™ ® April 2014
Volume 71, No. 4
The Future Food Producers
by Dalene Hodnett, Director of Communications and Media Relations
Above: Members of New Mexico Farm &Livestock Bureau’s Collegiate and YF&R Committees visited the nation’s capitol before heading to Virginia Beach for the AFBF National Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference. Below: Danielle Lowry, YF&R Committee Chair, addresses the conference during State Introductions.
While nation-wide the number of farmers and ranchers is dwindling, in New Mexico two groups that encourage youth to follow an agricultural career path are growing. NMSU Collegiate Farm Bureau and the NMF&LB Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee has seen significant increase in their membership in the last couple of years. “We are working hard to attract new members and that effort is paying off,” says Danielle Lowry, YF&R Committee Chair. These two groups have been very active of late and one of their latest endeavors was to make hill visits, connecting with congressional members Ben Ray Lujan, Michelle LujanGrisham, and Senator Tom Udall. “This was an excellent opportunity to give voice to the concerns of New Mexico’s food producers,” said Joseph April 2014
Ogden, President of NMSU Collegiate Farm Bureau. “We appreciate the time they spent with us.” Leaving D.C., the group attended the American Farm Bureau Federation’s National YF&R Conference in Virginia Beach. Joel Alderete, YF&R Coordinator said the conference was a good experience. “The sessions were timely and informative, and it really motivated our members to become more active.” In addition to
seminars on current issues and the future of agriculture, the conference also hosted a discussion meet where continued on pg. 6
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IDEAS AND ELBOW GREASE
The President’s Column
By Michael S. White, President
The Next Generation If you’ve spent any time around farmers and ranchers you know they tend to be practical, wise, and old. In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture just released the results of their latest census and it shows that the average age of farmers rose to 58.3 years of age from the previous census when the average age was 57.1 years old. Even more concerning is that nearly 258,000 principal operators of farms were 75 or older, up about 6 percent from the previous survey. This is compounded by the fact that the number of farms in the United States fell 4.3 percent, to about 2.1 million. There is no denying that American agriculture is aging and shrinking at a time when food is in greater demand as the world’s population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. So what is to be done? We need to grow the next generation of food producers. New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau is proud to have two programs that do just that. The Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee is a group comprised of those interested in agriculture that are ages 18 – 35. The objective of the Young Farmers & Ranchers program is to provide training to young people for leading roles in agriculture, to foster young farmers and ranchers through our industry and to help build a more effective Farm Bureau to preserve our individual freedoms and expand our opportunities in agriculture. This group offers mentoring relationships, opportunities to network with other food producers across the state, and provides leadership training. The group has grown significantly over the years and you can read about their latest achievement in the cover story of this issue. Another successful youth development program is our Collegiate Farm Farm & Ranch Page 2
Bureau chapter centered at New Mexico State University. Like YF&R, this group is growing by leaps and bounds and is becoming more active. Collegiate Farm Bureau allows students at New Mexico State University to maintain a strong connection and commitment to the agricultural industry while they are away from the family farm or ranch working on their degree. The program is designed in a way that members get more exposure to the structure and workings of Farm Bureau, the State Legislature and agriculture so that they can become the future leaders in our industry. Some Collegiate Farm Bureau activities include socials at the university, attending some state meetings and legislative events as well as different fundraising activities. Their recent “pasture golf” fundraiser was a big hit and they also raffled off a side of beef to pay for the group’s travel expenses to their national conference. As you can see, NMF&LB has long been a participant in encouraging the next generation of farmers and ranchers, and now we’re proud to announce our sponsorship of the 2014 AgriFuture Educational Institute. In Albuquerque, May 12-14, the conference will feature guest speakers, break-out sessions and networking events all geared to support young farmers and ranchers. See page 6 for registration information. We expect a lot from this next generation of food producers. With better tools, advanced science and opportunities such as those outlined above, we should be in good shape to feed the world’s next generation of food consumers.
