allen (Chevron)

Chevron Corporation is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. Through its subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide, the company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry.

More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

NM State Fair STEM Day Ag Career Activity: Britney Lardner, Shae Devers, & Beverly Allen (Chevron)

"We are very grateful for Chevron's enhanced support and their commitment to agriculture in New Mexico," said Traci Curry, director of New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom. "Chevron's support allows us to expand our efforts in providing innovative methods for students to engage with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, particularly in relation to agriculture-related careers for New Mexico teachers and their students."

We want to express our gratitude to Britney Lardner for her hard work and dedication to NM Ag in the Classroom since 2020. Her efforts have significantly contributed to our growth and success during her time with us.

We congratulate her on her new position as the Marketing and Events Manager with the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau and look forward to all the great things she will do! www.nmatic.org

NM AG IN THE CLASSROOM

AGvocates On the Move Read An Ag Accurate Book Week Reaps Rewards!

In just four days, from September 2nd to September 5th, 2025, 17 volunteers statewide assisted over 21 teachers and 577 students in learning about agriculture during Read an Accurate Ag Book Week. Students explored various topics, from pecans and soil to ice cream and ranching, gaining insights from experts in the field. Volunteers from the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service), Luna County 4-H, the Early College High School FFA in Roswell, and NM CowBelles played a crucial role in this initiative, helping to inspire future interest in agriculture and natural resources. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated!

NMF&LB/NMF&LB Foundation Board Members: Macey McDonald Jamie Viramontes Family Tina Wilson Patty Waid Benjamin Segovia (NMF&LB CEO) NMF&LB Members & NM CowBelles: Vonda Frost Mary Esther Grider Earlene Ellett Britney Lardner Partnering Organizations: Katherine Turner & Luna County 4-H Kassi Carpenter & Early College High School FFA in Roswell (Read to over 100 students!)

NRCS Volunteers: Jim Armendariz Kellie Rodriguez Maggie Gnann Athena Cholas

Benjamin Segovia

Patty Waid

Mary Esther Grider

Jim Armendariz

Earlene Ellett

Tina Wilson

NRCS Team

The Viramontes Family

www.nmatic.org

Fall 2025 15

Ag Innovation Challenge Bringing the Future of Our Farms cont.

Innovation Drives Agriculture Like most farmers, I love getting to check out the latest equipment and technology at a farm show. Sometimes, I think about how amazed my grandfather would be at how far we have come from the days that it was just him, his mule and his plow. Thanks to advances in technology and innovation, farmers are growing more with less. We are able to be more precise when we’re using critical tools and valuable resources on the farm— from water to fertilizer and pesticides. Technology is also changing the way we do business on the farm, from how we monitor our crop and livestock health to how we streamline our businesses, saving time and money.

Farm Bureau’s Ag Innovation Challenge, in partnership with Farm Credit, is elevating and spurring on businesses that are helping farmers solve on-theground challenges. We are now in our 12th year of this competition, which was the first national business competition of its kind focused exclusively on President Zippy Duvall rural entrepreneurs, by the way. Over the years, we have invested more than $1 million in innovative businesses that are focused on strengthening our farms and rural communities. This year, the Ag Innovation Challenge will award a total of $145,000 in startup funds throughout the entire competition, thanks to the support of our generous sponsors: Farm Credit, Bayer Crop Science, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services and T-Mobile. “Over the years, we have invested more than $1 million in innovative businesses that are focused on strengthening our farms and rural communities.”

Innovation Drives Farm Bureau The final round of the Ag Innovation Challenge takes center stage every year at the AFBF Convention, and this coming year will be no exception. The final four teams will compete live in front of a panel of judges at the Cultivation Center Stage on our trade show floor in Anaheim,California, on Sunday, Jan. 11. Farm Bureau shines the spotlight on these entrepreneurs because we know how important it is for them to connect with farmers and ranchers, as well as other businesses and leaders in agriculture. AFBF Convention attendees get to hear about these all-star businesses directly from the innovators and entrepreneurs themselves. Those connections don’t end after the final four competitors walk off the stage, either. Take, for example, the 2025 Ag Innovation Challenge winner, Gripp, a company that provides farmers a user-friendly platform to track assets, communicate across teams, and keep everything on the farm running smoothly. Gripp is now a Member Benefits partner of the American Farm Bureau Federation. This means more savings for Farm Bureau members with exclusive discounts on products and services from Gripp. This kind of partnership is another solid reminder of how Farm Bureau is committed to investing in the future of agriculture and to bringing benefits and cost savings to our members today.

