Summer 2025 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

NEW MEXICO Farm & Ranch

The offical publication of New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

6 USDA Plan to Protect from NW Screwworm

14 Women in Agriculture Leadership Conference

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19 Young Farmers and Ranchers Golf Tournament

NMF&LB Scholarship Recipients

COLUMNS NMF&LB President AFBF President NMF&LB CEO

NMAITC Increasing Support NM Grow Project Winners Announced Ag Literarcy Project

On the Cover: Sunset during NMF&LB Summer Board and County President Retreat in Ruidoso, NM at the Inn of the Mountain Gods PC: Traci Curry

OTHER AFBF Save the Date Meet the new NMF&LB Staff Summer 2025

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AFBF President’s Column The Zipline

By Zippy Duvall

Agricultural Trade Boosts Farms and the Economy U.S. farmers and ranchers are committed to growing high-quality agricultural products and safe, nutritious food for families near and far. Here in the U.S. and abroad, American-grown means high quality and value. We know that our products can compete anywhere in the world, when barriers are removed. That’s why we are eager to see a boost in trade opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers with new and existing markets.

Duvall cont. on page 16

NMF&LB President’s Column From the President

By Larry Reagan

Exciting Times for New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau

It’s County Annual Meeting season, and that means big things are happening for New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. These meetings are at the heart of what makes Farm Bureau a true grassroots organization —this is where policy begins.

Reagan cont. on page 17

NMF&LB CEO’s Column

By Benjamin Segovia

Tending to Growth Growing grass begins with something small and unassuming: a seed.

Requiring proper attention, waiting for the right mix of moisture, warmth, and sunlight. Grass roots push downward, anchoring themselves into the earth, while delicate shoots stretch upward, breaking through the surface to seek the sun. Slowly, those single blades multiply, weaving together into a dense, resilient carpet. What starts as scattered seeds grows stronger when nurtured, thriving best when each blade supports and protects the others.

Segovia cont. on page 17 4

New Mexico Farm & Ranch

Farmers Commend USDA Efforts to Protect Livestock

August 15, 2025 Published by AFBF Staff

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s announcement that it will open a domestic sterile fly production facility to battle the New World screwworm.

"Farm Bureau commends Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and the Trump administration for committing the necessary resources to continue the battle to prevent the New World screwworm from entering the United States and affecting our cattle herd. Secretary Rollins and USDA have answered the call of cattle producers across the country by establishing a domestic sterile fly production facility in Texas.

“It took decades to eradicate this parasite from within and adjacent to our borders more than a generation ago, and this is a proactive first step. Cattle markets are already volatile and the introduction of New World screwworm within the U.S. would only increase that volatility.

“We thank USDA and Secretary Rollins for her leadership protecting the domestic cattle industry and we stand ready to help ensure the speedy and efficient construction of this facility and implementation of the updated plan."

AFBF Media Contact: Mike Tomko (miket@fb.org) or Bailey Corwine (baileyc@fb.org)

August 15, 2025 Published by USDA Staff

USDA Annouces Sweeping Plans to Protect the United States from New World Screwworm

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today at the Texas State Capitol alongside Governor Greg Abbott and stakeholders from across the country announced the largest initiative yet in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) plan to combat the New World Screwworm (NWS).

This announcement builds upon USDA’s five-pronged plan issued in June to combat the northward spread of NWS from Mexico into the United States.

Department of Energy on new innovations to enhance our ability to combat the pest with technologies, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to protect the United States border, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on detecting, preventing, and managing potential human cases.

The United States government will also work alongside Governors, State Agriculture Commissioners, State veterinarians, and others to combat this pest.

NWS is a devastating pest. When NWS fly larvae (maggots) As part of this comprehensive approach, USDA is taking the burrow into the flesh of a living animal, they cause serious, following immediate actions: often deadly damage to the animal. NWS can infest livestock, 1.Innovate Our Way to Education pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people. It 2.Protect the United States Border - Construction of is not only a threat to our ranching community — but it is a Domestic Sterile Screwworm Production Facility threat to our food supply and our national security.

