THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW MEXICO FARM AND LIVESTOCK BUREAU®
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2020
NMF&LB President’s Column TRACTOR SEAT DAYDREAMING
BY CRAIG OGDEN
We Can Make a Difference
I hope this letter finds you and your family well. Much has happened since my last column. As you know the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the ag community. All commodities are down as markets are feeling the impact of the pandemic and resultant lockdown. As many of our neighbors are self-isolating at home, farm, ranch and dairy families and employees are still working hard. When we come home at night it feels as if we get conflicting advertisements from our TV screen. One commercial states how we must stay home to reduce the spread of COVID-19 for the safety of our fellow man and the safety of all the medical Ogden cont. on page 20
AFBF President’s Column BEYOND THE FENCEROWS
BY ZIPPY DUVALL
We Farm, We Vote!
In a normal year, we would have seen much more activity by presidential and congressional campaigns by this point. There’s less than five months left until Election Day, Nov. 3, and things are beginning to get back to normal post-COVID-19, so we’re about to see a big increase in political ads, events (even if they’re virtual this year), yard signs, and other great American traditions that come with our national elections. One of those traditions is the American Farm Bureau Federation’s request that presidential candidates respond to questions about key issues of importance to farmers and ranchers. For the past 40 years, all major party Duvall cont. on page 22
NMF&LB CEO’s Column CHATTING WITH CHAD
BY CHAD SMITH
COVID-19 and Safe Practices for Ag Producers
The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for our nation’s farmers, ranchers and dairy producers. Markets have disappeared, supply chains have been disrupted and labor pools have shrunk. In New Mexico, ag producers are also navigating regulations set forth by Governor Lujan Grisham in the publication All Together New Mexico: COVID-Safe Practices for Individuals and Employers. In the introductory letter to the guidelines, Governor Lujan Grisham writes: It will be up to all New Mexicans working together to make the coming months successful by Smith cont. on page 22
On the cover: Irrigated pastures on the NAN Ranch adjacent to the Mimbres River. See page 6 for the story on how Wild and Scenic Designation of this river will affect area farmers and ranchers.. Page 2
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2020
Dwight Menefee
Farm Credit of New Mexico has been farmer and rancher owned for over a century. Year in and year out, we’ve provided financial services to family-owned businesses of all sizes, helping them grow and prosper. That’s the difference between being a bank and being customer owned. What can we do for you? farmcreditnm.com 1-800-451-5997
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2020
Switching to e-Learning
T
he switch from the classroom to e-Learning at home has been a fast-paced learning experience for all of us. Fortunately, NMAITC has been able to make some great new updates in our outreach in order to help teachers and parents have better access to resources at home.
KnowAg.org is the site of
our new blog that houses e-Learning resources and opportunities designed to engage more families in learning about agriculture with adaptations to lessons to make it easier to find supplies at home. This is a great new addition to our website and connects from our social media platforms to our e-newsletter. Share our resource easily
by making sure you receive our newsletter at https:// newmexico.agclassroom.org/teacher/ newsletters.php. Sometimes being a good 'AG'vocate is as simple as sharing educational resources!
Virtual classroom visits are
here to stay! We have worked with teachers across the state to host virtual classroom visits and it has been a big hit. We plan to continue to offer this format well into the future, as now more teachers will have access to the software to host these types of meetings. We are happy to help our volunteers be able to get into classrooms virtually, as well! Don’t miss our free training for any volunteer that wants to learn more on July 30th!
Free Online Tra
Volunteers & 'A
ining for
G'vocates
: Don’t m iss a gr eat opportunity to learn how to have a succes sful virtual class room visit on Thursday, Ju ly 30th at 10 am . Register online today at www.nmaitc.o rg under the “happenings” tab and volunteer tra inings.
Breakfast With Brit Facebook Live! Green Chile Sausage Gr avy
1 lb. sausage (hot or mild)
just before the sausage looks too dry. Stir it around and cook it for another minute or so, then pour in the milk, stirring cons tantly.
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
“I’m proud to say I’ve been an avid breakfast consumer all my life. I suppose you could say I have been training for over 20 years to share with people my favorite recipes. Join me on the NMAITC Facebook page every Wednesday at 9am, for “Breakfast with Brit”, as I dive into a mini lesson that’s connected to the breakfast foods that I use in each recipe.
