Spring 2019 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

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

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NMF&LB President’s Column TRACTOR SEAT DAYDREAMING

Volunteering

I realize that sometimes I might take a little too much liberty when it concerns my article. It may not be as factual as you might want it to be and it becomes more of an opinion statement or something you might read as a letter to the editor but as the heading of the article says, “tractor seat daydreaming.” This is when I have some time to think about things and what has been a concern for me which sometimes is personal in nature but can affect everyone.

The 60-day session is over, thus our legislative body should be home recuperating from donating their time to the state of New Mexico. They are elected volunteers that give up their time, hopefully with the motivation to work to make our state a better place rather than make a name for themselves or for the prestige.

BY CRAIG OGDEN

how they did it. What I am referring to is how they treat other people. I’ve known Mrs. Davis since I was a young kid going to different cattle related field days. Anytime I see either of them they always greet me with a smile and say hello and it’s not just a formality, it is genuine. It is how you treat people that makes a difference.

It doesn’t matter if you volunteer to coach baseball, volunteer at the fair, or are a member of an organization, there is a responsibility that goes with it that involves trust and “The Golden Rule.” I hope that with Spring arriving you will spring into action and volunteer to do something for which you have a passion. Keep in mind those people in need from the tornados that damaged the Pecos Valley. Also, thank a volunteer once in a while, they are the true unsung heroes.

“It is how you treat people that makes a difference.”

I remember the famous quote from President John F. Kennedy which states, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Even back then you might interpret the quote as asking for people to get involved. I was asked once why I became President of NMF&LB and my response was to help give back to the industry. We must all volunteer to some extent whether it is in the rural countryside or in the metropolitan areas, this is what makes our community and country strong.

If you’d like to help families affected by the tornado, you can donate to Loaves and Fishes, a food pantry available to those in Dexter, Hagerman, or Lake Arthur. Please contact LeeAnn Sandoval at (575) 734-5758.

Some of the volunteers I have looked up to are Bill Mclhaney and Linda Davis. It wasn’t always what they did, but Page 2

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AFBF President’s Column BEYOND THE FENCEROWS

BY ZIPPY DUVALL

The Soil of Ag Trade Is Fertile Customers around the world know that “American-grown” means top quality, so it’s no surprise the U.S. exports more agricultural products than we bring in. For more than 50 years, our industry has carried a trade surplus because our farmers and ranchers grow and produce the best food, fuel and fiber in the world. Not only that, our success lifts the whole economy as ag exports support more than 1 million U.S. jobs. We have a lot to be proud of, and a lot more to accomplish, when it comes to trade.

We also need to bring stability back to our trading relationship with our nearest neighbors by working with Congress and the administration to ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement as quickly as possible. America’s farmers and ranchers have experienced tremendous gains from the North American Free Trade Agreement, and we’re ready to build on those with the new USMCA. Deals like this are good for agriculture and our whole economy. According to Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. enjoyed a trade surplus of $12 billion in countries where we had a trade agreement in 2015, but we only had agreements in force with 20 countries. And that remains the case today.

We need to keep moving forward by expanding our market access, before we get left behind as other countries form agreements without us.

of a year-long trade war with China. If we’re honest, however, we know a trade war has been going on much longer there. The U.S. trade deficit with China was $375 billion in 2017 alone—that number doesn’t include money lost from China’s unfair business practices. We all know a fair deal when we see one, and you can’t call that kind of an imbalance fair. No doubt, farmers and ranchers are hurting from lost markets as tariffs have escalated back-and-forth, but we are hopeful that the administration’s tough stance will yield long-term rewards for our country’s economy, including rural communities that have suffered from economic hardship.

“Farmers have gotten caught in the crossfire

This spring we are beginning to see a ray of hope as talks continue with China. This has been a long road, and I know we’re all eager to see the situation resolved. From positive reports in recent days, it seems we are getting closer. We have been encouraged by the announcement of more purchases of U.S. ag products by China, as well as by the President’s decision to delay indefinitely another tariff increase on Chinese imports that had been planned for this month. If we’re going to keep agricultural trade successful, we must hold our trading partners accountable and move forward with new deals—and that’s just what the administration is doing.

of a year-long trade war with China.”