3.Wildlife Migration Prevention 4.Stop the Prest from Spreading in Mexico and Ensure We While USDA is coordinating efforts to combat NWS, it will Are Full Partners in Eradication require continued collaboration between Federal agencies, 5.United States Food Safety is of Utmost Importance State governments, and the private sector. That is why USDA is working alongside the U.S. Food and Drug Administration To view the entire article please visit USDA Press Releases Link: https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/pressto encourage animal drug development and prioritize releases/2025/08/15/usda-announces-sweeping-plans-protectapprovals for prevention and treatment of the pest, the U.S. united-states-new-world-screwworm Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch

AFBF D.C. Fly-In

By Becca Luten, NMF&LB Director of Government Affairs In June, the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Key Issues Addressed proudly represented our state’s farmers, ranchers, and Mexican Grey Wolf: We emphasized the agricultural communities in Washington, D.C., during importance of timely and appropriate reparations the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Advocacy Flyfor producers impacted by wolf depredations, In Conference. This event brought together leaders from highlighting how these losses threaten livelihoods across the country to share priorities with members of and food security.

Congress and ensure agriculture’s voice remains strong Labor & H-2A Concerns: With ongoing ICE on Capitol Hill. raids and labor shortages, we raised concerns about the availability and stability of agricultural President Larry Reagan, CEO Benjamin Segovia, labor in New Mexico. Reliable labor is essential NMF&LB State Board Member Tom Wilton, Director for sustaining our state’s farms and ranches. of Government Affairs Becca Luten, and our two New World Screwworm: Recognizing the outstanding Discussion Meet winners—Fallon devastating impact this pest could have on Velasquez and Elaina Mayes—met directly with New livestock, we urged our leaders to remain Mexico’s congressional delegation and their staff. We proactive in prevention, reporting, and had the opportunity to sit down with Representatives eradication efforts to safeguard the industry.

Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Leger Fernandez, as well as Misinformation & the “Make America Healthy Senator Ben Ray Luján, to discuss the most pressing Again” Movement: We shared our concerns issues facing New Mexico agriculture. about misinformation surrounding crop production practices. Producers rely on safe and science backed tools— including glyphosates and pesticides— to provide the nation and the world with healthy, reliable food.

Protecting the integrity of agriculture and the science that supports it remains a top priority.

Summer 2025

7

Youth & Agricultural Education Discussion Meet winners, Fallon Velasquez and Elaina Mayes, delivered powerful insight into the importance of agricultural education in rural areas. They highlighted how strong agricultural education programs increase graduation rates, expand opportunities for secondary education, and encourage young leaders to remain in New Mexico—contributing to the strength of our rural communities.

Moving Forward This fly-in reinforced the importance of New Mexico agriculture’s voice in Washington, D.C. By advocating for our members on critical issues—from predator management to labor and pest prevention—we ensure that our state’s farmers and ranchers have the tools and support needed to continue feeding and fueling our communities.

The New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau remains committed to standing up for agriculture at both the state and national levels. Together, we will continue to protect, preserve, and promote the future of farming and ranching in New Mexico.

The AFBF Fly-In is the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual advocacy event in Washington D.C., where farmers, ranchers, and Farm Bureau leaders meet with legislators to discuss important agricultural issues like the Farm Bill, labor, trade, and regulations.

This is the fourth year that New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau sponsored an Albuquerque Isotopes game to connect urban and rural New Mexicans over the two things they love most: baseball and food.

NMF&LB partnered with the Albuquerque Isotopes to bring in various other agricultural groups to showcase the many aspects of the industry.

NMF&LB AT OT THE IS OPES

NMF&LB sponsored the game giveaway of cowbells for the first 3,000 attendees who entered the stadium.

In the stadium concourse, NMF&LB was joined by the New Mexico Beef Council, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, New Mexico Chile Association, New Mexico Ag in the Classroom and Farm Bureau Financial Services.,

NMF&LB Summer Board Retreat July 23-24, Ruidoso NM

The NMF&LB State Board of Directors met for two days in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

These two days were packed with business, professional development, and entertainment, a tour at Heart of the Desert and a Bocce Ball Tournament. On the second day, Megan Meredith of AFBF joined the NMF&LB Board and NMF&LB County Presidents training us in ways to be engaged and effective in our advocacy efforts.

NM AG IN THE CLASSROOM

INCREASING SUPPORT! “The Xcel Energy Foundation is proud to support Agriculture in the Classroom as they help students discover how their skills and passions can make a difference close to home.”

