December / January 2015 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

™ Volume 72, No. 1

® December/January 2015

John and Josie York, Farm Family of the Year

by Dalene Hodnett, Director of Communications and Media Relations

John and Josie York’s story is one of mouth. past 20 years and have given so much of “Mother Knows Best.” Josie was The York’s are grateful for their strong of their time. We appreciate their a student at New Mexico A&M and family which includes four children dedication to Farm Bureau.” worked as a cashier in a department Craig, Daunann, Nolen and Heather, and The Yorks have been extremely active store that in Grant County John’s mother Farm Bureau. managed. When John has served he was on leave as president for from the Navy, many years, John’s mother and was on encouraged him the NMF&LB to ask Josie on a State Board date, and the rest for a decade. is history.

They have They met in hosted pancake October, were breakfasts at the engaged in county fair to January and recruit members, were married built many parade in May. John floats and have spent another found new ways year in the Navy to involve local before he started 4-H and FFA at New Mexico students into A&M pursuing county farm dual degrees in bureau activities. horticulture and Congratulations biology. Upon to John and Josie graduation he York. went to work Presentation of for the Soil the Farm Family and Water of the Year award Conservation was just one of Service, where the highlights of he spent his the organization’s entire career.

96th Annual He retired in Meeting.

1992 and they Bud Deerman moved to the of La Mesa, Mimbres Valley John Diamond where they had of Elephant Josie and John York receive their New Mexico Farm & Livestock Farm Bureau Farm Butte and Matt purchased an Family of the Year award from President Mike White. apple orchard.

Lansford from There they grow asparagus, table grapes 10 grandchildren, the oldest of which Clovis were elected on to the State and several varieties of apples including is completing her doctorate degree as a Board, while we thank the following Winesaps, Golden Delicious and pharmacist. out-going board members for their Jonathans, and several antique varieties Mike White, President of the New service; John York of Mimbres, Steve including Jonagold, Arkansas Black Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau said Myrick of Clovis, Greg Daviet of Las and Sweet Sixteen. They market their “We are so pleased to honor the Yorks Cruces and Donnie Bidegain from apples through farmers markets in New with this award. They have been so Tucumcari.

Mexico and Arizona, and through word involved in our organization over the December/January 2014

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will be a very successful organization fighting to protect and promote agriculture throughout New Mexico.

IDEAS AND ELBOW GREASE

The President’s Column

By Michael S. White, President

A Plan for the Future As an organization we’ve been very successful. We’ve grown our membership, grown leaders on the local and state level, and grown our presence in policy-making circles to the point that law-makers recognize what New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau stands for. The agriculture industry and the world we live in is changing and it always has been, but it is important that we recognize that change and develop ways to adapt. In recognition of this reality and in order to continue growing, the State Board recently began the steps to create a 5-year strategic plan.

State staff was asked to review their departments and create a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. This was compiled into one document and presented to the State Board at the September meeting. The board reviewed it and came together at the Annual Meeting and outlined a strategic plan for the organization. The board looked at the organization as a whole and completed a SWOT analysis. Being able to recognize those strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats we are able to define areas where we can grow our strengths, improve on our weaknesses, seize opportunities and address the threats.

Our greatest strength and power is the grassroots membership and while we strive to achieve our goals set forth in the plan we can only be successful with a strong grassroots membership.

The staff developed plan addresses every department including membership, regional activities, communications, financials and Ag in the Classroom. These departments that serve our membership will align their plan to that of the board’s and together we Farm & Ranch Page 2

I am excited about the plan and the direction we are going. Most farmers wouldn’t crank up the tractor without a plan for planting in mind or start off on a long-distance trip without a map, and this plan will keep us on track as we represent our members.

As a membership organization we are held accountable by those who pay dues. It’s important that we codify our goals and work towards them. Many organizations fail because they lose sight of their mission. At 98 years old, we plan on sticking around for another successful century.

Thank you to the board members who are working so diligently on the plan and thank you to our members who have believed in our mission and show their support by renewing their membership year after year.

In Remembrance

Trina Sanchez, 1923-2014, age 91, a resident of Adelino, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2014. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Tome her entire life.

