NM Stockman | 09-2026

The Magazine for Western Life SEPTEMBER 2026

1 SEPTEMBER 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026

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15 Charolais

NEW MEXICO STOCKMAN P.O. Box 7127, Albuquerque, NM 87194 505-243-9515 E-mail: carenroad1053@gmail.com

Official publication of ... n New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association nmcga20@gmail.com P.O. Box 850, Moriarty NM 87035 Office: 505.247.0584 , Fax: 505.842.1766 Physical Location: 809 First Street, Moriarty NM 87035 Pres­i­dent, Tom Paterson n New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc. nmwgi@nmagriculture.org P.O. Box 850, Moriarty NM 87035 Office: 505.247.0584 , Fax: 505.842.1766 Physical Location 809 First Street, Moriarty NM 87035 President, Antonio Manzanares n New Mexico Federal Lands Council newmexicofederallandscouncil@gmail.com 3417 Avenida Charada NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 President, Ty Bays

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Publisher: Caren Cowan Publisher Emeritus: Chuck Stocks Advertising Representatives: Chris Martinez Melinda Martinez Contributing Editors: Carol Wilson Callie Gnatkowski-Gibson Howard Hutchinson Lee Pitts

PRODUCTION Production Coordinator: Carol Pendleton Editorial & Advertising Design: Kristy Hinds

ADVERTISING SALES Chris Martinez at 505-243-9515 or chris@aaalivestock.com

DEPARTMENTS 10 NMCGA President’s Message

by Tom Paterson, President

12 Just the Facts... & Then Some

by Caren Cowan, Publisher, New Mexico Stockman

(USPS 381-580) is published monthly by Caren Cowan, P.O. Box 7127 Albuquerque, NM 87194 Subscription price: 1 year hard copy and digital access $50, Digital access $30 Single issue price $10, Directory price $30 Subscriptions are non-refundable and may be purchased at www.aaalivestock.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to New Mexico Stockman, P.O. Box 7127, Albuquer­que, NM 87194. Periodicals Postage paid at Albuquerque, New Mexico, and additional mailing offices. Copyright© 2015 by New Mexico Stockman. Material may not be used without permission of the publisher. Deadline for editorial and advertising copy, changes and cancellations is the 10th of the month preceding publication. Advertising rates on request.

by Lee Pitts

41 View From The Backside

by Barry Denton

42 New Mexico Federal Lands News

by Jerry Schickendanz

44 Food & Fodder

by Deanna Dickinson McCalL

45 New Mexico’s Old Times & Old Timers

by Don Bullis

54 Marketplace 56 Seedstock Guide 59 Real Estate Guide 74, 76 From The Arena

by Julie Carter

83 For the Love of Beef 84 Advertisers’ Index

FEATURES 16 Value Trace: Connecting Genetics to Value Source: American International Charolais Association

22 Wildfire and Recovery in the Southwest: What Ranchers Are Facing Now

36 NMCGA Opens Applications for Scholarships, Linda Davis Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy and Allied Industries Mentorship Program 40 Connell Claims World Champion Title at Calgary Stampede Int’l Livestock Auctioneer Competition

by Tina Wilson, coordinator, New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program

49 Keeping Working Lands Working, Guardrails for Solar Development Source: New Mexico Association of Soil Conservation Districts

52 Services Rescind ESA Definition of “Harm, ” Face Lawsuits Source: Southern Ag Today

54 Cattle Research May Provide Answers to Father’s Role in Pregnancy Loss

by Kay Ledbetter, Texas Agri Life

64 Answering New Mexico’s Most Pressing Water Questions

by Alexander “Sam” Fernald, Director, Water Resources Research Institute, New Mexico State University

68 New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Heritage Buckle Contest Honors Youth 70 New Mexico Youth Dominate on the World Horse Stage 80 Team New Mexico Storms the National High School Rodeo Finals 82 USDA Acts to Remove Roadless Rule Restrictions That Exacerbate Rising Wildfire Risk Source: USDA

by Juan Montoya, M3 Land & Cattle LLC

31 A Final Decision in the Ortega Case ... Sort of!

SEPTEMBER 2026

VOL 92, No. 9 USPS 381-580

4 SEPTEMBER 2026

by Tricia Loscher, Chief Curator, Sigler Western Museum, Wickenburg Sun

14 New Mexico CowBelles Jingle Jangle 30 Sandhill Sheriffs And Shotgun Diplomacy 32 News Update: OK Beef Advisory Council; TAHC

by Julie Carter Establishes New World Screw Work Requirements from Mexico; Interior Announces Expansion 48 From New Mexico to Argentina: Building Agricultural Leaders 38 Riding Herd

by Patty Waid New Mexico Stockman

34 Remembering Shoofly Shufelt A Lasting Legacy in Western Art

Source: Mountain States Legal Foundation

on the cover Dawn’s Early Light gives a glimpse of fall works cowboys in the West are starting this month. The painting is by Kim Trickey, an Eastern Arizona cowgirl livin’ the dream she has had since she was a child. For this and Kim’s other works visit www.kimtrickey.com

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The Stockman covers some 37 states from Maine to Hawaii and Florida to Washington.

The Stockman mails to nearly 6,000 households ... and we are told that many issues are passed on to others for a total readership of 24,000.

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NM Cattle Growers President’s M; 9.9 in; Black; -; 4-hf_fp PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Tom Paterson NMCGA President

Tom Paterson President Luna Dan Estrada President Elect Trementina Marshal Wilson Vice President at Large Mesilla Park

Dear Cattle Growers,

A

ugust was a busy month and a good reminder of why Cattle Growers must stay engaged on many fronts at the same time. Some issues require us to play defense. Others give us an opportunity to move the ball forward. In either case, our job is to show up, stay informed and keep pressing for practical solutions for the New Mexico cattle industry.

One of the month’s most important developments was the Department of Energy’s decision not to move forward with designation of the proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor across eastern New Mexico. Cattle Growers worked hard to educate landowners and public officials about the implications of that proposal. We support needed infrastructure, but private property should be acquired through negotiation—not the threat of eminent domain.

New World Screwworm has also demanded constant attention. USDA’s phased reopening of the border to Mexican cattle began at Douglas, Arizona, on August 24. We participated in discussions with Secretary Brooke Rollins, CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott and others about reopening while maintaining the safeguards necessary to protect our cattle herd. With significant NWS activity in Chihuahua and detections in Sonora, we will continue closely monitoring disease conditions and the implications for New Mexico ports.

Tracy Drummond SW Vice President Reserve

We made progress on another border issue. Following concerns raised by ranchers near Deming regarding unauthorized water wells drilled for border-wall construction, additional drilling was stopped and DHS directed that four wells be capped. We support securing the border, but federal construction must comply with New Mexico water law and respect neighboring ranchers. We continue working toward resolution of water use, reclamation, fencing and communication issues.

Dave Kenneke NE Vice President Cimarron

On Mexican wolves, we continue pressing for faster notification of wolf clusters, better location information for ranchers and law enforcement, improved investigator training and meaningful management flexibility. Wildlife Services’ revised Standards of Evidence are an important step.

Jeff Decker SW Vice President Lovington

Much of August was also spent laying the groundwork for the 2027 Legislature. Our developing priorities include recurring agricultural-water funding, expanded veterinary student assistance, meat-processing grants, wolf compensation and management, landscape-scale brush control and assistance addressing other land management issues affecting our cattle producers.

Marjorie Lantana NE Vice President

September will keep us moving. We expect to begin working with the Forest Service to advertise vacant grazing allotments. We will participate in Representative Meredith Dixon’s energy and climate conference on September 15 and Representative Dow’s water task force meeting in Socorro on September 16, while our committees continue preparing legislative strategies and finalizing arrangements for the December Joint Stockmen’s Convention.

Tamara Hurt Secretary/Treasurer Deming Bronson Corn Immediate Past President Roswell

There is plenty of work ahead. Thank you to our members, committees, staff and partners who continue to engage. When agriculture speaks with a knowledgeable, united voice, people listen.

Adelante juntos, Ganaderos.

Loren Patterson Past President Corona Tom Paterson, President

10 SEPTEMBER 2026

THE LAND DOESN’T NEED ANOTHER POLITICIAN. IT NEEDS SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO MANAGE IT. “Some families pass down heirlooms.

Mine passed down a love for New Mexico.”

Long before I ever thought about running for Commissioner of Public Lands, the land was shaping who I would become.

My grandfather, Ladd S. Gordon, devoted his career to New Mexico’s wildlife, serving as Director of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Some of my earliest lessons didn’t come from a classroom. They came from time spent with him, listening to his stories, hunting quail together and learning that taking care of New Mexico’s wildlife meant taking care of the land that sustains it.

I didn’t fully understand it then, but those lessons stuck.

Years later, I earned my degree in Wildlife Science from New Mexico State University, pinned on a game warden’s badge and began making stories of my own.

