August 2014 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

™ ® August 2014

Volume 71, No. 7

New Mexico Ag in the Classroom Hosts Teacher Workshop

by Dalene Hodnett, Director of Communications and Media Relations Talk about making a difference. In a pre-conference survey participants were asked, “Are you involved in agriculture?” Out of 24 participants nine said “no.” When the same question was asked in the post-conference evaluation all 24 said “Yes.” That is a significant turn-around and points to the impact New Mexico Ag in the Classroom achieved with their “Workshop on Wheels” July 29 -30 in the Clovis/Portales area.

Teachers from across the state gathered to learn about the importance of agriculture in New Mexico and our varied food products. The two-day event included a full day of presentations, lessons and useful classroom activities, as well as a tour day to explore agriculture throughout the community.

The tour included a stop at the MidFrisian Dairy (pictured top right). and Freanna Yoghurt led by the van der Ploeg family - Andle and his wife

Sjierkje, and their son Jeroen and his wife Traci.

Nancy Rogers, owner of the Clovis Livestock Auction gave them a tour of her sale barn (pictured bottom left) and the local brand inspector, Barry Allen spoke about the history of brands and the role the New Mexico Livestock Board plays in keeping livestock healthy. Teachers enjoyed a great meal (pictured bottom right) cont. on page 6

NMAITC says Thank You for the tasty food and good company during the “Meet a Farmer/Rancher Luncheon”

Senator Pat Woods Traci van der Ploeg Doug Gibbs Lynn Cooper Bill & Maureen Rush Steve & Judy Myrick Keith O’Rear Mr. & Mrs. Allen Kelley Brent Queener Deena Kinman Wayne Baker August 2014

Larry & Kathy Reagan The van der Ploeg family Cheryl Tuttle Robbie Jones Tommy Holmes Leon Autrey Gallery Fifteen Bistro Farm Credit’s Verity Ulibarri and family Tasha Wall/ Walls Farm Kathy Rush

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IDEAS AND ELBOW GREASE

The President’s Column

By Michael S. White, President

Words Matter What do you think of when you hear the word “comment?” Such a mild word,seems harmless, like having a comment on something doesn’t really matter. A passing expression of opinion that doesn’t have a lasting impact.

But to the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and all governmental agencies whether State or Federal, a comment is a big deal. Submitting a comment is your only opportunity to voice your opinion about proposed actions by governmental agencies. Comments are so important to us as food producers, members of rural communities or as just a citizen they should be renamed to “protests” or “objections.” These are stronger words that carry emotion and meaning. It’s easier to motivate someone to protest an issue because that means they are taking it personally.

Maybe that’s why the bureaucracy chose the word comment so as not to raise your ire. So that you wouldn’t get fired up. But agriculture needs you to be fired up.

No matter where you live in New Mexico there are actions pending by so many government agencies that negatively impact your farm, ranch or local community and your ability to pass it down to your family that there is not room enough in this column to list them all. Whether it is the proposed expansion of wolf habitat, road closures in the forest, BLM resource management plans, or potential pipeline projects, there is always an issue open for comments.

What is the commenting process? According to “A Citizen’s Guide to the NEPA” (National Environmental Policy Act) which can be found here: http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/Citizens_ Guide_Dec07.pdf Farm & Ranch Page 2

“Commenting may be the most important contribution from citizens.” Comments are the mechanism by which you as an individual or agency qualify for “standing” when you disagree with a chosen proposal and wish to voice your opinion as to why a particular law or regulation effects you, your business or industry.

The guide notes that comments “that are solution oriented and provide specific examples will be more effective than those that simply oppose the proposed project. Comments that contribute to developing alternatives that address the purpose and need for the action are also effective. They are particularly helpful early in the NEPA or commenting process and should be made, if at all possible, during scoping, to ensure that reasonable alternatives can be analyzed and considered early in the process.”

Furthermore “In drafting comments, try to focus on the purpose and need of the proposed action, the proposed alternatives, the assessment of the environmental impacts of those alternatives, and the proposed mitigation. It also helps to be aware of what other types of issues the decision maker is considering in relationship to the proposed action.”

However, “Commenting is not a form of “voting” on an alternative. The number of negative comments an agency receives does not prevent an action from moving forward. Numerous comments that repeat the same basic message of support or opposition will typically be responded to collectively. In addition, general comments that state an action will have “significant environmental effects” will not help an agency make a better decision unless the relevant causes and environmental effects are explained.”

Commenting seems complicated, but it is required for us to have a say in the activities of federal and state agencies.