Xcel Energy Foundation Increases Support – Provides $10,000 Grant for New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom The Xcel Energy Foundation, the charitable arm of Xcel Energy, has doubled its support for New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom (NMAITC) over the last three years. Their $10,000 grant in 2025 will help NMAITC enhance its agricultural literacy efforts among Pre-K-12th grade New Mexico classroom teachers and their students in Artesia, Bernalillo County, Carlsbad, Clovis, Dexter, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Roswell, and Tucumcari, New Mexico.

"We sincerely appreciate that the Xcel Energy Foundation has increased their support for NMAITC during the last three years,” said Traci Curry, NMAITC director. “In 2024, their support helped us in our work with more than 170 teachers so that they include agriculture and food literacy instruction in their classrooms, impacting more than 4,100 students in Bernalillo County, Carlsbad, Clovis, Dexter, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Roswell, and Tucumcari.”

“It’s important for students to learn the vital role that agriculture plays in many of our New Mexico communities, and the meaningful career paths it can offer,” said Stephanie Peña, Xcel Energy’s manager of social investments for New Mexico and Texas.

Xcel Energy provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states, including eastern and southeastern New Mexico. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. The Xcel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that awards charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and sponsors the volunteer programs of Xcel Energy and its subsidiaries. The majority of Xcel Energy Foundation funding comes from Xcel Energy shareholder dollars.

New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom recognized Faye Richards as our Teacher of the Year in 2023, and celebrated her Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award in 2025! At A. Montoya Elementary in Tijeras, Ms. Richards' transformed an unused area into a vibrant outdoor garden and composting space, inspiring her students to develop a deep respect for agriculture. www.nmatic.org

NM AG IN THE CLASSROOM

NMAITC WELCOMES Kasen Lee Devers Shae and Lewis Devers welcomes the newest and cutest Farm Bureau members to the club!

“We are excited to bring Kasen into such a loving Farm Bureau family!” Shae Devers

Ethan Wright We are excited to welcome our new program coordinator, Ethan Wright. A native of Clovis, NM, with 60 years of family roots in agriculture, Ethan joined the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau in July 2024 as a regional field manager. He worked with farmers, ranchers, and government agencies on agricultural issues, realizing the need for better awareness and education. Through his volunteer efforts at AgXplorer events, he found a way to share his passion for agriculture by supporting teachers and inspiring students. Ethan lives in Roswell and will continue to enhance NMAITC programming in eastern New Mexico

New Mexico Grow Project Winners Announced We are excited to share that twelve schools across New Mexico will be awarded project materials designed to help students explore the importance and application of combating food waste, thanks to the New Mexico Grow Project Grant. This fantastic initiative is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of New Mexico and New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom (NMAITC).

The grant includes both a composting and vermicomposting bin science lab, as well as materials and tools so students can explore the full decomposition process of food waste and organic matter throughout the year, no matter their location.

More importantly, the grant provides training, curriculum connections, engagement with experts in the field of composting, and in-person support for our busy educators.

Congratulations to the schools receiving a 2025-2026 New Mexico Grow Project Grant “Turning Waste to Wonder”: Alamogordo High School, Alamogordo, Anna Alday Anton Chico Schools, Anton Chico, Erma Madrid Apache Elementary, Farmington, Daveena John Bel-Air Elementary, Albuquerque, Lee Anna Maestas Dixon Elementary, Espanola, Christine Kane Elida Municipal Schools, Elida, Kristi Victor Garfield Elementary, Garfield, Kim O’Byrne & Carrie Hernandez Hatch Valley High School, Hatch, Rian Nials Las Vegas High School, Las Vegas, Etta Bustos Shiprock High School, Shiprock,Vickie Lake STEM Outreach @ New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, Beth Denman White Mountain Elementary, Ruidoso, Rebecca Iigen www.nmatic.org

NM AG IN THE CLASSROOM

The New Mexico Agricultural Literacy Project aims to help connect K-5 classrooms with well-trained volunteers within their local communities.

AGRICULTURAL LITERACY PROJECT It is an honor to recognize the hard work and dedication that goes into completing an Agricultural Literacy Project. The IMPACT that 15 programs from across the state made this year was incredible. We appreciate all the time and effort that goes into completing a presentation at any of your local elementary schools. We look forward to our 11th year of Ag Literacy Projects

FFA chapters who completed the project: Alamogordo FFA, Artesia FFA, Aztec FFA, Clayton FFA, Des Moines FFA, Dexter FFA, Roswell ECHS FFA, Grants FFA, Hatch FFA, Los Lunas FFA, Santa Rosa FFA, School of Dreams Academy FFA, Shiprock FFA, Socorro FFA, Tularosa FFA.

