THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW MEXICO FARM AND LIVESTOCK BUREAU®
The Hemanns - Farm Family of the Year 2016 Legislative Preview Creosote Remediation Page 1
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
January / December 2015
NMF&LB President’s Column IDEAS AND ELBOW GREASE
Farmers and Ranchers, the Original Conservationists No doubt you’ve seen a set of solar panels attached to a water pump or a corner next to a circle that has a 2-3 acre solar panel system. Whether it’s for cattle or crops, New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers have been on the leading edge of solar use and technology. This is typical of our industry, we are early adopters of technology and on the forefront of conservation. We’ve had to reuse, recycle and reduce since the beginning of time as farmers and ranchers are typically far removed from major commerce areas and a run to town to buy something new was not an option.
BY MICHAEL S. WHITE
and Cultural Organization, titled “The green, blue and grey water footprint of crops and derived crop products” by M.M. Mekonnen and A.Y. Hoekstra, Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 15(5): 1577-1600. The authors state that “Because the water footprint statistics have been formulated using the same methodology – the Global Water Footprint Standard – they are comparable and can be used to tell the complex story of water.” To find the water footprint, a commodity’s water requirements were measured in green water (rainwater), blue for surface and groundwater and the grey water requirement is freshwater used to distribute nutrients and fertilizer. They are totaled for a “gallons per ounce” ratio where the lower is obviously better. Peanuts, grown on the eastern side of the state as a dryland crop, are given a rating of 4.7. This is excellent when compared against say, walnuts at 73.5 that are heavily irrigated. Not surprisingly rice comes in at 16.26 whereas lettuce, a big crop in the southern part of the state clocks in at .85 and onions are only slightly higher at 1.18. We produce a lot of milk with a ratio of 5.4 but that is better than pineapple juice at 6.36. So as you can see, crops grown in our state are already water savers.
We’ve had to reuse, recycle and reduce
We are also reducing our water usage. In fact, water used for food production declined from 3.4 million acre-feet in 1995 to 3 million acre-feet in 2010. Much of that decline is attributable to improved irrigation technology and modernized farming practices such as drip systems and concrete lined ditches. Farmers are also utilizing precision application which reduces evaporation and runoff. Variable rate irrigation uses soil moisture and topography to target specific areas for irrigation. And while it is true that food production accounts for an estimated 80 percent of New Mexico’s water use, it is also true that much of that water returns to aquifers or to rivers and is re-used downstream.
since the beginning of time...
Another method for conservation is in seed selection. Plant scientists have developed varieties that require less water and as such are better able to withstand drought. By using these seeds farmers can maintain yield and quality while decreasing water usage. And the crops farmers choose to grow in New Mexico are themselves conservers of water according to a 2011 report commissioned by the United Nations Educational, Scientific
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Another agricultural group that has made innovations in water savings are New Mexico’s dairy farmers. They have been conserving water for years, using lagoon water for irrigation water in adjacent alfalfa fields. Their conservation efforts also expand to anaerobic digesters where recycled manure becomes renewable energy, helping again to save water that would have been used in energy production. So when people talk about agricultural use of water or conservation, remember that the agricultural community is already doing their part to conserve and that growing food is not a waste of water!
January / December 2015
AFBF President’s Column THE AG AGENDA
An Honor Serving Agriculture In January I’ll be passing the gavel to the new president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. It’s the final item on my agenda. As I look back on the last 16 years, I am proud of the hard work we’ve done to strengthen agriculture and make the voice of America’s farmers and ranchers heard. Farmers and ranchers know how to get things done. We aren’t afraid of a challenge. Markets are up and down, weather turns unexpectedly. Yet farmers face these twists and turns with resilience. In that same spirit we began the work of honing our strategic focus here at AFBF when I started my first term. We switched to offense and brought the whole team to Washington, D.C., to get out in front of the issues facing agriculture. Today, Farm Bureau staff and members are on the front lines making sure our voices are heard and protecting the business of agriculture.
