February 2016 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

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

Zippy Duvall - AFBF President Resiliency in Ag Meetings Winter Storm Goliath Page 1

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

February 2016

NMF&LB President’s Column IDEAS AND ELBOW GREASE

BY MICHAEL S. WHITE

Animal Care is a 24/7 Job Those of us in agriculture know that our animals are the center of our lives. We are constantly checking, watering, and feeding them to ensure their good health. It is a common occurrence for ranchers to bring new born calves into the house to warm them after a cold February birth. For dairymen to hand feed calves until they’re strong enough to be on their own. For horse owners to spend hours walking their favorite mare who is battling colic. This compassion is so common among the agricultural community and yet, because it happens behind the scenes, we don’t get the credit we deserve from the general public.

were spent caring for the animals in their charge.

The dairy across the road is still trying to overcome the disastrous effects of death loss, continuing health issues and production loss. The livestock on winter pasture and ranches had to be gathered in some places, water and feed hauled for days and in a lot of cases just trying to locate livestock was a chore. Several barns and buildings were damaged.

Local farmers and ranchers cleared roads to allow access for everyone. If farmers and ranchers were not tending to business and their livestock in rural areas the clearing of roads would have taken a lot longer. Neighbors checking on neighbors to make sure everyone was taken care of is a norm for these situations, and rural living.

“...because it happens behind the scenes, we don’t get the credit we deserve...”

Until something like Goliath comes along. The storm was huge and historic. Farmers and ranchers heeded the warnings of the weather forecasters and tried to prepare for the epic storm. Ranchers set out hay, and dairymen stocked extra feed. Windbreaks were created with bales of hay and equipment was strategically placed to provide shelter. But in the end, the magnitude of the storm overwhelmed all safeguards. Hurricane strength winds created drifts that engulfed barns, homes, people and animals. But true to their spirits, ranchers and dairymen began recovery work as soon as physically possible. Paths were plowed so that ranch cattle could reach water, herdsmen set out to find sheep and dairy families stayed up round the clock to feed and milk their cows. Countless hours and sleepless nights

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Some of us will have to rebuild lost barns, livestock herds or income, and the aftermath of the storm continues and it will be years before the agricultural community recovers, but the tradition of compassion for animals and neighbors will persevere. And lastly we need to remind ourselves that if we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

February 2016

AFBF President’s Column THE AG AGENDA

BY ZIPPY DUVALL

Protecting Our Freedom to Farm in 2016 I am honored to begin serving alongside you all as the new president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

For almost a century, AFBF has been the leading voice of agriculture, standing up for farmers and ranchers across our great country. But the real strength of Farm Bureau is our active grassroots membership. Like you, I learned a long time ago that I’d have to step outside my fencerows if I wanted to have a say in the matters affecting my farm. You are the backbone of the organization, and together we can address the toughest issues facing U.S. agriculture in 2016.

and reducing our environmental footprint. We are using less pesticide on our crops, farming with fewer acres and using water more efficiently thanks to smarter farm equipment, data services and genetically modified seeds. Emerging technologies like drones and CRISPR gene modification mean we’ve yet to see the limit of what we can do to make our farms even more efficient and productive.

Scientists, federal agencies and industry leaders all agree that GMOs are safe, but the push for mandatory labeling sends a mixed message to consumers. When it comes to knowing what’s in our food, consumers deserve the facts, not scare tactics. We want to have an honest discussion about what biotechnology is and how it’s used for everyone’s good. It’s up to Congress now to create a national, voluntary labeling program that gives farmers and consumers choices.

“You are the backbone of the organization, and together we can address the toughest issues.”

Farmers and ranchers need to be free to work our land. We have a deep respect for our natural resources—our living depends on it. But some federal agencies, far removed from the realities of farming, seem not to care. Instead of respecting our expertise, they produce unworkable regulations that ignore our concerns and trample our rights. The courts and the Government Accountability Office have called out the Environmental Protection Agency for its unlawful advocacy and legal overreach with the Waters of the U.S. rule. Farmers and ranchers can’t wait through the years of litigation it may take to resolve this in the courts. We’re pleased that Congress has recognized this and joined in the call to ditch the rule. The EPA must draft a new rule that acknowledges our concerns and respects our freedoms.