We offer detailed trainings that provide our volunteers with resources, materials, and knowledge of how to adapt and fit the needs of each grade level.

This is designed to foster in younger students a broader understanding of agriculture as well as encourage an interest in careers associated with agriculture and natural resources and join ag related organization when they’re old enough.

For more information or to request a volunteer training or presentation for your K-5 classroom please email agclass1@nmflb.org. www.nmatic.org

or s s A n r o e p C S ool! r u O Platinum Apple Sponsors

Gold Apple Sponsors

Silver Apple Sponsors

Copper Apple Sponsors For a complete list of sponsors, visit: https://newmexico.agclassroom.org/about/donate/.

Thank you to these A for inc pple sp reasin onsors g their suppor Corrie t: nte Cow Belles First A merica Heart o n Bank f the D e s e r t Paul’s Pistach Veteri ios nary S upply

Women in Agriculture Leadership Conference The Women Agriculture Leadership Conference took place this year in Ruidoso New Mexico (April 30 - May 2). We were blessed with the number of attendees registered to attend the 3 day packed conference! Starting off with a ‘Sip n’ Shop’ event, WALC attendees started the next early learning from industry professional about financial literacy, advocacy education, goal management and etiquette. Attendees were invited to visit some of Ruidoso’s local agriculture, Mescalero Fish Hatchery, and the efforts for forest restoration due to wildfires. The last day consisted of inspriting conversation from NM legislators, with a final call to ‘be BOLD’ from 2024 Miss Rodeo American, Emma Cameron. We look forward to seeing you all for WALC 2027!

The ‘Diamond in the Rough’ award was created to recognize an outstanding woman in New Mexico agriculture and highlight her efforts and contributions. This conference, held every two years, draws women from all types of agriculture.

“Today’s agricultural women are integral parts of their families’ agricultural operations, in addition to their traditional roles, and we feel that they deserve to be recognized for their contributions,” said Erica Valdez, Diamond in the Rough Committee Chair.

2025 Diamond in the Rough

Julie Carter

Julie Carter grew up on a ranch in southern Colorado. Over the years, she has helped in every aspect of ranch life; ranch kid, day worker, ranch wife, rodeo bum, educator, ag writer and photographer. She is an amazing supporter and ambassador of agriculture. She is a talented storyteller and loves telling her stories through not only words, but also pictures. She paints agriculture in a positive light through her daily social media posts and numerous columns.

14 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

She especially enjoys showcasing our agricultural youth. For the past 3 years, Julie has attended every single NM Junior and High School Rodeo at her own expense. She travels the state of New Mexico and parks her stool next to the arena where she can capture all the action. She combines her photos with words that paint a neat picture of all these talented kids. She is an avid supporter of NM FFA, photographing FFA ranch rodeos and following all NM CDE contests and creating posts to share with anyone who is interested. She writes for numerous publications about our western heritage. Every year she attends the NM Cattle Growers Annual Meeting to chronicle it. She is a passionate ambassador for ANYTHING that involves agriculture and our western way of life. She brings stories about agriculture to life, ultimately connecting people and helping to preserve our western way of life.

S A V E T H E D A T E

AFBF Annual Convention If you want the inside scoop when it comes to policies and perspectives that will affect your farm or agribusiness in 2026, don’t miss the 107th consecutive American Farm Bureau Convention. This is your opportunity to help set the agenda for the leading voice of agriculture in Washington, DC, and so much more.

Participate in educational workshops to advance your leadership skills, expand your business acumen, and gain deep insight into the trends and realities impacting food production. Witness cutting edge innovation in agriculture, hear from powerful speakers, and explore the trade show to build a stronger network, shop featured products, and idea-share with other state and county Farm Bureaus.

Don’t miss the chance to look beyond the horizon at the future of agriculture, sharpen your skills and help set the agenda in Washington.

YF&R Leadership Conference The Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Conference brings together over 1,000 members to learn, share and grow together for service in both Farm Bureau and their communities.