I spent days and nights horseback, in boats and aircraft, and behind the wheel covering some of the most remote country in New Mexico.

I worked wildlife cases, helped landowners, relocated animals and learned something no textbook could have taught me: The land will tell you what it needs if you’re willing to spend enough time on it.

Eventually, my little boy started watching me the same way I had watched the men who came before me.

Colton had his own hand me down game warden uniform. He would tuck his shirt in just right, pull his pants down over his boot laces, climb into his little

electric Jeep covered in Game and Fish stickers conservation and production. and head out carrying his fake shotgun.

We don’t have to choose between wildlife and He wanted to be just like Dad. agriculture.

Those are the kinds of memories that remind We don’t have to choose between energy and you that the example you set matters. responsible stewardship.

For 33 years, caring for New Mexico’s natural And we shouldn’t have to choose between resources hasn’t been something I’ve talked protecting our public lands and allowing New about.

Mexicans to actually use and enjoy them.

It’s been my life’s work.

There is a better way.

One project still sticks with me.

It starts with active management, local knowledge, science, common sense and We were dealing with deer in an area where listening to the people who actually live and the traditional approach wasn’t working. I kept work on the land. thinking, There has to be a better way.

Today, when I think about why I’m running, I So we found one. think about Colton.

With volunteers, donated equipment, produce, I think about the grandchildren Kim and I a drop net and eventually telemetry collars, we hope to have someday. developed a relocation effort that could move 25 to 30 deer at a time.

And I think about something my family taught me long before I understood the word It wasn’t glamorous. It took people willing to stewardship. get dirty, work together and try something different.

Hunt it.

But it worked.

Work it.

I’ve carried that lesson throughout my career.

Cut wood from it.

Later, at the State Land Office, I worked on Make your living from it. habitat projects along the I 40 corridor near Enjoy it.

Clines Corners. We planted native grasses, But when your time on that piece of ground is treated mesquite, maintained forage, cleaned finished, leave it better than you found it. up the landscape and worked with partners to Win or lose an election, I’ll keep doing this improve wildlife movement. work.

There is something pretty special about going I’ll keep improving habitat. I’ll keep working back to a piece of ground after you’ve worked on watersheds. I’ll keep fighting for healthy it and seeing grass where there wasn’t grass public and private lands because that work before. didn’t begin with a campaign, and it won’t end Seeing wildlife use it. with one.

Seeing water stay on the landscape a little But as Commissioner of Public Lands, we have longer. an opportunity to do it on a much greater scale.

That’s when you understand that stewardship Nine million acres of State Trust Land can Paid

by Michael Perry for Land Commissioner, Katie Lollar, Treasurer isn’tfor a slogan. generate revenue for our schools while also You can see it on the ground. supporting agriculture, energy, wildlife, I’ve also seen the other side. recreation and healthier watersheds.

I’ve watched what happens when we don’t We can use the land without using it up. manage the land.

That’s stewardship.

Forests become overcrowded. Grass disappears That’s what I’ve spent 33 years learning. beneath trees and brush. Watersheds suffer.

That’s what I want to pass on to the next Wildlife habitat declines. Agricultural generation. producers struggle. And when wildfire finally And that’s why I’m asking for your vote. comes, families and entire communities can pay the price.

Michael J. Perry New Mexico doesn’t have to choose between FOR NM COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS

33 Years of Natural Resource Experience.

A Lifetime of Loving New Mexico.

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SEPTEMBER 2026

11

JUST THE FACTS ... & THEN SOME

by Caren Cowan, Publisher New Mexico Stockman

Short Window for Wolf Funding

T

he Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) sign-up period for the Mexican Wolf RCPP Non-Lethal Management Funding opened in the new fiscal year on September 1 and closes on December 18. You can sign up through your NRCS Office.

For assistance in submitting the application contact Sisto Hernandez at (928) 940-2577. Getting funding is all about how the application is worded.

Between a Rock & a Hard Place President Trump drew ire from the beef cattle industry in late August when he called for tariff-free beef trimmings to come into the US, in an effort to bring down beef prices

at the grocery store. The action drove live affinity for ranchers and farmers. The simple and cattle futures prices down. fact of the matter is that he cannot make it Part of the issue is that most of the rain, and that’s what beef producers need the “popular” press doesn’t know the difference most. between beef and trimmings. Most of the He certainly didn’t get much credit for reporting was that ground beef was to come. working to bring beef costs down for One of the primary beef imports into the consumers.

US is trimmings that are used with homegrown beef to create hamburger because On the screwworm front... hamburger-bound cattle tend to be lean.

No news is good news! At the end of In an apparent effort to placate the ranch- August, the USDA approved the release of ing community, Trump has since suggested the infested zones in Texas and Arizona. weakening meat processing regulations so The agency also allowed the crossing of beef producers can sell directly to consumers. hundreds of cattle at the Mexican border That went over like a lead balloon too. crossing in Douglas, Arizona. That was American ranchers work hard to produce despite the fact that there had been nine a premium product that is safe and nutri- screwworm cases identified in the adjacent tious. They don’t want anything that will state of Sonora, Mexico. harm that reputation.

There were those who were concerned There is no doubt that the four big packers about the border opening’s impact on the run the market. There have been many inves- market. However, there was so much going tigations into that, but no one has come up on that week that there was no detection of with a solution. any market change on this count.

Investing in small local packing houses Although there have been rumors for has been a priority for the Trump adminis- some time, reporter Ammon Blair said the tration. Over time, these plants will benefit quiet part out loud: “Mexican cartels have local communities and ranching families. worked their way into Mexico’s cattle busiBut these plants are not the answer to feeding ness, extorting ranchers, controlling sales, the American public and the world. and corrupting the records and documents It is clear that President Trump has a great used to move cattle legally.”

Word is that cartels have involved themselves in the screwworm issue while importing boxed beef into the US. Across roughly 10 municipalities producing about 100,000 export-bound cattle a year, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, installed regional collectors, dictated whom ranchers could sell to, and extracted roughly five pesos per kilogram from transactions, according to Blair in a story entitled “Cartels Are Exploiting Mexico’s Cattle Trade As Americans Pay More For Beef.” The story was published by The Federalist and the Texas Public Policy Center.

Rebuilding the Great American Beef Herd In a busy late August, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a sweeping package of actions to continue rebuilding the nation’s beef herd.

Actions will include a new Beef Retention and National Development (BRAND) endorsement for Livestock Risk Protection (LRP). The BRAND endorsement will allow producers to insure the economic value of retaining a heifer for breeding over a twoyear period.

The endorsement would establish a protected value based on the expected slaughter value of the heifer at the time of enrollment.

12 SEPTEMBER 2026

If, at any time during the endorsement period, the heifer’s projected or realized slaughter value exceeds the economic value of retaining her as breeding stock, the policy would provide for the difference.

The USDA will also prioritize federal procurement of locally processed American beef by encouraging purchasing across federal and state institutions—including prisons, hospitals, and related facilities. By strengthening locally processed domestic sourcing requirements, USDA aims to bolster demand for American‑raised beef, support U.S. ranchers, and reinforce integrity and transparency within federal food purchasing programs.

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JINGLE JANGLE

W

here d i d t h e summer go?

It’s hard to believe September is already here!

As we welcome fall, many of us are busy with fairs, livestock shows, school activities, and preparations for the cooler months ahead.

The New Mexico CowBelles have had a busy summer, too. We have enjoyed visiting with cattle producers, families, and communities across the state while sharing the story of beef and highlighting the hard work that goes into bringing beef to our tables. September is a wonderful time to remind our communities that beef doesn’t just happen—it starts with New Mexico Cattle Growers, New CowBelles, and ranch families who work yearround to care for their cattle and the land.

We are proud to help tell that story and support our cattle industry. We encourage everyone to attend and support local fairs, livestock shows, and community events. Stop by the CowBelles booths, say hello, share a beef story, and thank a cattle producer for all they do. These events provide valuable opportunities to educate consumers and help the next generation understand where their food comes from.

As cattle growers, we know that protecting our way of life takes dedication and perseverance. Let’s continue fighting for our rights, standing together, and supporting one another as we face the challenges ahead. We also continue to pray for rain and trust that better days are ahead. God bless our cattle growers, families, communities, and the great state of New Mexico.

Looking ahead, the New Mexico CowBelles are preparing for our Annual Meeting in December in Albuquerque. We look forward to gathering with members from across the state, sharing ideas, recognizing the hard work of our members, and making plans for another successful year of promoting beef and supporting New Mexico’s cattle industry.

From all of us at the New Mexico CowBelles, thank you to our cattle growers for everything you do for agriculture, our communities, and the land we are fortunate to call home. Keep telling your story, keep supporting beef, keep fighting for our rights, and keep ’em growing!

God Bless, – Misti Orr, President, NM CowBelles Frisco Cowbelles have been busy all spring with many great projects. The April meeting covered many events for the month.

