THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW MEXICO FARM AND LIVESTOCK BUREAU®
Page 1
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2022
NMF&LB President’s Column TRACTOR SEAT DAYDREAMING
BY CRAIG OGDEN
Changes and Challenges
Greetings! There have been a lot of changes the last three months and there are more to come. Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to bring you up to date. The executive committee has posted a job announcement for the position of Executive Director which was previously referred to as the CEO for our organization. The closing date for the position was July 2, therefore we will soon begin reviewing applications. Dalene Hodnett and her husband, Frank, are moving to Casper, Wyoming where they have accepted new job offers. She has served our organization diligently for the past 19 years. We certainly wish them both Ogden cont. on page 14
AFBF President’s Column BEYOND THE FENCEROWS
BY ZIPPY DUVALL
Impact the Decisions Made in Our Communities
Turn on your TV, listen to the radio, open a social media app, or bring up politics, and chances are you’ll hear about things happening – or not happening – in Washington. And while there are many important issues debated in Congress that the federal government oversees, decisions made at the local, county, and state levels have a significant impact on our lives. Local officials decide what roads get built and fixed, how to allocate funds in our schools, what types of buildings can be built in certain areas and how to support local businesses and incentivize growth. There is a reason many of the things we rely on most are Duvall cont. on page 17
Editor’s Column A QUICK NOTE OF THANKS
BY DALENE HODNETT
Thank You for The Opportunity of a Lifetime
Remember as a young driver how hard it was learning how to back up a trailer? Sometimes rather than watching your Dad’s animated hand signals it was easier just to follow the tracks left behind from the last time he had unloaded the trailer. That is often what agriculture is about, following the tracks of those that came before us. We maintain their high standards of care for the land and animals, and their ethics become our ethics. Thus, the legacy of American food production is carried on from one generation to another. Hodnett cont. on page 14
On the cover: Charles Walker, Otero County rancher is featured in an article on page 4. Page 2
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2022
Every day is bring your daughter to work day.
Ware Family
Farm Credit of New Mexico has been farmer and rancher owned for more than 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 Page 3
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2022
At 99 years young, Charles Richard Walker may be the oldest New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau member who is also the longest continuously running member. But ask anyone in Otero County about him and age is not what they mention, they talk about his heart. Mr. Walker has a heart for his family, the Sixteen Springs community, the ranching industry and agriculture as a whole. During a recent conversation which included Mr. Walker and Thelma, his wife of 75 years, John and Sylvia Bell, and Jim Ellett, Mr. Walker talked about how his family got their start in the area, the challenges and rewards of living so remotely, and how ranching has changed through the years. Mr. Walker turns 100 on August 21st and we thought it fitting to document his century-long recollections of life on a homestead near Cloudcroft. Charles’ grandparents, John and Sarah Walker lived in Fredericksburg, Texas but the drought was taking its toll on their cattle so in 1887 they headed towards the Oregon Territory. As they were crossing the Pecos they met a man who convinced them that they should move to “Pleasant Valley where the pine trees were tall and the grass dragged the stirrups – as good as the Oregon Territory ever was” recalls Charles. So the cattle drive moved towards Otero County and landed at the mouth of what would become Walker Canyon on December 8th, 1887. Charles tells of how there was a big storm on the night they arrived “snow up to the hubs of the wagon wheel” so an area settler allowed them to live in a sod dugout until spring. “When the snow started melting and the mud started dripping into the dugout, they knew it was time to build a cabin.” Charles’ father, Charles Christopher Walker was five when they settled in the area and would go on to marry Bessie Camilia Wooten. Charles Richard had three siblings, the oldest John David died of pneumonia when he was three, Sara Josephine, and Herbert Lee who passed when he was only two. Charles went to school in Cloudcroft, a school his father helped build and donated the land for, which is now part of the collections at the Sacramento Mountains Museum. While at school Charles met Thelma Ruth Wimsatt who was seven years younger. “I wouldn’t have looked at her when I was 17 and she was ten, but when she turned 17 she looked different” chuckled Charles. They married in 1947 and had a daughter, Kathleen who is married to Foye Wells and they have two children, Shawna and Troy, along with many grandchildren. There are three things Charles says he doesn’t remember learning, he just grew up knowing how to milk a cow, ride a horse and plow the land. He is known for still riding his horse daily, still planting 35 acres of wheat every July, and his extensive community involvement. He has served on numerous boards and represented associations including the Sacramento Mountains Grazing Association, the Forest Service Advisory Board, the Lincoln Forest Allotment Association, the Cloudcroft School Board, the Sacramento Mountains Historical Society, the Otero County Farm & Livestock Bureau, the Otero County Cattleman’s Association, and the Otero County Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service. Charles is also a Christadelphia minister and has “married and buried” several community members. Charles tells a story of how his father was supporting the family by splitting rails for a rail fence being paid a penny a rail. Page 4
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2022
PROTECT YOUR BOTTOM LINE We can help you protect your ag revenue with Dairy Revenue Protection, Livestock Risk Protection, and Livestock Gross Margin. Talk to your Farm Bureau agent regarding insurance for your livestock.
