March 2014 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

™ ® March 2014

Volume 71, No. 3

AgFest 2014

by Dalene Hodnett, Director of Communications and Media Relations New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau was proud to honor Senator Phil Griego, of San Miguel County, with the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award at the 2014 Legislative Breakfast. Senator Griego owns a small farm with cattle, until he had to sell them off due to the drought, so he knows the challenges faced

by New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers. First elected in 1997, he represents District 39, which includes Los Alamos, Mora, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe and Taos counties. Senator Griego possesses a passion and dedication to protecting and promoting our industry and works hard to make sure your voice is heard in the Round House. He has championed many bills over the years, but more importantly he has been a leader in stopping or blocking harmful legislation attacking our way of life. Senator Griego is one of agriculture’s biggest advocates in the New Mexico Legislature and the 18,000 member families of the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau thanks him for his representation.

Over 1,000 people attended AgFest as 36 organizations met with legislators and opinion-makers in an effort to increase awareness of agriculture in New Mexico. At the NMF&LB booth attendees enjoyed quesadillas made with New Mexico green chile and cheese and pecans from the Mesilla Valley. Pictured here from left to right is Hannah Widner, Carlos Garcia, Troy Sauble, and Robbie Jones. The Women’s Leadership Quilt is always popular at AgFest, this year the winner was Dr. Nick Ashcroft of Las Cruces. Selling tickets for the drawing was Earlene Ellett and WLC Chair Anita Hand.

March 2014

Farm & Ranch Page 1

IDEAS AND ELBOW GREASE

The President’s Column

By Michael S. White, President

Freedom to Operate First I would like to say thank you to the New Mexico legislators who showed their support for our states’ farmers and ranchers by passing HB51, the Right to Farm Bill. The bill, which is sitting on the Governor’s desk waiting for her signature, eliminates the word “improperly” from one sentence in the current Right to Farm Act language. The current statute leaves it open to debate for lawyers as to what are improper operating procedures on an agriculture operation. This is a win for our members and we appreciate those of you who made Round House visits or called your lawmakers to encourage them to support the bill.

However, with that being said, it is far from the revisions that are truly needed to remove the threat of nuisance lawsuits that have currently been filed and will probably be filed against businesses in New Mexico. Senate Bill 229 introduced by Senator Phil Griego and supported by NMFLB offers revisions to the Right to Farm Act which are comprehensive and would take care of the problem of nuisance lawsuits filed to harm agriculture in New Mexico once and for all.

Democracy works in this nation, but it is not a spectator sport. This was a text book example of the impact farmers and ranchers can have when we come together to exercise our influence. Grassroots movements will always have powerful momentum. We have several pieces of legislation for the next session which we want to put forward, but we will need your HELP and VOICE to make it happen. We plan on making a major push through you our members to revise the Right to Farm Act and will call on you to talk directly to your Senators and Representatives before and during the next Farm & Ranch Page 2

session as to the importance of this legislation for your livelihood.

The world is run by the people who show up! Government is too big and important to be left to the politicians, and because of that your personal influence becomes more important as we move forward in this political season.

At last count, 11 members of the NM House of Representatives have declared their intent to retire. So at least 15% of the chamber will turn over in the next election. That represents a tremendous opportunity for those of us in agriculture to make a difference for our industry. We can help elect lawmakers who understand our issues and will work to defend food production in New Mexico and if possible put some more boots under the table.

If you don’t wish to run for office yourself then please volunteer to help with campaigns, use your on-line and in-person social networks to inform your friends and neighbors about desirable candidates, and then offer them a ride on election day. HB51 was not a slam dunk. It took a lot of persuading to get it passed. Let’s make our job easier during the next session by working during the interim to inform our elected officials as to our issues and electing those who will protect New Mexico agriculture. Thank you for being a great Ag-vocate.

In Remembrance Odelio F. Baca, age 96, a resident of Tome, NM passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2014.

Odelio was born and raised in the Tome and Adelino area. Odelio was a WWII veteran and was awarded the Purple Heart for the critical wounds he endured during the invasion in Normandy. When he returned home from the service, Odelio attended college under the GI Bill. He received his Bachelors of Science in Agriculture from NMSU. He was employed by the NM Extension Service as a County Agent in Guadalupe and San Miguel Counties and later as the State Extension Supervisor.

After retirement he returned to Adelino to farming and ranching which he enjoyed until his death.

Odelio is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Emilia Lopez Baca; two daughters, Vicky Baca & Bernadette Pumper and husband, Charles Pumper.

THE AG AGENDA

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

The Facts About Immigration Reform People often argue with others’ opinions. In fact, we tend to enjoy it. The comments section of any news website is evidence of that. It’s much more difficult (and pointless) to argue with the facts. So it’s great when farmers have economic data that bears out what they are seeing on their farms and ranches.

