November 2016 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW MEXICO FARM AND LIVESTOCK BUREAU®

School Gardens Candidate Questionnaire Annual Meeting Page 1

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November 2016

NMF&LB President’s Column IDEAS AND ELBOW GREASE

BY MICHAEL S. WHITE

Your Voice, Our Policies What is your superpower? Maybe it’s that you’re a teacher or a Dad. For New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau members your superpower is grassroots power. You belong to an organization that is literally built from the ground up. Your wish, especially when it comes to policy, is our command.

Policy development is one of the most influential powers of the county board. And as a voting member, you can create and pass policies that guide the organization. Our policy book is both our platform and our frame work.

Created by you, our members – it is a grassroots effort that is the bedrock of our beliefs. Every time we add, delete or amend a policy we build the future of our organization, carefully going in the direction that most benefits the farmers and ranchers of New Mexico. It also serves as a guide for many New Mexico lawmakers.

we’ll be prepared to act when faced with new challenges.

Policy suggestions can originate with any individual voting member, and are then voted on at a county annual meeting.

From there it is advanced to the voting delegates during annual convention. The policy is discussed, amendments are made and then it is voted on. If it passes it is added to the policy book and becomes one more guidepost for our organization. Suggested topics for policy include inter-basin transfers of water, game management, or taxes on agricultural land.

“Policy development is one of the most in-

And to keep our policies timely, during the resolutions meeting held in early November, we review sections of the book and determine if policy is repetitive, outdated, or no longer needed.

fluential powers of the county board.”

Our policy book informs us on a variety of issues that we face on a day to day basis. Are there current issues in your area that impact agriculture? Do we have policy that addresses the issue? If not we encourage you, as county farm bureaus, to formulate relevant resolutions. Resolutions voted on at the county level are then considered at the House of Delegates on Saturday, November 19, following our Annual Meeting.

I look forward to seeing you at the 98th Annual Meeting, November 17th -18th in Albuquerque, at the Sheraton Uptown. We will have interesting speakers, an awards banquet and a “fun”raiser for our highly influential New Mexico Ag in the Classroom program. Then I encourage you to become involved in the resolutions process. Our policy book is a guiding document as we go about achieving our mission of protecting and promoting agriculture. Your participation guarantees that you have a voice in the future of our organization and your industry.

Developing policy not only protects us from current anti-ag measures, but if we can anticipate future issues, Page 2

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AFBF President’s Column BEYOND THE FENCEROWS

BY ZIPPY DUVALL

Farmers are Proud of their Sustainability Narrative Sustainability is a hot topic around food production these days. Food companies frequently hijack the word for a marketing advantage, but it’s far more than a buzzword for us.

Sustainability drives our business decisions from one season to the next: a farmer or rancher who doesn’t know the value of sustainability isn’t likely to be in business very long. And yet, when food companies and self-proclaimed food experts embrace the term, they too often leave the majority of farmers and ranchers out of the discussion and go after the very tools we’re using to protect everyone’s water, air and soil.

Our industry is all about innovation, and cutting-edge technologies have changed the landscape of America’s farmland for the better.

We have made great strides in protecting natural resources and reducing our environmental footprint, and it’s time we brag on ourselves just a bit.

Organic, conventional or otherwise, farmers work hard to make the best choices for their crops, animals and land.

We are committed to protecting the water we drink and the air we breathe, and we have the numbers to prove it.

Resources like Field to Market’s Fieldprint Calculator track environmental impact and give meat to our sustainability narrative. The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance also is helping to show what sustainability looks like in agriculture through a series of infographics.

We are producing more with less. Take corn for example: The Field to Market Coalition survey shows production literally doubled from 1980 to 2011. Yet, soil erosion per bushel fell by a third, while irrigation water per bushel

dropped by half over the same time period. Energy used for the average bushel dropped 44 percent, and greenhouse gas emissions were down 36 percent.

Thanks to precision technology, farmers are saving resources, time and money. We are using fewer pesticides than ever before and applying less water and nutrients to our crops. Smarter farm equipment with GPS helps us pinpoint exactly where and when we need to make applications. We can zero in on crop disease and pests, and target treatment so it’s just the right amount. And we’re adding more tools to the toolbox all the time. From drones to robotic harvesters, agricultural technology is becoming more efficient and streamlined to help farmers continue growing safe, affordable food for all.

We can be proud of the new practices and farming techniques we have adopted to protect the soil from erosion and reduce greenhouse gases. We need to take the time to explain terms that are second nature to us, like no-till, buffer strips, and integrated pest management. We shouldn’t shy away from talking about why we choose GMO seeds.

Instead, we should explain the environmental benefits of growing crops that require little to no pesticides, are resistant to drought, preserve the soil and require fewer trips across the field.

Farmers do this because it’s good business—and also because they are good people who want to do what’s right.

They know that the choices they make can make a big difference. Jesus tells us in Matthew 13, in the parable of the

see “SUSTAINABILITY” pg 6

“Farmers and ranchers have a great story to tell.”