Unfortunately, it hasn’t been all good news with trade over the last year. Farmers have gotten caught in the crossfire Page 3

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With the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans Pacific Partnership already ratified by Australia,

“Trade” cont. on pg 5 Spring 2019

NM Organic Farming Conference

By Dalene Hodnett, Director of Communications and Media Relations

New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau is proud to sponsor the New Mexico Organic Farming Conference. Attended by over 550 people, the popularity of this gathering reflects a growing interest in organic production. In addition to sponsoring the conference, we also partner with Fred Porter, Farm Bureau Financial Services agent from Albuquerque, to honor a Young Farmer of the Year. This year, Malandro Farm was the recipient of the $500 award. Lisa Anderson and Jim Benson are produce growers in Abiquiu north of Santa Fe. Together with their three children, Zoe, Ila, and Kaleb, they farm 2.5 acres of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Jim is a native New Mexican and Lisa is originally from Florida, but fell in love with the southwest during her time in Tucson at the University of Arizona.

From left to right: Chad Smith, NMF&LB CEO; Jim Benson, Malandro Farm;

In 2013 they received organic certification Fred Porter, FBFS Agent; Stacy Gerk, NMDA; and Joseph Marcoline. Photo through NMDA. Their primary sales outlet is the courtesy of Erin Roy. Santa Fe Farmers Market, though they recently expanded their operation to include the Taos Farmers Market. They focus on providing their customers with the freshest, most vibrant, healthy and delicious food possible while striving to ensure soil health and biological diversity through the use of cover crops, green manure, compost and crop rotation.

NMF&LB was also recognized at the conference as a Friend of Organic Agriculture in recognition of our continued support of the conference.

From left to right: Theresa Widner, NMF&LB Director of Membership Services; Chad Smith, NMF&LB CEO; Stacy Gerk, NMDA; Valerie Huerta, NMF&LB Director of Organization; Francisco Hatay, NMF&LB Marketing Coordinator and Joseph Marcoline.

Photo courtesy of Erin Roy.

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Luna County Food Check Out Day Luna County Farm & Livestock Bureau, in conjunction with Luna County 4-H members and members of BorderBelles, a New Mexico CowBelles affliliate, recently donated $1,081.55 worth of groceries to the Luna County Healing House. On February 19th, the groups gathered at Pepper’s Supermarket to shop for the shelter which provides housing for victims of domestic violence.

From left to right: Tatum O’Toole, Cheryl Hartman, Karlie Hudson, Zane Wiseman, and Reid and Kylan Swinney.

Below: shoppers hold the receipt from the shopping spree.

“Trade” cont. from pg 3 Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore, USTR’s upcoming trade talks with Japan could not come soon enough. The Pacific market is an amazing growth opportunity for U.S. agriculture with Japan already a top five market for our ag exports. We cannot afford missing out here. The American Farm Bureau estimated that the original TPP would have increased net farm income by $4.4 billion and would have added more than 40, 000 jobs to our economy had we joined the agreement. It’s time to get a trade deal with Japan that will reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers and improve science-based sanitary measures to bring our farmers greater access to this booming market.

We are also eager for USTR’s planned talks with the EU and UK to break down agricultural barriers and bring balance to trade across the Atlantic. For too long, the European Union has set unfair, non-scientific barriers on our farm products – resulting in a negative trade balance of $70 billion over the last decade. This is unacceptable treatment of American farmers and ranchers who abide by the highest safety and quality standards in the world. Farm Bureau is grateful that the administration is once again sticking by farmers and ranchers: They have made it clear that there will be no deal without including agriculture.

There’s no question 2018 was a tough year for many of us in farm country, and part of the reason for that is the turbulence on the trade front. But we can come out on the other side stronger than ever, and I believe we will. In fact, President Trump personally has assured us of that. American farmers and ranchers will continue to be leaders in every market where we have fair access to customers. Let’s keep up the good work of planting seeds for ag trade by making our voices heard with Congress and the administration. We are already seeing good results, and a harvest of new and growing markets will come if we don’t give up hope.