“Don’t take my word for it,” they can say. “See for yourself.”

On the issue of immigration reform, we have the facts. As congressional leaders debate an immigration overhaul, Farm Bureau has released an economic study that lets us see for ourselves how labor shortages are hurting agriculture and the impacts of various immigration reform proposals on food production and prices.

We All Pay the Price The study shows that if Congress goes the enforcement-only route, America would lose about $60 billion worth of its food production. Of course, when production goes down and demand is the same or growing, prices go up, and that’s exactly what would happen with food. The report shows that food prices would rise by 5 or 6 percent on top of normal price increases if Congress focuses solely on stepped-up enforcement. We’ll all pay a price, farmers and consumers alike, if Congress does not couple immigration enforcement with measures to create a more stable labor supply.

Farmers depend heavily on an immigrant labor force—not because they want to, but because often those are the only workers they can get for seasonal and physically demanding farm work.

We know that of the estimated 11 million undocumented individuals in the United States, about 525,000 of them are March 2014

part of the agricultural workforce. We also know this situation can’t continue.

We want to fix the problem. But we don’t want to—and don’t have to—lose food production in the process.

No Half Measures The report released by Farm Bureau shows that anything less than comprehensive reform is just a half-measure.

With a redesigned guest worker program and the opportunity for skilled laborers now working in agriculture to earn an adjustment of status, food prices would remain stable and the drop in food production due to more immigration enforcement would be less than 1 percent.

Seems like a no-brainer.

When all Congress has to work with is opinions, you can understand legislators’ reluctance to act. On the issue of farm labor, we have facts and they all point in the same direction: Farmers and consumers both need comprehensive immigration reform.

In Remembrance Keller F. Davis, age 66, a lifelong resident of the South Valley and Bernalillo, NM died unexpectedly Monday, February 17, 2014.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Anna Fay Davis. Keller was born in 1947 in Albuquerque and graduated from Valley High, Class of 1965. As a youth, Keller was very active in 4-H. He attended New Mexico State University until his father died, at which time he came home to help his mother farm.

Keller farmed for 26 years on the Sandia Reservation raising alfalfa, wheat, and corn. He served on the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau as a Director, the Bernalillo County Farm Bureau and the New Mexico Cattle Growers Board.

Keller was a member of Temple Lodge No. 6 AF & AM and Ballut Abyad Shrine. After farming, Keller went to work for Farm Credit and in 2005 he started transporting horses for breeding, sales, and horse racing. He loved agriculture in all forms and the people associated with it. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Keller’s name to the New Mexico 4-H Foundation, 13008 Gray Hills, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 or to the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Collegiate Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 20004, Las Cruces, NM 88004-9004.

March 2014

Food Link Events

Food Check Out Day move over, there’s a new kid in town. “Our Food Link” is a new American Farm Bureau initiative that incorporates Food Check Out Day while expanding opportunities for interactions with consumers. “Our Food Link is a year-round program that county and state Farm Bureaus use to provide consumers of all ages and backgrounds with information about today’s agriculture,” explained Terry Gilbert, a Kentucky farmer and chair of the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee. “People want to know where their food comes from and who is growing or raising it.”

Our Food Link activities range from outreach at supermarkets or farmers’ markets to hosting interactive booths at community events, speaking with lawmakers and neighbors about food and visiting classrooms to help students understand agricultural topics. Other program ideas include: an Adopt-a-Farmer program, fun runs, garden projects and various foodie events. Our Food Link activities may also include the collection of food and monetary donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities or other charities. The connection between Farm Bureau and Ronald McDonald House Charities was forged in the mid-1990s.

Since then, Farm Bureau members have donated more than $3 million in food and monetary contributions to Ronald McDonald Houses and other charities.

NMF&LB’s Women’s Leadership Committee has long been at the forefront of shopping for the Ronald McDonald House in Albuquerque. On February 17th they joined forces with Smith’s and local 4-H’ers to again stock the pantry for this charity, so vital for rural New Mexicans. They spent $1,009.33 on meat and staples.

Dona Ana County Farm Bureau also hosted an “Our Food Link” shopping event to benefit Jardin de Los Ninos, an area shelter for homeless children. They enlisted the help of the Hatch FFA Chapter to shop for the $1,000 donation of meat and canned goods.

Socorro County Farm Bureau’s “Our Food Link” charity event included FFA and 4-H shoppers who compete to come the closet to spending a set limit per cart.

The calculators and coupons were flying as they tried to beat one another. In the end, over $1,000 was spent to aid the Socorro Storehouse Food Pantry and Puerto Seguro.

