THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW MEXICO FARM AND LIVESTOCK BUREAU®
Ag Science Center at Artesia Influencing Politics With Social Media Farm Bureau - Looking Forward Page 1
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
September 2018
NMF&LB President’s Column TRACTOR SEAT DAYDREAMING
Trade and Tariffs The Western Presidents and Administrators Conference concluded last week. One of the areas in which the West needs representation is on the Issue Advisory Committee. These committees are designed to advise the AFBF Board in the topic of their committee and present resolutions to the voting delegation. This is most unique for all other resolutions must come from each individual state to be considered for resolution status. There are many various committees in which an individual can be nominated for, like the Organic and Direct Marketing Issue Advisory Committee. Two of the committees in which we are seeking people for specifically is the Endangered Species Act IAC and the Federal Lands IAC. There is only half of the membership from the Western States on the Federal Lands Committee. When the West has the majority of the Federal Lands in their back yard we need to be the majority on that committee. Nominations are due August 31st thus time is of the essence. The last issue I talked about trade which is still a major concern. But on July 24, 2018 the US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will have a short-term relief strategy to protect agricultural producers while the Administration works on trade deals to open more markets globally. USDA will authorize up to $12 billion in programs. These programs are designed to meet the cost of disrupted markets. There are three main programs. The first being the Market Facili-
BY CRAIG OGDEN
tation Program which is authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation. (Many of you may remember that the CCC was used during the Carter Administration during the Russian Grain embargo.) The Second is the Food Purchase and Distribution Program which will purchase surplus of crops like fruits, nuts, rice, legumes, beef, pork and milk for distribution to food banks and other nutrition programs. I have not been able to find out as of yet if pecans is included under the nut category. The last is the Trade Promotion Program administrated by the Foreign Agricultural Service in conjunction with the private sector to assist in developing new export markets. It will be interesting to see how these programs will be implemented but at least they are trying to lesson the damage of the current trade disputes. Better go, see you at the State Fair.
“ These programs are designed to meet the
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cost of disrupted markets.�
Annual Meeting People, Purpose & Passion NEW MEXICO FARM & LIVESTOCK BUREAU
Plan to join us! November 15th - 17th Albuquerque, Sheraton Uptown September 2018
AFBF President’s Column BEYOND THE FENCEROWS
BY ZIPPY DUVALL
Sowing the Seeds of Policy for 2019 We are coming up on an exciting time for Farm Bureau when you gather as members to begin the policy development process with your local county Farm Bureau. This is a tradition many of you have been carrying on for a century now, and we can all be proud of our active grassroots heritage. Our strength comes from our grassroots at Farm Bureau, and this process is living proof. You know better than anyone the impact that policies and regulations coming out of your state capitals and our nation’s capital have on your individual farm and ranch. This is your opportunity to bring those issues to the table, so we can all speak with one voice to protect our businesses and way of life. You set the direction for Farm Bureau as you each step outside your fencerows to make a difference for agriculture. Every time I meet with lawmakers and officials here in D.C., I am proud that I can say our Farm Bureau policies come directly from their farmer and rancher constituents back home. Together we shape policies that affect not just our farms today but future farms for generations to come. And we have not shied away from the tough or complex issues either. When big data became a major concern on farm and ranch land, threatening our privacy and placing our valuable farm data at risk, our grassroots members stepped forward to begin developing policy to tackle the issue. Since then, we have established broad coalitions and worked with leading agriculture companies to develop privacy guidelines that make it clear just how, when and where your informa-
tion is stored and used. Technology is changing the landscape of agriculture, and farmers continue to be on the cutting edge. Your involvement and adoption of new technology like drones has given us the opportunity to work with agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration to be sure you can bring the latest innovation to increase the efficiency of your farm. But our policy directive to shape that work began at a county Farm Bureau meeting. We are eager to hear what you all bring forward for the coming year. Questions are swirling around Washington on how to address innovative technology like lab-grown meat. I expect it’s a topic that has come up around your local feed stores as well. While we need to keep exploring innovative ways to feed a booming population, we must also be on the alert to protect our ability to bring healthy, farm-raised meat to consumers’ tables. This is something we need to talk about soon, especially as government agencies plan their next steps. This is also a time for you to tackle the challenges you’re facing on your farm with the down economy and ongoing trade disruptions. Farm Bureau has been a longtime advocate for trade, and we continue to meet with Congress and Administration officials to urge a swift resolution to the trade war, as well as the opening of new markets for agriculture. Farm Bureau is committed to protecting your status as a leader in the global marketplace. As you meet in the see “Policy” pg 6
“We are eager to hear what you all bring forward for the coming year.”
