May 2017 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

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

Farming the Wind Scholarship Winners Engaging Consumers Page 1

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

May 2017

NMF&LB President’s Column TRACTOR SEAT DAYDREAMING

BY CRAIG OGDEN

Summer Conference What do you do when you have a paper to write and you just sit there looking at the blank sheet of paper in the typewriter, or more accurately these days, the glaring white screen of your laptop? What could I write to motivate or inform or at least have someone ponder about certain issues?

That is what I am dealing with as I try to write my overdue article for our Farm and Ranch newsletter. Which made me think of something else. What do you say when someone asks you about Farm Bureau? Why are you a member?

Do you have an elevator speech down, ready to respond in the blink of an eye or do you have to think about your response? Do you even have a response?

Hopefully you will be able to attend the Summer Conference so that you can tell me why you are a member of New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau and the memories that you have during our Centennial Celebration. We’re busy planning a terrific Summer Conference where we’ll renew old friendships and learn new scientific methods to make our farms and ranches more productive. Mark your calendars for July 20 – 22 and plan to join us at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya in Bernalillo for a Summer Conference to remember. We’ll be having a Centennial Barbecue to mark our 100 year Anniversary, enjoy a themed dinner where we’ll take a walk through the decades, and participate in tours of local agricultural sites and NMDA’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. Will also feature Dr. Marcy Ward, NMSU Extension Livestock Specialist, conducting a Beef Quality Assurance certification on Saturday.

“...this will be a jam-packed meeting

I still struggle with my response because there are so many correct answers to that question. I consider the responsibility to give back to the community and industry that got me here. The family oriented organization that we strive to be. The legislative activities that we are known for not only in New Mexico but on the national scene. The education we support through Ag in the Classroom. The protection of private property rights and the list goes on and on.

in a beautiful setting...”

I spoke at an insurance training the other day and talked about where we came from and how American Farm Bureau started out in a county in New York where a county agent was assigned to help disseminate information out to the masses from research done at the universities. How we have changed and evolved since then.

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As you can see, this will be a jam-packed meeting in a beautiful setting and we hope to see you there. Also gearing up this summer are the Centennial Barbecues being hosted

by County Farm Bureaus. The first one kicked off on May 5th and was hosted by Sierra County FLB. They had a terrific turnout and photos of the festivities will be included in the Centennial Book. Here’s a list of the barbecues scheduled through June: Grant County FLB, Saturday, May 13th from 11am – 2pm

at the Tractor Supply in Silver City

see “SUMMER” pg 10 May 2017

AFBF President’s Column BEYOND THE FENCEROWS

BY ZIPPY DUVALL

Farmers and Ranchers Need a Simple, Fair Tax Code I don’t know any farmers who work in a perfect environment, free from any risks or elements beyond their control.

Sober reminders are all around us these days. From raging wildfires and nonstop rains to the challenging farm economy, many farmers and ranchers are doing their best to hold on for better days. Agriculture is not a business for the faint of heart—it takes a lot of faith and perseverance, even in the best of circumstances.

Congress can’t change the weather, but it can do a lot to improve the climate for running a farm or ranch. Farmers and ranchers grow food, fuel and fiber in a world of uncertainty. We need a tax code that recognizes the unique financial challenges we face, and we need flexibility to run and expand our businesses.

I’m proud of America’s tradition of farms passing from one generation to the next. The entrepreneurial spirit of first-generation farmers and ranchers is another source of pride. With a growing population to feed, we need more young men and women to join in the important work we do. Tax reform can help. Reducing capital gains taxes makes it easier for beginning farmers to buy land, and the business expense interest deduction helps them invest in the equipment they need.

At Farm Bureau, we’re pleased to see the U.S. House taking steps to improve our nation’s tax code with its blueprint for tax reform. Comprehensive tax reform is critical to boosting the economy for all Americans, and to do that the tax code must include provisions that farmers and ranchers count on to keep our businesses running. That’s why we’re calling on the House to approve tax provisions that give farmers the flexibility they need, like immediate expensing for our inputs, stepped-up basis, cash accounting and likekind exchanges.

“Farmers shouldn’t be penalized for having a good year...”