For over 50 years she was a member of the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. She was also a member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association. In 1991 Trina and J.C. were awarded the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Farm Family of the year. In 2000 Trina was picked as one of ten for the Albuquerque Women in Business Smart, Savvy, Successful Award. In 2007 she also received the “Diamond in the Rough” award for her outstanding contributions to New Mexico Agriculture. Trina was a “Farmer and Rancher” and proud of it. She loved feeding her cows, working in her yard and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, J.C. Sanchez. Trina is survived by all of her loving children; her daughters, Anna Glenn and husband, Ron, Rebecca Wolfe and husband, Gary, Juanita Locher and husband, Todd, sons, Richard Sanchez and wife, Cindy, Steven Sanchez, Clarence and Robert; numerous loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Scholarship Fund, 2220 N. Telshor, Las Cruces, NM 88011 or to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital 1-800-785-5071.

THE AG AGENDA

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

Agriculture’s Resolve in 2015 The New Year is upon us, and with it comes a new Congress. The challenges we face, on the other hand, are rather old. It’s time to resolve longstanding policy battles so the business of agriculture can grow in 2015 and beyond.

The world’s population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. Feeding them will not be easy. We know data-driven precision ag will help us do that, but we also need to know our business data will remain secure if we hand it to others for analysis and safekeeping. Farm Bureau has led the way in helping farmers and ranchers navigate this new territory.

Last fall, we brought together agricultural technology companies and farm groups to hammer out a historic set of data privacy and security principles.

The next step means holding companies accountable, so we’re developing a transparency evaluation tool to help farmers sort through the jargon. Once it’s done, farmers and ranchers will be able to easily compare contracts to see whether and how companies comply with the agreed-upon principles.

Biotechnology is key to feeding a growing population, too. Farmers and ranchers know firsthand how beneficial genetically modified products are for consumers and the environment, but pseudoscience and misinformation threaten to drown out the progress we’ve made. Recent attempts to require mandatory labeling have undercut decades of research and development in food and food safety, alike. Farmers and ranchers, meanwhile, are redoubling their efforts to help consumers understand how their food is grown and how new technologies keep their food safe and affordable.

Confusion has too long ruled the day on this issue: National labeling standards should be set by the FDA. December/January 2014

We are pleased the administration has staked out an ambitious trade agenda.

Leaders on both sides of the Atlantic agree that a more open trade partnership makes sense, so it’s time the European Union puts politics aside and eliminates non-scientific barriers to trade. Any successful trade agreement must open restricted markets and encourage fair competition for all.

Taxes remain unsettled. While Congress may extend important tax provisions through 2014, we are already headed into 2015 with no guarantee that provisions like Section 179 small-business expensing and bonus depreciation will be available again. Congress needs to make these provisions permanent so farmers and ranchers have the flexibility they need to put their money back to work on their land and in their communities.

Agriculture still needs a steady workforce. Across the country, farmers have left their crops to rot because they could not find the workers they needed. Farm Bureau estimates that agriculture could lose up to $60 billion next year if this problem isn’t fixed. If Congress is serious about fixing the plight of farmers it must take action. Lawmakers need to address border security and enforcement, create a new flexible agricultural visa program and help current experienced workers gain legal status.

Be informed.

Be covered.

Be confident in your health insurance.

The New Year is always a great time for resolutions. This year we’re ready for results.

Save the Date!

Tuesday, February 17th Santa Fe Convention Center

Now’s the time to talk with your Farm Bureau agent to ensure you have the right health insurance plan in place to meet your needs.

go to www.nmflb.org for more information

Open Enrollment Period Going on Now! The agents are independent and authorized producers of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. H303-NM (10-14)

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Spotlight on: Chaves County Farm and Livestock Bureau

by Melinda Jackson

Chaves County Farm Bureau directors and members are thoroughly vested in almost every facet of our county’s economy and community. With 2059 members strong, some of the 2014 local sponsorships included 12 college scholarships, Kids, Cows and More, the annual Milkman Triathalon, the Rise with Roswell Ag breakfast, high school FFA banquets, and Project Celebration. The Chaves County 4-H and FFA Fair always counts on the Showmanship Awards and utilizes facilities paid in part by our county Farm Bureau. Members are very active volunteers in the local food pantries and in community meetings concerning the Endangered Species Act (i.e. prairie chickens, sand dune lizards, wolves, New Mexico meadow jumping mouse, etc.), water, food security, acts of agriterrorism, and private property rights. Eastern New Mexico State Fair has an ag building designated to New Mexico ag products including a Chaves County Farm Bureau booth with a focus on positive producer/public interactions. People are encouraged to ask questions and get frank answers with conversation and a handshake. Ag mags, our Food Link materials, and Jolly Ranchers are handed out.