Farm & Ranch | Crop | Commerical Ag | Workers’ Comp | Succession Strategies
Western Agricultural Insurance Company is an equal opportunity provider. 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. PC190 (3-22)
Page 5
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2022
He worked hard to split a hundred rails a day. A neighbor noticed the Walker cattle were a bit poor so offered to let the family butcher one of his cattle. They picked out a particularly fattened cow and when she was hanging from the tree and the neighbor returned he said “I do declare boys, you’ve killed my milk cow!” The family went on to homestead the land and Charles and Thelma have lived at Walker Ranch in Sixteen Springs all of their married life. At their place they’ve planted carrots and oats and operated a meat processing plant for over 20 years. Charles is also a gunsmith with a federal firearms license. Charles recalled how his family used to drive cattle down to their ranch along the Tularosa Creek. It took two days in the fall but three days in the spring owing to the calves which tend to slow the drive. This continued until Wendell Chino, leader of the Mescalero Nation wanted to charge fifty cents per head of cattle as they passed over tribal land. That’s when Charles’ father decided to start trucking the cattle back and forth. The Walkers have grazing rights which go back to the era of the open range when the Forest Service (1904) and Bureau of Land Management (1934) came in to divide the land into allotments. Grazing was profitable until 1967 when elk were introduced on the Mescalero Reservation and now cattle compete with thousands of elk for grazing land. That, combined with mandates from the federal government that reduce the amount of cattle allowed to graze an allotment led Charles to voice an opinion that the future of ranching in the area is bleak. “As time goes on there won’t be any ranches, just wildlife, elk, bears and turkeys.”
Innovation and Excellence NMF&LB announces three awardees for scholarship
By Katelin Spradley, Interim Communications Coordinator As New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau leads New Mexico’s diverse agriculture through innovation and excellence, we endeavor to aid future generations who will be an integral part of shaping the industry moving forward. NMF&LB awared three students representing the future of agriculture with the NMF&LB Memorial Scholarship. Awardees Shana Elkins from Pinon, Abigail Sleep from Fort Sumner, and Parker Winkler from Rodeo will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to assist with their higher education. “New Mexico is fortunate to have bright students like these involved in agriculture early in their lives and interested in devoting their careers to the betterment of the industry,” said Larry Reagan, NMF&LB 1st Vice President and member of the scholarship committee. “These three individuals represent our future and are well-deserving of NMF&LB’s support.” Shana Elkins graduated from Artesia High School and will be attending New Mexico State University. Elkins hopes to pursue a career as a ranch manager and said she looks forward to producing beef cattle to ultimately become a high-quality product for the growing world population to enjoy. She expressed a love for the values and principles agriculture represents. “I believe advocating for agriculture can be as simple as informing someone where on the carcass a cut of beef came from while shopping in the grocery store,” said Elkins. Also, planning to attend NMSU is Parker Winkler. Winkler graduated from Animas High School and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in range science. She said she would like to use her degree to make the beef cattle industry more efficient, effective, and sustainable so future generations can enjoy the lifestyle, lessons, and products. “I would like to travel to different countries all over the world and observe their grazing and management practices to help my own ranching community,” said Winkler. “With these new techniques, I would like to return to New Mexico to run my family’s ranch while helping my community improve our grazing and manageShana Elkins was a member of the NM FFA State Champion Livestock Judging ment practices.” Team in 2019. Page 6
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2022
Local and Delicious, Cafe Abiquiu By Dalene Hodnett
Whether it’s trout tacos, a locally produced sheep skin, or a delicious lamb burger, Cafe Abiquiu has it all - all in a beautiful setting. On a recent visit to Northern New Mexico, the land had been refreshed with the beginning of an early monsoon that has gone on to set records for June rainfall. The grounds at the Abiquiu Inn were in full bloom and the delicate smells of dinner hung in the air. One of my dinner mates ordered the trout tacos which featured three blue corn taco shells, stuffed with grilled trout, chipotle cream, shredded romaine, cheese and pico de gallo. the chipotle cream added a bit of spice and felt luscious when paired with the delicate trout. Local lamb is also on the menu, supplied by NMF&LB board member Donald Martinez. The lamb burger is served on a brioche bun with spinach leaves, and an onion-mint marmalade. My dining companion said it was very flavorful, but could have used a bit more spice. Donald recommended pairing it with green chile to accent the lamb. In addition to providing the lamb for the lamb burger and enchiladas, Donald also provides the gift shop with sheepskin throws. They’re a beautiful gray color, coming from lambs that are a cross of suffolk, merino and rambouillet. Macey, Donald’s daughter, provides the eggs which grace the enchiladas. I enjoyed one of those farm fresh eggs on my entree featuring a class Christmas combination of a green chile relleno and a red enchilada. The relleno was nice and crispy, but I really enjoyed the pintos which, as a native New Mexican, were honestly some of best I’ve ever had. If you’re ever in the Abiquiu area I would highly recommend you stop by for a meal full of local ingredients and great flavors. The Abiquiu Cafe is winner with locals and tourist alike.