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
September 2018
Advances in Ag, the Agricultural Science Center in Artesia By Dalene Hodnett, Director of Communications The mission statement for the Agricultural Science Center at Artesia says it is “dedicated to research and extension work that enhances agricultural enterprises and sustains natural resources critical for economic development in southeastern New Mexico.” Translated to ag speak it means “Our research is saving you money every day and making your farm, ranch or dairy more profitable.” That’s what scientists at the Artesia ASC do as they research ways to decrease pests, increase production and conserve water. As an example, Dr. Robert Flynn, an agronomy and soils specialist, developed a software program that allows dairy farmers to monitor soils for nitrogen/nitrates. One method of manure management is to spread it out on nearby lands, but if NO3-N levels get too high dairymen can incur fines of $10,000 a day. Dr. Flynn’s software helps them avoid costly remediation. Dr. Jane Pierce is an extension entomologist who focuses on using biological controls to reduce insect pests in alfalfa, sorghum and pecans. She documents how predators such as ladybugs, spiders and collops prey on weevils and thrips. She then tries to determine which environmental conditions encourage these predators. She also studies parasitoids, small wasps that develop either within or attached to the outside of other insects, referred to as hosts. Parasitoids eventually kill the host they feed on, in contrast to parasites like fleas and ticks, which feed on hosts without killing them. Using Dr. Pierce’s research, New Mexico’s alfalfa growers could save up to $2 million a year through better alfalfa weevil control. Add in sugarcane aphid control in sorghum, and pecan nut casebearer control in pecans, and growers stand to save over $6.5 million per year. This type of research translates into real savings for our state’s food producers. Left, Patricia Monk and Dr. Jane Pierce. Below, middle school students on a field trip preparing to “sweep” alfalfa for insects.
“I’m very interested in the work they do at the Artesia Ag Science Center,” said Craig Ogden, NMF&LB President. “As an alfalfa farmer in Eddy County I pay special attention to alfalfa field trials. It’s good to know which varieties are most productive while being drought tolerant. I’m also very interested in their research regarding biological control of pests. As farmers face more regulations with Page 4
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September 2018
pesticides, biological control will become more important.” The Artesia ASC has a significant impact on the local economy since the area it serves consists of the most agriculturally productive counties in New Mexico. In fact, just five counties (Chaves, Eddy, Lea, Roosevelt and Curry) representing only 15% of New Mexico acreage, produce 67% of New Mexico’s agricultural cash receipts. Not only does the Artesia ASC benefit local ag, it also has partnerships with national companies such as Bayer Crop Science, DuPont Pioneer Hybrid Seeds, and Cotton Inc. Why the interest from such big players? Because the research being done here is cutting edge and has ramifications for crops grown across the nation. For instance, Cotton Inc. pays the ASC over $24,000 a year for research on seed treatments for thrips and Bt cottons. These seemingly different projects are a result of problems caused by insects‘ ability to adapt to our efforts to control them with insecticidal toxins either inside the plant or applied to seeds. Thrip infestations cause brown and crinkled leaves and poor root development leading to reduced cotton yields. They were well controlled by insecticides for years but recently thrips have developed resistance to some seed treatments. Similarly, Bt cottons with one gene have had a limited shelf life as insects learn to adapt to single Bt toxins. While traditional crops such as cotton are thoroughly studied, ASC scientists also focus on non-conventional crops such as teff, guar, rosemary and jujubes to determine if they’re a potential revenue stream for farmers. Teff is a forage crop that is heat resistant, creates the same amount of production as alfalfa with half the water, and is highly palatable to horses. Guar is a legume crop well-suited to New Mexico’s arid climate. It can be used as a dietary supplement or as a stabilizer ingredient in ice cream. While you may think of rosemary as a landscape plant, an antioxidant found in its leaves is used as a preservative for pet food. Jujubes, known as a Chinese dates, are a fruit that could be used extensively in baking. Scientists at the Artesia ASC don’t just focus on eliminating pests and growing plants. They also grow awareness of agriculture within the community. They hold open houses for area students who learn about production methods, give presentations on STEM (science, technology engineering and math), and host student interns. As you can see, the research being conducted at the Artesia ASC is vital not only for current and future farmers, but more importantly for the economic vitality of the region. Below left, frozen cotton bollworm eggs used for field trials to determine predation levels in pecan, cotton, and alfalfa. Right, cotton bollworm pupa used in a laboratory colony to rear out adult moths to produce eggs for field and laboratory trials.