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November 2016

Bringing Agriculture to Life through School Gardens

by Baylee Davis, Communications Intern

Since World War II schools throughout the country have provided communities with produce from their gardens in times of need. This tradition has continued on throughout the past several decades in many states including those in the Southwest. Across New Mexico many schools have begun to include gardening in their curriculum. For nearly a decade, children in some areas have been learning about agriculture while they learn traditional school subjects through the help of growing fruit, vegetables and flowers. School gardens have been providing both physical and psychological benefits for people of all ages, allowing children and teachers to improve in their daily learning and abilities.

The benefits that come with a school opening a garden greatly outnumber the negative effects. Schools with gardens are not only improving the lives of the children and teachers who are at the school, but also the lives of those in the community as people come together to work in the garden.

Ashlee Lambson, resident of Ramah, New Mexico taught a course on gardening this past summer in her community for elementary age students. The course included learning about soil, water, and what types of crops would grow well in their area.

Lambson said “allowing children to work with their own hands and learn how to grow their own food promotes self-confidence and self-sufficiency.”

Gardens provide children the opportunity to learn important life skills while working towards a common goal together. Children learn skills like teamwork, patience, safety and the ability to care for others. They also learn about success and failure and

This sign is featured at a garden at University United Methodist Church in Las Cruces. Students at the school plant and cultivate a garden for the community. Featured on the front page, Pattie Burnam, teacher, and Chloe and Courtney Smith, students at the school.

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This garden at East Picacho Elementary is used for food demonstrations in the classroom. In a lesson on nutrition, students used sliced yellow squash as a base for “pizzas” with tomato sauce and cheese. how to overcome difficulties in a safe place where they will not get in trouble or be teased by others.

School gardens also provide the perfect environment for students to learn about nearly any subject taught in the classroom. Children can learn about science while learning how photosynthesis works while watching leaves grow on a plant.

They can learn reading skills by reading instructions for how to care for a plant. Students who work in gardens are able to have more opportunities to be creative than those who remain in a classroom.

Teachers have also seen an increase in their students test scores since gardening has been included in their school work.

Children who spend time in the school garden have an increased ability to problem-solve and understand environmental science issues. They also are more excited to learn and seem to enjoy going to school more than children who do not have gardening programs in their schools. Some students were so ex See “GARDENS” page 6 November 2016

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November 2016

Spotlight on Catron County Anita Hand With members across a large county like Catron, the obstacle we face is making sure that issues are addressed and keeping connected with the membership. It isn’t unreasonable for our members travel 75 miles to a meeting so the Board is seeking ideas on how we can meet the needs of our members. Our issues across the county are diverse. Forest Revision is on the forefront for both the Gila and the Cibola Forest. There is a drive to add more wilderness areas across the landscape. Statewide Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) has the potential to impact not only the county but the entire state. On each of these issues Catron County Farm Bureau has made every attempt to stay informed. The Augustin Plains Ranch LLC drilling application is yet another battle and we need member involvement. We are actively looking for young farmers and ranchers and need a YF&R representative. Our Women’s Leadership Program is seeking a representative as well.

There are lots of exciting things happening on the state level for both Young Farmers and Ranchers and Women’s Leadership Program. If you are not a member, please consider joining. For those that are members, let us know how we can better serve you.

“GARDENS” from page 4 cited to get back to their school garden this year that they tried to go to school before the fall semester had begun.

School gardens also promote healthier eating. Children are more likely to eat food that they have helped cultivate. This means that gardens help kids to not be picky-eaters both at home and at school and helps people choose healthier food alternatives. Not all children have the option of eating good food in their homes, so when a school garden is available, children are more likely to get the correct amount of fruit and vegetables that they need in order to grow healthy and strong.

Having a garden in the area has also proven to be good for the community. They provide safe outdoor areas for families and children to go, there is a decrease in crime, and an increase in neighborhood interaction. At many schools the gardens continue to produce fresh food throughout the summer, and schools are able to involve the community in the nearby neighborhoods to maintain the garden when student and teachers may be unavailable. This creates a unique environment for people of all ages and from various backgrounds to learn and develop gardening skills.

Mindy Tapia, a second grade teacher at East Picacho Elementary agrees. “Having the gardens has given teachers the chance to incorporate hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for our students. We have been able to reinvent how science and social studies are taught and integrated into all academic areas. It is a place where students practice skills like measurement, problem solving, scientific observation, informative writing, research, and poetry. Our students look forward to going to the ‘outdoor’ classroom and getting a little dirty as they learn. Project Based Learning and our gardens have given us another way to make learning fun and engaging. Our entire school has been able to integrate agriculture into their curriculum and educate our students about the important role agriculture plays in our community.”

Traci Curry, who works with Ag in the Classroom said “Students should know how our ecosystems work to achieve their basic needs. If future generations continue to not understand this then how are they going to solve problems, create new innovations, and protect our natural resources? The great thing is that it is easy to incorporate agriculture and use it as a tool to drive instruction and make connections across the curriculum.”

Every school garden is different. Some schools have greenhouses and culinary programs, while others only have the ability to garden in small containers or on a classroom windowsill. Although different, each school that has gardening in its curriculum is encouraging students, teachers and parents to be healthier, live better and enjoy life a little bit more. In doing so, each school garden is helping raise the future agricultural leaders of New Mexico.

“SUSTAINABILITY” from page 3 soils, that sustainability is important and the choices we make are crucial if we expect to reap a big harvest year after year.