Jeff Witte, New Mexico Secretary of Ag, spoke to 105 members at the annual meeting in November and sparked participation in the “Ditch the Rule” campaign. Specific challenges this year are increased regulations especially concerning groundwater and dairies. A solution to horse overpopulation was unfortunately nixed when state and national politics got involved. As an annual sponsor of “America’s Heartland”, Chaves County Farm Bureau endeavors to help educate a farm-removed public about some of the realities of food and fiber production and what it takes for efficient resource utilization. According to 2013 USDA data, Chaves County has over 167,000 beef cattle and around 76,000 dairy cows along with an estimated 10,700 sheep. Alfalfa (143,000 tons) and silage corn (391,000 tons) are produced as well with 5,200 bales of upland cotton on our farms.

Our board makes a concerted effort to have representation from all aspects of our county agriculture areas. Chaves County Farm Bureau holds memberships in the Roswell Chamber of Commerce, New Mexico Woolgrowers, New Mexico Cattlegrowers, and Southwest Dairy Producers. Each board member brings special expertise and also serves on various other boards. They can sometimes be spread pretty thin between their businesses and meeting obligations. Borrowing from social media, here is our “Ask the Farmer” list: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

President John Jackson - beef cattle, school politics 1st Vice President Doug Whitney - alfalfa, antique tractors 2nd Vice President Cliff Waide- irrigation systems, mayor of Hagerman Secretary/Treasurer Mike White – anything NMFB or AFB, custom farming Director Leroy Lang - sage advisor/farmer, Pecos Valley history and farming regulations Director Brad Houston –Rise with Roswell Ag Breakfasts, dairy Director Larry Hobson – county/ENMSF fearless promoter and master of ceremonies, farming Director Neil Breedyk - dairy calf ranching, dairy pricing Director Jeff Ellis – feeder backgrounding, beef cattle Director Bernarr Treat – Beef promotion and marketing, beef cattle Director Helen White – women’s leadership opportunities, ag-in-the classroom Director Justin Boswell – hay marketing, insect management, Director Sandra Barraza – county extension service, ag trainings Director Travis Gray – farming, custom harvesting Director Bronson Corn – Sheep ranching, wool production/promotion Melinda Jackson – Ag in the Classroom, communications Georgia Barnett – event/ meeting organization, documentation

These people volunteer everywhere, lobby in Santa Fe and Washington D. C., attend countless regulation hearings/meetings, and make large investments in people, equipment, supplies and research. Chaves County Farm Bureau extends its hand of service to the community, county, state and our country.

Above, Jeff Witte speaks at the Chaves County Annual Meeting. Left, eight of the ten students funded by the 2014 Scholarship program. Right, John Jackson, Chaves County President, irrigates with his grandson Jackson Prewett.

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Gail Armstrong, Member Since 2009 Lynn Major, Member Since 2000

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YF&R Update

by Danielle Lowry

Did you know that New Mexico has ranked first in the nation in childhood hunger for the last two years? That’s why the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, in partnership with NMSU Collegiate Farm Bureau, gathered at the Roadrunner Food Bank to help out this holiday season. Eighteen of us bagged cereal and sorted vegetables for two hours to do our part to help the hungry. We also donated over 1,000 pounds of food, the result of a very successful food drive at the county level, and gave $2,450.00 at a time when the food bank is in desperate need of funds for holiday meals.

Established in Albuquerque in 1980, Roadrunner Food Bank has grown to include hundreds of partner agencies and four regional food banks. Every week they collect and distribute enough food to provide meals for 40,000 people. That amounts to over 26 million pounds of food provided just last year. We are proud to be part of that effort.

During our annual meeting, the YF&R Committee elected new members: Sean and Katie Reagan, Joseph Ogden and Tessa Hendricks (soon to be Tessa Ogden), Jay and Katie Hill, and Juan Chavez. We also held two discussion meets; one for FFA students which was won by Autumn McMath of Ft. Sumner, the other for NMSU Collegiate Farm Bureau members where Klayton Bearup took top honors. He will represent NMF&LB at the upcoming Fusion Conference in Nashville.