In order to ensure the success of future agricultural endeavors, and to make sure your family farm/ranch stays in the family, we need our NMF&LB members to be involved, engaged and vocal.

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THE AG AGENDA

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

AFBF Says “Ditch the Rule!”

Americans expect straight talk from their government. If our government says something, you ought to be able to take it to the bank, as the saying goes.

The Environmental Protection Agency is not meeting that expectation. Instead of making things clear when it comes to how the proposed “Waters of the U.S.” rule would affect farmers and other landowners, the EPA is muddying the waters.

It’s Complicated Two Supreme Court rulings have limited EPA’s and the Corps of Engineers’ authority under the Clean Water Act to waters that are navigable or have a “significant nexus” to navigable waters.

EPA claims the rulings “complicated” the permitting process. The reality is not all that complicated: The agencies dislike the rulings and are simply trying to write regulations that allow them to do what the Supreme Court has said they cannot do— regulate nearly all waters.

EPA has said that it only wants to bring “clarity and consistency” to the process.

That sounds reasonable. Good talking point. The only problem is the statement does not reflect what is in the proposed rule. The regulation will automatically regulate countless small and remote socalled “waters” that are usually dry and, in fact, look like land to you and me. This is far more than a “clarification.” It is a dramatic expansion of federal power. Expanding the federal government’s jurisdiction under the guise of bringing clarity and consistency to the process is the opposite of straight talk.

We Read the Fine Print When regulators show up on farms and ranches, they won’t be looking back at talking points to decide whether farming requires an expensive federal permit. They will use the regulation. So let’s take a look at the fine print.

Ditches—The rule regulates ditches as “tributaries.” EPA claims that the rule would exclude ditches, but the so-called ditch exclusion only covers ditches dug August 2014

entirely in “uplands.” The rule doesn’t define “uplands” (so much for clarity), but we know that uplands are not wetlands, and most ditches are “wetland” at some point along their length. That’s just one reason Farm Bureau believes the narrow ditch “exclusion” will be meaningless.

Farming exemptions—EPA offers assurances that all farming and ranching exemptions are being preserved under the rule. But those exemptions are extremely limited when it comes to activities in jurisdictional waters. That’s why the exemptions will not protect most ordinary farming and ranching from permit requirements if ditches and low spots in farm fields are regulated, as they will be under the proposed rule.

Under the rule, federal permits would be needed for common farming activities such as applying fertilizer or pesticides, or moving cattle, if materials that are considered pollutants would fall into regulated low spots or ditches. Farmers can’t wait for federal permits to fertilize or protect their crops from pests and diseases.

Permits also would be required for activities such as plowing, planting and fencing in these new “waters of the U.S.” unless a farmer has been farming the same land for decades, raising hurdles for beginning farmers.

Landowners could be in for a rude awakening—faced with penalties or lawsuits for the very things EPA says the rule doesn’t cover. Farm Bureau is dedicated to preventing that from happening, and we thank those leaders in the House and Senate who, in a bipartisan manner, are standing up for farmers and other landowners.

We hope EPA officials will read the fine print. We have, and that’s how we know it’s time to Ditch the Rule!

Save the Date!

If your farming or ranching operation depends on grazing,

New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau will host our Annual Meeting at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque, November 20-21.

Hope to see you there!

the dangers of drought. Pasture, Rangeland and Forage

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including permanent forage crops, you know all too well insurance from Farm Credit of New Mexico can cover your back. Apply by November 15 for protection against decreased biomass.

Call (800) 755-6432 or visit www.FarmCreditNM.com

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We Have the Infrastructure, We Need the Action

by Chad Smith, NMF&LB CEO

As CEO of NMF&LB, I attend quite a few meetings. Some are necessary, some are long, some I might could do without, and some are simply meetings for the sake of having meetings. I attended one last month in Alamogordo that was incredible. Not only was the content very interesting, but it also got me thinking about what happens when people with a common cause come together.

Allotment owners in Otero County are facing challenges with the federal government infringing on private property rights. At a joint meeting of the Otero County Farm & Livestock Bureau and the Otero County Cattleman’s Association they hosted guest speaker, Dr. Angus P. McIntosh. Dr. McIntosh gave a presentation on “Property and Water Rights on Western Rangelands.” He reminded ranchers that their allotments are a property right, not a lease that can be revoked at a moment’s notice. Dr. McIntosh gave valuable advice on how to respond when the Forest Service fences out cattle from precious water sources. It was a lively discussion and the audi-

ence posed many thoughtful questions.

