2220 N Telshor Blvd • Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011 • (575) 339-5479 • Fax (575) 532-4710
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau Welcomes New Chief Executive Officer
New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau Names Benjamin Segovia CEO
February 28, 2025 | LAS CRUCES, N.M.
The New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau (NMF&LB) is excited to announce the appointment of Benjamin “Benjie” Segovia as its new Chief Executive Officer. Segovia brings over a decade of experience in agricultural leadership, advocacy, and community support to this key role, having served as Southwest Regional Manager of NMF&LB since November 2010
Segovia’s passion for agriculture was shaped by being raised on a farm, which fostered a deep understanding of land, water, and environmental challenges faced by New Mexico’s farming and ranching communities With more than four decades of involvement in various agricultural sectors, he is highly attuned to all issues that affect the industry.
“I am honored to step into the role of CEO and continue supporting New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers,” said Segovia. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated members to ensure the success and sustainability of New Mexico agriculture.”
NMF&LB is confident Segovia’s dedication will guide the organization into this next chapter.
Media Contact
Noelle Dondero, Director of Communications noelled@nmflb.org
The New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau (NMF&LB) is a nonprofit, membership-based organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across the state of New Mexico.
PROTECT YOUR BOTTOM LINE
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National Interest Energy Transmission Corridor (NIETC)
The National Interest Energy Transmission Corridor (NIETC) - Southwestern Grid Connector is a proposed area for transmission infrastructure, spanning through the Eastern portion of New Mexico. The corridor is mapped to include private, federal, and state lands in 8 counties – Union, Quay, Curry, Roosevelt, Chaves, Eddy, Lea, and Otero. The strip of land in question varies from 5 to 15 miles wide for its entire length and crosses lands that are designated as endangered species habitats, critical habitat areas, and other cultural resources (GEM Geospatial Energy Mapper, 2025).
Figure 2 Proposed Corridor and Designated Land (GEM Geospatial Energy Mapper, 2025)
Pursuant to section 216(a) of the Federal Power Act, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) is mandated to perform a triennial study of electric transmission congestion and constraints. The results of the 2023 National Transmission Needs Study helped to identify that this large area of New Mexico and surrounding states could benefit from increased interregional connectivity of the electrical grid, more supporting infrastructure for local generation and energy transmission, and lower energy prices.
The DOE posted phase three, the “Public Engagement Phase” in the Federal register on December 16th, 2024. As seen in figure 3: NIETC Designation Process consist of activities performed by both the DOE and public. The DOE is refining geographic boundaries and preparing a draft report, while completing community engagement and environmental reviews. The public is encouraged to participate in DOE-led engagement focused on the potential NIETC (National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor Designation). During the phase 3 comment period the DOE will determine its obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); if any environmental impact studies are required.
A NIETC designation would unlock federal permitting and siting tools, providing the potential to override state and local controls, with a possibility for enacting eminent domain. Under the Fifth Amendment in the United States Constitution the federal government is only allowed to enact the powers of eminent domain, taking away private property for public use, with the exchange of providing property owners a just compensation (Cornell Law School, 2022). The designation would unlock federal financing tools for public-private infrastructure partnerships; these funds are provided through the partisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act (U.S. Department of Energy).
Figure 3 NIETC Designation Process (National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor Designation)
New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau
New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau’s (NMF&LB) grassroots process enables our members to determine the stance of the organization on a range of issues, policy that helps our volunteer leaders and staff address regulations that affect agriculture at the local, state and national level. Our organization supports property rights and the sovereignty of local and state governments. NMF&LB recognizes the need for a reliable, affordable, and dependable energy supply. NMF&LB believes that local communities and governments are in the best position to determine needs and solutions, and encourage federal agencies to work with their local and state partners. NMF&LB supports the established NEPA process, helping all the stakeholders determine the environmental, cultural, and socio-economic effects of a NIETC designation.
Local Efforts
Local organizations and government bodies have reached out to the DOE for further information and submitted comments in this process. Submitting comments can give your county commissioners “cooperative agency status” on all matters moving forward, giving them a seat at the table in future decisions regarding the NIETC designation. Many of you were the first to notify your county commissioners, state legislators, and other local leaders. Currently, 7 of the 8 counties affected by the proposed NIETC have had local government leaders pass resolutions in opposition to the development. NMF&LB encourages continued involvement of members at the local, state and national levels, continue to reach out to your county representatives and facilitate productive conversations about your concerns and questions.
Action Step
The DOE extended the comment period to April 15th! NMF&LB encourages all interested or concerned parties who have not already, to submit comments related to this matter. Currently, there are two ways to submit comments. Please note that all communications must reference the docket number, which is “DOE-HQ-2024-0089-0001”.
• E-mail comments to NIETC@hq.doe.gov
• Mail comments to:
United States Department of Energy, Grid Deployment Odice
1000 Independence Ave. SW, Suite 4H-064 Washington, D.C., 20585
For more information, please contact your county’s Farm Bureau Board or Staff Member. You can find their information at www.nmflb.org, under the “About Us” tab.
-ADVOCATE FOR AGRICULTURE -ATTEND NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS
-REPRESENT NEW MEXICO IN NATIONAL COMPETITIONS
-MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LOCAL AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY
-MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LOCAL AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY
-SUPPORT OTHER YOUNG AGRICULTURISTS
Conservation Pays in New Mexico
If you or someone you know is a New Mexico landowner committed to conservation on working land, we invite your application for the Leopold Conservation Award! The $10,000 award honors farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
To view the application form, visit www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA
Scan this code to view the application form.
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NEW MEXICO FARM & LIVESTOCK BUREAU
#AgFest2025 Highlights
A celebration of New Mexico's robust and diverse agriculture, with legislative networking opportunities.
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NEW MEXICO FARM & LIVESTOCK BUREAU
Since 1917 . . . a Leader in New Mexico
OFFICERS
Larry Reagan President, Ft. Sumner
Don Hartman
1st Vice President, Deming
Travis Harris
2nd Vice President, San Antonio
Benjamin Segovia Chief Executive Officer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ron Baca, Aztec
Macey McDonald, Clovis
Bud Deerman, La Mesa
Jim Ellett, Hope
Duane Frost, Claunch
Leon Hemann, McDonald
Gary Hathorn, Flora Vista
John Jackson, Lake Arthur
Russell Johnson, Columbus
Deena Kinman, Elida
Donald Martinez, El Rito
Kim Miller, Grenville
Tommy Ortiz, Las Vegas
Troy Sauble, Maxwell
Jamie Viramontes, Deming
Leonard Valerio, Española
2220 N TELSHOR BLVD
LAS CRUCES, NM 88011
575 532 4700 • FAX: 575 532 4710
Tina Wilson, Las Cruces
Tom Wilton, Ft. Sumner
Connie Rooks, Chair
Women’s Leadership Committee
Joel Ferguson, Chair
Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee
STAFF
Cecilia Diaz-Johnson Director of Finance
Traci Curry Director of NMAITC
Britney Lardner
NMAITC Sr. Program Coordinator
Shae Devers
NMAITC Program Coordinator
Noelle Dondero Director of Communications
Katie Adams Director of County and Leadership Development
