March 2017 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

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

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

Our Food Link Events

2017 AgFest

Member Profile - Mary Beth Bandy March 2017

NMF&LB President’s Column TRACTOR SEAT DAYDREAMING

BY CRAIG OGDEN

Looking on the Bright Side As I made another round on the tractor I looked to the west to see the sun slowly sliding behind the Guadalupe Mountains. The clouds glowed with brilliant yellow and red rays of light. I called my wife, Teresa, to go outside and take a look at the sunset before it faded away. Could this be one of the reasons or one of the pleasures of working outside on the land, to do the things that we all enjoy doing? Simple things--calves romping in the field, the smell of air after a rain; small things that we might take for granted, or at other times, just stop for a moment, pause, merely soak it all in before it is gone.

You should take time, only if it is for a second to absorb it. Take a picture like Jay Hill or just try to remember the moment. For once it is gone, it will never be replicated the exact same way ever again.

It seems that we are always bombarded with all the negative aspects in our agricultural life. Whether it is laws or regulations that were passed that we are dealing with or laws that are presently being considered during this New Mexico Legislative Session. Weather, disease, prices, you name it, it can and will happen. I feel we need to look at the positive and quit stressing on the negative.

The Women’s Leadership Program met at Smith’s Grocery Store in Albuquerque the day before AgFest. They purchased over one thousand dollars of groceries for the Ronald McDonald House which provides lodging and meals for families whose children are being treated at Albuquerque-area hospitals. Now this is how we focus on the

POSITIVE. The next day, attendance for legislative breakfast was incredible! I haven’t seen that kind of response from the legislative body in a long time. AgFest also had an excellent turn out. We all hope that our efforts have a positive impact not only on the legislators and staff, but on everyone who attended.

I participated in the NM Organic Farming Conference on February 17-18. I thought it was extremely educational.

Some may not fully agree with their farming or ranching practices, but they are definitely here to stay. Their passion for what they do is undeniable. The New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau should be an agricultural organization that represents all types and sizes of agriculture, whether it be dairy, organic, ranching, row crops, green houses, or whatever. We need to find common ground in which we may all survive and prosper together, for there are fewer and fewer of us. If we are going to be the “Voice of Agriculture” we need to be the voice of ALL agriculture.

On February 25th, the Young Farmers and Ranchers held their second annual Pasture Golf Tournament here at the farm. A bit cool and windy, but a successful day overall (except for my golfing). It is good to see the future of agriculture at work. There were around 15 teams participating and 11 sponsors. I am especially grateful that Farm Bureau Insurance had a team who drove a long distance to participate and support the YF&R. The proceeds from this event

see “BRIGHT” pg 10

“We need to find common ground in which we may all survive and prosper together...”

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

March 2017

AFBF President’s Column BEYOND THE FENCEROWS

BY ZIPPY DUVALL

How to Win in a Low-Trust World Americans’ confidence and trust in key institutions is at a historical low, according to a 2016 Gallup poll. Even institutions that have enjoyed high levels of trust in the past, such as churches and schools, have dropped in Americans’ respect and regard over the past 10 years. Others, such as banks, big business and Congress, have struggled for decades to earn the public’s confidence. Their ratings haven’t gotten any better.

Against this backdrop of skepticism and lack of trust, there’s at least one group that most Americans still respect and admire. I’m talking about farmers, of course.

The Center for Food Integrity tracks public opinion about food. CFI has asked similar questions for years now, and—year after year—consumers rate farmers highly as people they most trust on food issues.

On a scale of 0-10, 53 percent of consumers rate farmers 8-10. Forty-two percent give us a grade of 4-7. That’s a lot of faith in the work we do. But we can do better.

We tend to think of growing, processing, selling and eating as different businesses, but the average person does not. It’s the “system,” they are told, that has left too many Americans fat or malnourished or food insecure, and it’s the system that has to be fixed. Farmers and ranchers tend to get lumped in with all of it.

Here are other numbers from the CFI survey that should make us take notice.

•Even though food has never been as affordable as it is now, two-thirds of Americans say they are very concerned about food prices.

•Sixty-eight percent of people surveyed say they are very concerned about food safety.

•Just over half of those polled are very concerned about the sustainability of U.S. farming.

•Fifty-eight percent are very concerned that animals may not always be treated humanely on farms and ranches.