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Devastation in Dexter

By Dalene Hodnett, Director of Communications and Media Relations The warning sirens were an unfamiliar sound for the residents of Dexter who hadn’t seen a tornado in their area since 2004. But on March 12th an EF-2 tornado brought wind speeds of 135 mph to this small agricultural town southeast of Roswell. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, although six people were injured, 150 cows had to be euthanized at area dairies, six homes were destroyed and several others were damaged along with barns and irrigation pivot systems. In the tornado’s wake came several Farm Bureau Financial Services representatives to help put the pieces back together.

Steve and Glee Swarengin live southwest of Dexter and suffered a direct hit from the tornado that, while narrow, traveled 15 miles. “It was pretty surreal,” said Glee. “We were watching the rain and heard the sirens and decided to take cover on the other side of the house.” Moments later the tornado ripped the garage off of their house before hitting their barn and destroying 600 feet of a pivot irrigation system in their alfalfa field.

“We’re just so lucky and appreciative of Farm Bureau and how easy they’ve been to work with,” said Glee. Farm Bureau Financial Services agent Larry Marshall, who has an office in Dexter 100 yards from where he was raised, has been the Swarengin’s agent for more than 30 years. “This is what insurance is for” said Larry as he handed Steve a check for partial damages to cover repairs on their four-year-old house. This was in addition to a previous check that was issued to replace the pivot system.

“It only lasted fifteen seconds, but it took my fence, parts of my roof and the neighbor’s mobile home,” said Joshua (whose home is pictured on the front cover). His neighborhood was covered in debris and it took ten roll-off dumpsters and five days with front-end loaders to clean up the mess. Recovery efforts were hampered the day after the tornado as the entire area was under a high wind warning.

Joshua’s assessment of the FBFS response? “Excellent. They were very professional and quick.” Larry said of the Gamboa’s “these folks are like family to me. I’m so grateful and satisfied to be in this business where we could be helpful.”

Joshua Gamboa lives in Dexter and was in the path of the tornado as well.

They took shelter when a piece of loose tin tore into their living room window.

The storm system that spawned the Dexter tornado also spun off a twister near Loving creating golf ball sized hail and tearing down power lines near Malaga.

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Director of Breed Improvement.

With more Angus influenced cattle qualifying for the Certified Angus Beef ® brand than ever before, it’s clear that the Angus bull has become America’s bull. He sires calving ease, growth and superior marbling. He works well in any environment, and on any cow, regardless of breed. Make sure that America’s bull serves as your director of herd improvement.

Angus. America’s breed. Go to www.Angus.org/businessbreed or call 816.383.5100 to learn more.

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NM Young Farmers & Ranchers 2019 4th Annual Pasture Golf Tournament

By Britney Lardner, Second Vice Chair On February 23rd, the Young Farmers & Ranchers program hosted their 4th Annual Pasture Golf Tournament, on the farm of NMFLB’s President and First Lady, Craig & Teresa Ogden (and their son, Joseph, & his wife, Tessa). They were gracious enough to welcome our wild crew onto their farm, create new memories around the dinner table, and even playing a little golf along the way. The wind was strong & relentless that Saturday, but our teams powered through and there were still many great hits. We could not have done it without the amazing support of our venue hosts, the dedication and teamwork of our committee members who took time out of their busy schedules to put on an event fit for all ages, and of course, our sponsors who added their generous financial investment into our program – it continues to be a great success!

This tournament is an annual fundraiser designed to raise funds to help us grow as a program, in more ways than one. Here are a just a few;

*Assisting YF&R members travel to conferences and ag programs, acquire booth props and activities for AgFest, as well as purchasing items throughout the year for operational support, as needed.

*We will now have the ability to have more activities and outreach opportunities for our young farmers and ranchers, in NM. (We will share dates for district events, once planned.)

*Last but not least, this fundraiser allows us to improve our growing connections with each business, as we look to gain more networking opportunities within our districts, counties, and our farm and ranch communities.

If you’re between the ages of 18-35, WE WANT YOU! We have more events for you to join in on – so, stay in the loop and follow our Facebook page – New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers, or be sure to read our YF&R newsletter articles that are sent out, like this one. Talk to one of our current committee members about signing up with New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau – see the list, below.