There will be great speakers, breakout sessions, tours and evening events that offer opportunities to develop as leaders and network with others from across the country. Attendees will leave the conference with new connections, new ideas and new energy for their farm and Farm Bureau.

International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE Summit - June 1-3, 2026 This inspiring gathering is designed to empower, equip and connect women from across agriculture—farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals. Attendees will sharpen their leadership skills, expand their networks and strengthen their voices as passionate advocates for the future of agriculture.

The Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program is inviting ALL women in agriculture to join us in the nation’s capital for an experience that honors your impact and fuels your advocacy and leadership journey.

Agricultural Trade Boosts Farms and the Economy cont.

President Zippy Duvall Zippy Duvall leads the American Farm Bureau Federation, serving as president for nearly a decade. He is a third-generation farmer from Georgia. He and his son operate a beef cow herd, raise broiler chickens, and are continuing to restore the farmland that has been in the family for more than 90 years.

Through his leadership, Duvall helped to shape the 2018 farm bill and is working to ensure Congress passes a new, modernized farm bill that effectively supports farmers and ranchers. He has helped defeat misguided regulations, shepherd new trade agreements, and in 2024, stopped Wall Street regulations from hitting farms and played a key role in securing $30 billion in aid for farmers and ranchers hit hard by natural and economic disasters.

Duvall was honored by the National 4-H Council as a founding luminary, a group of influential 4-H alumni. Prior to being elected AFBF president, he was president of the Georgia Farm Bureau and served on the AFBF board of directors. In 1987, he also served on the AFBF board as Young Farmer Committee chair.

Duvall and his wife, Jennifer, were married in December 2021. Both lost their first spouses to illnesses but found new joy in each other, along with their six children and nine grandchildren.

16 New Mexico Farm & Ranch

Trade matters to farmers and ranchers because we need export markets to help us remain competitive and economically sustainable. If we’re going to keep growing the food, fiber, and renewable fuel that our country needs for national security, we need to ensure that farms of all sizes have opportunities for growth. Agricultural trade can maximize the value of our products. For example, some cuts of meat are more popular in other countries, and a variety of fresh produce is grown for both consumers in the U.S. and abroad. When farmers have this variety of market opportunities, they can keep their businesses running and support jobs across our nation’s economy. Our agricultural trade helps to create jobs right here on American soil. Did you know that more than 1 million fulltime jobs are supported by U.S. agricultural exports? According to USDA data from 2023, about half of those jobs were on the farm and the remaining half were across related industries like shipping, processing and storage. If we look at trade as a return on investment, agricultural exports double our returns, with every $1 of farm products sold overseas bringing back more than $2 in economic activity here in the U.S. “Trade matters to farmers and ranchers because we need export markets to help us remain competitive and economically sustainable.”

At Farm Bureau, we are grateful for the administration’s focus on achieving new trade deals with a commitment to making agriculture a priority. With the recently announced framework deals inthe EU, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and the Philippines, in addition to recent deals with Vietnam and the U.K., we see real opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers. We are urging the administration to finalize new deals and to reach agreements with large agricultural markets like China.

The stakes are high when it comes to trade negotiations, and unfortunately, farmers and ranchers are often first to bear the brunt of retaliatory tariffs. That’s why we consistently urge theadministration to limit trade disruptions and work to resolve disagreements quickly.

Farmers and ranchers, our employees, our families, our rural communities, and our fellow Americans across the country cannot afford to lose markets or the trading relationships we have built with our businesses over the years. One-fifth of U.S. agricultural products are exported, and behind those products are hundreds of thousands of hardworking Americans.

Let’s keep working to open new markets and strengthen our existing partnerships so that U.S. farmers and ranchers can keep leading the world in growing safe and sustainable food for families at home and around the world.

Exciting Times for New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau cont.

President Larry Reagan District 2

At the county level, farmers and ranchers gather to share concerns about laws, government agencies, or issues they see on the horizon. Together, they discuss possible solutions, and those ideas are written into resolutions.

From there, resolutions are sent to the state office, where a committee made up of county presidents and state board members reviews them and makes recommendations.

Importantly, all resolutions—whether recommended or not—are presented to the House of Delegates at the annual meeting. If a resolution is adopted by membership representation, it becomes part of our official policy manual. That manual is the playbook our staff, board members, and officers follow when representing Farm Bureau during the upcoming 30day legislative session.

