Spring 2025 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

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

Inside this issue LEGISLATIVE REVIEW

NMF&LB Press Release

pg. 06

Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor

pg. 9-11

Legislative Session Review

pg. 15

#AgFest2025 Highlights

pg. 17-19

pg. 21-23

Columns

NMF&LB President AFBF President NMF&LB CEO NMAITC 2025 National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Awardee 2025 New Mexico Grow Project Grant

Highlights #AgFest2025

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On the Cover: Chef Pete and Justin from New Mexico Beef Council feeding hungry #AgFest2025 attendees!

WE’RE BUILT FOR THIS. WE’RE WITH YOU WHEN IT MATTERS. It takes courage to farm and ranch through agriculture’s ups and downs.

With American AgCredit, you’re not alone. It’s what we’re built for, and we’ll continue to be there for what’s ahead — like we have been for more than a hundred years.

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A Part of the Farm Credit System.

Equal Opportunity Lender.

NMF&LB President’s Column From the President

By Larry Reagan

Staying Involved After the 2025 Legislative Session Sixty-day sessions are brutal for those here in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It seems there are endless bills that the agricultural community should oppose or support. However, thanks to the hard work of many leaders, we were able to table some bad bills.

But our work is not yet finished! The bill aimed at expanding the scope of the Department of Game and Fish to include all wildlife is one to keep our eyes on, as well as the Paid Family Medical Leave (PMFLA) Program, which is still looming overhead.

Reagan cont. on page 5

AFBF President’s Column The Zipline

By Zippy Duvall

Moving Towards Clarity on WOTUS

Farmers and ranchers are committed to stewarding the land and protecting the water we depend on. We know firsthand the importance of clean water: it’s essential to our livelihoods and instrumental in providing a safe and abundant food supply. That’s why clarity with water regulations is critical and why we’re glad to see the Environmental Protection Agency take the first step in providing a clear Waters of the United States rule.

Farmers have been caught in a regulatory tug of war around WOTUS for years. It seems that a new rule comes with every administration or changing of hands, leaving our farmers in a constant state of limbo trying to understand and comply with new guidelines.

Duvall cont. on page 5

NMF&LB CEO’s Column Greetings

By Benjamin Segovia

Looking Ahead at NMF&LB

Greetings from the office of the NMF&LB CEO. I appreciate the opportunity to share with you what is happening at our organization.

First, I would like to inform you that we have new staff and I’m excited for you to meet them at upcoming Farm Bureau activities. We are working hard and have evaluated the roles and responsibilities of staff to better serve our members.

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Segovia cont. on page 5

NMF&LB President’s Column Continued From the President

By Larry Reagan

NMF&LB’s Director of County and Leadership Development, Katie Adams, has spearheaded the task of tracking bills that are crucial to our organization, which are logged in monthly legislative reports. It’s imperative to keep track of all action alerts published by NMF&LB on our social media channels and reach out to your representatives with your support or opposition.

We need your help to testify when these bills come up in committees. We still have a lot of work to do, but together, we can get it done.

AFBF President’s Column Continued The Zipline

By Zippy Duvall

Farm families shouldn’t be left guessing or needing a team of lawyers and consultants to help them know what is and what isn’t regulated on their land. Imagine planting a field, one you have worked for years, without knowing whether you risk facing a steep fine or even jail time, but that's been the reality for farmers for years.

Farmers are committed to doing the right thing and keeping our natural resources safe. But these unclear and constantly shifting rules have created unnecessary obstacles, threatened progress and added confusion to working the land many of us have stewarded for decades.

Read the full article at https://www.fb.org/the-zipline/moving-towards-clarity-on-wotus.

NMF&LB CEO’s Column Continued Greetings

By Benjamin Segovia

The NMF&LB team is focusing on improving communication with County Farm Bureau organizations to highlight the value of membership and increase member engagement for organizational growth, strength, and advocacy.

Your membership is important to us at NMF&LB. Our intention is to instill positive changes for our Farm Bureau family while helping our communities. I value your feedback and look forward to sharing this journey with you. Thank you.

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NEW MEXICO FARM & LIVESTOCK BUREAU 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.

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National Interest Energy Transmission Corridor (NIETC) The Southwestern Grid Connector

https://www.energy.gov/gdo/national-interest-electric-transmission-corridor-designation-process

Figure 1 Proposed Southwestern Grid Connector (National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor Designation)

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)

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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.