BY BOB STALLMAN
training them to run the family business. Likewise, when efforts were afoot in Congress in 2010 to unilaterally tax the fuel that powers American agriculture, we linked arms in the call: “Don’t Cap Our Future.” Sometimes, getting things done means bringing new solutions to the table. That’s just what we did with farm bills in 2002, 2008 and 2014. Most recently, we worked with Congress to update the way risk on the farm is managed. New market-focused crop insurance programs brought the program into the new century while safeguarding farmers’ peace of mind. The success of U.S. agriculture is fueling industries in communities across the country. We’ve worked with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to open up trade around the world. And U.S agricultural exports are booming, bringing in $152 billion in 2014. With new trade agreements underway, we are poised for more growth still.
We’ve won a lot of victories by sharing our stories with lawmakers and the public.
When you run into a problem on the farm, you don’t wish it away: You find a solution and fix it. You don’t ignore a broken fence or stop irrigating dry land. Wishful thinking doesn’t get things done and it’s not good business. “Strategic” and “action” are familiar terms here at AFBF. We established a Strategic Action Team in D.C. not just to monitor key issues but to anticipate policy battles and find solutions. As a direct result of that effort, we are supporting our state Farm Bureaus like never before in their efforts to gain grassroots support for our national policy priorities. We are also using enhanced training and social media communications to empower farm and ranch families to advocate for their businesses and rural communities. Together we’ve won a lot of victories by sharing our stories with lawmakers and the public. When the Department of Labor tried to stand in the way of families working together on their farms, we took action and showed that we can protect our kids while Page 3
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Our work is far from over. We continue to raise our voices in our call to Ditch The Rule, to inform lawmakers and the courts about the far-reaching impacts of EPA’s onerous Waters of the U.S. rule on productive farm and grazing land. It’s not just lawmakers who need to understand the importance of what we do on our farms and ranches, but also consumers who are being fed misinformation about agriculture. Toward that goal, I am proud of the roles that AFBF played in the formation of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance and our long track record of support for the Center for Food Integrity – two efforts that help amplify our voice in national discussions about food issues. There have been a lot of changes since I was elected to serve as AFBF president back in 2000. I have no doubt that the new leader who takes up the gavel will have AFBF primed to capitalize on opportunities and address any challenges related to the prosperity of your farms and ranches, the quality of life you want for your families and the vitality of your rural communities. It’s truly been my honor to serve you and the agricultural industry we treasure.
January / December 2015
It’s a Sprint, not a Marathon What to Expect in 2016 Zach Riley, Director of Government Affairs NMFLB’s annual meeting has created an outstanding legislative agenda for 2016. Some examples of issues identified by our membership are: Workers Compensation Insurance: Family operations/ businesses across the state have been suffering as the courts have still yet to render a decision for the appeals filed by NMFLB and other members of the agriculture group. These appeals if decided on hold real merit in the fight for maintaining agricultural exemptions to being required to carry workers compensation which was decided and begun being enforced after the June 2016 decision declaring the existing statute unconstitutional. Legislation is being developed to both shore up the constitutionality of the existing statute and maintain the more than 70-year-old exemption and to help mitigate the impact. Either way the actions could be contingent on the decisions of the pending ongoing legal battles. REAL ID: There are a lot of concerns for New Mexico’s failure to comply with the REAL ID Act: interrupted business, inability for interstate transfers and sales of goods, creation of a potential shortage in labor force and bad press for investment in New Mexico. We are continuing to advocate for a solution sooner rather than later so New Mexico’s economy and agricultural industry is able to continue uninhibited. Gross Receipts Tax Exemption on Sale of Landowner Permits: NMFLB has invested a great deal of time into improving the lines of communications between the NM Tax & Revenue and our producer members. Additionally, NMFLB at the request of its membership and State Representatives took part in the drafting of legislation