Page 7
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2022
Regional Trainings Aim to Equip County Farm Bureau Board Members By Katelin Spradley, Interim Communications Coordinator At the foundation of the grassroots structure that makes Farm Bureau so unique are county Farm Bureaus and the board members who comprise them. County Farm Bureau board members across the state took advantage of leadership development opportunities offered by NMF&LB staff by attending one of three regional trainings offered during May and June. “The trainings are great for new board members and a good refresher for existing members,” said Stewart Rooks, who attended the regional training in the southwest area and currently serves as president for Grant County Farm and Livestock Bureau. “Even if you have been through a training before it reiterates the importance of what we do.” Twenty-four board members representing 11 county Farm Bureau organizations attended the trainings to garner new ideas and skills related to member recruitment, volunteering, community involvement, advocacy, and agricultural education. “The ideas presented are very helpful and gave me a lot to think about,” said one attendee in their exit survey. Relying on a member-driven process, NMF&LB field staff distributed an email survey among all county Farm Bureau board members in early April to gather their input on training topics they thought would be most beneficial to their board. The survey garnered at least one response from almost every county Farm Bureau organization in the state. Using those survey responses, NMF&LB staff split the state into four areas and determined which training topics rose to the top in each area. Staff then customized each region’s training to cater to the needs of the county Farm Bureau boards in each area. “A survey was conducted to identify topics county Farm Bureau board of director members felt as most needed for training,” said NMF&LB Regional Manager Benjamin Segovia. “Survey responses provided NMF&LB field staff representatives guidance in developing training materials. This method allowed the grassroots organization members to select those topics.” One of the top topics for the northwest training held in Cuba, NM, was agricultural education and NM Ag in the Classroom. Britney Lardner, Coordinator for NMAITC, led county Farm Bureau board members through the many activities and resources NMAITC provides to help connect K-12 students and educators with agriculture and the natural world around them. “NMAITC is so thankful to have the support around the state that we do within NMF&LB county boards and all their members,” said Lardner. “As we get back into the swing of events and moving around the state, we’re ready to travel and work with counties to get agriculture into the classroom within their communities.” Attendees of the northeast region training received the “Earth as an Apple” presenter training which equipped them
Regional Manager Benjie Segovia shares the “nuts and bolts” of Farm Bureau with county Farm Bureau board members in Silver City. Page 8
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Attendees of the training in Cuba listen as NMAITC Coordinator Britney Lardner shares examples of how she and Traci can be a resource to county Farm Bureau boards. Summer 2022
to teach students about resource stewardship and STEM career opportunities within agriculture. If they chose, attendees could request presentation materials from NMAITC and they would be set to do a classroom presentation. “By attending these regional trainings, Traci and I have been able to connect and network with county board members to put action and drive behind the ideas and passion that they hold for advocating and educating about agriculture,” said Lardner. “Sharing their passion and commitment makes such an impact on all K-12 students and we are honored to be a part of helping share that story.” Each training also included reserved time for board members to network and brainstorm. Many county Farm Bureaus face similar challenges when it comes to tasks such as recruiting new members or getting existing members to engage so guided discussions during the trainings allowed for many minds to come together and innovate possible solutions and opportunities to collaborate, said NMF&LB staff. Trainings for the southwest and southeast areas of the state were hosted in Silver City and Roswell respectively. The training for the northeast area of the state is scheduled to take place at the San Miguel/Mora County Fairgrounds on July 26 in Las Vegas, NM. Locations for all four trainings were selected by host county Farm Bureaus who volunteered to coordinate accommodations and provide lunch for attendees. Hosts for the trainings were Sandoval County Tiffany Rivera, Director of Government Affairs, provided county Farm and Livestock Buvreau, Grant County Farm and Farm Bureau board members with guidance on policy develLivestock Bureau, and Chaves County Farm and Livestock opment and advocacy during the trainings in Silver City and Roswell (pictured above). Bureau. Mora/San Miguel County Farm and Livestock Bureau will host the rescheduled training in Las Vegas, NM. Looking forward, input from attendees will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the regional trainings in equipping established and new county Farm Bureau board members to be leaders in agriculture, said NMF&LB staff. The regional trainings built upon existing leadership development opportunities such as those traditionally offered at the NMF&LB Annual Meeting in November and the AFBF Annual Convention and Trade Show scheduled for January 6-11, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Members can also access additional self-paced training through Farm Bureau’s free online learning platform, Farm Bureau University, at www.university.fb.org.
