THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW MEXICO FARM AND LIVESTOCK BUREAU®
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
February 2019
NMF&LB President’s Column TRACTOR SEAT DAYDREAMING
Clean Water, Clear Rules
With Water is precious in our arid state and New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers go to great lengths to conserve this vital resource. We line ditches with concrete to prevent water loss, decrease evaporation by using drip tape so that water is applied directly at the roots and ranchers routinely dredge dirt tanks to prevent water loss to weeds or seepage. We realize the value of protecting water. That’s why we were relieved when the Environmental Protection Agency introduced a proposed new clean water rule to replace the flawed 2015 “Waters of the U.S.” The proposed clean water rule protects clean water while providing clear rules. The 2015 rule was confusing and required landowners to consult with federal agencies about farming their own land. This lack of clarity is why it was
BY CRAIG OGDEN
never fully implemented. Several states had sued, and won, to have the rule blocked. WOTUS left every ditch, arroyo and playa under the control of the federal government, even when they were dry. Farmers and ranchers care about clean water. It grows our crops, provides grass for cattle and makes it possible for you to “shop local” at your near-by farmers market. Because we want to pass our farms and ranches down to our children and grand-children, we have a vested interest in preserving and protecting all of our natural resources. That’s why we support clear rules that will protect the quality of water in our state. Join me in supporting the proposed new rule by commenting at www. fb.org/advocacy/ action-alerts/cleanwater-clear-rules
“Farmers and ranchers care about clean water.”
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
February 2019
AFBF President’s Column BEYOND THE FENCEROWS
BY ZIPPY DUVALL
Farm Country Looks to Lawmakers to End Shutdown A little more than a week ago, Farm Bureau delegates from across the country gathered to vote on policies that will drive our organization forward in 2019. Our annual meeting of delegates from all 50 states and Puerto Rico is a clear picture of our grassroots at work, uniting as the Voice of Agriculture just as we have for the last 100 years. It’s an exercise in faith and cooperation because we know we are stronger when we work together. Each year brings its own set of opportunities and challenges, and 2019 is no exception. Farmers and ranchers aren’t strangers to tough times, either. We all breathed a sigh of relief at the end of 2018 when the storm clouds broke a little over farm country with the promise of a new Clean Water Rule, the announcement of the USMCA agreement, and the signing of the new farm bill. But now we are watching the clouds gather again as we wait for a resolution to the current government shutdown. Our farmer and rancher members were grateful and excited for President Trump’s second visit to speak at our convention last week. A presidential visit is a rare honor, and it’s been a quarter of a century since any other U.S. President has accepted Farm Bureau’s invitation to come speak with us. This President loves farmers, and we’re grateful for the steps the Administration is taking to give farmers and ranchers access to FSA offices to process much-needed loans and certain program assistance to keep our businesses running during the shutdown. The 2018 farm bill set a prime example of the work our
lawmakers can get done for rural America when they find common ground. We know Secretary Perdue and his team at USDA are eager to put this 2018 farm bill to work for America, but the shutdown has created delays in implementation. As farmers and ranchers struggle through a trade war in a down farm economy, I have no doubt that the President and Secretary Perdue will continue to do everything they can to help farmers weather this latest storm. Like the rest of the country, though, farmers and ranchers are ready for this shutdown finally to end. In fact, Farm Bureau’s closing order of business at our delegate session this year was to pass a statement urging Congress and the Administration to work together to do just that and bring an end to this shutdown as soon as possible. Our government of the people needs to be able to get back to work fully for the people. There is no time to waste in 2019, and there is still much work to be done for American agriculture. Let’s once again join together in calling on our lawmakers to find a swift resolution and to move on to what’s next in the business of strengthening our great nation.
“...farmers and ranchers are ready for this shutdown finally to end.”