to help further protect the long-standing exemption enjoyed by the sales of the NM Department of Game and Fish permits as reimbursement. In a hearing of the Interim Tax and Revenue Stabilization committee legislation was presented by the NM Cattle Growers Association. The committee did not endorse the legislation, but is still open to discussing the situation in the 30-day session. Additional Dollar to the Beef Check-off: The Beef Check-off Program is an instrumental component to promoting beef. NMFLB has a policy supporting the adding on of an extra dollar to the contribution by producers on sales of cattle. This dollar increase could help revive bovine education in New Mexico. NMFLB along with the NM Cattle Growers will be bringing legislation in the 2016 session to increase the check-off. Right to Farm Act: There may, once again, be a proposed change to the NM Right to Farm; Farming as a Nuisance definitions. An amendment may be proposed by the Dairy Producers of NM in association with DFA, it’s not certain at this time, but there has been much work done on this initiative to date. What Can You Do: As a member of the NMFLB and the agricultural community it is imperative that you stay informed. NMFLB will be doing its best to communicate to you the important happenings in the 2016 Legislative Session. Even more importantly, stay in touch with your Senators and Representatives either by email or telephone, they like talking with us - the NMFLB staff, but they love hearing from you - their constituency. Please, feel free to contact NMFLB staff with any questions regarding the legislative process or how to stay informed and connected. Page 4
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
January / December 2015
John Turrietta, a fifth grade teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary in Rio Rancho, was named the NM Ag in the Classroom Educator of the Year by the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau. This award recognizes a dedicated educator who excels in teaching students about the important role agriculture plays in our lives. Traci Curry, Southern Director for NM Ag in the Classroom says, “It is an honor to be able to recognize Mr. Turrietta for his dedication in providing his students with hands-on opportunities to explore the world around them through agriculture.” John is a native of New Mexico. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico. His roots run deep here and can even be tied to the Atrisco Land Grant as well as the buffer settlement of Bibo, NM. Mr. Turrietta has been inspiring Rio Rancho fifth graders for twenty-two years now and still hasn’t lost his love of learning new ways to energize and engage his students. John attended the 2015 “Get WOW’d!” workshop at NMSU on his summer break to learn more about current research, technology, and the vast career fields related to agricultural sciences. “I really encourage other teachers to find out more about the numerous resources offered by Ag in the Classroom, “states Turrietta. Page 5
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
THANK YOU
NMAITC Educator of the Year
The following section features sponsors who contributed to our 2015 Annual Meeting. We appreciate your continued support of New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau!
John Turrieta
January / December 2015
TRISTATE.COOP
YOU’RE GROWING THE FUTURE. WE’RE POWERING IT.
We’re proud to stand with New Mexico farmers and ranchers as they carry on a rich agricultural tradition. We work hard to provide a reliable, affordable source of power to help you get the job done now and for years to come.
THE RANGE & PASTURE SPECIALISTS
Greg Alpers Range & Pasture Specialist 575.626.7438
gaalpers@dow.com
www.RangeandPasture.com Solutions for the Growing World
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
®
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
January / December 2015
Treven & Don Pool
Farm Credit of New Mexico has been farmer and rancher owned since 1916. We’ve spent the past 100 years helping our members grow their businesses and provide for their families. We’ve strengthened our communities and our ties to the land over that time. We look forward to building on our mutual success in the century to come. farmcreditnm.com | 1-800-451-5997
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
January / December 2015
Thank You Socorro County Sponsors
The following family farms, ranches and individuals gave a combined donation of $1,100 to host the audio portion of our Summer Conference.
Socorro County Farm Bureau Snake Ranch Farm Stores ™ Richard T. Ritter, CPA Mike Hudson - FBFS Dennis and Margene Harris Dan and Carol Kloss Fite Ranch Bed & Breakfast T & M Cattle
ATTENTION BEEF PRODUCERS The New Mexico Beef Council’s FY 2014-2015 Annual Report is available. Please visit the NMBC website @ www.nmbeef.com, call 505-841-9407, or email nmbeef@nmbeef.com to request your copy of the report.