The food was then delivered by a tractor and flatbed trailer.

Farm & Ranch Page 3

Legislative Review

by Dennis Garcia, Regional Director and Governmental Affairs Liason The session, as required by the state Constitution, adjourned after 30 days at noon on Thursday, February 20, 2014.

The governor has 20 days after adjournment to sign bills passed during the session. The deadline to sign a bill is March 12, 2014.

Under the state Constitution, the session is limited to the budget, revenue measures and proposals placed on the agenda by the governor. Constitutional amendments can also be considered.

Approving a budget to finance public education and general government programs is a must do assignment for lawmakers.

business portal that is user-friendly, searchable and accessible to the public.

That will provide businesses with the ability to electronically conduct certain business transactions with various state agencies. SB9 passed the Senate and House and now awaits the Governor’s consideration.

SB43: Update State & Regional Water Plans sponsored by Sen. P. Campos proposes that $700,000 from the General Fund is to be appropriated to the Interstate Streams Commission for use in Fiscal Year 2015 to update state and regional water plans. Any balance at the

helped finance Spaceport America.

EDUCATION-Passed marching band, athletics and some other classes to meet a physical education requirement for high school students; phase in school class-size limits which have been temporarily lifted because of state budget problems; allow schools to stock and administer emergency medication to treat asthma attacks and allergic reactions; grant a fee waiver for home school or private school students taking dual credit courses at colleges; provide a 3% average pay raise for educators.

Failed: The Governor’s proposal to end practice of Here is a look at legislation “social promotion” by holding that passed and failed during back third graders who can’t the 30 day session that would read proficiently; Democratic be of interest to our memberalternative allowing struggling ship: students to be retained based on decisions by a team of BUDGET- Passed a $6.2 educators. billion budget with a 5 % HEALTH-CHILD WELincrease in spending on public FARE-Passed: requires education and government counties to contribute to services for next year; $233 programs for mostly rural million for state and local hospitals to provide health capital improvements, includcare to the poor; expedited ing $86 million for water licensing of nurses who move systems; $167 million for to New Mexico from another capital improvements at state; state certification colleges and other schools, Dexter’s FFA Chapter, under the direction of Shawn Dennis, observes of community health the House of Representatives during FFA day at the legislature. senior citizen centers and workers; regulates thirdlibraries; a constitutional amendment to party pharmacy benefits managers that end of the fiscal year will revert to the provide more flexibility for international General Fund. SB43 was never heard in administer prescription drug insurance investments from the State Permanent the Senate Finance Committee and died. plans; clarify appeal right from custody Fund. hearing decisions involving children in Failed: To increase yearly payout SJR13 & HJ9: Annually Increasing abuse and neglect cases; test newborns from the Permanent Fund to provide Minimum Wage sponsored by Sen. R. for heart disorders. more than $100 million a year for early Martinez & Rep. M.P. Garcia proposes childhood programs.

Failed: Broaden who must report susto amend Article 20 of the Constitution pected cases of child abuse and neglect; of New Mexico to require that the state HB51: Right to Farm Nuisance minimum wage be increased annually at expand state agency’s power to take Changes sponsored by Rep. Y. Herrell immediate custody of children when the rate of inflation. If passed, the Joint proposes to amend the Right to Farm Resolution would not require the Gover- there are certain signs of abuse; criminal Act to provide that no agricultural nor’s signature, but instead, would go to background checks for adults in homes operation or facility may be deemed a an election by the general public. SJR13 where children are placed in an emernuisance, unless it operated negligently gency in neglect and abuse cases. failed to pass the House Floor and died. or illegally. Gone is the provision in HJR9 was never heard in House. current law that allows for an “impropALCOHOL-DRUGS-Passed: An inerly” operated facility to be declared a crease in liquor tax revenues going to loTAXES-Passed: Remove the gross nuisance. HB51 passed the House and cal drunken driving prevention programs receipts tax from parts and labor for Senate and it now awaits the Governor’s maintaining aircraft; lift the gross refor three years. consideration. ceipts tax from dialysis services by for Failed: Legalize recreational use of profit clinics for Medicare patients.

SB9: One Stop Business Portal Act marijuana; longer prison stays for drunkFailed: Expand a tax credit provided sponsored by Sen. M.K. Papen & Rep. en drivers with four or more convicto “angel investors” who help finance L. Varela proposes by January 1, 2017 tions; ban sales of electronic cigarettes new companies, stopping Dona Ana and that the Department of Information to minors; add mandatory prison time to Sierra counties from supporting public Technology shall create a “one-stop” the basic sentence of drunken driving school operations with a local tax that Farm & Ranch Page 4

March 2014

David Sterrett, Member Since 1995

Farmers and ranchers don’t find their jobs in the back of a newspaper. It’s something you’re born into. We’ve been farmer and rancher owned since 1916, providing loans, insurance and other financial services to help generations of New Mexicans prosper. We know where you’re going. And how to get you there.