The impact doesn’t stop at the state line. If a resolution is relevant nationally, it is sent on to American Farm Bureau for consideration at their annual meeting in January. In fact, several resolutions born right here in New Mexico have been adopted nationally and are now part of AFBF’s policy book.

This process is what makes Farm Bureau unique: our policy direction comes directly from our members. It’s grassroots democracy in action, and it ensures that the voices of farmers and ranchers are heard—at the local, state, and national level.

Tending to Growth cont.

CEO Benjamin Segovia Come and join us at New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Annual Meeting, November 20-21, 2025 in Albuquerque, NM at the Embassy Suites, where members will participate in the active conversation and policy development.

As a grassroots organization, our members represent the seeds of influence and the power behind change. Through communication, relationship building, and empowering farmers and ranchers across the state our priorities and actions are built from the roots. As New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau our objective, being structured as a grassroots organization is to ensure a successful and sustainable future for agriculture in our state, by empowering our members through leadership, access to resources, advocating for the voice of New Mexico agricultural producers and fostering a thriving agricultural industry for generations to come.

Representing more than 20,000 members across New Mexico, it is through the power of working together that we achieve our individual and organizational goals. Advocating for our members doesn’t begin in a meeting room, it begins with you, rooted in your concerns and participation. I invite you to join us, to take an active role in your county organization, with an NMF&LB program or amongst the NMF&LB state board and share your story as we work together to share the voice of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities at the local, state, and national level.

Summer 2025 17

SAVE THE DATE

NMF&LB ANNUAL MEETING NOVEMBER 20-21, 2025

Jesi Watson

New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau New Staff

Field Services Manager - Districts 2 & 3 Jesi is recent graduate of Northern Arizona University obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Management. She went to NAU to broaden her knowledge of environmental issues so she could learn how to help ranchers to navigate them. Jesi has an agricultural background from growing up on her family’s small ranch in Mayhill, New Mexico and being active in the Cloudcroft FFA Chapter. Returning to New Mexico, Jesi is ready to work with producers throughout the state and advocate for the agriculture industry, increasing the voice of NMF&LB members.

Cheryl Butterfield

Marketing and Events Manager Cheryl has built her career around her passions: agriculture, youth development, education, and leadership. She began with the New Mexico State 4-H Department as the State 4-H Activities Specialist, planning statewide events and advising the State 4-H Leadership Team.

After stepping away to raise her children, she returned part-time with the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service’s nutrition program and partnered with both the New Mexico State Fair and Eastern New Mexico State Fair to lead educational tours.

Cheryl later served as the Northern Director for New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom with the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, blending her love of agriculture and education. She recently retired from her role as State 4-H Agent for Volunteer and Leadership Development—and is now excited to return to NMF&LB to continue sharing her passion for agriculture.

WE ARE

hiring

Visit: nmflb.org/Careers

Field Services To assist county Farm Bureaus in agricultural engagement and promotion. To direct and coordinate organization development, provide training, guide county leaders, and assist them in planning, creating, and implementing programs and activities. The regional manager will work with counties to promote membership growth, advocate for agriculture, and implement the policies of the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau (NMF&LB). Assist in planning, organizing, and carrying out responsibilities and priorities set by leadership.

Home Office Assistant The Office Assistant provides administrative, clerical, and some tech support to ensure smooth office operations and effective communication with members. Responsibilities include maintaining records, assisting with meetings, and supporting membership activities.

Summer 2025 19

BRONZE SPONSOR $200 Hole Sign Logo on Banner

SILVER SPONSOR $500 Hole Sign Side Game Logo on Banner Social Media GOLD SPONSOR $1000+ Hole Sign Social Media Logo on Banner Lunch & Awards

HOLE SPONSOR $100: SIGN AT HOLE

NMF&LB WLP

The NMF&LB WLP has been and is excited to begin planning their events for this next year. If you are interested in being involved, please reach out to us!

Thank you to our WLP members, Earlene Ellett, Carlina Harris, and Cheryl Hartman for attending and passing out cowbells at the NMF&LB Isotopes event.