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
January / December 2015
! u o y k Than
Event Sponsors
$1000
Farm Bureau Financial Services Otero County Farm Bureau Jim Ellett Ranch Ellett Enterprises Silver Bell Ranch Brad Houston
$500
Chaves County Farm Bureau Citizen’s Bank Paul’s Vet Supply
New Mexico Council of Outfitters & Guides/ RB Outfitters John & Melinda Jackson & Lake Arthur School of Welding Davis & Son’s Hatting Co. Atlas Travel George & Mayra Jackson Brad Houston New Mexico State FFA Rowdy Silver Buckles Jay & Katie Hill Christmas Package Items: Joseph & Tessa Ogden Jim & Earlene Ellett Lea County Farm Bureau Luna County Farm Bureau John & Melinda Jackson Tammy Wier Craig & Teresa Ogden John & Silver Bell Otero County Farm Bureau
Live Auction Winners:
Farm Credit of New Mexico Kendell Buzard Jim & Earlene Ellett Jennifer & Anthony Parra Jim & Nita Taylor Blaine Williams Craig & Teresa Ogden Chris & Paula Sichler
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Central Valley Electric Chase Farms LLC Eddy County Farm Bureau First American Bank First National Bank of New Mexico George & Mayra Jackson Smith Ford of Lordsburg T&M Cattle & Dennis & Margene Harris
$100
Roosevelt County Farm Bureau Thank You To Our Auctioneers: Aubrey Dunn & Wayne Kinman & Volunteer: Kelli Goodpasture
$500 Teacher Sponsorship Donor: Al & Cheri Porter
Live Auction Donors:
$250
Rootin Tootin Donors: JoAnn Alcon-Ortiz Agency Roswell Tractor Supply Roswell Livestock 4-H State Office Craig & Teresa Ogden Anthony & Jennifer Parra George & Mayra Jackson Farm Credit of New Mexico Theresa Widner NM Department of Ag Brian & Lyn Greene Chris & Paula Sichler Deanna Runer Bud & Sue Deerman NM Ag Leadership Britney Lardner Carol Gutierrez Ellett Enterprises John & Betty Conner Jim & Earlene Ellett Farm Bureaus: DeBaca County Grant CounTy Hidalgo County Catron County
Game Sponsors! Fuddruckers NM CowBelles NMF&LB Women’s Leadership Program NMF&LB YF&R/ NMSU Collegiate Farm Bureau January / December 2015
NMF&LB 97th Annual Meeting During the 97th Annual Meeting of the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, Leon and Betty Hemann, alfalfa farmers near McDonald, New Mexico, were named Farm Family of the Year. Leon was born in Oklahoma where he spent many summers helping his father around his farm and ranch. Betty was also born into a farm and ranch family in Lea County. They met as seniors at Tatum High School and were married after graduation. Leon promptly left for four years as he served in the US Navy. When he returned they moved to McDonald so that Leon could help his father in-law Marvin McClish, with the family farm and ranch. They raised cotton, sorghum, wheat, haygrazer and alfalfa for many years. The ranching part consisted of Angus and mixed bred cows, sheep and hogs. Over the past 30 years Leon and Betty raised alfalfa hay small bales and hay grazer that they used for the winter months to feed their cattle operation and also sell to local buyers. Their family includes two children, Lisa and Len, and grandchildren Karie, Trever, Trent and Kelly Shay. “Leon and Betty have worked tirelessly through their Farm Bureau activities to promote and conserve agriculture. We thank the Hemann family for all they do,” said Mike White, President of the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau.
Al Porter was honored as the recipient of our Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award. From left to right: Dwain Nunez, Shacey Sullivan, Beverly Gabaldon, Cheri and Al Porter, NMF&LB’s First Vice Pres. Craig Ogden, Kevin Kuper and Dennis Fike.