Spradley from page 6 Abigail Sleep graduated from Fort Sumner High School and plans to attend Clarendon College in Clarendon, TX. After her time at Clarendon College, she would like to attend Texas Tech University to study veterinary science and ultimately become a veterinarian. Sleep said animal health is important in both an urban and rural setting and hopes to provide animals with adequate care throughout their lives. In addition to caring for animals, Sleep said she would like to assist in research to understand the impacts of animal agriculture on the environment. “I would like to aid in the research of how our animals actually help the environment rather than detriment it,” said Sleep. We are proud to support these students in their collegiate journeys and Parker Winkler was inspired by her Abigail Sleep plans to compete as part grandmother, Mary Winkler, a founding of the meats judging team at Clarendon look forward to seeing how they help member of the Malpai group in Douglas, College. agriculture innovate and excel.
AZ. Page 9
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2022
www.nmaitc.org
The National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO) and National Grange Foundation have selected New Mexico agriculture education instructor, Shae Devers, and her Valencia FFA Chapter, as the recipient of its 2022 Partnership in Agricultural Literacy (PAL) Award. Devers and her Valencia FFA chapter won the award for their dedication and efforts in a collaborative project with New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom program. Valencia FFA members attended training sessions with New Mexico AITC program leaders and then scheduled programs in local elementary school classrooms to present agricultural literacy lessons based on the book “First Peas to the Table” using standards-based agriculture in the classroom lessons and sharing their own FFA experiences. The six-part project uses props the students bring to showcase their FFA opportunities and connections to local agriculture. In 2021, the chapter members presented to 32 classrooms and more than 650 students. Having Valencia FFA members share their passion, sparks interest in those young minds and will encourage them to follow what intrigues them enough to explore all the many options FFA has to offer. Each of those elementary classes that they visit is a feeder program into two main high schools with active FFA programs. The likeliness of those students attending high school and signing up for an ag education program and joining FFA increases every subsequent visit the chapter makes. The Valencia FFA members leave lasting impressions about agriculture and support farmers and ranchers. Devers and her chapter were honored at the 2022 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY. Devers was on hand for the awards ceremony.
Upcoming Events in JULY New Mexico GROW Project Workshops July 7th (Algodones Elementary) July 12th (Sonoma Elementary - Las Cruces) Curry County Ag Day Camp - Clovis Schools July 19th (Clovis) San Juan Farm Bureau Teacher Appreciation Luncheon July 27th (Farmington) Hatch Valley Teacher Professional Development July 27th (Hatch)
Leprino Foods Supports New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom
The world’s largest mozzarella cheese maker and top producer of whey protein and dairy ingredients is a major sponsor of New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom Las Cruces, New Mexico (February 22, 2022) – Leprino Foods Company, the world’s largest mozzarella cheese maker and top producer of whey protein and dairy ingredients, has become a major sponsor of New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom (NMAITC). With funding from the Leprino Foods Company Foundation, their support will allow NMAITC to grow its impact by providing crucial agricultural literacy instruction for pre-kindergarten-12th grade youth in Chaves County, New Mexico. "We are pleased that the Leprino Foods Company Foundation has become a major sponsor of our New Mexico agricultural literacy initiatives,” said Craig Ogden, President of the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau and Chairman of the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Foundation. “This support allows us to expand our agricultural literacy initiatives in Chaves County, New Mexico, and will ensure a greater understanding of New Mexico agriculture. We are grateful for their support.” Investing in educational programs that support a thriving agricultural industry helps prepare tomorrow’s workforce and spurs innovation. We are proud to be part of encouraging a new generation of young people to learn about, and pursue, careers in agriculture and, specifically, the dairy industry,” Don Doyle, Roswell Plant Manager, said. About Leprino Foods Company Leprino Foods Company’s commitment to excellence runs decades deep, starting over 65 years ago as a small, family-run cheese business. Today, Leprino Foods is proud to be the world’s largest mozzarella cheese maker and top producer of whey protein and dairy ingredients. Still family-owned, we pride ourselves on our reputation of being a dairy industry pioneer, supplying the highest-quality products to food and nutrition companies around the globe. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Leprino Foods has nine domestic locations including in Roswell, New Mexico. Internationally, Leprino Foods has a presence in Asia Pacific, Latin America and Europe. Website: https://leprinofoods.com/