2019 YF&R Committee: Chair – Andy Ellett & Co-Chair – Haley Ellett, 1st Vice – Keith & Jana Shafer, 2nd Vice/Secretary - Britney Lardner, Treasurer – KyLee Rice, Dist. 1 – Erin & Allyn Fuchs, Dist. 2 – Jeroen & Traci van der Ploeg, Dist. 3 – Bronson & Barbara Corn, Dist. 4 – Russell & Brandy Johnson, Dist. 5 Co-Reps – Nicki Jacobs and Savannah & Glenn Trujillo

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The Importance of an Eye Exam WellVision Exam® from a VSP® provider helps detect the signs of health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol—along with other eye and health issues.

Think you’re too young, old, or healthy for an eye exam? Think again.

Babies and Toddlers

Children

Approximately 80% of what children learn is through their eyes.1 Impaired vision can affect a child’s cognitive, emotional, neurologic, and physical development by potentially limiting his or her exposure to a range of experiences and information.2

More than one in four school-age children have some form of a vision problem.3 Studies show that 60% of students identified as problem learners have undetected vision troubles.4

Schedule their eye exams: • At six months • Between two and three years old • Before kindergarten

Schedule their eye exam once a year.

TIP: Schedule one at the beginning of the school year to give your child a healthy start.

Adults

Seniors

Even if you have had laser vision surgery or have naturally good vision, you still need an annual exam. More than four million Americans over the age of 40 have some form of vision impairment.5 More than twothirds of Americans report experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain.6

As we age, we’re more susceptible to cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness among Americans age 65 and older.7 Glaucoma affects more than 3 million Americans, but only half are aware they have the disease because the symptoms are so subtle.8

Schedule your eye exam once a year.

Schedule your eye exam once a year.

People with Diabetes

Contact Lens Wearers

Diabetes is one of the top three causes of blindness in the United States.9 And, most diabetes-related blindness can be prevented by an annual eye exam.

Contact lenses are medical devices. That’s why regular exams with an eye care provider to review your prescription are important.

Schedule your eye exam once a year.

Schedule your eye exam once a year.

According to the National Eye Institute, more than 11 million people in the U.S. have an uncorrected visual impairment. Help protect your family’s vision. Contact us today.

New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau 844.641.6718 https://www.nmflb.org/Benefits

1. Ritty et al. (1993) Visual and sensory-motor function in the classroom a primary report of ergonomic demands, J. Am. Optom. Assoc. 1993, 64:238-244. 2. National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vision Impairment Among Children, accessed January 13, 2016. 3. Kleinstein, RN et al. Refractive error and ethnicity in children. Arch Ophthalmol. 2003121(8):1141-1147. 4. American Optometric Association 5. Prevent Blindness America, 2012. 6. The Vision Council, 2016 Digital Eye Strain Report. 7. allaboutvision.com 8. Glaucoma Research Foundation, 2015. 9. CDC Vision Health Initiative, Common Eye Disorders, 2013. ©2018 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved.

VSP is a registered trademark of Vision Service Plan. 2821 10/16

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Innovating the Future of Water

By Dr. Lauren Goldstein, Program Manager, NMSU Strategic Initiatives AgSprint, a popular entrepreneurial business startup and development program based in New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center, has established a formal strategic relationship with the Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility (BGNDRF) in Alamogordo—a part of the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation. BGNDRF brings together researchers from other federal government agencies, universities, the private sector, research organizations, and state and local agencies to work collaboratively and in partnership.

AgSprint participants will work with the BGNDRF on a number of aspects of technology development that will move their businesses along paths for commercial success and social benefit.

“The BGNDRF, with its expertise in innovative water conservation and use, is an ideal partner,” states Zetdi Sloan, director of AgSprint. “Our entrepreneurs live in a state where water challenges are at the forefront, so providing the platform and network for innovators to help to find solutions is critical for every person in the state.”

AgSprint is an intensive, five-month entrepreneurial accelerator program tailored to the individuals participating and their businesses. Based on a unique formula of education, training, expert mentorship, and technical resources, AgSprint, which is sponsored by New Mexico Gas Company (an Emera company), has demonstrated consistent success since its launch in 2017. Participants represent all facets of agrifood: agriculture biotechnology; bioenergy and biomaterials; farm management software, sensing, and IoT; food marketplace/e-commerce; innovative food; novel farming systems; robotics, mechanization, and equipment; and supply-chain technologies.