Innovation Drives the Future We recently announced the four finalist teams for the 2026 Ag Innovation Challenge, and I cannot wait for AFBF Convention attendees to meet them and learn more about their businesses. In the meantime, here’s a little preview of each company. KiposTech of Pennsylvania is working to improve biosecurity through innovation to make poultry barns even healthier. They offer plasma-based air disinfection and AI-powered monitoring solutions to help protect birds from airborne diseases, dust and ammonia. CryoBio of New York is focused on tackling the threat that frost poses to crops. They are developing biotech solutions to protect crops, to build plants’ natural defenses, and to prevent crop damage and loss. Vivid Machines of Washington state is using AI to help fruit producers cut labor costs and consistently hit yield and quality goals. Their tool provides real-time data and insights to help growers, packing houses and marketers as they make decisions for growing, harvesting, and sales. FarmSmarter.ai of Louisiana is the first AI platform to bring agricultural workflows into one place, in addition to answering questions and offering research-based solutions to help farmers save time and money and stay compliant. Each of these impressive finalists will have a chance to compete for $100,000 in startup funds in January. The runner-up will be awarded $25,000, and the remaining two businesses will each receive $10,000. I hope you will make plans to join us at the 2026 AFBF Convention in Anaheim, Jan. 9-14, to see how these entrepreneurs—and agriculture leaders from across the country—are innovating and exploring ways that we can “Imagine. Grow. Lead.”

16 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

Exciting Times for New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau cont.

President Larry Reagan District 2

At the county level, farmers and ranchers gather to share concerns about laws, government agencies, or issues they see on the horizon. Together, they discuss possible solutions, and those ideas are written into resolutions. From there, resolutions are sent to the state office, where a committee made up of county presidents and state board members reviews them and makes recommendations.

Importantly, all resolutions—whether recommended or not—are presented to the House of Delegates at the annual meeting. If a resolution is adopted by membership representation, it becomes part of our official policy manual. That manual is the playbook our staff, board members, and officers follow when representing Farm Bureau during the upcoming 30-day legislative session.

The impact doesn’t stop at the state line. If a resolution is relevant nationally, it is sent on to American Farm Bureau for consideration at their annual meeting in January. In fact, several resolutions born right here in New Mexico have been adopted nationally and are now part of AFBF’s policy book.

This process is what makes Farm Bureau unique: our policy direction comes directly from our members. It’s grassroots democracy in action, and it ensures that the voices of farmers and ranchers are heard—at the local, state, and national level.

The 2025 Wrap-Up: Wins, Growth and Momentum

CEO Benjamin Segovia “Come and join us at New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Annual Meeting, November 20-21, 2025 in Albuquerque, NM at the Embassy Suites, where members will participate in the active conversation and policy development.”

Advocacy: Our 2025 Legislative Pre-Session Conference and Ag Fest brought together a wide range of voices—members, agency leaders, and policymakers —to prepare for the year ahead. With over 1,000 attendees, Ag Fest has become a cornerstone event, reinforcing the vital role agriculture plays in our state. These efforts help ensure our policies reflect the real needs of our agricultural community.

Organizational Growth: We welcomed new talent across several key positions, each bringing fresh energy and expertise to our team. From communications to education and field services, these additions are already helping us grow stronger and more effective. Professional development, like our participation in the Western Field Staff Conference and national training events, has equipped our staff with tools to better serve our members. We’re also proud of our expanded partnerships, like Ag Day at the Isotopes game, which helped connect agriculture with the public in fun, meaningful ways.

Member Value & Engagement: From national conferences to local events, we've focused on providing meaningful opportunities for members to learn, connect, and lead. Events like the Women in Ag Leadership Conference and YF&R Golf Tournament continue to grow in impact and participation. We’re especially grateful for the dedicated volunteers supporting programs like Ag in the Classroom, which help inspire the next generation.

As we move forward, we remain committed to strengthening our grassroots network, supporting county bureaus, and deepening partnerships across the agricultural community. With unity, dedication, and a shared vision, we’re confident that the best is yet to come.