He is pictured below receiving a $500 check from Rich Murdock, Farm Bureau Financial Services, New Mexico Regional Manager and NMF&LB 1st Vice President, Craig Ogden. Also below is information for the FUSION Conference, I hope you are able to join us!

We’re still taking orders for NMF&LB jackets and vests as part of our fundraiser. Please see our Facebook page for more information!

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Women’s Leadership Committee Update

by Anita Hand, Chair

Our enthusiasm is hard to contain as the WLC sets out to accomplish the goals we identified during this fall’s retreat. Expect to see a lot of activity as we attend conferences and fund outreach activities.

One of the ways we’re raising funds is through our quilt raffle. Remember that the drawing for our quilt titled “Land of Enchantment” will be at AgFest on February 17th, 2015. It’s not too late to buy your ticket!

Our guest speaker at the WLC luncheon during the NMF&LB Annual Meeting was Max Wade (right) with Galloping Grace Youth Ranch. Max does an incredible job of educating urban consumers about agriculture through his youth outreach activities, and at an annual Pumpkin Patch that he hosts in Rio Rancho. Both of these have a large audience and are an interesting and educational way to share the story of food production.

This is exactly what the WLC strives to do, teach people about their food in engaging and interesting ways.

December/January 2014

We also want to welcome those that are new to our officer team, here are our representatives: Women’s Leadership Committee- 2014-15 State Chair Anita Hand 1st Vice President JoAnn Alcon-Ortiz 2nd Vice President Melinda Jackson District 1 Representative Yvonne Aragon District II Representative Kathy Reagan District III Representative Earlene Ellett

District V Representative Yolanda Lewis

District IV Representative Mayra Jackson

State Coordinator Traci Curry

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Lesgislative Preview

by Zach Riley, NMF&LB Director of Government Affairs The Legislative Session is right around the corner and for those in the agriculture industry, this means that there are many important decisions to be made and potential changes to our way of life waiting on the horizon.

recount come back with Mr. Dunn ahead, a New Mexico rancher, who knows firsthand the struggles and opportunities that exist within a life in New Mexico agriculture, will be in charge of public lands.

In years past, there have been several pieces of key legislation that pertains to issues directly affecting the livelihood of farmers and ranchers—everything from water issues to progressive legislation that would limit individual property rights. This has been something that has become commonplace at the Roundhouse; however, this year’s session will likely present in different fashion.

Our statewide office leaders are business-friendly, agriculture-friendly individuals who provide incredible opportunity for a positive outlook for the growth of the agricultural community.

They are known for standing in opposition to measures that tie the hands of our state’s hardworking farmers and ranchers. As is the case with each year

tain his leadership role in the Senate and be responsible for bringing over beneficial bills from the House. He will also need to hear from his agricultural constituency.

At this time it is still uncertain what the makeup of the committees and their chairmanships are going to be.

There are many senior legislators with much experience serving on many of the committees. It is our hope the best person for the job will be selected and it is certain that we will continue to work with each of the members to accomplish common goals.