Our tax laws should promote the business of farming and ranching, rather than punishing those who commit their lives to working in agriculture. Farmers shouldn’t be penalized for having a good year or for building a family business they can pass on to the next generation. When farmers must pay expenses to play defense against estate taxes, rather than investing those resources to make their farm better, we all suffer a loss. Today, about 99 percent of America’s farms and ranches are family owned, and Farm Bureau is committed to protecting our ability to pass on a thriving agricultural legacy to the next generation. It’s time to bury the death tax, and we’re asking Congress to do just that with the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2017.

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Agriculture creates jobs on and off the farm, boosts the economy, creates a positive trade balance and plays a vital role in conserving our open spaces and natural resources.

When farmers and ranchers have the freedom to reap the harvest of their hard work and then replant that capital back in their businesses and rural communities, we all benefit.

see “CODE” pg 9 May 2017

Hello and Goodbye, An Udpate on NMF&LB Staff Members New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau would like to say thanks to Carmen Macias who recently retired after 39 years of dedicated service. Shown here receiving a plaque commemorating her 35th year with the company, Carmen has played an integral role in the organization’s success having worked for both the insurance company and the federation. “I am humbled and honored to have worked for this organization,” said Carmen. “I can’t think of any other organization I would have wanted to work for during the last nearly 4 decades.”

Carmen started with the company in 1978 after having worked at Stahmann Pecan Farms for eight years as an accountant and computer operator. She started at Farm Bureau as a keypunch operator, then loan company clerk, executive assistant, sales executive assistant, customer service representative and finally came to NMF&LB in 2006 as an administrative assistant until 2013 when she was named comptroller. “Carmen is more than a wonderful employee, she has become family and we’ll miss her greatly,” said Chad Smith, NMF&LB CEO. Recently hired for the bookkeeper position is Cecilia Diaz Johnson. She was born and raised in Las Cruces and graduated with associate degrees from New Mexico State University and Dona Ana Community College. She previously worked in accounting for a real estate company and then a telecommunication installation firm. “We’re glad to have Cecilia aboard,” said Chad. “She fills big shoes, but we’re sure she’ll have great success in this position.”

Cecilia says “I cannot express what a blessing this opportunity is for me and my family. I am looking forward to my future in this wonderful organization.”

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

May 2017

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Visit our website at www.InnovativeSolarFarms.com Page 5

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

May 2017

Farming the Wind

By Dalene Hodnett, Director of Communications and Media Relations

“We were excited about our old family ranch producing some good for our friends and neighbors besides just making a living for our family. It has been a good venture for us-we won’t get rich from it but it makes us a living and the ranch can operate itself,” says New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau member Pat Boone of 114 wind turbines on his family’s ranch near Elida. Featured on the front cover, Pat is one of an increasing number of New Mexico ranchers who are partnering with energy companies to take advantage of our state’s wind.

For instance, Xcel energy is planning a new wind farm in Roosevelt County about 20 miles southeast of Portales. The project will be finished in 2020 and will feature 250 wind turbines. North of Roosevelt County is the Broadview Wind Farm, which currently produces energy for California delivered via Public Service of New Mexico and Arizona Public Service transmission systems. Wind energy is not limited to the state’s blustery east side, Torrance County is also a player.

The El Cabo Wind Farm is located four miles west of Encino on state trust lands. “Expanding wind power on Trust lands will help New Mexico meet its renewable energy goals, as well as create jobs, boost economic development, and generate revenue for public schools,” says State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn. The 87,000-acre project spans 27,000 acres of State Trust Lands and 60,000 acres of private property. The facility will consist of 142 turbines – 10 of which are on State Trust Lands – and will produce 200 megawatts of energy, enough to power nearly 61,000 homes and businesses. In addition to energy, the wind turbines in this area are expected to provide significant Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funds, to the tune of $38 million. In fact, the first PILT funds from the project were distributed last July with Torrance County receiving $335,250, Estancia Municipal School District received $89,400 and Vaughn Municipal School District reaped $134,100.

Jobs are also a consideration with wind power as construction projects typically create several hundred jobs. U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, is paving the way for these jobs to be held by New Mexicans through his “Energy Workforce for the 21st Century Act.” This legislation “will better position New Mexico and the nation’s workforce for good-paying clean energy jobs by training a clean energy workforce to fill over 5,000 vacancies.” “As New Mexico becomes a major producer and exporter of wind and solar energy, that will mean thousands of new jobs for rural communities across our state,” said Senator Heinrich. “This bill will make sure our community colleges and universities are working closely with businesses and our national labs to prepare workers for good-paying clean energy jobs.”