Save the Date! The Joint Summer Conference will be held in conjunction with NMF&LB, NM Cattle Growers, NM Wool Growers, CowBelles and New Mexico State University, June 8 - 10, in Las Cruces. Details in future editions.
THE AG AGENDA
By Bob Stallman, President American Farm Bureau Federation -------------------------------------------
Administration to Publish Misguided ‘Waters of the U.S.’ Proposal The administration often talks about creating jobs, and with millions out of work the White House is right to focus on the issue. So it’s puzzling that the administration would consider a proposal that will hurt farms and other businesses, making it more difficult to create jobs. The administration is about to propose regulations to broadly expand the scope of the Clean Water Act. When Congress wrote the law, it was clear that it only applied to navigable waters or, as the law names them, “waters of the U.S.” Two Supreme Court decisions have reaffirmed that those terms do not cover all waters. However, the impending proposal would effectively eliminate any constraints those terms now impose on federal jurisdiction. It would let EPA and the Corps of Engineers regulate virtually any and all waters found within a state, no matter how small or seemingly unconnected to a federal interest. Farmers and other landowners should be concerned that the federal government is proposing to regulate ditches and, in some cases, even dry land. Based on a leaked version of the rule, any landscape feature that could be found to contribute any flow that eventually reaches a water of the U.S. would be regulated the same as the Mighty Mississippi! More landowners will have to apply for federal permits to make changes in how they use their land. Uncertainty about whether the government would issue a permit could be an innovation killer. Ineffective Exemptions EPA has claimed that the proposal won’t be so bad because of exemptions. The exemptions may help some avoid April 2014
costly permit requirements, but the agencies have so narrowed them that most farming activities do not qualify. If a young, beginning farmer changed his grandfather’s land from, say, a cornfield to an apple orchard, he would have to get a permit or face up to $37,500 a day in fines. Homebuilders and other industries that fuel our economy would face similar requirements. Also, the existing exemption for agricultural stormwater—water that stands on a field after a heavy rain—would no longer benefit farmers because the land underneath would be subject to federal regulation. Economic Impact EPA had to do an economic impact analysis of the proposal and it did—sort of. Through selective use of data and outdated studies, by not addressing all the costs of getting permits and by dramatically underestimating the acreage affected, the analysis cooks the books in favor of the proposed rule. Other economists say the government’s analysis doesn’t hold water. You would think that with the economic challenges we face and with such an unsound basis for the proposed rule the administration would shelve it. Instead, it is likely to publish it soon. Then we will see how serious the administration is about growing the economy and creating jobs.
Our Food Link
Luna County Farm and Livestock Bureau, in conjunction with Luna County 4-H, donated $850.33 in pantry items to The Healing House for their “Our Food Link” event. Cheryl Hartman, Luna County Women’s Leadership Committee Representative, and Jack Blandford, the Luna County Extension Agent and also member of the Luna County Farm and Livestock Bureau Board of Directors, guided the shopping at Peppers Supermarket. April 2014
If the fresh rains and grass have you looking to restock your herd, Farm Credit of New Mexico can help. As a farmer and rancher owned institution, we’ve been providing loans and helping members grow since 1916. Call 1-800-451-5997 or visit www.FarmCreditNM.com
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New Mexico Ag in the Classroom Making Outreach a Priority
Helping students learn “Who Grew My Soup?” The 2014 Ag Literacy Project is off to a great start! It will help bring agricultur-
ally themed books and resources into classrooms throu ghout New Mexico. We’re working with FFA chapters across the state that will visit local schools and read to students. The program takes approximately 45 minutes and all materials are free and will provide everything a volunteer will need for a successful classroom visit. Classrooms then receive a copy of the book to use for futur e generations.