The 2022 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference "Empire State of Agriculture" is the premier professional development event for Pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, volunteers, and professionals in agricultural literacy, which was held from June 28th - July 1st, in Saratoga Springs, New York. Amazing educators from across our state traveled to experience this high-energy and impactful networking opportunity. Among those attending, 4 individuals were able to present engaging workshops during the breakout sessions at the conference to share their passion and knowledge with conference goers (Susan Schipull & Kate Porterfield, our 2021 NMAITC Teacher of the Year award winners, and Cheryl Butterfield & Traci Curry). We then had one educator receive the 2022 NAITC Partner in Ag Literacy (PAL) award - Valencia FFA (Shae Devers) for their participation in our Ag Literacy Project, and we also had two NM educators receive the NAAF scholarship in order to attend the conference. Mariah Johnson from Cuba FFA and Vickie Lake from Shiprock FFA were the two NM Ag Education Instructors/FFA Advisors who received a scholarship from The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) which is offered to teachers of Native American students to attend the conference. Eligible applicants are teachers at a Tribal governmentoperated school, a Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) school, or a BIE-supported school. Additional attendees from New Mexico include LuAnn Kilday and Mary-Ester Grider (both from the NMF&R Heritage Museum) and Britney Lardner (NMAITC Program Coordinator). The conference agenda had a full range of activities, traveling workshops, and breakout sessions that provided attendees a chance to learn, engage and network with fellow educators from across the nation who've had success in various educational settings. Here is a brief description of the two sessions that New Mexico attendees presented on.
"Gardening & Kids" An Opportunity To Grow - Susan Schipull and Kate Porterfield - These two are located in Albuquerque, and they were excited to showcase how their students are able to learn about agriculture through their multilayered program consisting of garden elective classes, after-school and summer internships, a hydroponics system and indoor growing space, and most importantlyour community connections. Susan and Kate are 2020 recipients of the NM GROW Project. Ag STEM Fair Day - Chery Butterfield and Traci Curry - Attendees learned how to host an impressive STEM Ag Career Fair Day in which students, teachers, presenters, and sponsors alike clamor to participate in each year. This dynamic duo explored and showed the proven success of providing a quality educational event that inspires students to get interested in careers in the agricultural and natural resource sciences. Imagine the impact you can have by providing a successful STEM Ag Career Fair Day!
To view our "Apple Sponsors", visit our Donate page https://newmexico.agclassroom.org/about/donate/
County Activities Around the State TORRANCE
Torrance County Farm and Livestock Bureau hosted their second annual Tractor Parade and Farm Safety Day on June 18. The parade through Estancia included more than 25 tractors and various motorized farm equipment. Local officials, political candidates, and local businesses also participated. The parade ended at Arthur Park where educational farm safety booths provided tips for improving safety on the farm and in the community. Members of the community had the opportunity to visit with local farmers and learn about agriculture in their community.
Left: The Torrance CFLB Tractor Parade traveled through the center of Estancia. Middle: Johnny Romero, a new member of Torrance CFLB, prepares for the parade. Right: This was the second Torrance CFLB Tractor Parade for the community
DONA ANA Shoppers in Hatch and Las Cruces were surprised with free pinto beans on Saturday, April 30th as Doña Ana County Farm & Livestock Bureau distributed 2 pound sacks of beans to grow awareness of local agriculture. Sue Deerman, area representative for the NMF&LB Women’s Leadership Program said “We wanted to raise awareness of the agriculture in Doña Ana County and remind people how much we depend on local farmers and ranchers three times a day. It’s important that we make connections between producers and consumers.” DACFLB board members distributed 600 pounds of beans at Big Star Hardware in Las Cruces and the Village Market in Hatch. Village Market also donated the beans which featured a QR code on the label directing people to the NMF&LB website. Janelda Richardson, was appreciative of the beans “Farmers and ranchers are such an important part of our culture in the Mesilla Valley. Not only do they provide local foods but also the green spaces that make the valley so beautiful.” “Agriculture is so important in the Mesilla Valley since it provides local food and jobs,” says Derek Davidson, Doña Ana County Farm & Livestock Bureau president. “Our bean giveaway featured a QR code on every bag so the recipients could learn more about our organization and how to join.”