I am sure the information will be used as a resource down the road when the Forest Service takes further action in the name of preserving habitat for the New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse.

ditch associations and discuss common issues. Invite local leaders so they become aware of how these issues are affecting the taxpayers in their district.

Don’t wait for an issue to blow up before you take action. If your county commissioner has already been to your meeting, they’ll know what position to take at the next council meeting.

What struck me during the meeting was how powerful this group of ranchers was when they came together. There were many local commissioners, representatives and law enforcement personnel on hand for the presentation. They were there to show support for the ranchers and to learn how they, in their individual positions of power, could support this agricultural community. In this day and age, with its abundance of issues, it is amazing the support they had from their community. But first they had to be invited and this was my revelation.

Sierra County Farm & Livestock Bureau led by President John Diamond is another great example. Sierra County has set a model for this type of community involvement by hosting quarterly Ag Symposiums. Local lawmakers are invited to attend informational seminars where experts give presentations on issues affecting our agriculture industry. What a great way to get your community and members aware, and involved, with issues facing local agriculture.

We, as county farm bureaus, are an influential group of people. We are the 800-pound gorilla and we need to utilize our leverage. Join with like-minded agriculturists in your area whether it be wine growers, pecan growers, or

Bottom line is, that we have a great infrastructure with our county farm bureaus – we need to take advantage of it and use our influence to shape public opinion and influence our lawmakers.

Rise with Roswell Ag Breakfast What do you get when you host a breakfast meeting that combines a community’s business leaders with its food producers? A town that knows where its food comes from and values its farmers and ranchers.

That’s exactly what the Roswell Chamber of Commerce has done with its annual Rise with Roswell Ag Breakfast. Held in March at the county fairgrounds, the 15-year-old event usually attracts over 300 people.

The Ag Breakfast was the brainchild of Brad Houston, a member of the

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Chaves County Farm Bureau Board of Directors who also sits on the NMF&LB State Board. “This is such a great way to teach people about the importance of agriculture in our area.

Between the ranches, dairies, chile farms and pecan producers, we have a lot of agriculture in Chaves County that makes a significant economic contribution.”

Houston has deep roots in agriculture. He started the VoAg program at Roswell High in 1954 where he taught for 13 years. In 1967 he started teaching Ag Engineering at NMSU, then three years later started managing the PriceBlack Dairy in Arrey. He later moved to Roswell

so he could manage the Price’s Dairy located between Roswell and Dexter.

Past speakers have included Garrey Carruthers when he was governor, Dean of NMSU’s Ag College Dr. Lowell Catlett, former NMF&LB CEO Matt Rush and Traci Curry, Director of NMAITC (pictured above).

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Women’s Leadership Committee Update

by Anita Hand, Chair

At the June Conference we displayed the new quilt titled “Land of Enchantment” that will be raffled off at AgFest on Febuary 17th, 2015.

Every county should have received tickets to sell, if you haven’t please let us know.

During the Joint Summer Conference the Women’s Leadership Committee attended a workshop put on by Young Farmers and Ranchers. The workshop included finding leadership qualities that provided a wonderful opportunity to learn about ourselves as well as learn a little about each other. The energy and excitement of the YF&R members along with the wisdom brought by the WLC members proved to be a great mix.

It seems that the Agriculture Industry is getting hit on a daily basis. From “endangered species” to who controls the water and it is mind

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blowing the actions we have to take to protect our way of life. When do we have time to raise our livestock and tend to our crops when we have to be in front of the computer reading about the newest attack? Keep in mind that WLC has a Facebook page that is updated almost daily with information and news articles.

Until next time, stay informed, stay strong and most importantly…keep the faith.

“Burn down your cities and leave our farms, and your cities will spring up again as if by magic; but destroy our farms and the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country.”

– William Jennings Bryan

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Welcome New NMF&LB Staff Members at Fort Sumner Schools this past year.

Cheryl has a deep love for agriculture and has been involved in ag education at the New Mexico State Fair and the Eastern New Mexico State Fair. She has a passion for agriculture and is excited to begin this journey with Ag in the Classroom.

New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau is pleased to announce the hiring of two employees. Valerie Huerta (pictured above) is the new Regional Director for northern New Mexico.

Valerie is a native Northern New Mexican, where family values, hard work and an appreciation for the farm and ranch way of life were instilled in her at a very young age.

She has extensive experience in: federal, state and local program management; grant-writing and administration; and organizational and community development. She is currently completing a bachelor’s degree program in Business Management. “I am proud to be part of Farm Bureau and what it stands for,” she says, “and I look forward to working with members as our grassroots organization continues to grow.”