Adam Mitchell, (second from left), was the YF&R / Collegiate Discussion Meet winner, pictured with NMF&LB CEO Chad Smith, Kyle Siegel, FBFS Regional VP and Jay Hill, YF&R District IV Rep. Below, Allison Wilton, (fourth from left) a student at Ft. Sumner, was the FFA Discussion Meet Winner. Finalist included Arlin Bustillo, Sam Dodd and Kylie Daugherty. Kelli Goodpasture was honored as our Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to Ag in the Classroom.
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
January / December 2015
Restore New Mexico Creosote Remediation by the BLM
Dalene Hodnett, Director of Communications “Anytime I have a chance to improve my ranch I’m going to so that I can provide better forage for my cattle,” says Jim Ellett, Otero County Farm Bureau President. And that’s just what he did, partnering with the Bureau of Land Management to aerially apply herbicide on his land near Mayhill to remediate creosote.
Photo by Lisa Phillips, BLM Range Improvement Specialist
“Restore New Mexico” is a BLM initiative to recover the state’s native grasslands, woodlands, and riparian areas to pre-1900 ecological states. Since 2005, BLM and its partners in Restore New Mexico have combined resources to recover more than 3 million acres of federal, state, and private land. More than 350 partners have participated, including ranchers, other land owners, industry, conservation, and sportsman’s groups, and other Photo by Erica Valdez, Admin. Assistant for the Hidalgo SWCD federal and state agencies on a state wide level. Erica Valdez, Administrative Assistant for the Hidalgo Soil and Water Conservation District, notes that with the project’s goal of killing 85-90% of creosote the program will “improve plant species diversity which will benefit wildlife, rangeland, and watershed health and result in an increase of native grasses, forbs, and other herbaceous vegetation.” Mr. Ellett originally had 1,500 acres treated three years ago and another 1,000 acres were treated this past October. “It’s amazing how well the grass grows when you get rid of that greasewood,” he says. Other ranches are conducting similar treatments. In the state’s boot heel the BLM partnered with the Hidalgo Soil and Water Conservation District and New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts to develop a request for proposal to treat approximately 5,900 acres of creosote bush on the Fuller Allotment operated by Dave Mead. A low-flying airplane operated by Heinen Brothers Aerial Ag. out of Seneca, Kansas dropped tebuthiuron pellets, a soil-activated herbicide ( Dow Agro’s SPIKE 20P ) that inhibits photosynthesis. With a per acre cost of $17.85 , the tebuthiuron was applied at a rate of 1/2 pound of per acre . “At the planned rate and timing of application, the herbicide will have minimal impact on desirable grasses and forbs. Due to the fact that the herbicide is applied in pellet form, it will not drift from treated areas. When the pellets dissolve with favorable precipitation, they are absorbed into the ground to a depth of approximately two feet and into the target plants root system, eventually reducing the creosote cover,” says Ms. Valdez. According to Lane Hauser, BLM Range Improvement Specialist, the treatment area was carefully selected to treat target species while avoiding non-target species, critical wildlife habitat, and special status species plant and animals. Hauser is pleased with the project’s progress so far. “With any restoration activity the key is to break down barriers, arrive at the ranch with an open mind, bringing solutions rather than barriers. Put aside phones, e-mails, and other seemingly popular communication methods, meet eye to eye with partners to get it done where a hand shake and a man’s word still means something.” For more information on “Restore New Mexico” contact your area BLM office. Page 11
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January / December 2015
Eastern NM State Fair Calf Scramble Through your generosity we raised a combined total of $10,000! Twenty kids received $500 each to purchase a fair animal for next year.
Thank you to these Sponsors: $1,000 Donors Lea County Farm & Livestock Bureau T & C Farms New Mexico Cattle Growers Association FBL Financial Services Bureau of Land Management Alisa Ogden $500 Donors
Nikki Hooser & Kathy Longinaker New Mexico Stockman Chaves County Farm & Livestock Bureau New Mexico Farm Credit Eddy County Farm & Livestock Bureau Waide Irrigation NMF&LB Young Farmers and Ranchers New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau Page 12
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
January / December 2015
Can We Lease Your Land for Our Solar Farms?