To “sustain” means to keep in existence, to maintain, to continue. We are in difficult times in agriculture right now, and we are asked to do more and more with less and less. We cannot sustain our farms and ranches without using best management practices and the best agricultural technologies in our tool box. Sustainability can seem like a complex concept, but Jesus made it simple when he said to plant in good ground, not by the wayside or among the thorns. He has blessed us with the talents to research and develop new ways to keep the good ground fertile and productive.

Farmers and ranchers have a great story to tell. We need to share the good news with consumers and explain how the choices we make are protecting what we all cherish—our environment and our farms.

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November 2016

Get your buckles shined and your boots polished (or vice versa)!

Join us at the Sheraton Uptown in Albuquerque on Friday, November 18, 2016 8:00-midnight.Tickets are $15.

Buckles & Boots ‘Fun’raiser for Join us for a fun evenin’ for a great cause!

Live Western Band “Double Shot” & Dancing Live Auction Rootin Tootin Raffle Games, Prizes & Tons of Fun for Everyone!

Need tickets?

Pay at the door or make checks payable to NMAITC and mail Attn. NM Ag in the Classroom 2220 N Telshor Blvd. Las Cruces, NM 88011 Would you like to become a B&B sponsor or donate to the live auction?

Contact Cheryl Butterfield at agclass1@nmflb.org, 575.799.0102 or Traci Curry at agclass@nmflb.org, 505.238.2425

This event takes place during the NM Farm & Livestock Bureau’s 98th Annual Meeting on November 17-19,2016. If you are registered for the NMF&LB Conference, your $15 ticket is included in your registration.

WWW.nmaitc.org 1 Page 7

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Thanks to Calf Scramble Sponsors New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau was proud to host two calf scrambles this year at the Eastern and Southern New Mexico State Fairs. At each location forty participants, ages 9-13, were turned loose on 20 calves. The kids had to halter a calf and bring it to the finish line to win $500 to purchase an animal for next year’s fair. Thank you to our Superintendents who coordinated the events, Tom Dean (Southern), and Joel Alderete (Eastern) and to the following sponsors:

Eastern NMSF Calf Scramble Sponsors Lea County FLB Curry County FLB Eddy County FLB Jeff Bilberry Pat Boone Chaves County FLB NMF&LB YF&R Program NM Cattle Growers NM Stockman CKP Insurance Farm Credit of NM

$250 $250 $250 $250 $250 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500

NM BLM Wilson Livestock Nikki Hooser & Kathy Longinecker T&M William (Try) Riggs & Marcia Tidwell Waide Irrigation Luke Ragsdale Travis Hicks/ Desert Sun Motors Alisa Ogden

$500 $500 $500 $500

$500 $500 $500 $500 $1,000

Photo courtesy of Amy Flores

Southern NMSF Calf Scramble Sponsors $250 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500

NMF&LB $500 NM Stockman $500 Dick Ritter/ Mike Hudson $500 SECO Spice $500 Socorro County FLB $500 T&C Farms

$500 YF&R Program $500 Grant County FLB $750 Dona Ana County FLB $1,000

Photo courtesy of Amy Flores

Susan Sumrall, FBFS CKP Insurance Conniff Cattle Co. LLC Bud Deerman Farms Farm Credit of NM FBFS Koenig Farms

Luna County FLB NM BLM NM Cattle Growers

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We need your help!

If you have any NMF&LB memorabilia such as photos, pins, or plaques, please bring them to the Annual Meeting, November 17th - 18th, at the Sheraton Uptown in Albuquerque.

We’ll scan your photos and photograph your memorabilia at a booth starting at noon on Thursday running through noon on Friday. We would love to add your NMF&LB history to our Centennial book!

When it comes to choosing health insurance, don’t go it alone.

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. H320-NM (9-16)

Your Farm Bureau agent will help you sort out your options and find the right health insurance plan to fit your needs and budget.

Contact your Farm Bureau agent today.

Open Enrollment Period: November 1, 2016 – January 31, 2017 Health insurance policies are underwritten by an insurance company that is not affiliated with our companies. H320 (9-16)

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Presidential Candidate Questionnaire Every four years, the American Farm Bureau Federation asks the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees to address the issues that concern farmers and ranchers the most. They asked Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump the same questions. Here are their responses.

Regulatory Reform As president, what actions will you take to minimize the federal government's regulatory burden on businesses such as farming and ranching? Will you support regulatory reform to ensure that federal regulations pass a cost­benefit test and make the process of writing new regulations more transparent?

TRUMP RESPONSE: "Our nation's regulatory system is completely broken.

Terrible rules are written by unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats who often know nothing about the people they are regulating. The regulators have all of the power, and our nation's farmers are often forced to endure costly, burdensome, and unwise regulations that are bad for American farmers and consumers. In many instances, extreme environmental groups have more influence in setting the regulations than the farmers and ranchers who are directly impacted. Hillary Clinton will do the bidding of the radical environmentalists.

Whether through excessive land­use restrictions that impact farmers and ranchers, environmental requirements that impose enormous costs on farmers, or over­ reaching food product regulations, federal regulatory burdens have increased dramatically in recent years. This must change.