4 cups whole milk
1/4 cup green chile (hot or mild ) 1/2 teaspoon salt & pepper
Cook the gravy, stirring frequent ly, until it thickens. (This may take a good 10-12 minutes.)
With your finger, tear small piec
es of sausage and add them in a sing le laye
r to a
large heavy skillet. Brown the saus age over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
half the flour and stir so that the
Sprinkle in
sausage soaks it all up, then add a little more until
Sprinkle in the salt and pepper
and continue cooking until very thick and lusc ious. Add in green chile. If it gets too thick too soon, just
splash in 1/2 cup of milk or more
Taste and adjust
if needed.
seasonings.
Each week is different & focuses on a new sector within New Mexico’s ag industry. See you next Wednesday - bring an appetite.” -Britney Lardner
Recipe was adapted by The Pioneer Women’s Sausage Gravy https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/drop-biscuits-and-sausage-gravy/
(Pictured above at age 3.)
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A Modern-Day David and Goliath
Wild and Scenic Designation of Southwestern Waters By Dalene Hodnett, Director of Communications and Media Relations A classic David and Goliath struggle is playing out in Southwestern New Mexico as local farmers and ranchers, families who have been in the area for generations, fight entrenched politicians and well-funded environmentalist groups over the destiny of local water. Senate Bill 3670, the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act, was introduced by Senator Tom Udall (D) on May 7, 2020 and was co-sponsored by Senator Martin Heinrich (D). The bill states it is meant to “protect for current and future generations of people in the United States the outstandingly remarkable scenic, natural, cultural, wildlife, fish, recreational, scientific, historic, cultural, ecological, and other values of certain segments of the Greater Gila River watershed and other rivers in the Gila National Forest.” “Protect it from what?” asks Buddy Eby when discussing the proposed Wild and Scenic designation for approximately 436 miles of river and 440 acres of land along the Gila, San Francisco and Mimbres rivers. Eby, a fourth-generation farmer and rancher from Faywood, points out that his family has farmed and ranched along the Mimbres for over a hundred years, caring for the river and the land. “Families have built livelihoods along this river, using it for orchards, vineyards and haying operations,” says Eby. “We’ve developed conservation projects along the river and have kept it from eroding farmland, we’re much better stewards than anyone sent by the federal government.”
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SB.3670 would amend the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of the Gila River system as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects rivers in five major ways: • It bans the construction of new federally-licensed dams and other harmful water development projects; • It ensures water quality is maintained and, where possible, enhanced; • It creates a federally-reserved water right for the minimum amount of water necessary to maintain a river’s special values; • It restricts activities that would harm a river’s special values; • And it requires the development of a Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) to guide management along designated rivers for a period of 10-20 years. Rivers are classified in one of three categories depending upon the extent of development and accessibility along each section: • Wild rivers are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail, with watersheds or shore-lines essentially primitive, and waters unpolluted. • Scenic rivers are free of impoundments with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive, and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads. These segments are more developed than “wild” rivers and less developed than “recreational” rivers. • Recreational rivers are readily accessible by road or railroad, may have some development along their shoreline, and may have undergone some impoundment or diversion in the past. The original 1968 act states that “Alterations to existing systems and new water projects that require a federal permit may be allowed as long as they don’t have an adverse effect on the values of the river.” Haydn Forward, a supervisor for the San The Mimbres River as it passes through the NAN Ranch Francisco Soil and Water Conservation District is concerned about how conservation efforts would affect the “values of the river.” “That’s why the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts has passed a resolution opposing the Wild and Scenic designation,” says Forward. “If the bill were to pass, a river management plan would be created and overseen by the federal government. It is then up to that manager’s discretion what flood control projects would and would not be allowed along the river.” Any maintenance done by irrigators would have to meet the “scenic” aspect of the act. Additionally, although the bill states that it would not affect any “existing points of diversion or existing water distribution infrastructure,” there are concerns that if diversions are damaged by a flood, irrigators may not be given permission to re-build them. That would leave ranches, such as the NAN Ranch, high and dry. Located near Faywood, the NAN Ranch was founded in 1870 when John Brockman began growing corn, alfalfa and cattle forage with irrigation water from the Mimbres. Added to Page 6
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the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, the ranch is currently owned by members of the Lang and Burford families, descendants of W.B. (Bill) and Clara Hinton, who brought the NAN Ranch into the family in 1948. Betty Lang, who lives at the ranch, says “This ranch has been irrigating pastures to feed cattle for over 150 years. If we don’t have access to the river we would cease to exist.” Lang has maps dating back to March 19, 1907 that show existing ditches and granted water rights. “The Salmon Act mandates that projects will be evaluated based on their impact to the river and one of their goals is a permanent flow of water. That’s almost impossible since in certain sections it goes underground, and in the summer it dries up without runoff or rains.” Senator Udall has said the legislation was drafted with input from the community members, including private landowners, tribal entities and outdoor recreation enthusiasts, but many locals disagree. Hazel Donaldson grew up in the area and argues that local voices are being drowned out by elitists who want to use the area for a recreational playground. “This totally ignores those whose living comes from the river, in favor of tourists who come to visit then leave.” It would also negatively impact locals since section seven of the original act states that federal funds cannot be used above or below protected sections of the river if the river will be impacted. Designation opponents point out that this clause eliminates logging projects in the national forest meant to prevent fires through thinning projects.