It seems the future of energy production in our state is blowing in the wind.

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

May 2017

Scholarship Winners We are pleased to announce this year’s scholarship winners. The scholarship committee carefully reviewed each and every scholarship application and the pool of high-quality candidates was overwhelming with their successes and contributions to the community. Winners had an outstanding combination of academic achievements, extra-curricular activities and personal ambition. We look forward to watching these accomplished students succeed in their future endeavors.

John Augustine Memorial Rebekah McCarty is a senior graduating from Reserve High School who plans to attend NMSU in the fall. She is majoring in agricultural education with the desire to be an agricultural educator and FFA advisor. “This career path will allow me to share my passion for agriculture with students and help establish security for the future of agriculture,” says Rebekah. She has excelled in academics with a 4.0 gpa, has won numerous awards in volleyball, track and basketball, and is very involved on the family ranch. Rebekah was the New Mexico CowBelles Junior Beef Ambassador in 2015 and the Catron County Fair and Rodeo Queen in 2014. But where she shines is in her FFA activities. She has been a State Vice President, the District VI Vice President, the District VI Treasurer, and the Reserve Chapter Vice President and Secretary.

As the John Augustine Memorial Scholarship winner, Rebekah will receive $1,000 to further her education.

NMF&LB Memorial Rayce Wagley is proud of the agricultural knowledge he learned “working side-by-side with my dad, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather” in Animas. He plans to get a degree in genetics and biotechnology from NMSU in order to “improve our current crops to be hardier and more cost effective to produce.” Rayce is very active in 4-H, winning both Grand Champion goat and Champion Herdsman at the Hidalgo County Fair. He also plays football, basketball, and runs track, having won many district and state titles.

“I have dreams of developing a new genetically-modified crop to withstand weather, to resist disease and to require less water to grow. With a genetic modification like that, the amount of food production needed to feed the world would be reduced, helping to put an end to world hunger.”

As the NMF&LB Memorial Scholarship winner, Rayce will receive $500 to further his education.

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

May 2017

U.S. Farmers Need To Get Out NOW

By Charlie Arnot of the Center for Food Integrity Get out and engage with the consuming public, that is, and share their values regarding food production to help earn trust in biotechnology.

Most farmers I know didn’t pursue their passion for raising food to hone their public relations skills. In fact, by nature, most are quite humble, hardworking and, no matter what size of farm or type of production, spend their waking hours focused on producing safe, affordable food in a way that preserves and improves the land that the vast majority of them hope to pass on to their children.

Yet, in an environment where public skepticism about food production has reached a fever pitch, particularly when it comes to the acceptance of new on-farm technologies, the time is right for more farmers and ranchers to get out of their comfort zones and engage with the public. That includes engaging with those who influence the laws and regulations that govern food production – and who must understand the ramifications to a rapidly growing population and our environment if ag innovation is stifled.

In fact, new U.S. trust research from The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) shows an overwhelming majority wants to hear from the folks who produce their food. Eighty percent expressed a strong desire to learn more about how food is produced and where it comes from.

This high level of curiosity isn’t surprising, since most people don’t recognize farming today. It’s a golden opportunity for everyone in agriculture to “get out” and have meaningful conversations, sharing their values – in person and online – regarding food production to help earn trust in biotechnology and a multitude of other innovations that have allowed farmers to do more with less.

Genetically modified and hybrid seeds, minimum-tillage planting and other advances help crop farmers increase yields while using less land, energy and irrigated water – reducing greenhouse gas emissions and soil erosion. Improved genetics, nutrition, housing and animal health products have resulted in more productive livestock and healthier meat, milk and eggs. New gene editing technology holds the potential to reduce suffering and improve productivity.

These are just a few examples of the vast array of technological advancements that the food system has adopted over the past several decades. Consider that in 1950, the U.S. population was 154-million and one farmer produced enough in a year to feed 30 people. We’ve more than doubled the population and, thanks to technology, one farmer today produces enough to feed 155 people. If the level of productivity had stalled in the 1950s, there would be no food for the nine most populous states in America.

Using technology of the 1960s would require 78 million more hens to produce the same amount of eggs that we do today.