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Upcoming Activities
Shop for Ronald McDonald The Women’s Leadership Program will be having their annual “Shop for Ronald McDonald” event February 4, 2019. The group will meet at Rudy’s on Carlisle at 11:00am for lunch and Smith’s on Carlisle at 1:00pm. Rotunda Dinner The New Mexico Agriculture group will host our annual “Rotunda Dinner” (also known as Ag Feed) on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 4:00pm. February 2019
Hemp 101, What a Farmer Needs to Know
By Dalene Hodnett, NMF&LB Director of Communications and Media Relations
“If New Mexico would embrace hemp we could grow not just a lot of plants, but an entire industry of processing facilities. This is good not just for our state’s farmers, but for our economy as well,” says Jill Browning, chair of the New Mexico Hemp Association. Originally from China, hemp was grown in the US until the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 outlawed growing this crop that had been used for everything from ropes, to sails, to paper. Hemp production was dealt another blow by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 when it was declared a Schedule I controlled substance. But the 2014 Farm Bill contained a provision for hemp cultivation for research, stipulating that states develop a permitting process. In 2017, New Mexico passed a bill that required the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to promulgate rules and issue licenses to grow industrial hemp for research purposes. Additionally, New Mexico State University was tasked with establishing a research and development fund from license fees. After a series of public meetings, NMDA issued their rule and on November 29, 2018, the NMSU Board of Regents approved the state regulations. Finally, on December 12th Congress approved the Farm Bill which removed the Schedule I designation and legalized hemp. This annual plant is a variety of the cannabis sativa plant that, unlike its cousin marijuana, contains such low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that it is not psychoactive. The primary extract from hemp is non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) extracts, often used for pain relief. “There are so many uses for hemp,” says Browning. “From traditional fiber products to tinctures, oils, building materials such as hempcrete, food, drinks and plastics. Hemp is completely biodegradable and could be a great benefit to our environment if it could replace many of our plastic products.” Browning has grown hemp in Colorado for four years before moving back to her home state on a farm near Estancia. Colorado was the largest producer of hemp last year with over 9,000 harvested acres. Hemp is well-acclimated to Western states, tolerating a wide variety of soils and temperatures. It grows quickly, often reaching heights of 20 feet in as few as 100 days. This quick growth and resultant shade reduces the need for herbicides, and the inherent THC is a defense mechanism from pests. It is often grown outside like corn or alfalfa and can be row or flood irrigated. While it is drought tolerant, growers must be careful, since sustained withdrawal of water can concentrate THC levels. Therein lies the rub for most growers. In order to sell your hemp crop, it must not test at a level greater than .3% THC. According to Brad Lewis, Division Director for NMDA’s Agricultural and Environmental Services Division, “Under the current statute, cannabis that exceeds the .3% THC level is no longer considered hemp and therefore excluded from those legal uses of hemp. Cannabis, in excess of .3% THC and grown under a hemp licenses, will be required to be destroyed.” Browning says this is easily managed by consistently testing your crop. “Be proactive. If the crop is trending “hot” you just harvest it early to prevent it from reaching illegal THC levels.” Scepter Lab in Santa Fe and Rio Grande Analytics in Las Cruces can both certify THC levels in hemp. Once lab results have been reviewed by NMDA staff, a harvest license will be issued. Before you can plant hemp, you must pass a state and FBI criminal background check, as required by the 2018 Farm Bill. You must also complete an NMDA application as an Annual or Continuous grower (those with nursery plants). What Page 4
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February 2019