Above: The NAN Ranch with irrigated pastures in the background. Below: Irrigation ditches on the NAN Ranch have watered cattle pastures for over 150 years. These ditches were lined with concrete by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s.
Others are concerned about never-ending lawsuits from environmentalist groups, such as the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance who wrote the 400 page blueprint Page 7
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after which the bill is modeled. Candy Luhrsen, member of Grant County Farm & Livestock Bureau, says that even if the river management plan includes input from local residents, it will never be strict enough to meet environmentalists demands. “And they’ll keep suing until their agenda is met, which is to take producers off of the land.” Forward points out that a study was done in 2002 and the Gila River system was evaluated for wild and scenic characteristics by a group of foresters, hydrologists and geologists. At that time only nine of 99 river segments were eligible according to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. All of these nine sections were within the Gila Wilderness, except for one which is in Whitewater Canyon and features the Catwalk Recreation area. “If only nine portions Deer grazing in NAN Ranch pastures. contained the proper characteristics for designation in 2002, how can a group of volunteers now identify 69 of those same portions as meeting the requirements? The only thing that has changed is the political environment,” says Forward. Forward, who has conducted a series of presentations for landowners in the area who will be affected by the designation, also expresses concern about private property rights on either side of the river. “The 1968 act states that when a river is declared wild and scenic, there is a quarter mile corridor that runs on either side of the river that is considered federal property. That quarter of a mile stretch begins at the high-water mark.”
A series of irrigation gates allowing flood irrigation of pastures. Page 8
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While Catron County Commissioners agreed with local land-owners in their opposition to the bill, Grant David and Goliath cont. pg. 16 Summer 2020
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Summer 2020
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New Mexico Farm & Ranch
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Aggie Next Step: Post Secondary Success By Newt McCarty, NMSU Youth Development Agent Colleges and employers are experiencing significant challenges as young adults are transitioning out of high school and college with limited skills and understanding of how to successfully navigate the next phase of their life. Recognizing these challenges, New Mexico State University College of ACES 4-H Youth Development program is developing and implementing the Aggie Next Step: Post-Secondary Success program. Employers are stuck in a continuous cycle of employee turnover. Studies show the majority of employers actively hiring reported having a hard time finding qualified candidates and of those they do hire, 46 percent will fail within the first 18 months. Surprisingly, the top two reasons accounting for over 50 percent of new hire failures are employees not being coachable (ability to accept feedback from others) and low emotional intelligence (ability to understand their emotions and those of others). Just as business and industry are being challenged with employee turnover, higher education is facing significant challenges with student retention and graduation rates. On average nationally, 30% of first year college freshman do not return their second year and 56% of college students drop out by year six of their college career. Top reasons include financial strain, lack of connection/sense of belonging, wrong fit, unprepared for workload and lack of advising. Aggie Next Step is designed to prepare youth for a successful high school transition to either college or career. Beginning in 8th grade, Next Step guides youth in developing and enhancing key life skills in three major focus areas: academic, career and personal. Next Step reinforces learning as a lifelong process and emphasizes colleges and employers seek those who want to learn and are dedicated to expanding their knowledge. The sooner youth develop employable skills, the better. Next Step aids participants in recognizing, developing and improving skills necessary for career success. Developing soft skills is essential in navigating school, a career, life challenges and the ability to interact with others positive manner. Aggie Next Step curriculum is designed to be interactive and engage youth in a step by step process to develop skills, self-awareness, expectations and goals on their path to post-secondary success. For information, contact: Newt McCarty, Aggie Next Step and Youth Development agent, 575-646-3026.