The BGNDRF opened in 2007, with a primary mission of developing desalination technologies to enhance dwindling fresh water supplies. Desalination is the process of removing salt and other minerals from brackish groundwater, to make the water useful for human consumption or industrial use. The facility not only provides a state-of-the-art location for technology research and development, it has also hosted a global prize competition and served as a location for MIT to develop innovative water treatment technology for use in over a thousand water stores in India. Outreach at BGNDRF includes activities such as teaching 2,000 third graders about the importance of water and water treatment technologies.

Focus areas at the facility include desalination technologies for small scale applications, technologies to treat water produced as a by-product of oil and gas extraction, hybridization of renewable energy and desalination technologies, and agricultural applications associated with desalination.

“One of the most exciting things about AgSprint is seeing the diverse ways New Mexicans are tackling agricultural challenges and opportunities in the state,” says Randy Shaw, facility manager at BGNDRF. “And our relationship is agile. If we have the space and can help develop a technology that’s useful, even if it’s not directly related to desalination, we’ll make space available to support innovative development.”

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The BGNDRF has strong existing relationships with NMSU, and active partnerships with researchers in the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and the College of Engineering. However, this is the first time the BGNDRF has established a formal memorandum of agreement with Arrowhead Center.

“We have a focus on using renewable energy and a 5-acre agriculture research area, among other assets, so we’re examining intersections of water treatment and agriculture. For technologies in the AgSprint program, we’re the ideal partner location if they need an area for agtech demonstrations. We can also provide an audience. Once a year we have the Water Innovations and Networking Workshop (WIN) and clients of our facility are invited to share their work on stage with an audience of collaborators and stakeholders. They can potentially get widespread exposure through this venue.”

The newly formalized relationship aligns with the university’s strategic framework NMSU LEADS 2025, which includes a strategic goal of modernizing critical infrastructure in the nexus of energy, food, water, IT, and agriculture.

Rolando Flores, Dean of the NMSU College of ACES also traces the alignment through his college’s mission: to make positive impacts on water usage and conservation, food and fiber production and marketing, environmental stewardship, family development, and health of New Mexicans.

“Among other attributes, BGNDRF shares with us a focus on outreach and education,” says Flores. “NMSU has presence and engagement in every county in the state through the Cooperative Extension Service. Representatives from Arrowhead Center began outreach to our entry-level courses last year as well. This strategic relationship will allow continued knowledge transfer to directly impact community and economic development in New Mexico.”

Are you an innovator interested in the AgSprint accelerator program? Visit www.f6s.com/newmexicoagsprint2019/apply to apply for the 2019 cohort.

Applications close April 4, 2019. Contact Zetdi Sloan at 575-646-7833 or zrunyan@nmsu.edu for more information.

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Advice from an Expert: Vegtable Gardening in New Mexico

By Dr. Stephanie Walker, NMSU Extension Vegetable Specialist Most vegetable gardeners will agree that enjoying a homegrown tomato freshly picked from the garden is one of life’s great pleasures. While the activity can provide many rewards, vegetable gardening in New Mexico can be challenging. Limited rainfall requires that we regularly irrigate our vegetable plants and most naturally occurring soil in the state is not optimum for vegetable gardening. Despite challenges, gardeners in New Mexico can achieve a great vegetable harvest by planning for location, timing, pest and disease management, and crop selection.

Put some thought into placement of your garden. The area should receive good sun exposure and be located where it’s easy to irrigate. Best gardening success will be achieved in areas with deep, well drained fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Unfortunately, this type of soil is rarely found in New Mexico, so gardeners should plan for long-term soil building or choose to grow a container or raised bed garden with soil brought in.

Timing is critical. Warm season vegetables (sweet corn, squash, melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, chile peppers) will quickly be damaged or killed by freezing temperatures. In very warm temperatures, cool season vegetables (broccoli, carrots, spinach, lettuce, Swiss chard, onions, beets, radishes) tend to stress and may develop an off flavor, poor quality, or perish. For best vegetable gardening success, it’s important to plant different vegetables during their preferred planting window for your particular growing zone. Handy planting charts are available at https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_circulars/CR457B.pdf.