Page 13
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Above, DACFLB President Derek Davidson stands with Bud Deerman outside the Big Star Hardware Store on Valley in Las Cruces. Below, Sue Deerman, Janelda Richardson and Bud Deerman.
Summer 2022
Ogden from page 2 much success. Even though Dalene will be sorely missed, we are excited for her new career opportunities. You’ll see her goodbye note below. I am pleased to inform you that Katelin Spradley will be serving as interim Communications Coordinator. Katelin previously served as a regional director. We look forward to watching her utilize her Masters in Ag Communications degree which she received from Texas Tech University. I want to formally thank the staff for they are keeping the wheels on the bus running. We are fortunate to have such an excellent staff, working together, to maintain the operations of our organization. I ask of all of you to show some patience not only to them but to the executive committee as we proceed in the months ahead. The state is finally getting some rain which gives a hint of optimism to the air. We are by no means out of the drought. We got a half of an inch at my place so at least that’s a start. The American Farm Bureau has sent out a drought survey so if you received one I hope you take time to fill it out. On their second survey they have only received 165 responses so far, thus, they need more information for the survey to be statistically viable. The last thing I would like to mention is the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) in regards to their proposal for Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors. Multiple agricultural organizations have requested an extension for comments until November 16, 2022. It is estimated the cost for compliance could be 2.6 times over their current compliance cost. AFBF would like a carve out for agriculture but that is still in the process. AFBF is advocating on our behalf - the expense and time commitment would be detrimental to agriculture. Till next time, Do justly, love mercy and walk humbly
Hodnett from page 2 Carrying on is what I did for 19 years at New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, helping to build a successful future for the agricultural community of tomorrow. I have a great deal of respect for our members and New Mexico food producers, and I considered it a privilege to tell your story. It has been a joy working with you as we grew awareness of agriculture and elevated the presence of NMF&LB. While you served as mentors and what I learned from you is invaluable, I also enjoyed being your friend and watching your families grow. That fellowship is what sets NMF&LB apart and makes it such a fulfilling place to work. We weren’t just getting the work done, we were building relationships based on trust and mutual respect. It is hard to walk away from a job that is more of a mission than a position, but NMF&LB is blessed with a passionate membership and an expert staff, who together will continue to build on the current success of the organization. I am looking forward to watching it grow as consumers become more appreciative of their food and those who produce it. I will forever treasure my time with this organization and its members and wish you all the best.
Page 14
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2022
Farm Bureau members receive
EXCLUSIVE CASH REWARD
*
ON AN ELIGIBLE NEW MAVERICK™, RANGER ®, F-150® OR SUPER DUTY ®
FORD MAVERICK
FORD RANGER
FORD F-150
FORD SUPER DUTY
Visit fordfarmbureauadvantage.com today! Computer-generated image with available features shown.
We value our long-standing partnership with Farm Bureau and are proud to offer you exclusive savings. *Farm Bureau Exclusive Cash Reward is exclusively for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. $500 Exclusive Cash Reward on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2021/2022/2023 Ford Maverick, Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty. This incentive is not available on F-150 Lightning™, F-150 Raptor®, F-650 and F-750 Super Duty. 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 or lease and take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by January 3, 2023. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or see your authorized Ford Dealer for qualifications and complete details. Note to dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #38326
Page 15
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2022
Stream Access Update
By Kerrie Cox Romero, Executive Director of New Mexico Council of Outfitters and Guides On March 1, 2022 the NM Supreme Court (NMSC) ruled that the NMDGF Non-Navigable Waters Rule was unconstitutional. The NM Wildlife Federation and NM Backcountry Hunters & Anglers were quick to sing the high court’s praises and wasted no time launching one of their infamous misinformation campaigns to confuse the public into thinking the ruling means it is now perfectly legal to walk & wade in streambeds located on private land. NMCOG has hesitated to release an official position regarding the NMSC ruling. That’s because we have been patiently waiting on the NMSC to release their written decision (a legal document clarifying the details of the ruling), which they said would be published by the “end of the week”. That was over 8 weeks ago and it’s becoming clear the Court has no immediate plans to release the document. While our best intentions were to wait on the written decision, to ensure our industry received only facts and not conjecture, as more time passes it seems mandatory that we break our silence. Since the NMSC decision, and subsequent widespread public confusion surrounding the issue, NMCOG has received a high (and increasing) number of calls from concerned landowners. Landowners who are also confused about their rights and desperately want to protect their private investments. Landowners have found trespassers fishing miles inside their private land boundary, they have found trespassers picnicking on their deeded land, making campfires, and wandering up dry ditch banks into private property. These trespassers are all touting the NMSC ruling as justification for their actions. Let’s be clear, until the NMSC releases a written opinion that repeals the Stream Access Law, walking and wading in a privately owned stream bed is still illegal. Walking along the bank of a streambed on private property to portage a boat around a non-navigable portion of the river is