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September 2018
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
“Policy” from pg 3 coming weeks and share with one another how the trade war is hitting your farms, we are counting on you to share with your county and state leaders what you need to keep your businesses moving forward. Finding a solution for our nation’s trade challenges will be difficult, and getting new and improved trade deals could take a long time. As we move forward with our policy development, we need clear and current policy on trade and aid, policy that addresses the crisis at hand and the long battle ahead. At the national level, we will keep taking those messages and stories to Congress and the Administration, and we won’t ease up until the trade uncertainty is resolved. Together we can ensure agriculture remains a top priority in trade negotiations. Finally, I want to thank you for taking the time to come together to discuss these tough issues and help strengthen our farming and ranching communities. Time is always precious, and even more so on our nation’s farms and ranches. But I trust that the time you spend planting these policy seeds will yield a fruitful harvest for all of U.S. agriculture for years to come. September 2018
Charli Spindle
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
September 2018
Winning! Using Social Media to Effect Positive Outcomes for Ag By Dalene Hodnett, NMF&LB Director of Communications
“We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” Thomas Jefferson Now, more than ever, it is easy to participate in your government as social media paves the way for better interaction between lawmakers and constituents. And now, more than ever, it is vital that farmers and ranchers get involved and be proactive when it comes to politics. It is increasingly apparent that social media can be a powerful tool for advocacy. While it’s hard to fathom, it is true that policy outcomes can be achieved through a Facebook campaign, or the use of a hashtag on Twitter. Social media platforms allow the voice of one to become the voice of many as movements ripple through hundreds of “friends” lists. Messages are amplified and action is taken based on likes, shares and retweets. According to a recent survey conducted by the Congressional Management Foundation in partnership with the National Journal, social media has also become significantly more influential in the halls of Congress. The survey, titled “How Social Media is Trending on Capitol Hill,” revealed that a staggering 81% of lawmakers found social media very useful in receiving feedback from their constituents. What a great opportunity to engage with your lawmaker on issues that are vital to agriculture! Of the survey participants, 64% were affiliated with a US House member, 29% with a US Senate member and 49% were democrat, 39% were republican and 5% were independent. Results of the survey may surprise you. “How helpful is it for social media posts from constituents to include the following?” Reasons for opposing or supporting a bill or issue 85% Reference to a specific piece of legislation, not just an issue 80% Full name of individual posting a message 70% Information about the impact the bill would have on the district 70% Name of organization encouraging participation 67% Personal story related to the bill or issue 63% Bill number and title 54% “How many similar comments on a social media post are enough for your office to pay attention to?” 35% of respondents said less than 10, 45% said 10-30. That’s amazing. If NMF&LB can get 15 members to engage on an issue, that’s enough to put it on the radar of 80% of lawmakers. “Social media enables government representatives to have more meaningful interactions with constituents.” 49% strongly agreed, 24% were neutral, 27% strongly disagreed. Almost half rely on social media to form relationships with their constituents, what an opportunity to influence your representatives! “Social Media makes government representatives more accountable to constituents.” 43% agreed, 25% were neutral, 33% disagreed. Let them know when you’re paying attention. “Most postings to a member’s social media platforms provide enough information and context to determine if a post is from a constituent.” 8% agreed, 22% were neutral, 71% disagreed. To have the most influence, make it clear you are from their district. This cuts the noise from advocacy groups who claim to be “stakeholders.” Page 8
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September 2018
“If a member of congress has not arrived at a firm decision on an issue, how much influence might social media posts from these categories have on their decision?” Leader or representative of a constituent group 89% Official account of a group that represents constituents 85% A single constituent affiliated with a specific group 69% A single individual with an unclear constituent status 17% The take away? Be a name dropper! Associating yourself with NMF&LB gives you clout! Taking these results into consideration, watch for new social media engagement tools coming from NMF&LB this coming legislative session. Additionally, Matt Gonzales, NMF&LB’s Director of Government Affairs, will be posting live updates with suggestions for engagement. Together we can make a difference!