Fall 2025 17

Amanda Sparks

New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau New Staff

Field Services Manager - Districts 4&5 Amanda is from Los Lunas, New Mexico, where she has called home for the last 17 years. She is a recent graduate from Adams State University, in Alamosa, Colorado, earning her Bachelor’s of Science in geoscience, emphasizing in physical geography and conservation, having additional studies in environmental science, natural resources, and water. Amanda was an active member of the agricultural business club at her school, and a finalist during last year’s Colorado Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet where she first learned about Farm Bureau and our mission. That is where she found her passion in advocating for the agriculture industry, and is excited to pursue that passion in this line of work for her home state of New Mexico.

Shawn Agar Field Services Manager - District 1&5

Shawn Agar grew up on his family’s cow-calf operation in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. He attended Redlands Community College and Oklahoma State University, where he was a member of both schools’ livestock judging teams and earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Agriculture at Oklahoma State University while serving as the Field Services Manager for the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau.

WE ARE

Braden Mounyo Office Assistant

Braden Mounyo is our new office assistant at the State Office in Las Cruces. Braden is 19 years old. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised in Socorro, NM, where he has lived his entire life. He graduated from Socorro High School in 2024 and began his college education at Eastern New Mexico University. Currently, Home Office Assistant he is a sophomore studying online. His major is Business Administration, and he plans to graduate with his bachelor's degree in 2028.

Field Services

20 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

November 19, 2025

2025 YOUTH DISCUSSION MEET

Albuquerque, New Mexico

REGISTER @ nmflb.org/Events if you have any questions, contact Katie Adams at katiea@nmflb.org or (575)339-3664

NMF&LB WLP

The NMF&LB WLP has been and is excited to begin planning their events for this next year. If you are interested in being involved, please reach out to us!

Thank you to our WLP members, Earlene Ellett, Carlina Harris, and Cheryl Hartman for attending and passing out cowbells at the NMF&LB Isotopes event.

AFBF Women’s Communications Boot Camp 2025

Macey McDonald

My name is Macey McDonald, and I serve as the District II Representative on the State Board of Directors as well as the Second Vice Chairman of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. I have recently been accepted into the 23rd Class of the Farm Bureau Women’s Communications Boot Camp. This intensive communications training will be held in Washington, DC, October 27 – 30, 2025. I became interested in this program after visiting with my fellow board member, mentor, and friend, Kimberly Miller. Kimberly is a graduate of the Women’s Communications Boot Camp and considered this training to be some of the best she had ever received. I have a strong interest in strengthening my knowledge of political communication, and I look forward to the networking and overall communications development this Boot Camp will provide. I appreciate the continued support of my employer, Agri-Plan Crop Insurance, and New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau.

SAVE THE DATE

NMF&LB ANNUAL MEETING NOVEMBER 20-21, 2025

NEW MEXICO Farm & Ranch

2220 N. Telshor Blvd. Las Cruces, NM 88011

OFFICERS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STAFF

Cecilia Diaz-Johnson Ron Baca, Aztec Director of Finance Bud Deerman, La Mesa Traci Curry Jim Ellett, Hope Director of NMAITC Duane Frost, Claunch Shae Devers Leon Hemann, McDonald NMAITC Sr. Program Coordinator Gary Hathorn, Flora Vista Ethan Wright John Jackson, Lake Arthur NMAITC Program Coordinator Russell Johnson, Columbus Katie Adams Deena Kinman, Elida Director of County and Leadership Donald Martinez, El Rito Development Macey McDonald, Clovis Jesi Watson Kim Miller, Grenville Amanda Sparks Tommy Ortiz, Las Vegas Shawn Agar Troy Sauble, Maxwell Field Services Managers Jamie Viramontes, Deming Cheryl Butterfield Leonard Valerio, Española Communications Manager Tina Wilson, Las Cruces Britney Lardner Tom Wilton, Ft. Sumner Marketing and Events Manager Connie Rooks, Chair Theresa Widner Women’s Leadership Committee Executive Administrative Assistant Joel Ferguson, Chair Braden Mouyon Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee Office Assistant

Larry Reagan President, Ft. Sumner Don Hartman st 1 Vice President, Deming Travis Harris nd 2 Vice President, San Antonio Benjamin Segovia Chief Executive Officer