illegal. Building a campfire on someone’s private property is not considered incidental contact; it is illegal. Walking up someone’s privately owned dry waterway to access public land is illegal. In NM the streambed of any waterway on private land (with or without flowing water) is unarguably owned by the private landowner. They pay taxes on that land. The legal description of the streambed is included in their property deed and the value of the streambed is included in the real estate value of their property. This ownership structure has been in existence since New Mexico became a state in 1912. The recent NMSC ruling did nothing to change this ownership structure. And while, the NMSC ruling did overturn the NMDGF Non-navigable Waters Rule (meaning landowners cannot prevent float access). It did NOT repeal the Stream Access statute, which specifically prevents walking and wading on private property. The statute reads, “no person engaged in hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, hiking, sightseeing, the operation of watercraft or any other recreational use shall walk or wade onto private property through non-navigable public water or access public water via private property unless the private property owner or lessee or person in control of private lands has expressly consented in writing.” (Section C., Chapter 17-4-6 NMSA 1978). NMCOG strongly encourages landowners to report trespassers to local and NMDGF authorities. Whether a trespasser is sitting in an Adirondack chair on your back porch (yes, this actually happened) or wading in your privately owned streambed. Private property owners have rights and landowners should not be forced to accept unlimited and uncontrolled numbers of trespassers just because their property includes a streambed. Trespass on private property, including in privately owned streambeds, is still 100% illegal. Any landowner who finds a trespasser on their private property should immediately contact local law enforcement. Remember to take pictures and make sure law enforcement officials file an official report regarding the incident. Update from the June Game Commission meeting: The Dept. opened the Non-navigable Water Rule so that they could officially repeal the rule, as was mandated by NM Supreme Court Order back in March. The process of officially repealing the rule will take place over several Commission meetings and will be open for public comment. You can email your comments to DGF-Non-NavigableRule@state.nm.us. Page 16
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2022
NMCOG has no problem with the repeal of the Rule (that is what the NM Supreme Court mandated and there is no way around that). However, the NMDGF’s overly board interpretation to how the Supreme Court ruling relates to public access is where we have a major problem. The NMDGF printed in their 2022 Fishing Proclamation on page 1 “By means of this court order, all watercourses in the state, that can be legally accessed, are open for public recreational use.” The NMDGF has openly stated that this regulation means their law enforcement officers are being directed to NOT enforce trespass laws if an individual is literally standing in the water on private land. However, NMCOG finds this statement to be completely premature and out of line with the NM Supreme Court ruling which repealed the Rule but DID NOT repeal the statute which specifically outlaws walking and wading on private property to access water. NMCOG will continue to urge landowners to contact NMDGF law enforcement as well as local law enforcement anytime they find a trespasser on their private property.
Duvall from page 2 governed at the local level – those closest know their communities better than anyone else. And in most cases, the people who make these decisions are elected officials – or they report directly to elected officials. That’s why we need to make sure we pay attention to who is running and give our support to candidates who understand the challenges we face. As I started to get involved in Farm Bureau, someone encouraged me to run for one of these local offices, which led me to serve on my County Commission and my Rural Electric Board in Georgia. I thought it was important to have someone who knew what it was like to live in a rural area and understood the challenges farmers and other rural residents face. Over the years, more people moved into my county from the Atlanta area. After I left the County Commission, new residents with little knowledge of farming raised concerns about the growth of some farms. This led to the Commission passing a new ordinance restricting growth on certain farms and ultimately – unintentionally, I believe – making it more difficult for some farmers to remain economically sustainable. And as I’ve traveled the country, I hear stories like this everywhere I go. During a recent visit to Washington, I heard farmers describing how county officials built major roads through their farming community, making it much more dangerous to get in and out of their fields and move machinery. I’ve heard about challenges building hog barns in Iowa and using crop protection products in California because of local or county ordinances. In most states I visit, I hear something similar. The common thread is often local officials who don’t understand agriculture and pass laws or ordinances that negatively impact these farm businesses. Too often, it is born of a lack of knowledge, not ill intent. That’s why it’s so critical to learn about and support candidates for local offices who know rural America and farming. And while they need your vote, they likely also need your help in getting the word out and learning about agriculture’s benefits to the local economy and area. Unlike federal or state candidates, most candidates for local office don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend or have the backing of a political party. They often don’t have a campaign staff, are working or farming full-time, and perhaps raising a family too. These candidates need your help and your involvement. That could be a small donation to help them send mail to voters, it could be sharing their messages on social media or connecting the candidate to your neighbors or friends. Even the smallest contribution of time, talent, or treasure could be the difference between an elected official who understands the challenges you face and one who doesn’t. Regardless of which candidate wins, they’ll surely be making decisions that affect you.