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The group had a table full of beef brochures ment. She is looking at potholders and and literature at the Dutch Oven cookoff. spatulas, and other things found in a kitchen.

CowBelles put together a beautiful basket for Another item could be the calendars. Members the 4-H Spring Bingo. Right after that plans are actively speaking with local producers to were set in place for the McKeen AgXplorer fill the spots. The deadline is coming quickly Ranch Days. Plans for food, set up, tables, to have at the fair. Jeni is willing to put them signs and more. In the two days of Ranch together and the group will reimburse her for Days 850 hamburgers were served to 600 kids the purchase of the software needed. Booth and teachers; plus, to all the helpers and pre- shifts will be available at the next meeting. senters. It was a good bunch. Presenters also Shonda will send out membership forms in stayed to have dinner on Tuesday night. Dis- September. The last item discussed was the trict meeting in Socorro was enjoyed by four need to fulfill the Adopt a Highway obligation. members; learning about such things as BQA, A date of August 29th at 7:30 a.m. is set. succession planning and more. Members Destiny will gather the forms needed and brought their beef cuts to grill at the McKeen information for the vests. REMINDERS: Beef Ranch for Father’s Day and enjoyed visiting raffle tickets are available, see Nancy. The for the rest of the afternoon. The main fund- next meeting is September 3rd, 2026, 12 p.m. raiser is the 4th of July barbecue, art auction at Johnny B’s Restaurant. Remember to bring and dance. This year there was a Ranch Rodeo Bullocks receipts and a friend! The meeting held again in the morning and fireworks that was adjourned at 1:15 p.m. and Betty won the evening. All the plans went well. A great door prize. Submitted by Destiny Sanders group came early to eat and take part in the Mesilla Valley CowBelles met on August art auction. Then the dance with Bert Fergu- 20, 2026 with nine members present. After son and Sierra County Line. They played quick check-ins with family and all, business, music under the great patriotic decor until called Southern NM State Fair commenced. time to have the fireworks. This was a beau- SNMSF & R Booth cleanup will be Saturday, tiful celebration for the 250th anniversary of September 19, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. The fair will Independence Day. Then the dance contin- run Sept. 30 – Oct. 4, 2026. Gretchen will ask ued to the last final colorful patriotic tribute about passes for the group. The group will to our country and the promotion of beef. decorate the booth on the morning of SeptemSubmitted by Margie McKeen ber 30. Gretchen will man the booth each day, Chamiza CowBelles’ August meeting was until 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. each day. Please plan called to order by President Destiny Sanders on assisting when available. SNMSF AgXat at Johnny B’s Restaurant with nine members plorer Days are September 30, October 1 & 2. present. Sherry led the Pledge of Allegiance, Wednesday and Thursday is dedicated to 3rd Creed, and Prayer. The August agenda and grade presentations and Friday, October 2, the minutes were approved. Shonda read the STEM Ag Career Fair Day will engage middle Treasurer’s report. There are two outstanding and high school students. Traci will resend checks to the New Mexico CowBelle’s and to the sign up for presentations link to the group. the Petersen Memorial. Cathy gave a quick Janelda will help with Beef presentation on recap of the Petersen Memorial. She was able Wednesday and Thursday. Mary Esther and to sell a few items and felt like there wasn’t as Fita are taking a break this year, and Janelda much traffic as normal. The Petersen’s (and anyone else willing) will try to fill their thanked the group for the donation and were shoes. Janet will have presentation material happy to see the stipulation of using the dona- in the trailer or at booth depending on which tion towards beef products. The banner was side the beef one is on. Presenters must be set hung on the inside of the arena, which a up and vehicles off the grounds by 8:30 a.m.; picture of made the newspaper. Shonda pro- start presenting 9:00-9:15 a.m., wrapping up vided an update from the ANCW meeting. It around 11:40 a.m. Janet will take out the has been expressed how Secretary Kennedy booth materials Sunday or Monday of Fair has been helpful to the beef industry as a week. Logistics continued to be discussed whole. She also informed all that there is still including decision to make donations to the only one case of Screwworm in the State of Beef and Heifer shows; Gretchen will check New Mexico. It is time to start thinking about with Beef Superintendent regarding MVCB the next event, the Sierra County Fair, sched- donations. Reminder that dues are due uled for October 6th-11th. Chamiza will be October 1, 2026. Dues are $50 per member. donating small water bottles this year, and Janet will send out membership requests soon. they will be placed in tubs located around the Next meeting is September 19, 2026, at the fairgrounds. This was greatly appreciated by booth, SNMSF. Submitted by Gretchen all last year, and the group feel this is the best Lindsay way to contribute. To have more items for sale New Mexico CowBelles: Thank you to all who have submitted at the booth, it was decided for Shonda to their news to Jingle Jangle. As a reminder, please send minutes and/or newsletters to Jingle Jangle, Janet Witte, 1860 Foxboro purchase items as needed, based on her judge- Ct., Las Cruces, NM 88007 or email: janetwitte@msn.com by the 14th of every month. Have a great month!

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SEPTEMBER 2026

15

Value Trace:

Connecting Genetics to Value

Source: American International Charolais Association

U

nderstanding the genetic potential of an animal is a powerful tool. Knowing what those genetics actually deliver through the feedyard and ultimately on the rail makes that information even more valuable.

The beef industry has made tremendous progress in understanding genetics. Seedstock producers have EPDs, genomic information and generations of performance records available to help guide breeding decisions. Commercial producers use that information to select bulls that complement their cow herds and produce calves that fit their marketing goals.

It’s a winning formula, but the challenges…the real costs…comes after those calves leave the ranch.

Feedyards collect information about gain, feed efficiency and health. Packers collect

carcass information. Yet much of what is learned farther down the production chain never makes it back to the commercial producer or seedstock producer who made the genetic decisions that created those cattle.

“We’ve missed a huge gap in terms of data connectivity,” AICA Executive Vice President Brett Spader says. “We’ve put too much work into changing genetic populations to allow the final story to not make it back to the cow-calf and seedstock producers.”

The American-International Charolais Association (AICA) is working to change that with Value Trace, an artificial intelligence tool designed to connect genetics with individual animal performance and provide information producers can use to make better decisions.

“We really need more data connectivity so we can understand how these genetics work all throughout the beef chain,” says Spader.

“And we need to be able to deliver premiums back to U.S. cow herds and ultimately back to seedstock producers, whether that’s premiums in the form of financial premiums or data premiums.”

What does Value Trace do?

The first application of Value Trace starts in the feedyard, where solar-powered cameras capture cattle throughout the

Professional Charolais Sales Management

16 SEPTEMBER 2026

feeding period.

The cameras use facial and body conformation recognition to identify cattle and estimate individual weights as animals move within range. Spader says the cameras can train on a pen in about an hour. The system can then combine what the cameras are seeing with known sire EPDs to begin predicting how those cattle will perform and when they may reach an optimum harvest point.

That information creates opportunities that extend well beyond knowing how much a steer weighs.

Value Trace can provide information about individual feed conversion, predictive red meat yield and predictive quality grade.

The technology can also identify when cattle stop gaining or begin going off feed, providing another source of information that could help feedyard managers identify potential health concerns.

The project has also moved well beyond its initial trial phase. AICA began with approximately 79 head, expanded to roughly 300 head in the second phase and now has about 3,000 head under camera in nine feedyards across six states.

continued on page 18 >>

C 8086 SANCHO 1084 ET bk Sherman 4059

BK Miss Sancho 3059

BK Belle Air 2299 ET

Productive Powerful Poðer¡uº Proven ProveÁ

With in business business,, we know the the industry industry!! Our will With over over 100 years years in we know Our cattle cattle will work pasture and and still still pass pass the the eye eye test test for for any any udge judge.. work in in any any pasture Skip the Skip the pressure pressure of of an an auction auction!! Call Call to to schedule schedule a a visit visit to to look look through through registered Herefords,, angus, registered Herefords angus, and and charolais charolais bulls bulls today! today!

Bill: 505-220-9909 | om: 505-321-8808 | ill in ranch.com | oriar , SEPTEMBER 2026

17

VALUE

<< cont from page 16

Bringing information back to the genetic decision Think about how long it takes to determine whether a genetic decision was successful.

A seedstock producer plans a mating, produces a calf and develops that calf into a bull.

A commercial producer purchases the bull, breeds him to a group of cows and waits for calves. Those calves are born, raised, weaned and eventually marketed. Some may be backgrounded before entering a feedyard, where several more months pass before harvest.

By the time carcass information exists, a year or more may have passed since the original mating decision.