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“Keep on Trucking” Fueled by Beef
Truckers play a critical role in our industry – they help us transport our livestock and they help us keep our retailers stocked with delicious beef. We partnered with the Albuquerque Isotopes and the New Mexico Trucking Association to show our truckers Dancers with Dina, John, Kenneth some love during the pandemic. John Heckendorn, Robbie and Kenneth McKenzie served up smiles with tasty Rancher’s Melts Kenneth with UPS Driver (sliced roast beef Kenneth, John giving sandwiches with truckers boxed meals cheese, green chile and condiments) with chips and a cookie. The box lunches were provided by Albuquerque’s Flying John, Dina, Robbie, Kenneth with boxes Star Café with a nice Stacks of lunch boxes discount. Our good work was recognized via television interviews and on social media.
In Memoriam Felicia Thal
Earlier this spring, we said goodbye to Felicia Thal who, for more than 45 years, was a transformative influence on the beef industry in New Mexico. She was the recipient of the 2010 Beef Backer Award, an award presented to a select few New Mexicans whose outstanding efforts resulted in the advancement of the New Mexico Beef Industry, through education, promotion and research. Felicia and husband, Dr. Alan Thal, moved to New Mexico in 1973 establishing the Thal Ranch in Buena Vista, NM. By 1978, Felicia was actively involved with the team of pioneers, including Jody Clavell, Bill MacIlhenney, Loren Nunn, and Will Orendorff, whose efforts resulted in the establishment of the New Mexico Beef Council and the Checkoff. Governor Bruce King appointed her as an NMBC director from 1978-81. We send our love and condolences to the Thal family.
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John Young (left) and Gus Grissom flew on the first crewed Gemini flight, Gemini 3, on March 23, 1965. Here, they’re shown in the spacecraft simulator at the McDonnell plant in St. Louis. One additional “passenger” on the real flight was a corned-beef sandwich that Young smuggled aboard in his pocket. (NASA/MSFC Archives)
Beef in Space
While John Young, who died on Jan. 5 at age 87, is famous for his Apollo 16 moonwalks and his role as commander of the first space shuttle mission, the NASA astronaut is also remembered for a small scandal he triggered with a sneaky act: smuggling a cornedbeef sandwich into space. Young slipped the sandwich into his pocket just before launching on Gemini 3 on March 23, 1965. It was the first U.S. mission to carry two astronauts — Young and his crewmate, Gus Grissom. Grissom tasted the sandwich but quickly announced he would stick it back in his pocket because it was starting tobreak up. Young suggested the sandwich was “a thought … not a very good one.” Replied Grissom: “Pretty good, though, if it would just hold together.” Shortly after returning home from the mission, Grissom later recounted the taste test for Life magazine. “I took a bite, but crumbs of rye bread started floating all around the cabin,” he said, adding that he and Young enjoyed “the chance to carry out some real ‘firsts’ in spaceflight.” New Mexico Beef Council 1209 Mountain Road Place NE • Suite C Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110 505.841.9407
www.NMBeef.com
Summer 2020
The Future’s so Bright...
By Dalene Hodnett, NMF&LB Director of Communications and Media Relations New Mexico is blessed with a generation of young people that are excited to make a difference in their local communities. Many of our county farm bureaus have generously donated funds to help these students achieve their dreams. One such county is Colfax County FLB. Crystal Armstrong, Colfax County FLB Secretary says “The future of American agriculture looks bright with these young adults.” Jaidyn Swartz of Springer received a $500 continuing education scholarship as she pursues a degree in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Agriculture Business & Economics at New Mexico State University. Antonio Chavez of Springer also received a $500 scholarship from Colfax County FLB. Antonio is a recent graduate of Springer High School and plans to attend New Mexico Tech to study Environmental Engineering. Allen Moreland, President of Torrance County FLB, was also impressed with the quality of candidates his county received for their scholarships. Both are from Moriarty High School and both received $1,500 ($500 each year for three years). Tessa Scheler will be attending the University of Minnesota as a Pre-Vet major. Trey Mitchell will be attending Clarendon College in Texas with a major in Ranch Management. Trey also received the Santa Fe County Farm & Livestock Bureau Bud Hagerman Memorial Scholarship for $2,000. Antonio Chavez
Trey Mitchell Page 14
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Jaidyn Swartz
San Juan County awarded three scholarships this year. According to Gary Hathorn, SJCFLB President, Alexis Meador is the recipient of the $1,500 Earl and Opal Hickam Scholarship. She will be studying Psychology at Brigham Tessa Scheler Young University in Idaho. SJCFLB also awards two $4,000 scholarships ($500 per semester for eight semesters) and those winners were Aiyana Austin and Cheyenne Radojits. Aiyana will be a PreMed student at UNM after having graduated from Bloomfield High school this spring. Cheyenne also graduated from Bloomfield High School and will be a Pre-Vet student studying Animal Science at NMSU. New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau also awarded three Memorial Scholarships. Each recipient will receive $1,000 towards their education. “We’re Summer 2020
proud to support these students as they pursue degrees that will benefit our farm and ranch communities,” says Chad Smith, NMF&LB CEO.