Figure 3 NIETC Designation Process (National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor Designation)

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).

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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.

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2025 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW A recap of the 2025 60-day session

By Jason Espinoza, KW Consulting, LLC The First Session of the 57th New Mexico Legislature was a 60-day session that convened on January 21, 2025, and adjourned sine die at noon on March 22, 2025.

Budget The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) state budget, as outlined in the House Appropriations and Finance Committee (HAFC) Substitute for House Bills 2 and 3 and amended by the Senate Finance Committee (SFC), reflects significant ongoing investments across state agencies while adhering to responsible reserve guidelines.

House Bill 450 allocates $1.2 billion for capital projects across state agencies, higher education, the judiciary, and local governments. Funding Sources: $799.8 million from the General Fund $292 million from severance tax bonds $133 million from other state funds Agency-Specific Highlights of Special Appropriations Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department – $20M for forest restoration and archaeology education collaboration with NMDA New Mexico State University/Department of Agriculture – Funding for youth leadership programs, meat processing technology, soil and water districts, animal health, and water conservation projects Range and Animal Sciences – $450K to support veterinary scholarships and externships Economic Development Department – $2M for the Healthy Food Financing Program Office of the State Engineer – $11M total for interstate water litigation support, regional planning, and water security modernization

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Supported Legislation Senate Bill 8 – Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program Summary: Establishes a loan repayment program for veterinarians in underserved areas, creates dedicated fund Legislative Action: Passed Legislature unanimously; awaiting action from Governor Senate Memorial 19 – New Mexico Meat, Cheese, & Produce in Schools Summary: Requests a state work group to develop a plan for sourcing 50% of school dairy and meat from New Mexico producers Legislative Action: Passed Senate (43–0) Opposed Legislation Senate Bill 4 – Clear Horizons & Greenhouse Gas Emissions Summary: Mandated statewide GHG reductions and new regulatory powers for the Environmental Improvement Board, including methane limits and equity provisions Legislative Action: Failed in Senate Finance Committee House Bill 11 – Paid Family & Medical Leave Act Summary: Created a state-run leave program offering paid leave, unpaid bonding leave, and a $9,000 rebate for new parents Legislative Action: Passed House (38–31); failed in Senate Finance Committee Senate Bill 5 – Game Commission Reform Summary: Expanded the Game Commission’s authority to cover all wildlife species and granted broad discretionary powers to commissioners Legislative Action: Passed Senate (28–12) and House (42– 26); partially vetoed and signed with conditions

NEW MEXICO FARM AND LIVESTOCK BUREAU

YoungFarmersandRanchers

Are you a young farmer or rancher interested in making a difference in New Mexico agriculture?

JOIN YF&R FOR FREE TODAY! -ADVOCATE FOR AGRICULTURE -ATTEND NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS -REPRESENT NEW MEXICO IN NATIONAL COMPETITIONS

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Increased Support

CoBank increased their support in late 2024.

Mesilla Valley Transportation increased their support in 2025.

Returning Sponsor

Pioneer Bank has returned as a sponsor in 2025.

Conservation Pays in New Mexico

Scan this code to view the application form.

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.

Presented by:

Application Deadline: May 15, 2025 NEW MEXICO FARM & LIVESTOCK BUREAU

To view the application form, visit www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA

T

#AgFest2025 Highlights A celebration of New Mexico's robust and diverse agriculture, with legislative networking opportunities.

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#AgFest2025 Highlights

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#AgFest2025 Highlights

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NEW MEXICO FARM & LIVESTOCK BUREAU Since 1917 . . . a Leader in New Mexico

OFFICERS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Larry Reagan President, Ft. Sumner

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

Don Hartman 1st Vice President, Deming Travis Harris 2nd Vice President, San Antonio Benjamin Segovia Chief Executive Officer

Donald Martinez, El Rito Kim Miller, Grenville

2220 N. TELSHOR BLVD. LAS CRUCES, NM 88011 575.532.4700 • FAX: 575.532.4710

Tommy Ortiz, Las Vegas Troy Sauble, Maxwell Jamie Viramontes, Deming Leonard Valerio, Española 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 Logan Stoltz Regional Manager Ethan Wright Regional Manager Theresa Widner Executive Administrative Assistant Bailey Hart Office Assistant