•Forty-two percent of Americans say they are concerned about the number of immigrant workers here in violation of U.S. law.

•Eighty percent of Americans want to know more about farming.

•An amazing 95 percent of “foodies”—the 15 percent of the population who have a deep interest in the food they eat and how it is produced—say they want to know more about what we do.

I hope those numbers got your attention, because they show us where we have opportunities to build trust.

You might think more facts will convince people who don’t trust farmers. But farming is as emotionally charged as anything else people talk about. What the average American wants to know is that we care —for our land, our animals, our workers—and for them. You and I know that is already the case. We just have to show it more.

I know some farmers and ranchers don’t necessarily want to let “outsiders” in. Critical “news” stories on television or misleading comments from the Dr. Ozes out there don’t help our cause or give us farmers much trust in the media.

But we cannot hide our light under a bushel. We must use see “WIN” pg 10

“We have to let our commitment and love for what we do shine through.”

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

March 2017

Life on the Bandy Ranch; A Profile of Mary Beth

By Valerie Huerta, NMF&LB Regional Director

L

ife isn’t always easy on the Bandy Ranch, nor is it a typical 8-5 work day. Feeding, fixing, mending, caring for animals and irrigating are regular activities that start before the sun rises and ends long after the sun sets. Add to that being a parent of a teenage son. Mary Beth grew up on a ranch near Farmington. Her father, Representative Paul Bandy, had her helping with their then 3,000 sheep ranch. At age 8, she remembers developing a bond with her father and helping him on the ranch. She would join him on horseback for weeks at a time moving their sheep from their ranch to the mountains. Mary Beth’s mother was a dermatologist in town, however that did not excuse her from the demands of the ranch. She remembers a pack of wild dogs that attacked their sheep. “We were there every day. Mom is tough as nails.” Mary Beth was raised and taught that if you put your mind to something, you can do anything you want. She also has strong faith and believes anything is possible through God. After high school, Mary Beth pursued a career in horse training and followed her love for horses. She trained horses for 10 years and recalls her father’s words of advice, “My dad kept telling me, this is not what you are supposed to do in life.” After the birth of her son, Josh, Mary Beth gave up her career as a horse trainer and moved back to the ranch. She has not looked back since. Her family ranch now raises cattle on over 200 acres of land.

Over the years she has assumed the responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the ranch. “This is the life I have always wanted,” she says. Transitioning to managing the ranch was not difficult for her. She has a desire and love for what she does. “I love what we do. I have never been more at peace then I have been here on the ranch.”

Mary Beth has a passion that can be seen a mile away. She is a board member of the San Juan County Farm and Livestock Bureau and though she may not have the time to attend all conferences, she is quick to spark a conversation with someone who doesn’t know about farming or ranching. She also believes in the value and need for agriculture education. She takes pride in the quality beef she raises. “We raise our beef from start to finish and put our blood, sweat and tears into them. How can we not be passionate and proud about that?”

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

March 2017

Willie Hernandez

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

March 2017

AgFest

By: Dalene Hodnett, Director of Comm When you’re scrambling to set up tables to accommodate all of your guests, you know it’s a successful Legislative Breakfast. Approximately 110 legislators and members turned out for our annual breakfast meeting before AgFest and New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau members took the opportunity to chat with legislators about issues affecting agriculture back home. We’re always thankful to the legislators who take time to join us. Representatives Rebecca Dow (R), District 38, Gail Armstrong (R), District 49, and Yvette Herrell (R), District 51 were in attendance (shown right). Senator Pat Woods (R), District 7 (lower left) was also there and had a chance to catch up with Burl Brown, Willard Hall, Travis Day and Representative Dow, while Troy Sauble, NMF&LB State Board Member and Colfax County President visited with Representative Larry Larrañaga (R), District 27 (lower right).

AgFest was also well attended with over 1,200 people perusing 46 booths. “The value in AgFest is that you have access to so many lawmakers at once, and they’re all focused on food and fiber production in New Mexico.” said Chad Smith, CEO of NMF&LB. “Farmers and ranchers can make their voice heard and make a difference in proposed legislation.”