Call 1-800-451-5997 or visit www.FarmCreditNM.com

March 2014

Farm & Ranch Page 5

Another Chapter

Just over 4 years ago, I made a big decision to change my career path.

For those who have never had to go through this type of transition and depending on where you are in the stages of life, often it is not the easiest thing to do. I was married to a wonderful woman, we were contemplating starting a new family and I was working day in day out in sales and marketing.

It was what most people call “riding a desk.” I was making money for someone sitting in a high rise, in some other state that barely knew my name and certainly knew nothing about me. By far the job was not personally gratifying. I was only as good as my last months’ numbers.

So, after thinking long and hard about giving up a pretty good financial career, I chose to stick my neck out and apply for a job with New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. To make a long story short, I took a position with New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau as a Regional Director. New to the industry, not growing up on a farm or ranch, I knew there were challenges ahead. I also knew that as long as I took those challenges head

by Chad Smith, Chief Executive Officer on I would learn. I quickly embraced the challenges and have since learned an enormous amount about the industry. Now had you asked me at the time of my hire if I thought I would be as passionate about agriculture and the livelihoods that we advocate for I would have said “no.” I had no idea that today would be a whole different story. Over the years the passion that I have developed for such an important industry and such a great group of people has evolved far more than I ever thought it would. I can truly say I love my job, I love what I do and more importantly I love the rewards and self-gratification that come with it. Advocating for such a cause, while not always succeeding, is so rewarding and far from what can be gained from “riding a desk.”

talize on. Now, more than ever, we need to unite across the State of New Mexico and stand up for our industry.

We provide the food and fiber that the world relies on! It has been proven by many that through hard work you can accomplish great things. New Mexico agriculture will persevere and New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau will be your voice in the challenges ahead.

March 1st marked another milestone in my career and I am far from the road I was previously on. It brings me great pride and honor to serve our members as the CEO of your New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau.

I will say that while agriculture has some challenges ahead we also have great opportunity that we must capi-

Legislative Review, continued continued from page 4 offenders with previous felonies.

TRANSPORTATION-Passed: Prohibit texting while driving; allow state to tap Emergency Fund to help schools with rising fuel costs for school buses.

Failed: The Governor’s proposal to stop the state from issuing driver’s licenses to immigrants illegally in the country; provide $40 million over 10 years to pay part of the cost for keeping Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route in New Mexico GOVERNMENT-Passed: Increase to $250,000 the benefits paid to survivors of firefighters who die in the line of duty; create five additional judgeships; revamp retirement systems for judges and magistrates to improve long-term solvency; changes in the composition of the State Water Trust Board; change filing dates for minor political parties and their candidates.

Failed: Ban firearms in parts of the Capitol; prohibit former legislators, Farm & Ranch Page 6

statewide elected officials and cabinet secretaries from working as paid lobbyists for two years after they leave their government positions; expand power of state and local governments to restrict fireworks in times of extreme risk.

GAMBLING-HORSE RACINGPassed: To allow horse racetrack owners and operators to eject any person from the premises if their license has been suspended or revoked for administering a performance-altering substance; create a fund for the State Racing Commission to use in hearing the appeals of horse racing citations.

HB35 Provides that a school district with a student membership of less than 200 students, including early childhood education students, is eligible for additional program units. This bill carries a $5.7 million appropriation.

HB44 Cited as the Firearm Transfer Act, requires background checks by the Department of Public Safety prior to the transfer of firearms by persons other than licensed dealers; prohibits certain

persons from purchasing or receiving firearms.

HB119 Proposes a new section of the Livestock Code to require the Livestock Board to identify and monitor animals that have been rejected for slaughter for human consumption at the Mexican border.

HB120 Amends the Criminal Code to make it a crime to mistreat horses. Provides that equines not classified as food animals by the USDA are protected by laws pertaining to cruelty of animals.

HB121 Prohibits the slaughter or transport of horses for human consumption.

SB229 Proposes to amend the Right to Farm Act to provide that no agricultural operation or facility may be deemed a nuisance unless it is operated negligently or illegally. Gone is the provision in current law that allows for an “improperly” operated facility to be declared a nuisance.

March 2014

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)

March 2014

NM-Tribute(7-13).indd 1

Farm & Ranch Page 7 6/6/13 3:43 PM

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 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

REGIONAL DIRECTORS Joel Alderete, Roswell Dennis Garcia, Santa Fe Benjie Segovia, Las Cruces 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

March 2014