As President, I will work with Congress to reform our regulatory system. We will reduce the power of government bureaucrats, and increase the freedom of our nation’s farmers to be as productive as possible. We will increase transparency and accountability in the regulatory process. Rational cost­benefit tests will be used to ensure that any regulation is justified before it is adopted.

Unjustified regulations that are bad for American farmers and consumers will be changed or repealed. There will be no more “sue and settle” deals with extreme environmentalists.”

CLINTON RESPONSE: "Hillary is committed to operating the U.S. government in as open and transparent a way as possible. She will continue and expand the open­government initiatives started by the current Administration and will direct federal agencies to increase the amount of information they voluntarily disclose online.

As president, she will always engage a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers and ranchers, to hear their concerns and ideas for how we can ensure our agriculture sector remains vibrant. If there are implementation challenges with a particular regulation, Hillary will work with all stakeholders to address them.”

Farm Bill Federal farm programs and crop insurance provide an important safety net and risk management tool for farmers and ranchers, as well as consumers. Farm programs help keep America's farmers growing, even after a "bad year," so our consumers can continue to enjoy a plentiful, affordable food supply. It also provides food security for at­risk segments of the Page 10

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consumer population. Our nation is stronger when the alignment between farm and food assistance policies exists.

Farm programs cost less than 1 percent of our entire federal budget, while they keep our nation strong and non­reliant on other countries for our most basic need­­food. Yet these long­standing, much reformed programs have been under fire by liberals and conservatives alike. As president, how will you stand with farm and ranch families and consumers to protect these important programs?

TRUMP RESPONSE: "The Trump­Pence Administration will be an active participant in writing the next Farm Bill and delivering it on time! Our farmers deserve a good farm bill written by those who are thankful for our remarkable food system in this country. I support a strong safety net for our nation's farmers.

"Importantly, I have assembled an Agriculture Advisory Committee comprised of leaders who represent the best that America can offer to help serve agricultural communities. Many of these officials have been elected by their communities to solve the issues that impact our rural areas every day. I'm very proud to stand with these men and women, and look forward to serving with them in serving all Americans from the White House. A full­ list of members of my Agriculture Advisory Committee is available at https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press­ releases/trump­https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/trump-campaign-announces-agricultural-advisory-committee

CLINTON RESPONSE: "Hillary knows the Farm Bill's reauthorization presents an incredibly important opportunity to set both our agricultural and rural development policy priorities­which are central to our economy, energy, and food security.

That's why she will work to ensure we provide a focused safety net for farmers and ranchers by continuing to make progress in targeting federal resources in commodity payment, crop insurance, and disaster assistance programs­which is all the more important with current commodity market prices. She will also supportthe next generation of farmers by doubling funding for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development program and strengthening USDA grant programs to make them less about bureaucratic buckets and more about funding flexibility, leveraging local resources, and measuring results.

The Farm Bill also provides the opportunity to improve and enhance our rural development programs that are so pivotal to raising the standard of living in many rural communities­including programs to enhance broadband access, improve soil health and manage wastewater, and expand access to credit for small businesses.”

Immigration Reform and Ag Labor As president, what would you do to advance immigration reform and resolve the critical labor shortage that many farmers and ranchers face each year? How would you address the issue of undocumented workers who are already working on farms across America, as well as the need for a long­term supply of agricultural workers?

TRUMP RESPONSE: "I recognize the unique labor challenges facing the American farm community and will include farmers and ranchers in the process of determining the best possible immigration policies. To be clear, the Obama­ Clinton system of open borders is wreaking havoc on our rural communities. Enormous stresses are being placed on state and local government services, while jobs for American citizens and wages for American workers are in decline. Here are my three core principles of real immigration reform: 1.

A nation without borders is not a nation. There must be a wall across the southern border.

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CLINTON RESPONSE: " Hillary knows that migrant farmworkers play a critical role in developing and supporting our agricultural economy. She has heard from farmers across the country who have expressed their frustrations about our broken immigration system.

That's why as president, Hillary will introduce comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to full and equal citizenship within her first 100 days in office.

It will treat every person with dignity, fix the family visa backlog, uphold the rule of law, protect our borders and national security, and bring millions of hardworking people into the formal economy.

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2.

A nation without laws is not a nation. Laws passed in accordance with our Constitutional system of government must be enforced.

3.

A nation that does not serve its own citizens is not a nation. Any immigration plan must improve jobs, wagesand security for all Americans.

On August 31, 2016, I gave a policy speech in Phoenix, Arizona, where I provided details on my immigration plan. This speech is available for review on my website, https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press­releases/donald­ j.­trump­address­on­immigration .”

Hillary understands that the agricultural industry needs comprehensive immigration reform to protect both farm owners and the workers they employ, and ensure American families are able to put affordable, fresh food on their tables.”

International Trade | Trans­Pacific Partnership Agreement The United States has worked assertively over many different presidencies to set the example for fair and open trade, for resolving trade disputes using sound, science­based principles and standards and for gaining access to new markets. As president, will you be an aggressive proponent for expanding trade and be willing to pursue remedies against nations and their leaders who use various barriers to unfairly shield their markets from competition?