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

March 2017

2017

mmunications and Media Relations

Tracy Trujillo of Taos County won the quilt being raffled off by the Women’s Leadership Program. She is pictured (above left) with her mother-in-law Crestina Armstrong, Taos County FLB President. State Board members such as George Jackson and his wife Mayra (above right) distributed cupcakes that featured our Centennial logo as we celebrated our 100 year anniversary.

The Young Farmers and Ranchers program (bottom left) were represented by Jeff Mayberry, Adam Mitchell, Nicki Jaynes and Danielle Lowry. State Board member John Sweetser was in attendance, along with his wife Representative Candie Sweetser (D), District 32. Make plans to join us next year for this annual agricultural reunion!

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

March 2017

Food Link Events Across the State “What a blessing it is to have the support of Socorro County Farm & Livestock Bureau as they spend $600 to restock our pantry,” said Melissa Ramsey, Director of Puerto Seguro Inc., a soup kitchen in Socorro. This was just one of several Food Link events hosted by various county farm bureaus as their generosity stocked food pantries across the state. Socorro County’s $600 became $1,200 when John Brooks Supermarket matched their donation, as they have for over 20 years. FFA students and 4-H members (shown at left) were careful shoppers, using calculators and coupons to see which team could spend the closest to their given amount.

Teresa Ogden, representative for NMF&LB’s Women’s Leadership Program, participated in their annual shop for the Ronald McDonald House where $1,147.00 worth of staples were purchased for the families that stay in the house. “The House recently expanded to be able to accommodate 30 additional families and they were in need of food donations,” said Teresa. “We were pleased to help out.”

Luna County Farm and Livestock Bureau worked in conjunction with local 4-H’ers and the Borderbelles ladies (shown below) to purchase $500 worth of food to donate to the Healing House, a local domestic violence shelter.

Food Link events will continue to occur in other counties, stay tuned for information on more donations!

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

March 2017

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Visit our website at www.InnovativeSolarFarms.com Page 9

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

March 2017

“BRIGHT” from page 2 help offset the cost of the NM AgTrue Tour which gives our legislators a first-hand look at agriculture operations around the state. Good job, YF&R. Till next time--do justly, love mercy and walk humbly.

“WIN” from page 3 all communication channels available to help consumers understand that we care about our land, water and air, and that today’s agriculture is more sustainable than ever.

There are so many ways to engage. Talk with editors and reporters with your local newspapers. Send letters to media outlets, both when they get the story wrong and when they get it right. Give tours of your farm or ranch. Participate in fairs and community events.

Farm Bureau programs can help. The Women’s Leadership and Promotion & Education committees provide training and opportunities to advocate for farming and ranching. The Young Farmers & Ranchers program, where I got my start in Farm Bureau years ago, gives young agriculturalists the tools they need to be advocates and ag leaders. Our “Engage” action center makes it easy to weigh in with members of Congress on important legislation.

Whatever you can do, it will make a big difference. The important thing is to decide to do it—to get outside our fencerows and spread the word that farmers and ranchers value the same things the rest of America cares about. We have to let our commitment and love for what we do shine through. That’s how we maintain trust in farmers and ranchers, even as trust in other parts of our society seems to be in short supply.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION TO JOIN ONLINE AND PAY BY CREDIT CARD VISIT NMFLB.ORG

Name: _________________________________ Address:________________________________ City:________________ State:_____ Zip:_________ Phone:________________ Email:_______________________ Date of Birth:____/_____/_____ I hereby apply for Regular*____ Associate**____ membership in the ________________ County Farm Bureau®. Dues are $60 annually and may be mailed to 2220 N Telshor Blvd, Las Cruces, NM 88011 or will be billed upon receipt of completed application. _______________________ Applicant’s Signature *Retired or active agricultural producer & agri-businesses **Agricultural supporter

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

March 2017

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

March 2017

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.

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 Craig Ogden President, Loving Larry Reagan 1st Vice President, Ft. Sumner Boe Lopez 2nd Vice President, Springer Mike White Past President, Dexter Page 12

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

Chad Smith Chief Executive Officer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Burl Brown, Des Moines 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 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 Anita Hand, Chair Women’s Leadership Committee Danielle Lowry, Chair Young Farmer & Rancher Committee

REGIONAL DIRECTORS Tanner Anderson, Portales Valerie Huerta, Santa Cruz Zach Riley, Albuquerque Benjie Segovia, Las Cruces 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

March 2017