Thank You to these Summer Conference Sponsors
Gold
Dow Agro New Mexico Beef Council Socorro County Farm & Livestock Bureau Linda Ritter Dennis and Margene Harris Dan and Carol Kloss Eddie and Barbara Harris T & C Farms
Silver
Dona Ana County Farm & Livestock Bureau
Bronze
New Mexico 811 Page 9
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
September 2018
Young Farmer & Rancher Update By Britney Lardner, Second Vice Chair
Are you a young farmer and/or rancher, and are looking for a program to get more involved with in your area & state? We would like to help you find that connection, because that’s our ultimate purpose as a program – “The rising generation of agriculturists – Cultivating tradition and technology through leadership, innovation, and hard work.” If you didn’t make it to the 2018 NMFLB Summer Conference, then I can say, “You. Missed. Out!” From sessions about communicating with consumers, donating blood and getting the “behind the scenes” look at the ABQ Zoo, as well as our YF&R Committee enjoying the dinner and “Murder Mystery” show (as you can see from the picture) … you could say things were in full swing! But don’t worry – we have our Annual Meeting coming up, that will be packed full, with even more! There are always laughs to be had and new friendships made when surrounded by good-hearted people in agriculture – and that’s just what you can expect with us. The NMF&LB Annual Meeting will be held from November 15-17th, in Albuquerque, NM. The Young Farmers & Ranchers Program will host a social for YFR eligible members (18-35) on one of the evenings, and we will also be putting on the Youth Discussion Meet – Sweet 16. We’d love to have you attend and get involved with our program. We will be posting information on our Facebook page as the date gets closer, so stay up to date by following our page (scan the QR code). Should you have questions or if you’d like to speak with your District Rep, PM our FB page OR contact Britney Lardner – britto2220@gmail.com.
Santa Fe County FLB Awards Scholarship
“The scholarship was named the Bud Hagerman Memorial Scholarship in honor of a long time board member who passed away in 2013,” said Deanna Runer, President of Santa Fe County Farm & Livestock Bureau. “The scholarship is for a child of a Santa Fe County Farm Bureau member who is a graduating senior. We chose Emma Cameron as our winner this year because of her future plans to continue in Ag, her extra curricular activities and grade point average. Past winners were Grant Longacre, Emily Morrison and Abby Spindle.” Page 10
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September 2018
Farm Bureau Looking Forward By Benjie Segovia, NMF&LB Regional Director
“Things change and then they change again.� These are lyrics in a county western song I listen to as I drive the highways to attend County Farm Bureau meetings. It usually starts me thinking about how a volunteer organization such as Farm Bureau is going to continue adapting to change. I have seen changes occur in every county that I have had the pleasure of working with during the last seven years. Some of this change is planned and anticipated by organization leaders, while other change occurs with the passing of time, you might call it “Father Time.� Leaders within Farm Bureau organizations tend to be successful, busy people. Not only do they care for their families and work hard in their agri-business careers, they are often involved in their communities. This makes it difficult to focus on the organizations’ future as they work through their daily routines. Occasionally a thought will cross their mind, that they may need to develop membership to prepare for the future but without utilizing available leadership development programs nothing will change, until Father Time forces a change. One method to address this is by coordinating with local FFA and 4-H programs in public schools to encourage young students to participate in agriculture advocacy activities which will keep these students involved and as time passes, encourage them to join organizations such as Collegiate FB, YF&R and County Farm Bureau organizations. Continued participation will provide an opportunity to access leadership development programs available in these groups. Reach out to the youth in your counties to help develop activities during FB functions that will be of interest to their peer group. Strong leaders see the benefit and need to develop young leadership within the organization. As part of the board of director’s responsibility, they need to develop a plan to groom young members for future leadership roles. When county organizations realize the importance of drawing the next generation into the organization they will strengthen their Farm Bureau county organization. When Board of Director members complete their term, the efforts they have invested in the development of the next leaders of their county will keep their County Farm Bureau running smoothly. Here is a quote, I read on Facebook. I do not know who the author is: “Don’t be afraid to change, you may lose something good but gain something better.�
RISE of the
CHILE RISTRA
Presented by NMF&LB
NEW MEXICO STATE FAIR IN ALBUQUERQUE Page 11
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September 2018
Planning Ahead
By Anita Hand, Women’s Leadership Program Chair The Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) met in August in Ruidoso for their annual planning retreat. As always, the committee had a full weekend with a busy agenda. Among those things discussed were the 2019 budget, activities for the year and social media. Our budget is an important part of what we do. It provides us an opportunity to send ladies to different outreach events and advocacy trainings. This year alone, the WLP sent three ladies to the first-ever DC FLY In, as well as participants in the FusionConference, National AFBF Convention and Boot Camp. We plan to continue to do so in the upcoming year.
Above, Melinda and Connie check on things back home while on a break. Left, Mayra and Earlene review agenda items.
We also hosted a social media event in May. Walk Around Our World was a week-long activity on Facebook that promoted physical activity while highlighting New Mexico farms and ranches. We had several submissions and over 3,000 views. We plan on utilizing social media more in the future and are in the process of establishing our presence on Instagram. The WLP tries to be more involved each year with summer and annual conferences and advocacy events, annual meeting will be no different. The NMF&LB Annual Meeting will be in Albuquerque, November 15-17th at the Sheraton Uptown. We try hard to move the business meeting of the WLP to different times to accommodate ladies from all over the state. This year it will be held at 10:30 am on November 15th. We will have presentations, guest speakers and elections. Districts 1, 2 and 4 are up for election. District 1 and 2 are currently vacant and District 4 is held by Cheryl Hartman of Luna County. We will also have a Treasurer position available in November. During the meeting we will have a bylaw change to present at the House of Delegates in regards to our name change. Currently, we are called the Women’s Leadership Committee. We propose to distinguish the Women’s Leadership Committee, which is comprised of the district representatives, from the state Women’s Leadership Program. We will again sponsor a meal during the annual meeting and all conference attendees are welcome to join us for a luncheon Friday afternoon. We have seen and continue to see an increase in interest in the Women’s Leadership Program from many different counties. We look forward to continuing to work with the great members of our state to be Farm Bureau Proud! See you at the 2018 Annual Meeting in Albuquerque! OFFICERS Women’s Leadership Chair - Anita Hand 1st Vice Chair - Connie Rooks
Treasurer - Mayra Jackson 2nd Vice Chair/Secretary - Melinda Jackson
DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES
I - Vacant
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II - Vacant
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
III - Earlene Ellett
IV - Chery Hartman
V - Jolene Vigil September 2018
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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 Chad Smith Chief Executive Officer Page 14
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Burl Brown, Des Moines Bud Deerman, La Mesa Jim Ellett, Hope Duane Frost, Claunch Gary Hathorn, Flora Vista Leon Hemann, McDonald George Jackson, Lordsburg John Jackson, Lake Arthur Deena Kinman, Elida Matt Lansford, Clovis Donald Martinez, El Rito Tommy Ortiz, Las Vegas Linda Ritter, Socorro Troy Sauble, Maxwell Casey Spradley, Cuba John Sweetser, Deming Tom Wilton, Ft. Sumner Anita Hand, Chair Women’s Leadership Committee Andy Ellett, Chair Young Farmer & Rancher Committee REGIONAL DIRECTORS Tanner Anderson Benjie Segovia
Valerie Huerta Director of Organization Matthew Gonzales Director of Government Affairs Brenda Logan Director, Northern Region Ag in the Classroom Traci Curry Director, Southern Region 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 Eva Hernandez Executive Administrative Assistant
September 2018