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This depicits 3 phase power,notice the 3 conductors on the top of the power pole.
Large Power Lines on Your Property?? Lease Us Your Land!
We Will Up to Pay $1000/Acre/Year – 20 to 40 Yr. Lease We Require Large Tracts of Land (Over 125 Acres) w/ 3Phase Power for Our Solar Farms Large Land Tracts Needed – Land Cannot be in Flood Zone – Must Not Be Wetlands
Long Term Land Leases Needed-(20 – 40 Year Leases – Up to $1000/Acre/Year)
CALL (828)-817-5400 Visit our website at www.InnovativeSolarFarms.com Email Us – InnovativeSolarFarms@gmail.com
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
January / December 2015
County Spotlight: Lea County FLB by Tammy Wier Lea County Farm and Livestock Bureau starts out our year with the Women’s Leadership Food Check Out Day by purchasing $1,000.00 worth of food for our local food pantry called Cornerstone Ministries. We meet at the grocery store and fill our baskets, then head over to the pantry and fill their shelves. Our local grocery matches our amount with a check that can be used as needed when the shelves run low after we stock them. Then in April we meet to go over our scholarship applicants and give out anywhere from 2-4 $2,000.00 scholarships in the county. Applications are mailed to 5 high schools in the county in January with an April 15th deadline. Depending on how much money we have we then decide how many to give out. We are active at the county fair in August with a booth in the commercial building with information about Farm Bureau. On Tuesday of the fair we feed the exhibitors a big meal of brisket, sausage, hamburgers, beans, tortillas, and hamburger fixings, this is in conjunction with our county insurance agency. On sale day, Farm Bureau donates $3,000.00 in add-on monies to the kids. In October we cook and wrap about 2,200 hot dogs for Farm Safety Day where all 3rd graders in the county gather to hear about several different ways to be safe. At this event there is gun safety, electrical, liquid, oil, stranger danger, the water trailer from Lea Water and Soil District, and Ag In The Classroom came and did a class promoting agriculture to a lot of city kids. We encourage our board to be active in the community on other boards so that our interests are voiced. Leon Hemann is on our telephone board, Gary Herrera is running for a position on the FSA board, several board members are in other civic groups as well. Danny Groves, our president, tries to go to every fair board meeting. Lefty Spears is on the Lea Water and Soil board. Tammy Wier helps out at the schools reading to the kids, doing activities with the kids to teach them how important agriculture is to their everyday lives. Lea County FLB board members sponsor local youth with scholarships, left. County President Danny Groves prepares to feed fair exhibitors with burgers and brisket, below.
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
January / December 2015
AN INSURANCE CAN SAVE THE DAY. A lot can change in a year. And those changes can create gaps in your insurance. That’s why you need a Farm Bureau SuperCheck to help ensure you have the coverage you need when you need it. With a SuperCheck, your Farm Bureau agent can help: Identify gaps in your insurance coverage Get the discounts you deserve Provide peace of mind Call your Farm Bureau agent to schedule a SuperCheck today.
www.fbfs.com/GoSuperCheck Auto l Home l Life l Annuities l Farm & Ranch l Business Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services M129 (3-15)
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
January / December 2015
Non-profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Las Cruces, N.M. Permit No.2093
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 Page 16
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Chad Smith Chief Executive Officer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bud Deerman, La Mesa Jim Ellett, Hope Duane Frost, Claunch Gary Hathorn, Aztec Anita Hand, Datil Leon Hemann, McDonald Jay Hill, Mesilla Park George Jackson, Lordsburg John Jackson, Lake Arthur Janet Jarratt, Los Lunas Deena Kinman, Elida Matt Lansford, Clovis Boe Lopez, Springer Danielle Lowry, Albuquerque Donald Martinez, El Rito Tommy Ortiz, Las Vegas Troy Sauble, Maxwell Paula Sichler, San Antonio John Sweetser, Deming Tom Wilton, Ft. Sumner
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 January / December 2015