Even then, the seedstock producer may

Breed complementarity is part of the never see that data. equation That disconnect limits the industry’s ability to use the information it is already Connecting genetics with performance generating. also creates an opportunity to better under“We need to know Total Industry Value™ stand breed complementarity. all the way through,” Spader explains. “And Charolais has traditionally occupied a then we need to be able to bring that infor- terminal role in the U.S. beef industry. mation back when we’re making those AICA’s focus on traits such as growth, feed genetic selection tools that bull buyers efficiency and red meat yield is built around believe in—the tools they’re going to market the understanding that Charolais genetics their calves on.” are often being used with maternal genetics Value Trace is intended to shorten that from another breed. feedback loop and make commercial perfor“We’ve always viewed ourselves as a termance part of the genetic conversation minal sire option when it comes to genetics, sooner. whether we’re looking at feed efficiency or The amount of information collected driving red meat yield,” Spader explains. “So matters, but the ability to use it matters more. right from the get-go, when we’re creating “Data without actionable insights is Charolais genetics, we’re thinking about the worthless,” Spader says. continued on page 21 >>

Charolais BUlls for sale

Charolais BUlls for sale

Gentle • Ranch Raised • RanGe Ready • PRoven Gentle Ranch Raised Bloodlines RanGe Ready ReGisteRed ReGisteRed PRoven Bloodlines •

•

•

RJRJCattle always totosiRe CattleCo/RamRo Co/RamRollC llC alwaysstRives stRives siRequality quality guaRanteed bulls. all bulls aRe FeRtility tested. guaRanteed bulls. all bulls aRe FeRtility tested. we also Raise and oCCasionally sell heiFeRs. we also Raise and oCCasionally sell heiFeRs.

RaMRo llc / RJ cattle co 18 SEPTEMBER 2026

713-204-4903 • 713-253-4804

19 SEPTEMBER 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026

19

GRAU

CHAROLAIS RANCH Grady, New Mexico

Don’t Gamble with Lighter Payweights On Next Fall’s Calf Crop!

Get Proven Performance & Hybrid Vigor from GRAU CHAROLAIS RANCH BULLS! GCR Bulls = more pounds per calf weaned = more total Dollars per calf sold = more TOTAL PROFIT!

Bulls and Females like these for sale private treaty, year-round.

T. Lane Grau 575-760-6336 tlgrau@hotmail.com

20 SEPTEMBER 2026

Cheryl D. Grau 575-799-7171 www.GrauCharolaisRanch.com SEPTEMBER 2026

20

VALUE

<< cont from page 18

rest of the beef system.”

It’s a distinction that sets Charolais apart in the conversation. Commercial producers don’t need every breed to do the same thing.

They need breeds that complement one another.

A maternal cow can bring fertility, longevity and maternal ability to the equation, while a terminal sire can add growth, efficiency and red meat yield—all traits Charolais sires are known to excel in. Heterosis can and does add another layer of performance.

“We don’t talk about heterosis enough. I believe that a lot of our 2026 U.S. beef industry problems, heterosis could help solve,” Spader says.

Value Trace gives the industry another way—a faster way—to evaluate how those breed combinations actually work.

Creating value for the feeder matters For Value Trace to work throughout the beef chain, the information also has to benefit cattle feeders.

The cattle feeder dashboard under development is designed to provide information that can be used while cattle are still on feed.

That includes alerts when performance appears abnormal and information that helps feeders evaluate feed efficiency alongside quality and yield.

Procurement could become another important piece.

Commercial producers enrolled in CharAdvantage can provide information about the sires behind t heir ca lves a nd upload a cell phone video showing cattle they intend to market.

T hat c re ate s a n opportunity for cattle feeders to evaluate those calves with more information about their genetic p ot e nt i a l b e fore determining what they are worth.

And that matters because when feeders

have more confidence in what a set of cattle can do, there is an opportunity for that value to work backward through the chain to garner higher prices.

A commercial producer who creates more valuable feeder cattle will have an opportunity to capture that value. And when that happens, the registered seedstock producer supplying the genetics benefits as well.

Connecting the pieces The beef industry has already demonstrated what genetic progress can accomplish.

Spader points to the long-term increase in hot carcass weights as evidence that producers have continually found ways to produce more beef with fewer resources. Genetics and management have both contributed to that progress.

That means connecting seedstock genetics to commercial calves, commercial calves to feedyard performance and feedyard information back to the producers selecting the next generation of cattle.

Value Trace will not replace the genetic tools producers already use. But it will make those tools more useful by adding information from farther down the production chain at a faster rate.

The industry already knows how to collect information. The opportunity now is

to connect that information so producers can understand genetic potential, verify performance and make the next decision with more confidence.

▫

Here The power of payweight starts with a registered Charolais bull. Superior weaning weight matters in your operation, and every pound translates to profit.

Rely on the Payweight Specialist to deliver more dollars per head per calf weaned.

A

D V E RT I S E

in the New Mexico Stockman.

Call: 505/243-9515.

C Bar R A N C H SLATON, TEXAS

Charolais & Angus Bulls

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SEPTEMBER 2026

21

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Wildfire and Recovery in the Southwest: What Ranchers Are Facing Now

by Juan Montoya, M3 Land & Cattle LLC

W

ildfire in the Southwest is no longer something ranchers prepare for occasionally it is becoming part of the operating environment itself.

Across north-central New Mexico and into the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado, fires are becoming more frequent, burning hotter, and affecting larger areas than they did in the past. What used to be considered an extreme year is beginning to feel more common.

For ranchers and land managers, that changes how operations must be approached.

Wildfire is no longer just an emergency response issue. It is a land management issue, a recovery issue, and increasingly, a longterm operational issue.

Why Fire Risk Is Increasing Wildfire conditions do not come from one single problem. They build overtime.

Extended drought, inconsistent moisture, heavy fuel buildup, and high winds all play a role. In some years, strong grass production creates heavier fuel loads later in the season once conditions dry out. In others, prolonged drought weakens vegetation and leaves the landscape more vulnerable overall.

Across much of the Southwest, these conditions are becoming more common.

The Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire in northern New Mexico showed how quickly wildfire can reshape both the landscape and the operations depending on it. Large areas of grazing land were impacted, and many producers were forced to adjust quickly as allotments, forage access, and recovery timelines changed almost overnight.

For many operations, years of planning changed within days.

When multiple years of drought, fuel buildup, and inconsistent recovery begin stacking together, the pressure on both the land and the people managing it increases significantly.

Sales • Service • Rental • Locally Owned & Operated

505-227-7318 • riograndescales@yahoo.com

The Relationship Between Grazing and Fuel Load continued on page 25 >>

22 SEPTEMBER 2026

BRANGUS ANGUS RED ANGUS

23 SEPTEMBER 2026

Tate Pruett , Manager 575-365-6356 Ray Karen Westall , Owner 575-361-2071

L o w B i r t h We i g h t Mo d e r a t e F r a me R a i s e d i n R o u g h Co u n t r y R e a d y t o Wo r

Ranch Location 1818 Arabela Road Arabela , NM SEPTEMBER 2026

23

FORT STOCKTON, TX

FALL SALE OCT. 6, 2026 Sale Manager - Sarah McKenzie - (915)-637-3845 We believe in the power of tradition. Our family has been raising cattle in the southwest for +100 YEARS, and selecting our registered Angus herd for over 20 years. Our mission is to produce high-quality, performance Angus genetics that WILL work in any conditions.

75+ BULLS & 50+ BRED HEIFERS

Performance bulls and heifers born and raised in West Texas 24 SEPTEMBER 2026

Mckenziecattle.com

SEPTEMBER 2026

24

WILDFIRE

<< cont from page 22

One of the biggest misunderstandings around wildfire is the idea that grazing either completely prevents fire or causes it. The reality is more complicated.

Poor grazing management can absolutely damage land and slow recovery. But unmanaged fuel buildup can also create conditions where fire spreads faster and burns hotter.

Balance matters.

Healthy grazing management means paying attention to forage levels, recovery periods, and how much material is being carried from one season into the next. In some situations, properly managed grazing can help reduce excess fuel loads while still maintaining healthy grass systems.

Management alone will not stop wildfire.

But it can inf luence how the land responds before and after a fire occurs.

What Happens After the Fire The real challenges often begin after the flames are gone.

Once vegetation is removed, the landscape becomes far more vulnerable. Soil erosion increases. Water runoff changes.

Recovery slows, especially during dry years or in areas where the soil has already been stressed.

In some cases, native grasses return naturally over time. In others, invasive species begin moving in before desirable vegetation can recover.

That creates another long-term challenge for ranchers trying to restore productivity while also protecting the land from further decline.

Recovery does not happen on a fixed timeline.

It depends on moisture, soil condition, grazing pressure, and how quickly the land is allowed to stabilize.

In many mountain areas, wildfire recovery is also complicated by terrain, damaged fencing, limited access routes, and changes to water availability. Wildfire can impact fences, pipelines, drinkers, and water systems that operations depend on every day.

Even after the flames are gone, rebuilding operations across burned countries can take significant time, labor, and expense.