Technology plays a critical role in improving efficiency Page 3

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America’s farmers and ranchers are proud to feed and fuel the world. Our agricultural exports are higher than ever before thanks to important trade agreements that break down barriers like high tariffs and non-scientific restrictions on our food. We have some of the highest quality products available, and our ability to sell American-grown products around the world will keep U.S. agriculture prospering. New trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership will open up some of the fast-growing markets See President’s Column, page 8 February 2016

Farm Bureau Delegates Chart a course for 2016 American Farm Bureau Federation Delegates from all 50 states and Puerto Rico elected new leaders and approved policies that will help determine the future of agriculture, during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 97th Annual Convention. Renewable fuels, governmental reform, farm policy, risk management and international trade were among the most important matters slated for action over the next 12 months.

Delegates elected Zippy Duvall to serve as the new president of AFBF and Scott VanderWal as vice president. Vincent “Zippy” Duvall is a poultry, cattle and hay producer from Greene County, Georgia, and served as president of the Georgia Farm Bureau for 9 years. Duvall has held numerous leadership positions in Farm Bureau and his local community. He is the 12th president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Scott VanderWal is a third-generation family farmer from Volga, South Dakota, and has been president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau since 2004.

Risk Management Delegates approved new policies that covered a wide range of agricultural topics. Among other things, they: • Supported the addition of cottonseed to the list of oilseed crops eligible for farm programs; • Supported voluntary risk management products for poultry growers that would provide assistance during disease outbreaks; and • Reaffirmed support for programs that provide emergency assistance for livestock and tree producers not covered by federal crop insurance programs.

Regulatory Review and Reform Delegates addressed recent malfeasance by establishing a new policy that opposes governmental attempts to sway public opinion regarding rules that are open for public comment, whether by social media or other means.

International Trade Delegates reaffirmed support for fair and open world trade that benefits agriculture. In particular, AFBF voted to support the Trans Pacific Partnership, which promises to expand opportunities for U.S. farm goods to some of the fastest-growing markets around the world.

Biotechnology Delegates reaffirmed their support for the use of genetically modified plant varieties and other innovative technologies.

Delegates also called for a voluntary and uniform labeling system for products designated as genetically modified organisms. They denounced mandatory labeling of food products containing GMOs at the local, state and federal levels.

Law Enforcement Delegates approved new policy related to forfeiture reform that requires that individuals be convicted of a federal crime before their property is seized.

Immigration Delegates reaffirmed support for flexibility in the H-2A program that would allow workers to seek employment from more than one farmer. They also called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform to assist in solving the continuing shortage of agricultural workers.

Big Data Delegates reaffirmed support for the protection of proprietary data collected from farmers, as well as fair compensation for farmers who choose to sell their data to third parties including other farmers.

Energy The delegates maintained their strong support for biofuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard. They also called for continued tax incentives to benefit biodiesel and other advanced biofuels.

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

February 2016

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

February 2016

Resiliency in Ag

By Dalene Hodnett What is Resiliency?

The ability to recover from adversity.

It seems like New Mexico agriculture has suffered quite a bit of adversity lately between regulations, an historic drought and volatile markets. It’s the ability to overcome, and that’s why resiliency was chosen over sustainability when New Mexico First was designing their Resiliency in Ag initiative. “New Mexico First is a public policy organization that engages people in important issues facing their state or community. We offer unique town halls and forums that create concrete, actionable recommendations for policymakers and the public.” For the past couple of months they have been hosting meetings across the state in partnership with the New Mexico State University County Extension Service.

Their guiding philosophy? “A resilient New Mexico food and agriculture system, capable of withstanding new challenges and advancing to new successes, will require both a strong export-oriented commodity agriculture sector and a robust local food system of small and medium-sized family farms and ranches.”

John Sweetser, a board member of both Luna County Farm Bureau and New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, attended one of the meetings in Silver City. “It was a diverse group of people representing lending companies, federal agencies and organic farmers, but large-scale producers were underrepresented. Our members need to attend to voice their concerns.”

At the meeting I attended, particiPage 6

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Luna County FLB President and Treasurer, Don Hartman and Jack Blanford attended the meeting in Silver City.

Remaining Meetings Abiquiu (Tribal) Wednesday, February 10 Taos Thursday, February 11 Farmington Wednesday, March 2 Crownpoint (Tribal) Thursday, March 3 Shiprock (Tribal) Friday, March 4 Tucumcari Wednesday, March 9

pants were asked to brainstorm some of the positive trends they see for agriculture. Some of them raised in my group included: appreciation of locally grown food, advancements in technology, record production with fewer inputs, and increased conservation of soil and water.