Managing pests and diseases in vegetable gardens is also important for best productivity. Weeds growing in and around vegetable plants compete for moisture and nutrients and may also harbor diseases harmful to your vegetables. Insect pests may weaken plants or spread harmful diseases. A serious example of a weed/insect pest interaction common in New Mexico is curly top virus. This viral disease is only spread by the feeding activity Page 12

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of beet leafhopper insects. The beet leafhoppers do little harm to the plants, but the curly top virus they spread kills many tomato and chile pepper plants every year in the state. Vertebrate pests (rabbits, deer, mice, birds) as well as some insect pests may also eat your vegetable plants outright. Correct identification of any developing problems is key to taking defensive as well as corrective action.

Despite the challenges, there are many vegetables that perform very well in New Mexico. Asparagus plants are tolerant of heat, drought, salinity – common problems in the state, and as a perennial crop will provide bountiful harvests for many years after established. Cherry-type tomatoes are tolerant of many of the disease and disorder problems seen in larger fruited tomatoes and are an excellent choice for New Mexican gardeners. Swiss chard, a cool season crop, develops improved flavor following frost, but provides a

harvest of leafy greens in cool and warm conditions with minimal disease and pest pressure in most areas in New Mexico.

Additional information on variety selection is available at your county Extension office or by referring to New Mexico State University Extension Circular 457-B, ‘Growing Zones, Recommended Crop Varieties, and Planting and Harvest-ing Information for Home Vegetable Gardens in New Mexico’ (https://aces.nmsu.edu/ pubs/_circulars/CR457B.pdf).

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Farm Bureau Financial Services Launches New Farm & Ranch Succession Workshops in New Mexico Workshops designed to help farmers and ranchers prepare to transition their family farm or ranch to the next generation are coming to New Mexico.

The workshops, presented by Farm Bureau Financial Services, will be held throughout 2019. Called Changing Hands – Your Legacy, Their Future, these workshops aim to help farmers and ranchers map out a strategy to protect their legacy for future generations and help ensure a successful transition. The workshops will be free and open to the public and are a part of Farm Bureau Financial Services efforts to help prepare New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers to make business succession decisions.

Nearly all farms in the U.S. – about 99 percent¹ - are owned by families, and 70 percent of U.S. farmland will likely transfer in the next two decades.² The Changing Hands – Your Legacy, Their Future workshops will help guide farmers and ranchers through important questions such as “How can I treat all my heirs fairly?” or “How can I protect my assets?” The workshops also help address the complexities of financial, emotional, and family dynamics.

“Farm Bureau Financial Services has a long history of serving farmers and ranchers, and we’re proud to continue that service with our Farm & Ranch Succession Workshops,” said Nancy Wiles, Marketing Communications Vice President with Farm Bureau Financial Services. “These workshops are a great opportunity for farmers and ranchers to start thinking about the transition process. It’s not something people like to think about, but it’s an important step to take to help ensure the continuation of their life’s work.”

New workshops and their locations are announced regularly. Workshops are free and open to the public.

Registration is required. For more information, please visit fbfs.com/changing-hands.

1 FB.org 2 Agweek.com

Upcoming Workshops Savory Bar and Grill Porter’s Resturant & Smokehouse Albuquerque Farmington Date: April 9, 2019 Date: April 10, 2019 Time: 6:00 p.m.

Time: 6:00 p.m.

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Would you trust your livelihood to an algorithm?

When it comes to your farm or ranch, it’s important to get the right coverage.

To do that, it’s important to work with an agent who gets to know you – and your property. For eighty years, we’ve made it a priority to build relationships first and plans second. Talk to an agent to find out why we’re the No.1 ag insurer.

Insurance • Investments • Financial Planning • ALvsAgent.com No. 1 ag insurer across our 8-state territory. 2017 SNL P&C Group – Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Western Agricultural Insurance Company direct written premium. Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC,+ 5400 University Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877.860.2904, Member SIPC. Advisory services offered through FBL Wealth Management, LLC.+ Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,+* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,+* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services PC150 (2-19)

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

2220 N. Telshor Las Cruces, NM 88011 ELECTRONIC 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 Chad Smith Chief Executive Officer Page 16

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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

Spring 2019