New Mexico Women
As part of the International Year of Women in Agriculture, we are proud to highlight New Mexico women who are sharing the stories of agriculture and the families who live it every day.
Throughout the Summer and Fall issues of the New Mexico Farm and Ranch newsletter, we'll continue highlighting New Mexico women who have taken the extra step to become stronger advocates for agriculture by attending the American Farm Bureau Communications Boot Camp and sharing their unique stories. Their voices remind us that every ranch, every farm, and every family has a story worth telling.
Summer Issue Spotlights
Melinda Jackson, Chaves County (2010)
Kim Miller, Union County (2024)
Carlina Harris, Socorro County (2023)
FallI Issue Spotlights
Casey Spradley, Sandoval County ( 2018)
Macey McDonald, Curry County (2025)
Heidi Humphries, Quay County (2015)
Art work created by Melody Summers, Collegiate Farm Bureau Member
Women in Agriculture Stories compiled by Cheryl Butterfield and Britney Lardner
Beach,CruiseorMountainRetreat? Mountainretreat.I'veneverbeenona cruise,sothemountainswinbydefault
John and Melinda Jackson
and
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FavoritePieceofEquipment: Silicone gel for my syringes it's one of those little things I wouldn't want to be without!
BestFarmDog?
Kim Vaccinating Beach,CruiseorMountainRetreat? I honestly couldn’t choose - they all sound like a great getaway! RedorGreen? Both! Make it Christmas. There's no such thing as a bad ranch dog! We've had all kinds over the years, and every one of them has earned a place on the ranch.
Kim
Red Miller
Carlina Driving the Semi
Carlina & Travis Harris
2026 Memorial Scholarship Recipients
The New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau has awarded its 2026 Memorial Scholarships to three exceptional students whose achievements reflect academic excellence, leadership, agricultural involvement, and a commitment to serving their communities. This year's recipients are Wyatt Curry of Roswell, Alison Poling of Des Moines, and Denny Turner of Texico.
Wyatt Curry, a graduate of Goddard High School, also earned an Associate's Degree in University Studies from Eastern New Mexico University while completing high school. An accomplished FFA and 4-H member, Curry excelled in state Career Development Events, served in chapter leadership roles, and volunteered with disaster relief efforts in Roswell. He plans to attend Oklahoma State University to pursue a career in large animal veterinary medicine.
Alison Poling, a graduate of Des Moines High School, completed college coursework through Clovis Community College, Mesalands Community College, and West Texas A&M University. A two-time New Mexico FFA State Livestock Judging high-point individual, Poling also served in leadership roles in FFA, 4-H, National Honor Society, and Student Council while remaining active in athletics and community service. She plans to attend West Texas A&M University to study agricultural business and pursue a career in agricultural appraisal.
Denny Turner, a graduate of Texico High School, balanced academic success with leadership in athletics, FFA, and 4-H. A co-captain of the football team and New Mexico State 4-H President, Turner also represented New Mexico through the American Quarter Horse Association. He plans to attend Oklahoma State University and pursue a career in sports media with an emphasis on agriculture and equine events.
The NMF&LB Memorial Scholarship program recognizes outstanding students who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and a dedication to the future of agriculture and rural communities in New Mexico. Congratulations to Wyatt, Alison, and Denny as they begin the next chapter of their educational and professional journeys.
Denny Turner
Alison Poling
Wyatt Curry
Thankyou,Corriente Thankyou,Corriente Thankyou,Corriente CowBelles,foryour CowBelles,foryour CowBelles,foryour growingsupport! growingsupport! growingsupport!
AFBFPresident ZippyDuvall
Preparing Farm Bureau Leaders for the Future
“Having reliable information is important. Knowing how to turn that information into action is just as important”.
Farm Bureau Intel covers three categories markets, policy and consumer to go beyond the headlines and explain what the latest developments mean for farmers and ranchers. Whether you’re trying to understand what’s driving commodity markets, how a policy proposal could affect your farm, or what consumers are thinking about food and agriculture, these insights from our staff experts are designed to help you make more informed decisions.
Growing the Next Generation of Leaders
Having reliable information is important. Knowing how to turn that information into action is just as important. That’s where Farm Bureau University comes in. It gives members access to online courses they can complete whenever it fits in their schedule, whether that’s at the kitchen table after supper or during a break in the tractor. The courses are designed to help farmers and ranchers strengthen their leadership, communication and advocacy skills while balancing the demands of farm life.
For members who want to take their leadership a step further, Farm Bureau Campaign School provides nonpartisan training on what it takes to run for public office. At the request of state Farm Bureaus, our staff brings these workshops directly to farmers and ranchers across the country. Over the past four decades, thousands of graduates have completed the program, and 82% have gone on to win elected office. Those results are pretty impressive, but what excites me even more is seeing Farm Bureau members step forward and give back to their communities through public service.