Alexis Meador
Cheyenne Radojits
Julie Emeanuwa
Paiton Owensby graduated from Des Moines High School and plans to attend Redlands Community College to attain an Associates degree in Agricultural Communications. “Growing up on a fifth-generation cattle ranch in northeast New Mexico, I have a passion for the agricultural industry,” says Paiton. “I hope to have the opportunity to move back to the family ranch and continue the lifestyle I was fortunate Aiyana Austin to grow up with. An ag comm degree will help me implement marketing strategies to benefit the ranch.” Julie Emeanuwa is beginning her junior year at the University of New Mexico where she is studying to become a doctor because, as she says, “Born and raised in this state, I’m aware of the shortage of physicians and healthcare providers, particularly in the rural areas.” Julie’s father is a farmer and she says “Growing up as a farmer has given me the experience that many of my peers do not know. I appreciate the food I eat because I know where it is grown and how much work is put in to grow it.”
Anne Hodnett will be attending New Mexico State University this fall to study Agricultural Education. “Attrition is having a detrimental effect on agriculture as our elders retire and no one is stepping up to take their place,” says Anne. “Who will steward our farms and ranches, who will produce our food? That’s why I want to be an FFA advisor so I can help the next generation of agriculturists find their passion and come back to the farm and ranch.”
Congratulations to all of these exceptional students, we look forward to seeing you succeed. Page 15
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Paiton Owensby
Anne Hodnett Summer 2020
Harvest Handful - Produce Subscription Boxes By Dalene Hodnett, Director of Communications and Media Relations
The pandemic has brought many changes to our lives, some good, some bad and some new. Jamie Viramontes with Red Mountain Produce in Deming hopes her “something new” will help her community connect with area food producers. “Harvest Handful” is the name of a new subscription produce box introduced by her family’s farm where recipients will receive several pounds of produce along with recipes. “We grow chile, onions, watermelons, pecans and pumpkins and our neighbors were always asking if they could come just pick a little bit,” says Jamie, a graduate of NMSU with a degree in Ag Business and a minor in Marketing. “This seemed like the perfect way to get them just a taste of what we grow while growing awareness of the importance of local farmers.” Red Mountain Produce is a family affair and Jamie keeps the books and completes FSMA documentation while her husband Cole runs the 800 acre farm. The packing shed is in its fifth year and they sell both retail and to local restaurants. While the boxes are not a direct response to the coronavirus pandemic, Jamie says the circumstances around COVID-19 have heightened consumers’ appreciation of local farmers and their valuable role in the food supply chain. “I think people are realizing that while organic is nice, locally grown produce actually has a much smaller carbon footprint and is better for the area economy.” You can subscribe by emailing Jamie at redmountainproduce@gmail.com. For $80 you can choose a seasonal subscription with boxes delivered twice a month from July through October. Or you can try a one month subscription for $40 or an individual box for $25. Boxes will be delivered locally, or to Las Cruces at a main drop off point. While the boxes feature Red Mountain Produce items, Jamie wants to expand to include curated collections of local fruit, honey, wine and other items from partner farms. Let’s hope that the turn to local is a lasting positive result of these trying times.
David and Goliath cont. from page 8 County Commissioners did not. After Grant County’s 4-1 vote in favor of the designation, Heritage Waters was formed. Their web site, heritagewaters.org states “We believe there are abundant legislation proposals, activist group actions, and social trends that can negatively impact our rural citizens…Our goal is to provide an organized platform against these actions and to furnish a voice for rural people.” They encourage you to access their website and join their effort to protect local waters. Heritage Waters members Hazel Donaldson, Kathy Davis and Buddy Eby. Page 16
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Summer 2020
Plan for tomorrow. Live for today.