Farmers today produce 69 percent more wheat on 6 percent fewer acres. One cow produces as much milk as five cows did in 1944, and the carbon footprint of a gallon of milk has decreased 63 percent since the same year. These changes are the direct result of technology.

Advances made during the “Green Revolution” in the mid-1900s paved the way for global agricultural productivity increases – and are credited with saving the lives of a billion people. We need another “Green Revolution.” We are adding 6.8 million people to the planet every month – the combined populations of Los Angeles and Chicago. Global estimates point to the need to dramatically increase food production by mid-century. That won’t happen without using technology to increase productivity while improving sustainability.

But, that message alone won’t generate support for ag innovation. Many people are uncomfortable with the size and scale

“...research shows that communicating with shared values is three to five times more important to building trust than simply providing information...”

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May 2017

of today’s farms. A “big is bad” mindset prevails – that large farms put profits ahead of public interest. What will ease their minds and earn trust, according to CFI’s trust research, is knowing that farmers share their values when it comes to access to safe, healthy and affordable food, the highest standards of animal care and protecting the environment.

In fact, the research shows that communicating with shared values is three to five times more important to building trust than simply providing information or demonstrating expertise. Now is the time for agriculture to engage in these important, and sometimes difficult, conversations.

Everyone in the food chain – especially farmers and ranchers – needs to make a long-term, concerted effort to talk about how technology and innovation benefit us all. Embracing technology to feed a rapidly growing global population and protect our environment for generations to come is an ethical and moral imperative.

Charlie Arnot is CEO of The Center for Food Integrity, a not-for-profit organization that helps today’s food system earn consumer trust. Our members and project partners, who represent the diversity of the food system, are committed to providing accurate information and working together to address important issues in food and agriculture. A summary of the latest CFI trust research is available at www.foodintegrity.org.

“CODE” from pg 3 Whether a farm is first- or fifth-generation, decreasing the burden of taxes is one area where policymakers can help us offset the many uncontrollable factors we face.

Farmers and ranchers are committed to being good stewards of all the resources we’ve been entrusted with. We expect our lawmakers to be good stewards as well—to use their authority for the good of the nation and craft laws that protect the hardworking men and women of this country. Tax reform is one way we can all work together to build a better economy now and for our future.

“SUMMER” from pg 2 De Baca/Guadalupe FLB, Friday, June 9th, 11am – 2pm Hidalgo County FLB, Thursday, June 29th, 6pm – 8pm at the County Fairgrounds For more BBQ dates visit NMF&LB’s online calendar at nmflb.org/Calendar. This is going to be a great year as we celebrate NMF&LB - 100 years strong! Do Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly.

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

May 2017

YF&R Donates Time and H-Braces

March 7th was a tragic day for ranching families in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Wildfires ripped through that area, burning more than 1.5 million acres of range land. Rapidly moving blazes took the lives of 6 people, destroyed homes, barns, corrals and approximately 13,000 head of cattle were lost. This is a tragedy of immense proportions for families that make their living from the land, providing us with wholesome, nutritious beef. For the most part New Mexico was spared but that didn’t keep the members of New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers group from springing into action.

With donated materials they spent a day building 80 H-braces to help affected ranchers repair their fences. With over $10 million dollars worth of fences that need to be replaced, this donation will go a long way in providing relief to these families. They plan to provide more fencing materials and if you would like to contribute to the cause, send your check to NMF&LB State Office, 2220 N. Telshor, Las Cruces, NM 88011, attn: YF&R Wildfire Relief. Thank you to these wonderful YF&R members for your big hearts, and thanks to all that donate! Photos courtesy of Jeff Mayberry.

We’d love for you to join the Young Farmers and Ranchers Program Just go to www.nmflb.org and look for us under programs.

Also find us on Facebook!

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May 2017

You juggle a lot in your world.

We know life can be a balancing act.

That’s why we’re here to help you protect what matters most, your todays and your tomorrows. Contact your Farm Bureau agent to schedule a SuperCheck to discuss what’s been happening in your world.

Auto | Home | Life | Annuities | Business | Farm & Ranch | fbfs.com 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 M175 (4-17)

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May 2017

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

2220 N. Telshor Las Cruces, NM 88011

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 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 Cecilia Diaz Johnson Bookkeeper Theresa Widner Director of Membership Services

May 2017