Page 17
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2022
Life insurance takes away worries.
WHY WAIT?
Stressed your loved ones won’t have the money to live their current lifestyle if you passed away? Customized coverage doesn’t have to break the bank. You may even qualify for coverage without medical testing or exams.1 Connect with your Farm Bureau agent to help protect their tomorrows.
Auto | Home | Life | Business | Farm & Ranch | Crop | Financial Planning For ages 18-60, subject to underwriting guidelines. 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 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. LI204-ML (6-22) 1
Page 18
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Summer 2022
Non Profit Organization PRSRT MKT
US POSTAGE
PAID
2220 N. Telshor Las Cruces, NM 88011
PERMIT 1152
Albuquerque, NM
ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED
NEW MEXICO FARM & LIVESTOCK BUREAU Since 1917 . . . a Leader in New Mexico
NMF&LB NMF&LB 2220 BLVD. 2220 N. N. TELSHOR TELSHOR BLVD. LAS CRUCES, NM 88011 LAS CRUCES, NM 88011 575.532.4700 FAX: 575.532.4710 575.532.4710 575.532.4700 •• FAX: OFFICERS OFFICERS Craig Ogden Craig Ogden President, Loving President, Loving Larry Reagan Larry Reagan 1stVice Vice President, President, Ft. 1st Ft.Sumner Sumner Boe Lopez Boe Lopez 2nd Vice President, Springer 2nd Vice President, Springer Chad Smith Chief Executive Officer
BOARD DIRECTORS BOARD OFOF DIRECTORS Bud Deerman, La Mesa Burl Brown, Des Moines Crystal Diamond,LaElephant Bud Deerman, Mesa Butte Jim Ellett, HopeButte Crystal Diamond, Elephant Duane Frost, Claunch Jim Ellett, Hope Duane Harris, Frost, Claunch Travis San Antonio Travis Harris, San Antonio Don Hartman, Deming Don Hartman, Gary Hathorn,Deming Flora Vista Gary Hathorn, Flora Vista Leon Hemann, McDonald Leon Hemann, McDonald John Jackson, Lake Arthur John Jackson, Lake Arthur Deena Kinman, Elida Deena Kinman, Elida Donald Martinez, El Rito Donald Martinez, El Rito Kim Miller, Grenville Steve Myrick, Clovis Steve Myrick, Clovis Tommy Ortiz, Las Vegas Tommy Ortiz, Gila Las Vegas Stewart Rooks, Stewart Gila Troy Sauble,Rooks, Maxwell Troy Sauble, Maxwell Mario Trujillo, Questa Mario Trujillo, Questa Tom Wilton, Ft. Sumner Tom Wilton, Ft. Sumner
Anita Hand, Chair Women’sConnie Leadership Committee Rooks, Chair AndyLeadership Ellett, ChairCommittee Women’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Russell Johnson,Committee Chair Page 24
Page 19
•
•
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee
Benjie Segovia Regional Director REGIONAL DIRECTORS Benjie Segovia Spradley KatelinKatelin Spradley
Interim Communications Coordinator Valerie Huerta Director of Tiffany Organization Rivera
Director of Governmental Affairs
Tiffany Rivera Director of Governmental Affairs Traci Curry
Director, Ag in the Classroom
Traci Curry Director, Ag in the Classroom
Britney Lardner Coordinator, Ag in the Classroom Britney Lardner
Coordinator, Ag in the Classroom
Francisco Hatay Membership Marketing Manager Franciscoand Hatay
Membership and Marketing Manager
Cecilia Diaz-Johnson
Dalene Hodnett Bookkeeper Director of Communications and Media Relations Theresa Widner
Executive Administrative Assistant Cecilia Diaz-Johnson Bookkeeper
Theresa Widner Executive Administrative Assistant Spring 2021
Summer 2022