Matthew Gurule Wealth Management Advisor 2220 N. Telshor Blvd. Las Cruces Office | (575) 255-7012 Cell | (575) 644-1539 MattGurule.fbfsadvisors.com
Your future starts now. We can work together to create a financial plan for your future so you can enjoy life as it comes.
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.+
AfďŹ liates (8-19) Mexico Farm & Ranch Page 17IAR005 • New +
Summer 2020
NEVER FEAR, MEAT WILL STILL BE HERE Animal Ag Alliance
It’s deeply frustrating, though not at all surprising, to see the endless parade of op-eds, social media posts, online petitions and more from activist groups, activist authors and others taking advantage of current circumstances to call for an end to animal agriculture and meat consumption. The Alliance wants to put your mind at ease – meat is not going anywhere, and you can remain confident about eating it, given the animal agriculture and meat community’s commitment to food safety, worker health, animal welfare and sustainability. Never fear – meat will still be here. We’d like to take a moment to correct some of the false narratives that are running rampant, thanks to the efforts of animal rights extremists who are determined to take meat, milk, poultry and eggs off of our plates. THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IS NOT CONNECTED TO ANIMAL AGRICULTURE. This rumor continues to float around, despite expert after expert debunking it, including former USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety Richard Raymond, MD, UC-Davis’ Alison Van Eenennaam, PhD and Iowa State University’s Dan Thomson, DVM, PhD. The exact origins of the pandemic have not been determined, but there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that it has anything to do with animal agriculture or eating meat, nor does eating meat increase your risk of being infected. FARMS AND PLANTS ARE TAKING EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES TO PROTECT WORKER HEALTH AND SAFETY WHILE REMAINING OPERATIONAL TO FULFILL THEIR CRITICAL ROLE IN THE FOOD CHAIN. Processing plant workers are heroes for coming to work to feed families around the world. Meat and poultry companies’ first responsibility is to the safety of their workers. They are conducting temperature checks, providing masks, erecting station dividers, slowing lines to spread out shifts, building temporary tents for more space for break rooms and taking other measures to keep employees safe. Additional guidance has been provided by CDC and OSHA to ensure the health and safety of meat and poultry processing employees. This additional guidance provides state and local governments with the information they need to protect worker safety, while continuing to support the operation of processing plants. MEAT, POULTRY, DAIRY AND EGGS ARE SUSTAINABLE FOOD CHOICES THAT HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY IN A HEALTHY, BALANCED DIET. ANIMAL AGRICULTURE IS NOT THE LEADING CAUSE OF CLIMATE CHANGE. Activists claiming that animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change is a tale as old as time, but it is still far from the truth and repeating it over and over does not make it more accurate. Animal agriculture in the U.S. is responsible for less than 4 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture is a distant fourth in a sector-by-sector comparison of contributions to total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The industry is also committed to continuous improvement and doing more with less. For example, due to innovative farm practices and new technologies, the environmental impact of producing a gallon of milk in 2017 shrunk significantly since 2008, involving 31% less water, 21% less land, and a 20% smaller carbon footprint. On the beef side, the modern U.S. beef industry uses 19% less feed, 12% less water, 33% less land and has a 16% lower carbon footprint compared to beef production in the 1970’s. Other parts of the animal agriculture community have similar stories to tell. FARMERS AND RANCHERS ARE COMMITTED TO RESPONSIBLY CARING FOR LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY AND ANIMAL WELFARE REMAINS TOP-OF-MIND. Page 18
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Farm families take the ethical obligation of providing the best quality care to their animals very seriously. Although farm size and type of production practices may vary, one thing farmers and ranchers have in common is the commitment to caring for their animals. Each sector of the animal agriculture community has animal care guidelines that are aimed at continuous improvement and help farmers and ranchers ensure they are providing the best care to their livestock and poultry. Animal welfare includes responsible antibiotic use. America’s farm families have a long-standing commitment to protect the health and safety of their animals, families, employees and consumers. Antibiotics are an important tool in ensuring animal health and high standards of animal care. Farmers work closely with veterinarians to use antibiotics responsibly and provide consumers with safe food. SOME FARMERS ARE HAVING TO MAKE INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT CHOICES INVOLVING EUTHANASIA DUE TO PRODUCTION ISSUES, BUT THEY ARE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO PREVENT THIS AND ENSURE IT IS DONE RESPONSIBLY AS A LAST RESORT. Farmers and ranchers – and the animal agriculture community as a whole – are doing the best they can