We also discussed and ranked some of the challenges agriculture is facing. In this order they were: regulation, availability of Labor, policymaker education, water, cost of production, lack of participation by a younger generation, advocacy, and investment in technology and infrastructure.

From these meetings New Mexico First will gather the results and analyze the data. The next step is to recruit task force members in order to draft a resiliency plan. The plan will be vetted by stakeholders before it is distributed to the general public, media, government agencies, state legislators, and tribal governments with an eye to securing funding. After funding is sourced, they plan to establish a steering committee and working groups in order to distribute funding.

Charlotte Pollard, Deputy Director of New Mexico First and facilitator of the Silver City meeting stated the goal of the meeting was to preserve agriculture in our state. “It is part of our cultural identity, it is who we are and I can’t imagine New Mexico without farms.”

Registration is free by going to http://nmfirst.org/events/resilience-in-new-mexico-agriculture Note that although some meetings are designated as tribal, Pollard stressed that all were welcome.

February 2016

Goliath

By Dalene Hodnett 85 mile an hour winds. 12 foot drifts. White out conditions. That’s what Winter Storm Goliath brought to Eastern New Mexico the day after Christmas. And countless dairies, ranches and farms are still feeling its effects.

“As the storm approached dairy farmers did their best to protect their cows. They cleaned corrals anticipating muddy conditions, put down bedding for cows behind wind breaks and added bedding to Page 7

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February 2016

calf and young stock pens and hutches. They positioned hay bales and equipment to create wind breaks and made sure all animals had sufficient feed and water for a long night. Sadly, with the extreme elements that occurred during the storm, the loss of some animals was unavoidable despite these efforts,” said Beverly Idsinga, Executive Director for Dairy Producers of New Mexico.

John Jackson, president of Chaves County FLB said this was a once in a lifetime storm. “We’ve never seen anything like this, but we were able to come together as a community and help each other. I really appreciated the National Guard, they came and cleared roads and dug people out.”

Loss numbers have yet to be finalized since many ranchers, especially those with calves and sheep have yet to find parts of their herd. Mike Corn, who runs sheep in Chaves County and also owns Roswell Wool says “My main fear is the losses that will occur later. Mostly stress related abortions that may occur among our pregnant ewes and cows.”

Producers had a chance to talk about losses at meetings in Roswell and Clovis organized by the DPNM and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. Farm Service representative Emaleta Mooney, an FSA Ag Programs Specialist, reminded producers of the importance of written records. “Since the storm will cause losses in both 2015 and 2016 producers need to be careful in making sure all losses are documented.” The Livestock Indemnity Program, funded by the Farm Bill, provides benefits to livestock producers for deaths caused by adverse weather. The LIP is not specific to animals, producers are encouraged to contact their local County FSA Office with any questions regarding specific forage crops that are eligible.

It’s not just the immediate loss that concerns producers, the prolonged effects from exposure will also take their toll. Dr. Marcy Ward, Extension Livestock Specialist for New Mexico State says “Bulls and cow should be evaluated before breeding in the spring. Severe frost bite of the testicles can impair fertility in the bull. In the cow, if she suffers frost bite of the bag, she could experience reduced milk production or have an increased risk of mastitis.”

Photo credit previous page: Traci van der Ploeg at Mid-Frisian Dairy in Clovis.

President’s Column in the world. AFBF will be working with Congress and the administration this year to move this agreement forward to set a more level playing field for U.S. agriculture.

Of course, these aren’t the only issues we’re facing in the months ahead. We’ll continue to work to help farmers face an uncertain economy, press on for a workable solution to farm labor, and continue working tirelessly to ensure all consumers have access to safe, affordable food, just to name a few.

I’m eager to serve with all of you at the national level and am confident that we’ll continue to protect the business of agriculture for future generations. We’ll step outside those fencerows and make our voices heard. At Farm Bureau, we’ve shown time and again that we are stronger when we stand together.

Calling All NMF&LB Families!

We need your help! New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau will be celebrating 100 years starting in 2016. We need your historical photos of members, meetings and events for publication in our newsletter. To contribute, please send them to Dalene Hodnett, 2220 N. Telshor, Las Cruces, NM 88011, or scan them to daleneh@nmflb.org Thanks!

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

February 2016

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February 2016

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

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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.

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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 10

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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 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

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 February 2016