The TPP Agreement would boost U.S. agriculture exports and grow farmers' and ranchers' income by more than $4 billion a year. That market growth and income boost is needed more than ever as our farmers face a downturn in commodity prices. Will you support ratification of the TPP Agreement to bring down foreign tariffs, address non­science­ based barriers to trade and enable America's farmers to sell more of their farm goods around the world?

TRUMP RESPONSE: "As President, I will be an aggressive proponent for defending the economic interests of American workers and farmers on the world stage. I will fight against unfair trade deals and foreign trade practices that disadvantage the United States.

"I strongly oppose TPP as drafted and will work hard to develop trade agreements that are in the national interest and benefit American workers including our farmers."

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CLINTON RESPONSE: "Hillary has a long record of standing up to countries like China. She fought against the Chinese when they tried to discriminate against New York companies, and she went toe­to­toe with them as Secretary of State.

As president, Hillary will also crack down on foreign countries who cheat the rules by appointing a new trade prosecutor to keep other countries honest, and will use all of our tools to ensure other countries treat our products fairly, including our anti­dumping and countervailing duty laws, and pursuing taking cases at the WTO. Hillary has also established a plan to stop rewarding U.S. companies for moving jobs overseas."

On TPP: "For generations, America has been the breadbasket of the world. Hillary believes we can and must forge better trade deals for American workers, farmers, and other businesses. She believes any trade deal must create American jobs, raise wages, and improve our national security.

Every new trade deal must meet that test. In fact, Hillary opposed the only multilateral trade deal she voted on in the Senate because it didn’t meet that standard. And as soon as the details of the final TPP deal were finalized ­ including what it contains on currency manipulation and pharmaceuticals ­she came out in opposition. It didn’t meet her standard. The TPP also contains a weak “rules November 2016

of origin” standard on automobiles that gives a backdoor into our markets to countries like China. Hillary has been clear and specific in her opposition to the TPP. She opposes it now, she opposes it in November, and she will not move it forward in January.”

Energy Agriculture is a growing provider of renewable energy­contributing to America's energy independence and revitalizing rural economies. Will your support federal policies that encourage the production and use of farm­grown fuel stocks and renewable energy?

TRUMP RESPONSE: “Yes. I support the use of domestic energy sources including farm­grown fuel stocks such as ethanol. We will implement an America First Energy Plan that e nables the United States to become the world’s dominant leader in energy production and gets the government out of the way of innovation among all forms of energy. My administration will develop a regulatory and legislative roadmap to: ·Restore the important role of U.S. coal in the American economy. ·Rescind Obama’s executive actions and regulations that are outdated, unnecessary, bad for workers, illegal, or contrary to the national interest, including the Climate Action Plan and Waters of the US rule. ·Lift moratoriums on energy production in federal areas. ·Support the Keystone XL Pipeline and other important energy infrastructure projects. ·Revoke policies that impose unwarranted restrictions on new drilling technologies. ·Ensure affordable, reliable, clean electricity from coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydropower, solar, wind, and other domestic sources. ·Encourage the use of free­market principles in energy policy instead of the federal government choosing winners and losers. ·End U.S. involvement in the Paris Climate Agreement and stop payments of US tax dollars to UN global warming programs. ·Select top officials at the Energy Department, FERC, NRC, EPA, Interior Department, and other relevant federal agencies who will faithfully execute the laws of the United States, implement policies that are consistent with an America First energy plan, and not seek to use their power to push an extreme environmental agenda.”

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CLINTON RESPONSE: “Rural America is a leader in energy production ­­helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and make our economy more resilient. Renewable fuels can also play an important role in reducing carbon pollution.

Rural innovators are finding new ways to produce low­ carbon biofuels, using feedstocks ranging from algae to agricultural waste, with a wide range of transportation applications.

And electricity generated from wind and solar energy can improve air quality, help achieve attainment of Clean Air Act standards, and lower taxpayers’ pollution control costs.

America’s farm communities are already playing a critical role in renewable energy production.

For example, 99 percent of all wind production occurs in rural counties ­­attracting more than $100 billion in new investment and providing an important supplementary source of income to family farms.

Meanwhile, electricity prices have fallen b y 10 percent for American families and businesses in real terms .

As president, Hillary will work to build on this progress, including by launching a $60 billion Clean Energy Challenge to forge new federal partnerships with states, cities, and rural communities across the country, giving them the flexibility, tools and resources they need to cut emissions and expand clean energy. This includes expanding the Rural Utilities Service and other successful USDA energy programs and ensuring the federal government is a partner, not an obstacle, in getting low­cost wind and other renewable energy from rural communities to the rest of the country, and helping electric coops capture the clean energy and energy efficiency opportunities of the 21st century. Hillary will also defend the Clean Power Plan, which the EPA estimates will deliver between $55 billion and $93 billion in annual economic and public health benefits by 2030, with Americans’ elecNovember 2016

tricity bills falling by between 7% and 8%.

Hillary will invest in advanced biofuels research and development, double loan guarantees made through the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, support the expansion of blender pumps and combat efforts by oil companies to limit consumer access to cleaner renewable fuels.

She also is committed to getting the RFS back on track to effectively drive the development of cellulosic and other advanced biofuels.”