as they face unprecedented challenges such as processing plant closures or capacity reductions and drastically decreased foodservice demand given the extended closures or operating restrictions impacting restaurants, schools, sports arenas and other foodservice venues. Humanely euthanizing livestock and poultry is the absolute last resort after other measures are taken, such as finding alternative markets, changing feed to slow growth or getting creative to find extra space. Farmers and companies are exhausting all other avenues before turning to humane euthanasia. Unfortunately, keeping animals on farms indefinitely is not an option as they will continue to grow and overcrowding will lead to animal welfare issues. If humane euthanasia is determined to be the only path forward, it is done with the involvement of veterinarians and following the American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines as well as all state and local laws. MEAT ALTERNATIVES ARE NOT TAKING OVER THE MEAT CASE. Despite some opportunistic groups (that want to sell more plant-based meat alternatives) trying to spin the facts to say otherwise, the vast majority of Americans are continuing to purchase meat and poultry and the market share of plant-based alternatives remains a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it blip on the radar screen. According to Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics, since the onset of the pandemic-related changes in grocery patterns, the meat department has seen an additional $5.0 billion in sales, versus an additional $100.3 million for plantbased meat alternatives. Anne-Marie goes on to point out that as a percentage of the total (meat department plus plant-based meat alternative sales), the share for plant-based alternatives stood at 1.50% during the week of March 1. Because of the absolute gains in meat dollars, the market share for plant-based alternatives has since dropped to a low of 1.18% during the week of April 12 and stood at 1.27% the week ending May 10. A drop in the bucket, despite the exaggerated claims that these products are selling like hotcakes. Make no mistake – the vast majority of people want real meat and poultry, and our farmers and ranchers along with the rest of the food chain are going to continue to work around the clock to get it to them. As long as there is animal agriculture (which we strongly believe there always will be, despite what some columnists have to say), there will be critics doing everything they can to undermine its reputation – even in the time of a global pandemic and heightening fears about food security. Rest assured our farmers and ranchers will remain undeterred in their work to provide you with nutritious, affordable choices. Farmers and ranchers (and all workers along the food chain) deserve our applause and support and we hope you will join us in giving it to them. The Animal Agriculture Alliance works to bridge the communication gap between farm and fork. To learn more about their efforts, visit https://animalagalliance.org Page 19
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Ogden cont. from page 2 staff dealing directly with such a deadly disease. The other commercials are political candidates bashing each other with an emphasis to go to the polls and vote (for them). Unfortunately, the reaction to this pandemic seems based more in politics rather than science. How else can you explain that one state chooses to extend the quarantine while others go about their business like nothing has changed? This puts a magnifying glass on our politicians and how their choices benefit or harm the agricultural community. Are you happy with how your representatives have responded to the pandemic? Voting is the answer and it is vital that you support and promote your chosen candidate as we approach the coming election. We must also consider our rights given to us by the Constitution. It becomes a struggle to realize that some of our liberties have been compromised for the sake of public safety. I see both sides of the argument but have difficulty being steadfast on my conclusion. These topics and our future are influenced not only by our Representatives and Senators but also in local elections, this is why it is important to vote. Get involved in the political process and read up on your candidates. Looking up past voting records may be of assistance. There are no excuses - vote and be heard. Now more than ever, Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly
Page 20 • New Mexico Farm & Ranch Dungarees-NM-Ad-7.5x5.indd 1
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5/13/2020 3:05:10 PM
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Don’t miss out on this offer. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com today! *Farm Bureau Bonus Cash is exclusively for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. This incentive is not available on Mustang Shelby GT350®, Mustang Shelby® GT350R, Mustang Shelby® GT500®, Ford GT, F-150 Raptor, Bronco and Mustang Mach-E. This offer may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. Must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 consecutive days prior to purchase and take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 1/4/21. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or see your authorized Ford Dealer for qualifications and complete details. Note to dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #37408.