Last year one such goal was the passage of an amendment to the Right to Farm Act, removMuch like a sports matchup, ing the word “improperly.” the game changes each year as This year we hope to amend different players are matched up this act once again to continue on the field. Unlike the sessions to provide further safeguards before this year, the outlook for for producers against frivolous our state has changed, as the lawsuits being filed by special 2014 elections have given New interest groups. In addition, Mexico a totally different field we are looking to both sides of of players. While Governor the aisle to help push forward Susana Martinez has retained a measure that would protect her seat, many other key elected private property, homes, women officials have changed. and children against trespass by drones. It has been shown As she has in years past, that predators use them to stalk Governor Susana Martinez will individuals, as well as, those likely provide a strong pro-busidocumenting peoples’ agriculness approach to legislation and tural operations are using these initiatives that support those in unmanned aircrafts. There are agriculture. Additionally, newly sure to be many other pieces of elected Attorney General Zach Riley gives a legislative update at the Annual Meeting. legislation that will become Hector Balderas is expected the focus, but at this time we to be a game changer as well, are just strengthening policy providing less opposition to the agriit always stands to be seen what a new to provide as much assistance to good cultural ways of life and more support regime might bring. policy as we can. to private property owners’ rights than his predecessor. It is also the hope that In past sessions, the agricultural As we do every session, we will he will be in favor of fewer limiting community has been called upon to begin monitoring bills, as they are preregulations and less litigation. raise their voices in opposition to filed. Pre-filing begins in December, progressive legislation, ranging from and the legislative team of the New Currently, the Commissioner of issues on the Mexican Gray Wolf to Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Public Lands race is under recount; water and land rights. will keep a close eye on all that is filed however, with Aubrey Dunn coming to ensure that there are no surprises in in with a higher vote total in initial While agricultural issues are biparJanuary. We will continue to monivote counts, most in the New Mexico tisan and not Republican or Demotor for legislation that creates a threat agriculture community remain hopecrat issues, history has proven that and allows for potential detriments to ful that we have entered into a period many who oppose pro-agriculture the industry including, bills that may of moving forward and preserving the legislation tend to be more liberal and change the way property taxes are right to farm, ranch, and manage our progressive. As a result, the Senate determined for the industry. lands on our terms, instead of concould likely still pose roadblocks to stantly battling against the progressive important legislation. Senate Majority In addition to bills we have seen initiatives of Ray Powell. Should the Leader, Michael Sanchez, will mainand battled in the past, we will specifiFarm & Ranch Page 8

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cally be on the lookout for legislation relating to equine definition changes, water issues, bills opposing the Attorney General’s opinion on trespass across1222692_13578 private lands, and hunting and trapping bans.

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As we move closer to session, the voice of the agricultural community is as important as ever. It is impera- 4C tive that our voices be heard and our way of life be protected. Social media is becoming one of the easiest and quickest ways to speak out about social and political issues. Thus, as session approaches, we will keep you informed about pertinent issues, and we ask that you use your voices. Whether you are on Twitter, Facebook, or another social media outlet, all Legislators are now on social media. Friend them, like their pages, and tag them in relevant content. Additionally, like our page, and we will keep you up-to-date on important issues.

Good ag relationships start with common ground

On our page, https://www.facebook.com/NMFarmBureau, we will be utilizing hashtags to gain awareness on issues of great importance. Currently, we are encouraging the use of #RightToFarmNM to promote and increase public education about the Right to Farm bill.

Hashtags increase social media presence and help make a topic a trending focus on the social media site.

This session is one that poses great opportunity, but there will be landfalls as there always are. As a result, it is important that we all put aside any of our differences and remain educated, engaged, and committed to our main goal of preserving and improving the way of life for agricultural producers statewide.

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New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau’s 2014 Awards Banquet

Jeff Witte, (above) New Mexico State Secretary of Agriculture and Director of NMDA, was recognized with NMF&LB’s Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award for his exceptional efforts on the behalf of agriculture in New Mexico. Witte is shown here (at right) with daughter Jennifer, wife Janet, father Jerry, mother Fita, son Jeremy and family friend Sage Peterson.

Luna County, represented by John Sweetser ( above, right) was recognized as the first county to reach membership quota. Tommy Ortiz, (right) President of Mora/San Miguel, accepts the Top County Award in honor of the many activities Mora/San Miguel has initiated this year.

Danielle Lowry, (right, below) was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award for her efforts as both Chair of the YF&R Committee, and board member for Bernalillo County.

Melissa Gustin Roberts, (below) a third grade teacher from Logan, was named the Educator of the Year for incorporating agricultural concepts into her lesson plans.

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Here’s to bringing up the sun.

Here’s to muddy boots and grease-stained hands.

Here’s to caring for this great land.

Here’s to protecting what you live for.

We’re proud of our agricultural roots, and proud to be the insurance company so many families rely on to protect them from the unexpected. Here’s to protecting you and all you do.

www.fbfs.com FB09 (4-14)

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Non-profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Las Cruces, N.M. Permit No.2093

P.O. Box 20004 Las Cruces, NM 88004-9004

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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 12

Chad Smith Chief Executive Officer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bud Deerman, La Mesa John Diamond, Elephant Butte 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 Matt Lansford, Clovis 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 December/January 2014