NMDA can’t do at this time is certify hemp crops as organic since they are awaiting a notice from the USDA regarding inclusion of hemp in the organic certification program. According to a study conducted by Colorado State University’s Cooperative Extension Service, field preparation is typical of traditional crops such as corn or wheat. Planting can also be accomplished with a traditional grain/seed drill, but harvesting equipment must be modified to adjust to the plant height and combines experience greater wear and tear due to the coarseness of the fiber. Fertilizer costs are similar to that of small grains. For a detailed cost/benefit analysis go here https:// tinyurl.com/hempcostanalysis Unfortunately, because the industry is in its infancy stage, there is little market for the stalks or bio mass of hemp at this time. However, CBD oil revenue is significant. Future Farm, a hemp business in Vancouver, expects to harvest 1,700 plants per acre of a 120-acre farm. Each acre produces $90,000 worth of CBD oil which is THC free and legal to consume in all 50 states. Industry analysts predict the hemp market could hit more than $20 billion in the next three to five years. Since the US is the largest importer of hemp there is a great deal of room for domestic growth. Lewis predicts that “The hemp industry, primarily CBD based, will have a significant and positive impact on job creation and on the increase of new monies into the state. Job creation will be associated with greenhouse production of hemp plants for CBD extraction, greenhouse production of clones and seedlings for sale, extraction facilities associated with the removal of plant constituents (CBD), private and public laboratories associated with the development of hemp cultivars, manufacturing related to products containing CBD, and ancillary industries including trucking.” What varieties grow best in New Mexico? No one is sure due to the lack of research. Dr. Steve Loring, Associate Director of the NMSU Agricultural Experiment Station System says “Currently, there are no specific plans for hemp research. We have several faculty interested in the crop, including faculty at the agricultural science centers, but funding will need to be obtained before very much research can be done.” One of the benefits of the 2018 Farm Bill language is that the crop now qualifies for any loans, hoop house programs or insurance that a farmer growing a typical crop could access. The bill also negated any barriers that existed for irrigating with water originating from a Bureau of Reclamation project. For example, previous to the bill farmers who irrigated out of the Elephant Butte Irrigation District could not use ditch water for hemp crops. Due to her four years of experience in Colorado, Browning knows what will work in New Mexico. Her company, Hemp Maiden, is vertically integrated including processing, extraction and manufacturing. They are involved in hemp plants, seed genetics and plant cloning. They produce tinctures for arthritis, oils for migraines, and toasted, salted hemp seeds for snacks. Although they grow their products in an organic manner, they label their products as “natural” until the USDA issues an organic hemp program. Many of their products can be purchased from riograndehempcompany.com. “Our goal is to create good products and educate people about the benefits the plant can offer,” says Browning. Sounds like farmers, consumers and New Mexico’s economy will all benefit from the legalization of hemp.
NMF&LB Memorial Scholarship The New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau is proud to offer their Memorial Scholarship which is available to a member of a New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau family. The application deadline is April 1st. Both new and continuing students are eligible to apply. The scholarship amount is a one time payment of $500. For an application go to www. nmflb.org and see the “Programs” tab.
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
February 2019
A Centennial to Remember, AFBF’s 100 Year Annual Convention Between the Centennial celebration for the American Farm Bureau Federation, excellent food and entertainment in the Big Easy, and visits by United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and President
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
February 2019
By Dalene Hodnett, NMF&LB Director of Communications and Media Relations Trump, there was quite a bit of excitement at the Annual Convention in New Orleans. New Mexico was well represented by a large group who enjoyed educational sessions, and interesting demonstrations. President Trump in his hour-long address spoke often recent legislative wins including the passage of the Farm Bill and the halting of WOTUS. He invited Jim Chilton, a rancher on the Arizona/Mexico border, to come to the podium and address the group on border security. When speaking to the members of the audience, President Trump noted that “you are the keepers of this noble tradition, you are the guardians of this majestic heritage.” Thank you to everyone who attended, we appreciate you taking the time away from your families and farm/ranch to represent our state.