Food Safety Food quality and safety are vital concerns for consumers and farmers and ranchers. Consumers are increasingly interested in where their food comes from, but their views are often influenced by misinformation and a lack of understanding of agriculture. How would you ensure that farmers and ranchers have the necessary freedom to operate while working to meet consumers’ demands for a variety of food choices, whether organic or conventional, meat or vegetarian, local or the household­name products many of us grew up with and still enjoy thanks to our major national food makers? There is no one size fits all in agriculture. Would you ensure that regulations do not restrict consumers’ or farmers’ food and production choices?

TRUMP RESPONSE: “The Trump Administration will be a pro­agriculture Administration. As President, I will fight for American farmers and their families. Through hard work, persistence and innovation, and making wise use of our nation’s God­given lands and resources, American farmers are the best in the world at growing the food and other products that people need to flourish. Growing our farm sector and supporting our nation’s farmers are absolutely critical steps to making America great again. Too often, bad policies and needless government mandates harm farmers and make food and farm products more costly for consumers. I support, and will implement, policies that are good for farmers and consumers. For example, I oppose unwarranted government mandates that hurt farmers and confuse consumers, such as mandatory biotech labeling. I will also fight for tax reform that reduces tax burdens on American farmers.

We will end the death tax. I will reverse the EPA’s war on farmers by rescinding the Waters of the US rule, climate rule, and the host of other regulations that are harming farmers without helping the environment. I will appoint justices to the Supreme Court who will defend the 2nd Amendment. Hillary Clinton will appoint justices who will eviscerate 2nd Amendment rights. Most importantly, we will get the entire U.S. economy growing again, which will be a boon to the Agriculture sector as well.”

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CLINTON RESPONSE: “Due to the ingenuity of America’s farmers and ranchers, consumers across the world have access to better, safer, and a wider variety of food options than ever before.

Hillary Clinton believes that supporting that ingenuity goes hand in hand with ensuring food quality and safety.

That’s why, as president, Hillary will fight to increase our investment in the basic and applied research that makes agricultural advancements possible. She will also fight to ensure that America’s farmers and ranchers of all sizes have the tools they need to succeed. That means expanding access to capital; investing in rural transportation, water, and broadband infrastructure; and continuing to make progress in targeting federal resources in commodity payment, crop insurance, and disaster assistance programs.

Hillary also believes we should work to build a strong local and regional food system by doubling funding for the Farmers Market Promotion Program and the Local Food Promotion Program. By expanding food hubs and farmers markets, increasing access to fresh food, and encouraging direct sales to local schools, hospitals, retailers and wholesalers, we can increase consumer access to food and support American farmers and ranchers.”

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Endangered Species Act Privately owned land provides habitat for the majority of our nation’s endangered and threatened species. As a result, landowners often face harsh regulatory restrictions on their ability to use the land or, worse, lawsuits or enforcement actions. Meanwhile, few species have actually been recovered under the law. It’s time to think about incentive­based programs that create a positive role for landowners in species recovery. The law is overdue for review and revamping. As president, how would you fix the broken Endangered Species Act, and what role would you assign America’s landowners?

TRUMP RESPONSE: “America is blessed with abundant natural resources and beautiful wildlife. Our nation has a proud tradition of conservation and stewardship. This is more true for farmers than anyone else. Farmers care more for the environment than the radical environmentalists. Regrettably, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has a poor track record of actually helping to recover animals at risk of extinction. In truth, the ESA has become a tool to block economic development, deny property rights to American landowners, and enrich activist groups and lawyers.

Instead of saving endangered species, the Obama­Clinton bureaucrats are endangering American workers with disastrous choices made at the whim of extreme activist groups.

As President, I will direct the Interior Department and Commerce Department to conduct a top­down review of all Obama Administration settlements, rules, and executive actions under the Endangered Species Act and other similar laws, and we will change or rescind any of those actions that are unlawful, bad for American farmers and workers, or not in the national interest. I will also work closely with Congress to improve and modernize the Endangered Species Act­a law that is now more than 30 years old­so that it is more transparent, uses the best science, incentivizes species conservation, protects private property rights, and no longer imposes needless and unwarranted costs on American landowners.”

CLINTON RESPONSE Hillary knows that America’s ranchers and farmers are proud stewards of their lands, and that America’s wildlife depend on the health of working lands to survive and thrive. That is why she will increase both the availability and accessibility of funding to incentivize voluntary private conservation. For example, Hillary will work to fully fund the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and will instruct her Secretary of Agriculture to establish a “one­stop shop” to help farmers and ranchers identify programs that can provide financial support for their conservation practices, including securing additional access for sportsmen, including hunters.

Hillary also believes that we should be doing more to slow and reverse the decline of at­risk wildlife species before they reach the brink of extinction and need the protection of the Endangered Species Act. To this end, Hillary will propose nearly doubling the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program to $100 million per year. This type of support for the voluntary conservation of at­risk wildlife can help reduce the need for species to receive the protections of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). For wildlife that are listed as threatened or endangered, Hillary will direct federal agencies to take full advantage of the flexible tools available under the ESA that respect and accommodate landowner interests, including safe harbor agreements, habitat conservation agreements, and other forms of voluntary conservation measures.”