Operational Decisions After a Burn One of the hardest parts of wildfire recovery is balancing operational pressure with

continued on page 26 >> SEPTEMBER 2026

25

WILDFIRE

<< cont from page 25

Paying attention to erosion and runoff Adjusting stocking pressure during recovery periods ЇЇ Being willing to adapt plans based on actual conditions In many parts of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, ranching operations rely heavily on Forest Service and BLM grazing allotments. When wildfire moves through those areas, the effects can last long after the fire itself is contained.

Allotments may remain closed during recovery periods, forcing producers to adjust grazing plans, reduce herd pressure, or search for alternative forage. In some cases, ЇЇ ЇЇ

land recovery.

There is pressure to move cattle back in.

Pressure to maintain production. Pressure to recover financially after a difficult season.

But pushing land too hard after a burn can extend recovery even further and create setbacks that last for years.

What is becoming more important is learning how to watch recovery closely and adjust accordingly. ЇЇ Monitoring regrowth before reintroducing grazing

those adjustments happen with very little time to prepare.

For many operations, allotments are not supplemental grazing—they are a core part of annual planning. Losing access can affect herd movement, feeding costs, grazing rotations, and financial decisions across the entire operation.

One of the hardest realities after a major fire is that recovery timelines do not always match operational needs. Land may need extended rest, but cattle still must be fed, moved, and supported somewhere else in the meantime.

No two fires are the same, and no two recovery periods look identical.

A Changing Reality in the Southwest

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Wildfire is becoming part of the longterm reality of ranching in the Southwest.

It cannot always be prevented, and it cannot always be controlled. But operations can prepare for it, plan around it, and manage land in ways that improve resilience over time.

At M3 Land & Cattle, we believe wildfire recovery starts long before a fire ever happens. It starts with how land is managed year after year.

That means paying attention to grazing pressure, understanding recovery, and recognizing how quickly conditions can change across the Southwest.

Because in this region, resilience is no longer optional, it is becoming part of what keeps an operation moving forward.

Author Bio: Juan Montoya is the founder of M3 Land & Cattle LLC, a ranching and land management operation focused on regenerative agriculture and adaptive grazing practices in the Southwest United States.

▫

Phone: 806-655-3033 • 325-554-7434 Cell: 806-683-4613 • steve@expressscale.com www.expressscale.com

Phone: 806-655-3033 • 325-554-7434 Phone: 806-655-3033 • 325-554-7434 Cell:Cell: 806-683-4613 • steve@expressscale.com 806-683-4613 • steve@expressscale.com Phone: 806-655-3033 • 325-554-7434 www.expressscale.com www.expressscale.com

Cell: 806-683-4613 • steve@expressscale.com www.expressscale.com

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26 SEPTEMBER 2026

BARBER RANCH

ANNUAL BULL SALE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2026 12 noon, Jordan Cattle Auction, San Saba, Texas Selling 100 bulls backed by cutting-edge Hereford genetics!

Polled, Homozygous Polled & Horned Bulls…Powerful…Docile…Efficient…Fertile…GE-EPDs — Also selling a select group of purebred Hereford heifers bred A.I. to calve March 2027 —

BR GKB K014

Momentum N098 ET

He sells November 11th in San Saba!

March 24, 2025 • P44667625 • Polled

✓ Study the pedigree on this outstanding herd sire candidate!

Momentum is backed by tremendous Barber Ranch herd sires and donor dams, top to bottom.

LOEWEN DMF GRACE B42 G17 ET

+2.5 +4.2

$BMI

+320

CHURCHILL SENSATION 028X {SOD} UPS JT MISS NEON 7811 1ET UPS TCC NITRO 1ET BR ABIGAIL 8130 ET

UPS SENSATION 2296 ET

✓ Both his dam and maternal granddam were many-time national BR MERIDA H031 ET BR ANASTASIA 3023 ET champions, including JNHE, as was his foundation dam, Gabrielle.

CED BW WW YW SC

✓ High growth and carcass traits with tremendous phenotype!

BR ENCORE E120A ET BR GKB PISTOL ANNIE 4077 ET NJW 79Z Z311 ENDURE 173D ET LOEWEN 77 48 MISS 344N 4RB42ET

BR GKB TRENDING 0104

BR TRENDING K014 ET

$BII

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» PR I N C I PA L H E RD S I RE S RE PRE S E NTE D « BR TRENDING K014 ET • BR GKB TRENDING 0104 • LOEWEN GENESIS G16 ET BR BELLE AIR 6011 • BR RARE AIR 2174 • BR SAN SABA 3057 • BR E133 ROLLS ROYCE 2384 Brett Barber (806) 681-2457 • Justin Barber (806) 681-5528 Terri Barber (817) 727-6107 • Dale & Mary Barber Heather Reynolds OFFICE (806) 690-3659 office@barberranch.com 10175 FM 3138, Channing, TX 79018 One Family. One Passion. Since 1904.

barberranch.com

Catalog requests: rylee.r.barber@gmail.com • text (806) 676-0098

27 SEPTEMBER 2026

Also selling 40 Angus bulls from Express Ranches

Online bidding

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2026 GKB Cattle & Barber Ranch Female Event Desdemona, TX SEPTEMBER 2026

27

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER 11–20 Junior Livestock Pavilion — JLP *Schedule & Rules are Subject to Change*

statefair.exponm.com/events

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

8:00 a.m. Jr. Market, Jr. Breeding & Dairy Livestock arrival begins – ALL barns 9:30 a.m. Sheep to Shawl – JLP **Demonstrations daily from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m. Milking Demonstrations, JLP

8:00 a.m. Jr. Market Swine Classification & Show – Swine Barn 10:00 a.m. Classify/Check in Jr. Market Beef/ Market Heifers/Weights Due – JLP 12:00 p.m. Jr. Breeding/AOB/Commercial Heifer – Check In Due & Weights Due – JLP 12:00 p.m. Open Angus, AOB & Hereford Cattle Arrival/Check In Ends – Beef Barn*** 5:00 p.m. Replacement Dairy must be in place – Check In by 5:00 p.m. – Beef Barn

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 8:00 a.m. Open Angus, AOB & Hereford Cattle Arrival Begins 8:00 a.m. Agriculture Public Speaking Contest – AAPAC Building 8:00 a.m. Agriculture Science Fair – AAPAC Building 9:00 a.m. Jr. Rabbit/Cavy Show – Rabbit/ Poultry Building 10:00 a.m. Jr. Poultry Show – Rabbit/Poultry Building 5:00 p.m. Jr. Market Beef/Jr. Market Heifers/ Jr. Breeding Heifers – In place JLP***

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 9:30 a.m. Jr. Wether Doe Show – JLP 11:00 a.m. Jr. Market Goat Show – JLP 1:00 p.m. Open Angus, AOB & Hereford Cattle Arrival 1:00 p.m. Jr. Market Swine Showmanship – Swine Barn

28 SEPTEMBER 2026

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 9:00 a.m. Jr. Commercial Ewe Show – JLP 9:00 a.m. Open Angus Cattle Show – Beef Barn*** 10:00 a.m. Jr. Market Lamb Show – JLP 10:00 a.m. Open AOB Cattle Show – Beef Barn*** 11:00 a.m. Open Hereford Cattle Show – Beef Barn*** 1:00 p.m. Jr. Replacement Dairy Heifer Show – Beef Barn

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 9:00 a.m. Open Rabbit Show – Rabbit/Poultry Building 9:00 a.m. Jr. Market Steer/Jr. Market Heifer Show – JLP

10:00 a.m. Open/Jr. Dairy Cattle Show – Beef Barn 2:00 p.m. Jr. Breeding Heifer Show – JLP (or following the Jr. Mkt Steer/Heifer show)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 1:00 p.m. Livestock Judging Contest – JLP 7:00 p.m. Parade of Champions – Tingley Coliseum

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 11:00 a.m. Junior Livestock Sale Registration opens – Horse Arena 1:00 p.m. Junior Livestock Sale – Horse Arena 5:00 p.m. Texas Longhorns must be In Place

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 9:00 a.m. Open Poultry Show – Rabbit/ Poultry Building 10:00 a.m. Texas Longhorn Open & Junior Show – Beef Barn 10:00 a.m. Jr. Dairy Goat Show/ Showmanship – JLP Open Jr. Dairy Goat Show, Youth Sr. Dairy Goat Show, Open Sr. Dairy Goat Show 2:00 p.m. Navajo Sheep and Open Sheep – Show – JLP***

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 9:30 a.m. Southwest Dairy Farmers Attractions – JLP

SEPTEMBER 2026

28

westerntradingpost.com|520.426.7702 935 N Tegner, Wickenburg, AZ 85390

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SEPTEMBER 2026

29

SANDHILL SHERIFFS AND SHOTGUN DIPLOMACY

B&R

by a Sandhills Vet in the Tradition of Baxter Black

Bull Remodelers

M

y friend, Joe, had purchased two black bulls, and for the time being, they were penned in an old set of corrals tucked down among the trees. He didn’t want to turn them out until he had them rebranded, so we stood there leaning on the weathered pole corral, admiring them.