Great ways for FFA to access project materials
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We will be at the State FFA Convention June 3-5 to hand out information and books. Look for our table! We will have a workshop at the New Mexico Ag Teachers In-Service June 17-19.
their advisors Thank you to the following chapters and racy Project: for their participation in our 2014 Ag Lite
• Cliff FFA- Beau Jackson • Reserve FFA- Julian Marta • Mesilla Valley Christian FFA- Kelli Alvord • Shiprock FFA- Vickie Lake-Finch • Alamogordo FFA- Justin Lamb • Mayfield FFA-Kim O’Byrne
July Workshop: “G e Textbook and into t out of the the Field!” Clovis
/Portales area, here we come! Get ready • Learn about agri to: culture in your com munity • Meet experts in the field • Receive free less ons, resources & activ ities that bring in all curriculum areas Visit our website fo r nmaitc.org for curr ent information and like our page Facebook.com /nmaitc
Don’t forget to sign up to get the AITC newsletter! Vi si
t http://www.nmai tc. ters.php to sign up !
org/nmaitc_newsl et
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A special thank you to Beau Jackson for the idea to collaborate with FFA for the literacy project. The efforts of the FFA members are increasing ag literacy across New Mexico, providing teaching experience and bringing awareness about the amazing opportunities that FFA provides. Wow Factor! These 6 FFA chapters made 45 classroom visits and helped 783 students learn about FFA and the importance of farmers and ranchers! Thank you for making a difference!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! (The Ag Literacy Project isn’t just for FFA!)
Join us June 8-10 at the Joint Summer Conference in Las Cruces! We will be hosting a come-and-go workshop to deliver resources at 2:15 to 4pm on Tuesday, June 10. To check out the Ag Literacy Packet, visit http://www.nmaitc.org/content/files/FFA%20 Ag%20Literacy%20Packet.pdf April 2014
Benefits M
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For more information visit us online at www.nmßb.org .
COMING SOON Grainger We are proud to announce our Member BeneÞt Mobile Application is on its way. We hope to make this download available to our members by June 2014. The application will include a mapping feature to assist you in Þnding the closest places to redeem your New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau beneÞts.
3 Easy Ways to get what you need! Account 855922068
Call (877)202-2594 Go Online www.grainger.com Visit Us 400+locations FREE freight online Need 24-hr Emergency Service? (800)Call-WWG
BECAUSE MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS. HEREÕS A $500 PRIVATE OFFER*
For New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau members. Retrieve your personal authorization code at fbadvantage.com and visit your GM dealer today! *Offer available through 4/1/14, and valid toward the lease
or purchase of new 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet, GMC and Buick models. This offer is not available with some other offers, including private offers (for example, Owner Loyalty). Offer is available with GM Business Choice. Not valid on prior purchases. Valid FB Membership Verification Certificate must be presented to dealer prior to delivery of new vehicle. One Certificate per vehicle. Eligible FB members may obtain an unlimited number of valid Certificates. Certificates do expire. To be eligible, customers must be an active member of a participating state Farm Bureau for at least 60 consecutive days prior to date of vehicle delivery. Program subject to change without notice. See dealer for complete details.
April 2014
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If you print 2,000 pages per month, you could be eligible for Xerox FreeColorPrinters program. Visit us online at freecolorprinters.com or call (800)201-7868 to learn more. When you apply, include referral code 845512 on your application. on your application.
When prompted enter New Mexico Farm Bureau as your organizationÕs name. Offers include: Disneyland, Universal Studios, KnottÕs Berry Farm, SeaWorld, Grand Canyon Railway and MORE!
Hotel Discounts CHOICE HOTELS
YouÕll get a great rate using a NEW Rate ID! To take advantage of your New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau beneÞt, remember to enter your New Special Rate ID #00209720. To earn Choice Privileges points, book at ChoiceHotels.com and be sure to provide your Choice Privileges member number upon check-in. The Choice Family of hotels include: Comfort Inn®! ! Quality Inn®! ! Clarion®! ! Mainstay Suites®!! Econolodge®! !
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1. Find your product on Sears.com. Copy the product/model number(s) 2. Email the product number to fb@searshc.com for a quote. Be sure to include the discount code CU069858 in the email. 3. Use a credit card to purchase the discounted item and it will be delivered via a custom freight company. 4. Offer NOT available in stores.