Cheryl Butterfield (pictured at right) is the incoming Northern Director for New Mexico Ag in the Classroom.

Cheryl grew up in Clayton, NM with her family farming and ranching. She was active in 4-H and FFA and loved showing steers. She graduated from NMSU with her Bachelors and Masters and began working for the university at the State 4-H Office as the 4-H Youth/Activities Specialist. Cheryl continued to work for NMSU part time for the next 12 years while raising her children with her husband, Jimmy, in Fort Sumner. She recently received her teaching certification and taught

cont. from page 1 which was provided by donations from county farm bureaus, local farmers and ranchers and Farm Credit. Debbie Abrego with Southwest Cheese did a presentation before they headed out to tour America’s largest cheese plant.

In addition to the tours, this year’s workshop included a day of valuable lessons, hands-on activities, and discussions with experts in the field designed to enrich their tour experiences.

Participants completed activities that involved the science of popcorn and dairy as well as growing in the classroom activities.

Participants learned the science of dairy from NMSU Extension Dairy Specialist Dr. Robert Hagervoort, and

through classroom lessons involving ice cream, butter, and curds and whey taught by Kelli Goodpasture. Stan Surina, an area farmer, shared his expertise in growing popcorn and Luther Dunlap with Extension helped teachers get started growing in the classroom. Annette Joyner also provided an inspirational message about how she successfully uses ag in her middle school classroom.

Using area experts such as farmers, ranchers, experiment station scientists and extension agents showed teachers how valuable these people are as local resources. In the pre-conference survey when asked, “Where do you get information about agriculture?” many respondents answered the internet, TV, radio, or Facebook. After their per-

sonal contact with the expert presenters, respondents said they would get information about agriculture from the local farm bureau, NMSU, NMDA, FFA/4-H, the Beef Council and local extension offices.

Teachers agreed it was a great experience and perhaps this quote from Melissa Roberts sums it up best “Best workshop ever...and I have been teaching a long time! The breath of freshness I needed to even think about another year! Can’t wait till the next one!”

The NMAITC team is always available to visit your classroom free of charge by emailing Traci Curry, Southern Director at agclass@nmflb. org, or Cheryl Butterfield, Northern Director at agclass1@nmflb.org.

These generous sponsors made it ALL possible!

New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau Roosevelt County Farm Bureau DeBaca County Farm Bureau Dairy Max- Jennie Clark McCullom Cattle Company New Mexico Peanut Growers Ass. Border Soil & Water Conservation District New Mexico Beef Council Curtis & Curtis Seed Company

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Curry County Farm Bureau Lea County Farm Bureau Dairy Farmers of America Farm Credit of New Mexico New Mexico Department of Ag Zoetis- Juli Hutchins James Brothers Implement Mesilla Valley CowBelles Southwest Dairy Famers

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The lifeblood of America.

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. Postage PAID, bulk rate, PERMIT #31, Las Cruces, NM 88001. FORWARDING/RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED, ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED. OFFICERS Michael White President, Dexter Craig Ogden 1st Vice President, Loving Larry Reagan 2nd Vice President, Ft. Sumner Farm & Ranch Page 8

Chad Smith Chief Executive Officer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Donnie Bidegain, Tucumcari Greg Daviet, Las Cruces Jim Ellett, Hope Duane Frost, Claunch Anita Hand, Datil Leon Hemann, McDonald Brad Houston, Roswell George Jackson, Lordsburg Janet Jarratt, Los Lunas Deena Kinman, Elida Boe Lopez, Springer Danielle Lowry, Albuquerque Donald Martinez, El Rito Steve Myrick, Clovis Tommy Ortiz, Las Vegas Troy Sauble, Maxwell Paula Sichler, San Antonio John Sweetser, Deming Jim Taylor, Albuquerque Tom Wilton, Ft. Sumner John York, Mimbres

REGIONAL DIRECTORS Joel Alderete, Roswell Benjie Segovia, Las Cruces Zach Riley, Albuquerque Valerie Huerta, Santa Cruz Theresa Widner Director of Membership Services Carmen Macias Comptroller Dalene Hodnett Director of Communications and Media Relations Traci Curry Southern Director, Ag in the Classroom Cheryl Butterfield Northern Director, Ag in the Classroom Anita Hand, Chair Women’s Leadership Committee Danielle Lowry, Chair Young Farmer & Rancher Committee August 2014