They were good-looking bulls, solid and black as stove coal.

Joe glanced over at me and said, “Isn’t it funny how times change? When Granddad and Dad were alive, you’d have been in a world of trouble bringing black bulls onto this place.”

But times had changed. Black bulls had become a smart move for cattlemen. Used on first-calf heifers, they made calving easier and led to a lot fewer C-sections. Practicality had won out over old preferences, at least until branding time.

We got the branding stove roaring, the irons heating red inside it. The first bull caused no trouble. We worked him into the

O

old, rickety Filson chute – a chute notorious BUIL for choking animals down – and got the job DIN EEL T S GS done without much fuss.

Then came the second bull. Joe placed the CONSTRUCTION iron, and the bull only jumped a little.

INC. “Boy,” we thought. “That was easy.”

“Complete Projects From Slab to Roof” That thought lasted right up until the old ALL STEEL BUILDINGS side-delivery latch stuck.

Serving New Mexico Our black friend came completely Robbie Mobile: 505/350-0767 untracked. He bellowed, thrashed, and Robbie Office: 505/832-1400 Ben Office: 505/832-1400 • Fax: 505/832-1441 505/832-1441 Mobile: 505/321-1091 started sending metal parts flying off the oldMobile: 505/350-0767 Ben -Fax: Mobile: 505/321-1091 email: brconstruction@lobo.net Filson chute. It turned into one of those fullbrnm94@brconstructionco.com blown Ace Reid specials. That bull tore the chute apart and remodeled the whole corral system while he was at it.

From our vantage point high up on the sorting-chute platform, Joe looked down at the wreckage, then over at me.

“I think we really upset him,” he said.

100 We sat quietly on that rickety platform -11,000 and watched the black bull circle below us.

Gallons The longer he circled, the more I thought In Stock NRCS Approved about those stories of hunters in Africa taking refuge in a tree after wounding a Cape Veteran Owned buffalo. They say a buffalo will stay under that tree for days, waiting. I sure hoped this Not Just a Little Better – A LOT High Specific Gravity, Heavy Weight old boy wasn’t kin to any of them.

Long Warranty Black NRCS Tanks About an hour passed. The truck sat too Lifting Eyes — 24 Inch Manhole far away to make a run for it, and the shadows Please call for the BEST SERVICE & VALUE. in the trees were starting to stretch.

Cloudcroft, NM • 1-800-603-8272 Finally, I looked at Joe and said, “That nmwatertanks.com truck’s a long way off right now. It’s going to get cold tonight, and I’m getting hungry. I sure hope he decides to leave before dark, because once the sun goes down, we won’t know if he’s gone or not. Dang, this is looking more and more like one of those African hunting stories.”

U R A D V E RT I S E R S make this magazine possible. Please patronize them, and mention that you saw their ad in ...

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505/243-9515

• NTEP legal for trade • Rubber flooring • Swing gates on both ends • Fork pockets for moving • Powder coat paint • Stainless steel latches • Auto balance • Digital indicator • Printer available We deliver or you can pick it up, super easy to haul!

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SANTA TERESA, NM

30 SEPTEMBER 2026

facebook.com/people/Rafter-G-RanchSupply-LLC/100063622261519

omenici

law firm. p.c.

Oil and Gas Development Issues Water Rights/Water Quality/Water Disposal OCD Hearings Title/Boundary Disputes Easements/ Access issues Right-of-Way/Condemnation Permitting/ Leasing BLM, Forest Service, State Lands Mineral Development Business Dissolution/ Probate Ranch Sales/ Leases/ Purchases Wind & Solar Leases/ Pollution/ Environmental Gas

Pete V. Domenici, Jr., Esq. 320 Gold Avenue SW – Suite 1000 Albuquerque, NM 87102 505/883-6250 • 505/884-3424 Fax www.DomeniciLaw.com

A Final Decision in the Ortega Case …

Sort of!

Source: Mountain States Legal Foundation

O

n August 27th, U.S. District Court Judge James O. Browning entered final judgment in Ortega v. Grisham, our challenge to New Mexico’s 7-day firearms waiting period law. In his order, Judge Browning permanently enjoined the State of New Mexico from enforcing the waiting period against our two plaintiffs in the case – Sam Ortega and Rebecca Scott; but left open the possibility that the state could continue to enforce the law against ALL other New Mexicans.

To add insult to (possible continued) injury, Judge Browning made it a point in his decision to assert his continued belief that the waiting period law is constitutional despite the fact the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals clearly found otherwise. Through this gratuitous assertion, Judge Browning seems to be tacitly encouraging the state to continue to double down on stupid by going forward with future enforcement of the law.

Whether the state actually goes forward with enforcement of the waiting period law now depends on what the Attorney General decides to do over the coming days.

All Judge Browning’s decision has done is create mass confusion among individual citizens and gun store owners in New Mexico over the status of the law. The decision prevents the state from enforcing the waiting period law against our two named plaintiffs, but leaves open the ability of the state to enforce the law against the other 2.12 million people who live in New Mexico.

Will each of them need to bring their own individual lawsuits to acquire a similar injunction? Ridiculous! In trying to reach some sort of middle ground, the district court has failed to do what the 10th Circuit made plainly clear needed to be done … namely, declare New Mexico’s waiting period law unconstitutional and permanently enjoin enforcement of it except as to those individuals whose background checks have not yet cleared.

Rather than choosing the clean and correct route, Judge Browning decided to leave a mess for other plaintiffs and courts to clean up.

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SEPTEMBER 2026

31

ROSWELL LIVESTOCK AUCTION SALES, INC. & ROSWELL LIVESTOCK AUCTION TRUCKING, INC.

900 North Garden · P.O. Box 2041 Roswell, New Mexico 88201 575-622-5580 www.roswelllivestockauction.com CATTLE SALES: MONDAYS • HORSE SALES

BENNY WOOTON CELL 575-626-4754 SMILEY WOOTON CELL 575-626-6253 Producers hauling cattle to Roswell Livestock New Mexico Receiving Stations need to call our toll-free number for a Transportation Permit number before leaving home.

The Hauling Permit number 1-800-748-1541 is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Trucks are available 7 days a week / 24 hours a day

Roswell livestock Auction Receiving stAtions ATTENTION RECEIVNG STATION CUSTOMERS, To be able to schedule trucking, all cattle need to be permitted by 1:00 p.m.

LORDSBURG, NM 20 Bar Livestock Highway #90 at NM #3 – East side of highway. Receiving cattle for transport 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month. Smiley Wooton, 575-622-5580 office, 575-626-6253 cell.

PECOS, TX Jason Heritage is now receiving cattle every Sunday. For information to unload contact Jason Heritage 575-8409544 or Smiley Wooton 575-626-6253. Receiving cattle every Sunday.

VAN HORN, TX 800 West 2nd, 5 blocks west of Courthouse. Bob Kinford, 432284-1553 or Smiley Wooton 575-626-6253. Receiving cattle 1st & 3rd Sundays.

MORIARTY, NM Two blocks east and one block south of Tillery Chevrolet. JC Burson 505-681-7424 or Smiley Wooton 575-622-5580 or office, 575-626-6253 mobile. Receiving cattle every Sunday.

SAN ANTONIO, NM River Cattle Co. Nine miles east of San Antonio on U.S. 380. Receiving cattle for transport 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month. Robert Shepard 575-430-3848 or Smiley Wooton 575-626-6253.

ESPAÑOLA, NM 19698 US Highway 84 North, Hernandez, NM 87537. Across from the Rio Chama Chevron. Smiley Wooton 575-626-6253.

Elijah Maestas 505-901-0612. 1st & 3rd Sunday of the Month.

32 SEPTEMBER 2026

NEWS UPDATE

by Labradoodle Bennington, III

O

OK Governor Establishes Beef Industry Advisory Council Defending Cattle Producers &

k la homa Strengthening Oklahoma Beef Governor Market Kevin Stitt has signed an executive order creating the Oklahoma Beef Industry Advisory Council to prepare for President Donald Trump’s announced executive order to increase imported beef that must be sold below U.S. market rates.

Chaired by Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur, the Council will meet and deliver public recommendations to protect and grow Oklahoma’s beef industry following the federal government’s announced plans to increase imported beef.

The Council will include leaders with experience in cattle production, beef processing, agricultural economics and market development. Its members will work quickly to identify practical, Oklahoma-led solutions that support the state’s beef industry.

Oklahoma is home to 4.65 million cattle and calves, including nearly 2 million beef cows, making it one of the nation’s leading cattle-producing states.

▫

TAHC Establishes New World Screwworm Movement Requirements for Cattle From Mexico

T

he Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) executive director issued requirements for all cattle of Mexican origin that enter the United States through a port of entry located outside Texas on or after August 24, 2026. The executive director order applies to Mexican-imported cattle subsequently moved into Texas, regardless of whether they are moved directly to Texas or held in another state prior to entering Texas.