Animal Mortality Insurance Coverage applies to animals to be shown at 4-H and FFA county or state fairs that are owned by active club or chapter members. Specialty breeds are not included.
Call (800)843-9413, ext 3 for more information.
WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP As a member of the New Mexico Farm Bureau you will receive up to 20% off the ÒBest Available RateÓ at participating locations when you travel. Book online or call (800)364-6176 and give the agent your special discount number 1000000506 at the time of booking to receive your discount at the following hotels: Wyndham Hotels and Resorts® Wyndham Grand Collection® Wyndham Garden®! Dream® TRYP by Wyndham®! Night® Ramada Worldwide®! Wingate By Wyndham®! Baymont Inn and Suites®! Hawthorn Suites®!
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continued from cover
Sam Fisher, (above) winner of the NMF&LB Collegiate Discussion Meet, competed against other state representatives where she made it to the Sweet 16. Also at the national meeting, Dustin Johnson was recognized for his years of service on the National YF&R Committee (right, middle). Dustin served a two year term, beginning in 2012, on the 16 member board.
over $3,600 and 375 pounds of food. “Working with the Roadrunner Food Bank has allowed farmers and ranchers to give back to their local communities in these economically difficult times,” said Lowry, (below, middle) “This is an example of neighbors helping neighbors and we are pleased to be able to provide so much assistance.”
The NMF&LB YF&R Committee was also awarded a $500 prize for their innovative program which helped the Roadrunner® Food Bank feed needy families across the state. As part of the American Farm Bureau’s “Harvest for All” program, the NMF&LB YF&R Committee collected food and monetary donations throughout the year accumulating
2015 YF&R Discussion Meet Questions 1. How would the condition of governmentmanaged public lands change if they were managed privately? What are the pros and cons of government ownership of land versus private ownership? 2. Should farmers and ranchers be held liable for possible food-borne illnesses when the food item of concern can be traced back to their farms or ranches? Why or why not? 3. The farm bill crop insurance provisions offer a safety net for crop loss due to natural disaster and/or price risk. Should a safety net for livestock producers be developed, and what provisions might it include? 4. How can young farmers and ranchers work to encourage membership growth and member engagement for the county, state and national Farm Bureau organizations? 5. How should our nation’s policies balance concerns about food insecurity against concerns about the safety or environmental impact of modern agricultural technologies? What role should farmers have in discussing and debating these issues in our society and with our lawmakers? Farm & Ranch Page 6
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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. /SayThanksToAFarmer FB02-ML (7-13)
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Non-profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Albuquerque, N.M. Permit No.42
P.O. Box 20004 Las Cruces, NM 88004-9004
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
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
REGIONAL DIRECTORS Joel Alderete, Roswell Benjie Segovia, Las Cruces
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Donnie Bidegain, Tucumcari Tommy Ortiz, Las Vegas Greg Daviet, Las Cruces Jim Ellett, Hope Duane Frost, Claunch Leon Hemann, McDonald Brad Houston, Roswell George Jackson, Lordsburg Janet Jarratt, Los Lunas Dustin Johnson, Farmington Deena Kinman, Elida Boe Lopez, Springer Donald Martinez, El Rito Steve Myrick, Clovis Anna Sanchez-Glenn, Albuquerque Troy Sauble, Maxwell Paula Sichler, San Antonio John Sweetser, Deming Jim Taylor, Albuquerque Tom Wilton, Ft. Sumner John York, Mimbres
Theresa Widner Director of Membership Services Carmen Macias Administrative Assistant Dalene Hodnett Director of Communications and Media Relations Traci Curry Director, Ag in the Classroom Traci Tuttle-van der Ploeg Coordinator, Ag in the Classroom Anita Hand, Chair Women’s Leadership Committee Danielle Lowry, Chair Young Farmer & Rancher Committee
April 2014