Clean Water The Environmental Protection Agency has clear direction from both Congress and the Supreme Court on the limitations of its authority under the Clean Water Act, and yet the agency continues to push the limits or ignore them completely.

What would you do as president to ensure that the EPA acts within the bounds of the Clean Water Act? TRUMP RESPONSE: “First, I will appoint a pro­farmer Administrator of EPA. Next, I will eliminate the unconstitutional “Waters of the US” rule, and will direct the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA to no longer use this unlawful rule and related guidance documents in making jurisdictional determinations. This rule is so extreme that it gives federal agencies control over creeks, small streams, and Page 15

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CLINTON RESPONSE: “The Clean Water Act is one of our most successful environmental regulations, helping fulfill the basic right of all Americans to accessing clean water. Not too long ago our rivers were literally on fire, and polluters were free to dump toxic chemicals at will. The Clean Water Act not only stemmed these environmental disasters but helped to reverse course and restore healthy swimmable November 2016

even puddles or mostly dry areas on private property.

I will also ensure that these agencies respect the valid exclusions under environmental statutes for agricultural practices. To be clear, my Administration will work to ensure clean water for all Americans while also restoring the proper limits of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. Unlike the Obama­Clinton team, my Administration will work cooperatively with the States­most of which have been completely ignored by EPA under the Obama Administration­to achieve shared, common­sense environmental goals.”

and fishable waters for all Americans to enjoy. As president, Hillary will continue this legacy. She will work to ensure waters are safe and protected, will maintain the longstanding exemptions for common farming practices, and will continue pushing for clarity within the law.”

Clean Air Act Greenhouse gas regulations that would raise farmers’ cost of production or impose a carbon tax would put American farmers and other businesses at a competitive disadvantage to farmers and businesses in other countries that would face fewer regulations while continuing to pollute the planet. How would you ensure that clean air and climate regulations are within the scope of federal agencies’ statutory authority and do not hamper American productivity and competitiveness?

TRUMP RESPONSE:

“I strongly oppose the extreme, climate alarmism agenda of the Obama­Clinton years. Too often, the Obama­Clinton team imposed billions of dollars in environmental costs on American citizens without achieving real environmental benefits. In fact, the Obama EPA cut funding to the States for water infrastructure and programs that help rural communities while increasing spending on EPA bureaucrats, lawyers, and UN climate programs. As President, I will rescind the Climate Action Plan (including the Clean Power Plan) and other excessive regulations issued under the Clean Air Act that impose unjustified costs on American workers and farmers. My administration will work cooperatively with the States to achieve shared, common­sense environmental goals. Affordable energy is critical to the success of American farmers. According to a recent report in the Wall Street Journal, the Obama­Clinton climate agenda will cost the U.S. over $5 trillion. We cannot afford to allow the Obama­Clinton policies of high energy costs and overreaching regulations to continue any longer.”

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CLINTON RESPONSE:

“Hillary Clinton rejects the false choice between strengthening our economy and protecting our environment and climate. This is particularly true in light of the historic Paris Climate Agreement reached last December, in which all countries committed to take national action to cut their carbon pollution. As President, Hillary will go beyond the agreement made in Paris, cutting our emissions by 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.

As President, Hillary will work to make the United States the clean energy superpower of the 21st century, and build off the range of pollution and efficiency standards and clean energy tax incentives that have made the United States a global leader in the battle against climate change while protecting kids’ health, saving American households and businesses billions of dollars in energy costs, and creating thousands of good paying jobs.

Over the past seven years , the amount of wind power in the US has grown threefold and the amount of solar power has grown 30­fold.

Renewable energy is now the fastest growing source of job creation in the country. America’s farm communities have played a critical role in this progress with 99% of utility­scale wind production occurring in rural areas, attracting more than $100 billion in private investment.

Meanwhile, electricity prices have fallen by 10% for American families and businesses in real terms.

Landmark vehicle standards under the Clean Air November 2016

Act are reducing US oil consumption by 1.8 billion barrels and saving the average driver $130 to $180 a year. The Renewable Fuel Standard is cutting US oil dependence and carbon pollution even more.

As President, Clinton will work to build on this progress, including by launching a $60 billion Clean Energy Challenge to forge new federal partnerships with states, cities, and rural communities across the country that are ready to take the lead on clean energy and energy efficiency, giving them the flexibility, tools and resources they need to succeed.

This includes expanding the Rural Utilities Service and other successful USDA energy programs and ensuring the federal government is a partner, not an obstacle, in getting low­cost wind and other renewable energy from rural communities to the rest of the country, and helping electric coops capture the clean energy and energy efficiency opportunities of the 21st century.”

Biotechnology Our future food security will depend on science, technology and innovation to increase efficiency, adapt to droughts and fight plant diseases. Agricultural biotechnology and other new crop development techniques will prove vital. As president, how will you ensure that new traits are reviewed expeditiously, that USDA’s GMO disclosure rules are focused on science and that solutions from science and technology are harnessed to meet the challenge of feeding a growing world?

TRUMP RESPONSE: “ I support the use of technology in food production, which has enabled American farmers to increase yields to levels never before experienced in the history of the world. Through innovation, American farmers are producing crops more resilient to drought, heat, and pests.

Government should not block positive technological advancements in agriculture. Agency reviews need to be streamlined with all unnecessary red­tape cut out.”