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
February 2019
2019 New Mexico Organic Farming Conference provides opportunity to learn and connect By Baylee Banks, NMDA Communications Assistant Are you interested in the art of organic production? Whether you are an experienced farmer, a back-yard grower or a curious consumer, the New Mexico Organic Farming Conference will provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge on topics ranging from water conservation to new and exciting ideas in the realm of organic farming. The Southwest’s largest organic agricultural gathering is Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 16 at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, located at 800 Rio Grande Blvd. Northwest in Albuquerque. The annual conference will focus on resilience and will comprise of over 30 session tracks including the following: · A panel on Tools and Strategies for Water Conservation and Resilience · Seed Saving and Variety Development for the Future in the Arid Southwest (Laurie Lange) · Wholesale Markets: The Next Frontier for New Mexico Growers (Kendal Chavez and Michael Venticinque) · A Practical Transition Toward a Functioning Soil (Dave Scott) · Using Cover Crops Creatively to Transition Ground to Organic (Rex Dufour) · A workshop on Advancing Your Soil Health Attendees can also expect 60 exhibitor booths offering locally grown organic snacks, as well as an organic luncheon and endless networking opportunities that could help advance an interest or career in organic farming. The keynote speaker for the conference is Ron Rosmann of Rosmann Family Farms. The Rosmann family has been dedicated to organic farming for 30 years and received the 2018 Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Services Organic Farmer of the Year Award. New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte will provide the welcome address. Anyone interested in attending the conference should visit https://tinyurl.com/ NMOFC2019 to register and to view a tentative schedule of events. Early registration is recommended as luncheon tickets are limited. For more information, email sagefaulkner@yahoo.com, call 505-490-2822 or visit www.nmofc.org. Page 8
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
February 2019
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
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February 2019
Young Farmer & Rancher Update By Britney Lardner, Second Vice Chair
2019 looks bright for NMF&LB’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program. Kicking off January strong, we had an eventful time in New Orleans for the AFBF Convention – Jan. 11-16th. “It was a great experience. New Orleans is a place like no other! The food and culture were amazing, and the agricultural tour was one of the best we’ve ever been on,” Haley Ellett explained. One notable piece from attending this national conference, thanks to the planning efforts of both programs’ coordinators (Tanner Anderson and Christy Davis), is that we were able to have great conversations over dinner with the Arizona Young Farmers & Ranchers program. We made positive connections with them that will help our two programs work together in the near future. Saying our goodbyes at the conference meant coming back to New Mexico (Andy & Haley Ellett, and myself) to dive right in and apply what we’ve learned towards our county boards & our YFR committee, so we can grow as a program, statewide. Another exciting moment was when our members got to meet AFBF President, Zippy Duvall! Although it was brief, it was great to meet such a humble and dedicated man. There were breakout sessions that we attended which had insight into how we as a program can reach out to individuals who are within our state, fit the age range & have a passion for agriculture. In addition, there were also competitions that showcased America’s YF&R members’ innovation, drive, and expertise in their chosen fields. While watching these competitions (Achievement Award, Discussion Meet, & Excellence in Agriculture), I couldn’t help but think of the numerous friends I have, throughout New Mexico, who would excel greatly at the national level (hidden talent, if you will…). I believe we have the potential to have our members compete in all three competition brackets – and win!! It’s our duty as a program to make sure these competitions are common knowledge among our members. We need to do a better job of communicating what is out there - this is a goal I’d like to see take shape over the next few years. As the information becomes available, we will share it with our members through our social media outlets (Facebook & Instagram), and the NMF&LB Newsletter. COMING UP…. If you haven’t signed up for our 4th Annual Pasture Golf Tournament, there’s still time! Bring 3 friends & a set of clubs, or whatever you can whack a golf ball with. If you can’t attend, we welcome you to sponsor a hole, or a team! When: Saturday, February 23rd Time: 9:00am Start (8:15am Sign-in) Where: 200 West Ogden Rd., Loving Individual/Team Sign-Up: Fee of $40 per person / $160 for a 4-man team (Min. Team of 3) **Includes Lunch and Pasture Fees**
For questions about team sign-ups or sponsorship, contact: Keith Shafer (575)6402116, or Andy Ellett (575)491-2376 See you on the green...pasture, that is! Page 10
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February 2019
No one can see into the future. And even if you could, you’d want to be prepared for what’s coming. That’s what we’re here for – to help protect the future you can and can’t see. Let’s sit down, face-to-face and talk about your future as you imagine it. You talk and we’ll listen – one-on-one, the way we’ve done it for more than 75 years.
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 M205 (10-18)
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fbfs.com 11/8/18 10:47 AM February 2019
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 Chad Smith Chief Executive Officer Page 12
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Burl Brown, Des Moines Bud Deerman, La Mesa Crystal Diamond, Elephant Butte Jim Ellett, Hope Duane Frost, Claunch Travis Harris, San Antonio Don Hartman, Deming Gary Hathorn, Flora Vista Leon Hemann, McDonald John Jackson, Lake Arthur Deena Kinman, Elida Donald Martinez, El Rito Steve Myrick, Clovis Tommy Ortiz, Las Vegas Stewart Rooks, Gila Troy Sauble, Maxwell Casey Spradley, Cuba 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
February 2019