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Smith cont. from page 2 learning how to live in a COVID-positive world. Until a vaccine is discovered and most of the global population is vaccinated, which is not anticipated to occur for another 12-18 months, life and work will be very different. Masks will be the norm. Large gatherings of hundreds of people to attend a concert or celebrate a community event will simply not be possible. And workplaces will be transformed, with teleworking the standard wherever possible, and on-premise work tightly restricted to minimize in-person interactions and the risk of transmission. The requirements and best practices you’ll find in this report are a first step toward that new workplace environment that we must build together. The publication sets forth guidelines that must be in place for any business to operate with additional requirements specific to food manufacturers, farmers, ranchers and dairy producers. If you are a food producer or business owner, we encourage you to conduct an online search for All Together New Mexico: COVID-Safe Practices for Individuals and Employers so that you can provide a safe working environment for your employees. We realize not everyone agrees about the severity of the pandemic, or how practical these COVID-Safe Practices really are, but we strongly encourage all employers to follow those guidelines. It not only protects your valuable labor force, and the health and safety of your family, but it is also in the best interest of your business. NMF&LB has instituted the required measures in our state office and have been left with no other choice than to cancel many of our future events in order to abide by the Governor’s orders. We do hope that in the very near future we will be able to reconvene and reconnect with you all. NMF&LB has been going above and beyond as we help our members with this pandemic. Our legislative work has doubled as we stay on top of various aid programs, providing input to make sure they’re as useful as possible for producers. Our NM Ag in the Classroom team has pivoted from in-person presentations to virtual ones, gaining a whole new audience in the process. Regional directors have also shifted to an online format to keep our county boards engaged, while following social distancing requirements. Like you, we’re frustrated with this “new” normal and look forward to returning to the “real” normal as quickly as possible. We are committed to adapting to current challenges and ensure communication with you throughout the process. Until then, we hope you and your family remain well.
Duvall cont. from page 2 candidates for president have responded to our questionnaire, so that Farm Bureau members can go to the polls informed about where the candidates stand on agricultural issues. This year’s questionnaire touches on topics including tax policy, farm programs, international trade, energy policy, federal regulations (including reforming the Endangered Species Act, implementing the new Navigable Waters Protection Rule and ensuring speedy review of new biotechnology traits), and helping to provide a supply of agricultural workers over the long-term. We’re also asking the candidates to share their positions on sustainability, and how they would ensure climate regulations don’t hinder agricultural productivity and competitiveness. Rural life issues are included, with a question about how the candidates would work to increase access to broadband, improve other infrastructure, strengthen economies and address health care challenges in rural America. New in this year’s questionnaire is a question about food system resiliency, a topic that has taken on greater importance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers and ranchers have faced economic hardships due to demand shifts and supply chain disruptions. Whoever wins this year’s election will be positioned to play a role in ensuring the future resiliency of our food supply. These questions are relevant to congressional elections also, and I know that several state Farm Bureau organizations will be reaching out to congressional candidates to learn their positions on these or other agricultural issues. Farm Bureau members are informed and engaged in the political process. We farm. We vote! I’m proud of the role that Farm Bureau plays in turning the candidates’ attention to agricultural issues and equipping our members with the information needed to vote for who they believe will be the best champion for farmers and ranchers, as well as anyone who cares about having a strong agriculture industry and food security. We look forward to sharing the results of our questionnaire. In the meantime, I ask all Farm Bureau members to take every opportunity to learn about all the candidates running for Congress or state offices. Ask them the tough questions that will help you to know if they will work for you—or, at a minimum, make them stop and focus on agriculture and realize that we farmers and ranchers are watching! Page 22
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On average, people estimate that life insurance costs three times more than it actually does2. See how affordable it can be to protect those most important in your world with life insurance. Contact your Farm Bureau agent to schedule a SuperCheckÂŽ today.
Auto | Home | Life | Business | Farm & Ranch | Crop | Financial Planning Individual eligibility for all product promotions is subject to underwriting and approval. Estimated premium payment is for 20-year Choice Term Guaranteed Premium Plan; Standard; 35-year-old male or female; non-smoker. Amount is for demonstrative purposes only. Contact your Farm Bureau agent for a quote on your actual monthly premium payment. 22019 Insurance Barometer Study, Life Happens and LIMRA. Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877.860.2904, Member SIPC. Advisory services offered through FBL Wealth Management, LLC.+ Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company,+* Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,+* Western Agricultural Insurance Company+*/West Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services. LI172 (6-20)
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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. A yearly subscription is $12.00. 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 24
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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 Benjie Segovia Valerie Huerta Director of Organization Tiffany Rivera Director of Governmental Affairs Traci Curry Director, Ag in the Classroom Britney Lardner Coordinator, 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 Assistant Summer 2020