CLINTON RESPONSE: “ Our goal should be to find policy solutions that are grounded in science and respect consumers. Hillary understands the need for a national solution to the GMO labeling question ­­one that provides consistency to food companies and consumers across state lines. And she is glad Republicans and Democrats have worked together to build a bipartisan solution to this issue.”

Go Vote

By Chad Smith For New Mexico agriculture, this election is one of the most important in our state’s history. All state house and senate seats are up for election as well as all U.S. Congressional House seats and one Senate seat.

There are stark differences in this year’s crop of political candidates. Some display not just an absence of concern for farmers and ranchers, but an actual disdain complete with a matching agenda. And we’ve seen how much damage these types of representatives can wrought. Between the wolf habitat expansion, the Jumping Meadow Mouse, and the Workers Comp decision, our judges and lawmakers are having detrimental impacts on agriculture in New Mexico.

That’s why it is vital that you vote this year. We must elect representatives that understand us as food producers and have our best interests at heart. Taxes, regulations, EPA, ESA, there are so many issues that make our jobs more difficult. Let’s make it easier by electing candidates that are ag-friendly. Agriculture needs you and your vote!

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November 2016

Thursday, November 17

New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau 2016 Annual Meeting, November 17-19 Sheraton Uptown, Albuquerque

10:00 am Early Registration 11:00 am Women’s Meeting 1:00 pm President Mike White, Year in Review 1:15 pm David Salmonsen AFBF, TPP and Trade 2:00 pm Tom Dean, NMSU Extension, Youth Ranch Management Camp 2:45 pm BREAK 3:00 pm Todd Koontz, Zoetis, Veterinary Feed Directive 4:00 pm Dr. Sam Smallidge, NMSU RITF 4:30 pm FFA Discus sion Meet 4:30 pm Foundation Board Meeting

Friday, November 18

8:30 am Lindsay Calvert, AFBF Director for Leadership Dev. Generational Diffferences 9:00 am Silent Auction Begins 9:30 am Gary Carruthers, NMSU President 9:45 am Marty Tatman AFBF, YF&R

10:30 am BREAK 10:45 am Bonnie Rabe, NMDA, FSMA 11:30 am FFA Discussion Meet 12:00 pm Luncheon Discussion Meet winners announced 1:00 pm 2017 Legislative Outlook - Zach Riley and Chad Smith 1:30 pm Rolando Flores, Dean of NMSU College of ACES 2:00 pm Mary Fowler, Workers Comp Rates 2:45 pm County Caucuses 3:00 pm BREAK 3:15 pm Annual Business Session 6:00 pm 98th Annual Banquet Recognition of Outgoing & Incoming Board Members Teacher of the Year Volunteer of the Year Farm Family of the Year Distinguished Service to Ag 8:00 pm NMFLB Foundation “Fun”raiser

Saturday, November 19

7:00 am State Board and County President’s Meeting 8:30 am Adoption of Policy Resolutions Board of Directors Reorganization Meeting immediately following resolutions meeting

Don’t forget your items for the Collegiate Farm Bureau Silent Auction!

Hotel Information

Sheraton Uptown 2600 Louisiana Blvd The conference room rate is $109 and reservations must be made by October 24th. Call 1-800-325-3535 and reference NM Farm & Livestock Bureau or go to http://tinyurl.com/2016NMFLB

NMF&LB 2016 Annual Meeting Registration Form

Name:______________________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________ Email address:_______________________________________________________________ County:____________________________________Phone:___________________________ #___Early Registration $125 after Nov. 7 - $175 (One person - all inclusive) #___Child Registration $50 after Nov. 7 - $65 (age 6-15, under 6 are free) Total Due:_______________Check #______________ Mail to: NMF&LB 2220 N. Telshor Blvd.

Las Cruces, NM 88011 Page 18

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

#___High School $75 #___Collegiate Farm Bureau Member $90 (CFB membership must be current) #___Additional Friday Night Annual Banquet tickets $55 (tickets are limited) #___Additional “Fun”raiser tickets for those not registered for the conference $15 or Bill County:______________________________ Questions?

Call Theresa Widner, Director of Membership at 575-532-4703 or email theresaw@nmflb.org November 2016

FBFS.com

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• F131-042711-07_PreditctAd_NMFarm.indd 1

November 9/2/162016 3:27 PM

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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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bud Deerman, La Mesa Jim Ellett, Hope Duane Frost, Claunch Anita Hand, Datil Gary Hathorn, Flora Vista 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

Larry Reagan 2nd Vice President, Ft. Sumner

Anita Hand, Chair Women’s Leadership Committee

Chad Smith Chief Executive Officer

Danielle Lowry, Chair Young Farmer & Rancher Committee

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

REGIONAL DIRECTORS Valerie Huerta, Santa Cruz Zach Riley, Albuquerque Benjie Segovia, Las Cruces Natalie DiMatteo Administrative Assistant Cheryl Butterfield Northern Director, Ag in the Classroom Traci Curry Southern Director, Ag in the Classroom Francisco Hatay Marketing Coordinator Dalene Hodnett Director of Communications and Media Relations Carmen Macias Comptroller Theresa Widner Director of Membership Services

November 2016