These cattle are required to: • Comply with all applicable requirements for cattle originating from Mexico under Title 4, Part 2, §§ 51.7 and 51.8 of the Texas Administrative Code.

• Be identified with an official radio frequency identification device (RFID).

• Be accompanied by an electronic certificate of veterinary inspection (eCVI).

• Obtain an entry permit before entering Texas.

New World screwworm (NWS) continues to expand in Mexico.

These additional requirements supplement existing entry

Interior Announces Expansion

▫

Largest of Hunting & Fishing Opportunities in History

T

he Department of the Interior has announced the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. With this action, more than 92 million acres, or over 95 percent of National Wildlife Refuge System lands, are available for hunting, marking a significant mile-

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stone in expanding public access to America’s lands and waters and reinforcing the administration’s commitment to outdoor recreation, conservation and rural economic growth.

In total, the final rule will deliver 1,488 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across 32 states. An “opportunity” is defined as the ability to hunt or fish a specific species at a specific location, providing a clear measure of expanded access across the system.

The rule also reflects a broader effort to simplify and modernize federal regulations.

The Service is making more than 1,000 modifications to existing regulatory provisions, reducing complexity and making it easier for hunters and anglers to understand and comply with applicable rules.

By better aligning federal regulations with state fish and wildlife laws, the final rule reduces confusion for the public, improves consistency across field stations and reinforces the role of states as primary managers of fish and wildlife resources.

The final rule will publish in the Federal Register in time for hunting season.

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SEPTEMBER 2026

33

Remembering Shoofly Shufelt

R

obert “Shoofly” the ride through sketches published in Shufelt was a Arizona Highways in 1980. renowned His drawings captured the movement, We s t e r n a r t i s t camaraderie, horses, dust, and character of whose nick name the ride. During the 1980s, his art became originated during a woven into Wickenburg’s identity, appearing 1967 Verde Vaquero at Gold Rush Days and other community Trail Ride. Even events. Julie, herself an artist, shared these before moving to experiences with him, and together they Wickenburg, he was drawn to Arizona and became deeply involved in local ranching the Western way of life that would become culture and traditions. the subject of his art.

Working primarily in graphite, Shufelt In the mid-1970s, Shufelt and his wife, transformed pencil on paper into an extraorJulie, left Chicago and settled on her fam- dinarily expressive means of recording the ily’s ranch near Wickenburg. Nearly two West. Weathered faces, horses, leather, dust, decades as a commercial illustrator had worn tack and the subtle bond between horse given him formidable technical skills, but and rider became part of his visual Wickenburg immersed him in the working vocabulary.

West.

Yet his technical skill never overshadHe rode horses, worked cattle, shared owed the humanity of his subjects. He trails and camps with cowboys and ranch- captured both the action and the quieter ers, and became part of the community he moments of ranch life – the fellowship, drew. The people he encountered were not humor, dignity, and hardships of Western simply his subjects; they were his friends. life.

“It is their story that I am telling, and Shufelt also recognized the essential role they have allowed me to live it with them,” of women ranchers and generously suphe said. ported fellow artists. Western painter and The Desert Caballeros Trail Ride exem- Sigler Western Museum’s Cowgirl Up! artist, plified Shufelt’s connection to cowboy life. Shawn Cameron, was among those who As a Caballeros member, he documented credited him with encouraging her work and

A Lasting Legacy in Western Art

by Tricia Loscher, Chief Curator, Sigler Western Museum / Wickenburg Sun

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helping open doors in her career. and understand – and inspires another genAround 1990, Bob and Julie moved to eration to carry something forward. Robert New Mexico, where his national reputation “Shoofly” Shufelt did just that. continued to grow. In 2014, he received the Though his hand is now at rest, the West New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excel- he drew remains alive. And here in Wickenlence in the Arts. Bob and Julie also donated burg, where so much of that story began, more than 130 artworks to the New Mexico Shoofly remains part of the story of who we Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, ensuring are. that a significant body of their work would remain accessible to future generations.

The ranches, horses, trail rides, working cowboys and cowgirls, and Arizona landscape became part of the visual language he carried with him throughout his life.

Shoofly hoped his drawings would preserve the cowboy legacy – the people, animals, traditions, and work of a world he believed deserved to be remembered.

An artist’s legacy endures when the work continues to make people look, remember,

▫

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35

NMCGA Opens Applications for Scholarships, Linda Davis Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy and Allied Industries Mentorship Program

T

he New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Asso- generation of agricultural leaders. ciation (NMCGA) is investing in the “Investing in young people is one of the next generation of New Mexico agricul- most important things we can do for the ture with applications now open for three future of agriculture,” said NMCGA Presiopportunities designed to support students dent Tom Paterson of Luna County. and young agricultural professionals: the “Whether they are pursuing an education, 2026 Fall Scholarship Program, Class III of beginning their career, or preparing to take the Linda Davis Young Cattlemen’s Leader- on leadership within the cattle industry, ship Academy (YCLA), and the 2026 Allied these programs give young people opportuIndustry Mentorship (AIM) Program. nities to build the knowledge, skills, and Together, the programs provide financial relationships they need to succeed.” assistance, leadership development, hands-on industry experience, and profes- Scholarships Support Students sional connections to help prepare the next Pursuing Higher Education

36 SEPTEMBER 2026

NMCGA, in partnership with Purina Mills and Depot Farm and Ranch Agency, will award $8,500 worth of scholarships to students at the 2026 Joint Stockmen’s Convention, December 9–12 at Hotel Albuquerque in Albuquerque.

Scholarships include: ЇЇThree Depot Farm and Ranch Agency

Heritage Scholarships: Two $2,500 scholarships and one $500 scholarship for eligible high school seniors and college students.

ЇЇTwo Purina Mills Scholarships: Two

$1,000 scholarships for eligible high school seniors and college students.

ЇЇ

Allied Industries Committee Scholarship: A $500 scholarship for a graduating high school senior.

ЇЇ

YCLC Scholarship: A $500 scholarship for a continuing college student.

Eligible applicants must meet the membership requirements outlined for each scholarship and be in good academic standing.

Applications are also open for Class III of the Linda Davis Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy, a five-session program for young cattle producers and agricultural professionals.

Named in honor of longtime cattle industry leader Linda Davis, the YCLA provides participants with an inside look at the people, organizations, and issues shaping New Mexico agriculture. Participants visit cattle operations and agricultural facilities, receive leadership and advocacy training, and engage directly with experienced producers and industry leaders.

The program is designed to help participants develop leadership skills, strengthen their understanding of government affairs and industry issues, build a statewide network of young producers, and become more effective advocates for agriculture.

AIM Program Connects College Students With Agricultural Careers

Stockmen’s Convention.

AIM interns will shadow NMCGA leadership and participating Allied Industry Partners throughout the convention. Students will attend meetings, interact with agricultural professionals, learn about participating businesses, and gain firsthand experience with the issues and opportunities facing New Mexico agriculture.

With more than 15 agriculture-related sectors represented at the Joint Stockmen’s Convention trade show, AIM participants are exposed to a wide range of career opportunities within agriculture and the livestock industry.

The program also provides participating businesses with an opportunity to connect with emerging talent, introduce students to careers within their companies, and identify potential future employees.

Applications for all three opportunities are due October 15, 2026.

For more information, contact the NMCGA office at (505)247-0584.

▫

Plan your JANUARY — Wildlife; Gelbvieh; advertisinginfog r Joint Stockmen’s Convention Results the com year! FEBRUARY — Hereford; Beefmasters; Texas Longhorns MARCH — Limousin; Santa Gertrudis APRIL — Dairy MAY — News of the Day JUNE — Sheepman of the Year

Editorial Calendar

Linda Davis Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy Develops Future Industry Leaders

JULY — Directory of Agriculture AUGUST — The Horse Industry SEPTEMBER — Charolais; Fairs Across the

Southwest OCTOBER — Angus; Brangus; Red Angus;

NM State Fair Results NOVEMBER — Cattleman of the Year; Joint

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The 2026 Allied Industry Mentorship Program gives college students an opportunity to explore careers in agriculture while gaining hands-on experience at the Joint

SEPTEMBER 2026

37

RIDING HERD

by Lee Pitts

Weaponizing Diarrhea

H

ere’s some food for thought: • This past July Taylor Farms de Mexico was linked to the iceberg lettuce believed to be responsible for one of the largest cyclosporiasis outbreaks in American history with at least 15,000 confirmed cases! After Taco Bell had announced that they were voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, Taylor Farms soon followed with a recall of their own.