These are just a few of the ways Farm Bureau is helping farmers and ranchers build the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead, both on the farm and beyond it.
Investing in the Future of Agriculture
Farm Bureau’s greatest strength has always been our grassroots members. Every county leader or young farmer willing to step up makes this organization stronger. Preparing agriculture for the future isn’t just about solving today’s challenges. It's about investing in the people who will lead tomorrow.
The decisions that shape agriculture aren't made by chance. They’re shaped by informed, engaged leaders who are willing to step up and speak on behalf of farmers and ranchers. Helping develop those leaders today is one of the best investments we can make in the future of agriculture.
President Larry Reagan District 2
According to USDA, approximately 500 million sterile flies are needed each week to effectively eradicate NWS. A new production facility in Texas is expected to provide the remaining 300 million flies per week, but it is not anticipated to be operational until sometime next year, although some estimates suggest it could be ready in as little as six months. Until then, there remains a significant shortfall in the number of sterile flies available for eradication efforts.
As a result, the flies continue moving north. Several cases have already been confirmed in Texas, with another reported in New Mexico.
This brings me to my primary concern. USDA APHIS depends on timely and accurate reports of NWS detections so that the limited supply of sterile flies can be deployed where they will have the greatest impact. However, if livestock producers fear that reporting an infected animal will result in quarantines for themselves or their neighbors, many may choose not to report suspected cases. Instead, they may simply treat the animal and move on.
With today's veterinary tools and treatments, producers can often successfully treat screwworm infestations, and fatalities are uncommon when infections are identified early. For that reason, one of the most effective steps we can take at this time is to remove the continued threat of quarantine. Encouraging producers to report suspected cases without fear of unnecessary restrictions will provide USDA APHIS with the accurate information needed to target sterile fly releases and slow the spread of this devastating pest.
CEO Benjamin Segovia
Together We Can Strengthen Our Organization
... cont. from Page 4
While farmers and ranchers across our state continue the important daily responsibilities of managing their agricultural operations, NMF&LB staff remains actively engaged in advocacy efforts that support and promote agriculture at the local, state, and national levels.
Our Field Managers continue to work diligently with county Farm Bureau organizations to strengthen grassroots leadership by recruiting and engaging new board members from across the agricultural sector. They are also focused on building strong business relationships with Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) insurance representatives to help increase membership and enhance the value of New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau participation.
Segovia cont. on page 22
Segovia
CEO Benjamin Segovia
At the same time, our programs including New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom, the Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Committee, and the Women’s Leadership Program are actively promoting educational and leadership opportunities that encourage greater member involvement. These programs play a vital role in highlighting the United States food production system, which remains the most productive and abundant food system in the world.
Like many organizations, we have faced challenges resulting from inflation and the impacts of natural disasters, including drought, wildfires, floods, and hailstorms. These circumstances have contributed to a decline in membership. In response, NMF&LB staff is renewing its focus on the grassroots foundation that has always been the strength of our organization. We are encouraging members to share their stories and explain why they support and belong to Farm Bureau
Farm Bureau exists to serve and support farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals across New Mexico Your voice, involvement, and commitment are essential to our continued success
As CEO I consider membership growth to be everyone’s responsibility, therefore, I encourage each of you to reach out to your friends, neighbors, and family members and invite them to join Farm Bureau
Together, we can strengthen our organization, grow our membership, and ensure that agriculture continues to have a strong and united voice for generations to come.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to New Mexico agriculture.
Federal agriculture policy continues to move at a rapid pace, with several developments that could have significant impacts on New Mexico producers.
By Josh Wood, NMF&LB Coordinator of Government Affairs
The House Agriculture Committee recently introduced the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, legislation aimed at modernizing the H-2A agricultural guest worker program. The proposal would create a year-round H-2A visa option for sectors such as dairy and livestock, streamline the application process, strengthen workforce verification, and provide producers with greater flexibility to meet labor needs while maintaining worker protections. While the bill still faces consideration in Congress, it represents one of the most significant efforts in years to address long-standing agricultural labor shortages. (agriculture.house.gov)
Another issue receiving increased attention is the rapid expansion of data centers across the United States. Driven largely by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, these facilities are creating new economic opportunities while also increasing demand for electricity, water, and land resources. States are beginning to evaluate how to balance economic development with infrastructure capacity, energy reliability, and impacts on local communities. As discussions continue nationwide, New Mexico remains well positioned to attract future investment, making it important to monitor how data center growth intersects with agriculture, water policy, and rural development. (MultiState)