AFBF Women’s Communications Boot Camp 2025

Macey McDonald

My name is Macey McDonald, and I serve as the District II Representative on the State Board of Directors as well as the Second Vice Chairman of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. I have recently been accepted into the 23rd Class of the Farm Bureau Women’s Communications Boot Camp. This intensive communications training will be held in Washington, DC, October 27 – 30, 2025. I became interested in this program after visiting with my fellow board member, mentor, and friend, Kimberly Miller. Kimberly is a graduate of the Women’s Communications Boot Camp and considered this training to be some of the best she had ever received. I have a strong interest in strengthening my knowledge of political communication, and I look forward to the networking and overall communications development this Boot Camp will provide. I appreciate the continued support of my employer, Agri-Plan Crop Insurance, and New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau.

NMF&LB MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP NMF&LB awards four students $1,000 scholarships

Each year New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau turns a hopeful eye toward the future and selects students from among our Farm Bureau family to receive a $1,000 scholarship to help ease the financial burden of attending a university, community college, or trade and vocational school of their choice. This year, the NMF&LB Memorial Scholarship was award to Nadya Neparko from Dona Ana County, Ty Kinman from Roosevelt County, Natalie Smith from Harding County and Belita Martinez from Rio Arriba County.

Nadya Neparko has distinguished herself through active involvement in 4-H, the Homeschool Co-op Program, and her work with New Mexico State University’s STEAM summer programs. A published contributor in the Journals of Materials Science and a 2023 UTEP intern, Nadya also serves as a New Mexico State STEAM Ambassador and has held many leadership positions in her 4-H club. Her family has proudly been Farm Bureau members for 14 years.

Ty Kinman represents four generations of Farm Bureau membership. A student leader in Elida, Ty is Vice President of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and his Senior Class. He’s also the editor of the school’s Publications Team, a varsity Academic Team member, and an active participant in the Kenna Community Church. His academic and civic contributions make him a strong voice for rural youth.

Natalie Smith, a student from Harding County, leads with enthusiasm and heart. She leads the county’s 4-H Livestock Judging and Skillathon teams, which secured first place at the 2024 New Mexico 4-H State Conference. A dedicated member of both 4-H and FFA, Natalie also balances her time with athletics— volleyball, track, and cross-country—and serves on her student council. Her ranching family has been involved with Farm Bureau for 14 years.

Belita Martinez, from Rio Arriba County, brings more than a decade of 4-H involvement to her name, including leadership roles as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary of the County 4-H Council.

She’s a decorated competitor at state and national levels and was recently named the 2024 Northern New Mexico Fair and Rodeo Queen. Her family has been Farm Bureau members for 20 years.

“These young leaders are a powerful reminder of the talent and commitment that exists in New Mexico’s agricultural communities,” said Larry Reagan, President of the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau.

“We’re proud to support their educational journeys and look forward to the impact they’ll make in the future.”

The NMF&LB Scholarship Program is open annually to students who are members or whose families are members of the organization.

The program supports those who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership in agriculture, and a commitment to rural values. For more information about the NMF&LB Scholarship Program winners, please visit www.nmflb.org/Get-Involved/Scholarship.

NEW MEXICO Farm & Ranch

2220 N. Telshor Blvd. Las Cruces, NM 88011

BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF Ron Baca, Aztec Cecilia Diaz-Johnson Director of Finance Bud Deerman, La Mesa Larry Reagan Traci Curry Jim Ellett, Hope President, Ft. Sumner Director of NMAITC Duane Frost, Claunch Don Hartman Britney Lardner Leon Hemann, McDonald 1st Vice President, Deming NMAITC Sr. Program Coordinator Gary Hathorn, Flora Vista Travis Harris Shae Devers John Jackson, Lake Arthur 2nd Vice President, San Antonio NMAITC Sr. Program Coordinator Russell Johnson, Columbus Benjamin Segovia Ethan Wright Deena Kinman, Elida Chief Executive Officer NMAITC Program Coordinator Donald Martinez, El Rito Katie Adams Macey McDonald, Clovis Director of County and Leadership Kim Miller, Grenville Development Tommy Ortiz, Las Vegas Jesi Watson Troy Sauble, Maxwell Field Services Manager Jamie Viramontes, Deming Cheryl Butterfield Leonard Valerio, Española Marketing & Events Manager Tina Wilson, Las Cruces Theresa Widner Tom Wilton, Ft. Sumner Executive Administrative Assistant Connie Rooks, Chair Bailey Hart Women’s Leadership Committee Office Assistant Joel Ferguson, Chair Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee OFFICERS