Although it may sound like a mom and pop operation Taylor Farms is the largest

global producer of salads and fresh foods, Pimento Cheese Dip, Pico de Gallo Salsa, with production facilities across the U.S., Spicy Guacamole, Fiesta Style Salad Shrimp, Canada, Mexico, and Western Europe and Salsa Fresca, Pineapple Mango Salsa, etc. they have a long history of food recalls. In which were sold at retailers across 26 states 2012 and 2013, Taylor Farms recalled prod- and included Trader Joes, Kroger, Target, ucts six times including a recall of organic Walmart, Whole Foods and many others. baby spinach that caused E. coli outbreaks Federal investigators later said that the in 39 states. Previously they had recalled Mexico based supplier Coast Citrus Distribromaine lettuce, broccoli, salad kits and utors may have been responsible for the packets of salad dressing for listeria contam- peppers. Chipotle was among the first to pull ination and hundreds of cases of the Jalapeño peppers from their menu and cyclosporiasis were linked to their salad mix several other restaurants soon followed. But served at Olive Garden and Red Lobster. the damage had been done as at least 345 • At a press conference on July 21, health people across 27 states fell ill in the salmoofficials in North Carolina, announced a nella outbreak, according to the FDA. Every surge in illnesses caused by the parasite cyc- year, salmonella averages 1.35 million illlospora that sickened 561 people, nearly nesses and 420 deaths in the U.S. double the number of cases it recorded in all • A shipment of nearly 30,000 pounds of of 2025. The cause was eventually deter- beef from Argentina was recalled after the mined to be tainted parsley and cilantro that USDA found that it had bypassed a required probably came from the same area of Mexico import reinspection. The USDA categorized that the tainted lettuce came from. the recall as Class I, indicating a “high or • After Jalapeño peppers were linked to a medium risk”. The shipment of 29,628 large, multi-state outbreak of salmonella, pounds of raw beef was not presented to Taylor Fresh Farms recalled multiple salsas, USDA inspectors for a mandatory reinspecdips and guacamole. Some specific products tion before it was sent to distributors and included Diced Jalapenos, Rice and Bean retail outlets in Florida and Texas. The Burrito, Spicy Roast Beef Sandwich. Spicy American rancher became the fall guy by default because Congress won’t make

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Editorial Calendar

country of origin labeling mandatory for beef so the American consumer has no way of differentiating Argentinian beef from American beef.

Did you notice a recurring theme to all of the above cases? That’s right... they all involved foreign food.

Thomas Friedman didn’t take the possibility of international food poisoning into effect when he extolled globalism in his 2005 best selling book, The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. The book got its name because Friedman said the world was now a level playing field where production of everything would automatically go to the least-cost producer. Although the book won the Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award in 2005, Friedman’s theory has now turned into a nightmare where America sacrificed it manufacturing industry and farmed out the production to foreign producers of 60 percent of fresh fruit, 35 percent of fresh vegetables and 10 to 15 percent of our beef.

Instead of being called the World is Flat Friedman should have called his book The World is Stupid. How did Americans ever fall for this idea that benefitted BIG BUSINESS but hurt not only Taco Bell and Chipotle but American farmers, too, because now my wife (and millions of others) won’t eat their beloved Jalapeños or dine at their favorite Mexican restaurant until this dark cloud has passed. And she hasn’t touched a salad in months.

I wonder, did it ever dawn on Friedman, the globalists or the Gay Ayatollah that diarrhea could cause more harm than a suicide bomber or a car bomb.

Plan yourfor g advertisinin the com g year!

JANUARY — Wildlife; Gelbvieh; Joint Stockmen’s Convention Results FEBRUARY — Hereford; Beefmasters; Texas Longhorns MARCH — Limousin; Santa Gertrudis APRIL — Dairy

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MAY — News of the Day JUNE — Sheepman of the Year JULY — Directory of Agriculture AUGUST — The Horse Industry SEPTEMBER — Charolais; Fairs Across the Southwest OCTOBER — Angus; Brangus; Red Angus; NM State Fair Results NOVEMBER — Cattleman of the Year; Joint Stockmen’s Convention Preview DECEMBER — Bull Buyers Guide

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Connell Claims World Champion Title at Calgary Stampede International Livestock Auctioneer Competition

by Julie Carter

S

ome dreams take years to chase. Others dream come true and encouraged young take years to earn. For Colvin Connell, auctioneers to stay with their dreams. the dream began around a sale barn, Connell has been behind the auction watching his father work the auction block microphone for 19 years, and his road to the and learning that an auctioneer’s voice is Calgary championship has been built over about far more than speed. It is about rhythm, nearly two decades of competition and expeconfidence, knowledge, timing—and rience. His name has appeared among some knowing how to read a room full of buyers. of the nation’s top livestock auctioneers for In July, those years of watching, learning, years, including in World Livestock Auctionpracticing and competing came together in eer Championship competition. This was Calgary, Alberta, where the second-genera- Connell’s third year competing at the tion New Mexico auctioneer was crowned Calgary Stampede, making the victory an World Champion of the 2026 Calgary Stam- especially meaningful one. pede International Livestock Auctioneer Connell currently makes the miles to sell Competition. in Roswell on Monday, Dexter on Tuesday, Connell, Willard, New Mexico, was one Lone Star Auto Auction in Lubbock on of 10 auctioneers from the United States and Wednesday and Tulia, Texas on Thursday.

Canada competing for the prestigious title He also works a monthly oilfield equipment at the Calgary Stampede’s Nutrien Western sale in Midland. “I travel about 1200 to 1500 Event Centre. Competitors were judged on miles a week,” he says. “The good Lord rhythm, clarity, voice control and livestock blessed me with a good voice and some knowledge, as well as their ability to recog- natural ability. I also have the advantage of nize bids and conduct a sale. The finalists having a background in cattle from the were challenged to sell both brand-consign- momma cows to the feed yards. So, I know ment cattle and a “Black Box” item. what it’s like to be on the other side of the When the final bid was called, it was mic and what that means to the guy that Connell standing at the top. The champion- owns the cattle,” Connell said. ship earned him $12,000, a custom-designed “It can be very emotional,” he said. belt buckle and an invitation to compete in “because you watch these guys work 50 to the World Livestock Auctioneer Champion- 60-plus years to have the genetics and do all ship. But for Connell, the buckle represents the hard work that goes into running a ranch, then see them have to sell out. I’ve seen a lot considerably more than one day’s victory.

“I grew up around the sale barn and of it in the last 10 years. It’s pretty widespread. watching my dad (Wayne Connell) for 50 So, it’s not just a job. I’m working for those years. I’ve had some great mentors. I wouldn’t people, and I have 5 to 10 minutes to get be here without them,” Connell said follow- them the best for that one paycheck, for 365 ing the win. He called the championship a days of work, or sometimes for a lifetime of

40 SEPTEMBER 2026

Colvin Connell

it.”

Connell says no doubt his biggest supporter and fan is his wife Kimberlee, along with his mom and dad. “And mentors, my dad, Delbert Autry, Tommy Williams –some of the best. Coming up behind them paved the way for me. I also want to mention Mark Hargrave. He hired me at Tulia when I was young and very green and he took a chance on me. Also Charlie Meyers in Belen where my dad sold for 50 years.”

Connell also runs 200 head of mother cows along with his brother Matt. “I have some skin in this game,” he said. “I suffer along with the guys bringing their cattle to the sale.”

The auctioneer’s chant may be measured in seconds, but the making of an auctioneer is measured in years. Connell’s championship is the result of those years, and this time, he came back with the buckle.

▫

VIEW FROM THE BACKSIDE

by Barry Denton

The Hamburger News (The views expressed in this column are not necessarily those of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association or this publication.)

W

ell, well, Agriculture Secretary Rollins has let us know that she supports President Trump’s 90-day tariff reduction on foreign hamburger to give some relief to low-income households across America.

We are talking 90 days here cattlemen, to relieve your fellow citizens. As we all know, cattle prices have been outrageous for the last few years. Boy, I have enjoyed taking my bovines to the sale!

On a different note, I hate buying replacement heifers or polled cattle to work my horses on. Many horse trainers even rent cattle to work because they cannot afford to buy them.

The most resistance that I have observed coming from this humanitarian move is from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. What a bunch of crybabies over a 90-day hiccup. This all comes from an organization that fights “origin of country” labeling on meat, which harms the small rancher and the consumer.

They also saddle every cattleman that sells a bovine at a sale with a communist tax known as the “checkoff”. Keep in mind that everyone must pay this tax to the NCBA even if you do not belong to their overbearing organization. Where is the “freedom” in that?

We all know that we have a very small amount of Mexican cattle coming over the border because of the screwworm epidemic there. That is a ridiculous problem to have but leave it to Mexico to bring back diseases that were mostly eradicated years ago. I will not get into that now.

This has also contributed to our high

cattle prices. I understand that we are now allowing Mexican cattle in on a very limited basis after they are checked for screwworm at three different ports of entry at the time of this writing.

Under normal conditions Mexico supplies us with about 12 percent of our imported beef. Our neighbor to the north, Canada sends us about 15 percent of our imported beef. Brazil sends us 21 percent of our imported beef. The list goes on, but with the American herds down in size we have to get our beef somewhere.

I know all too well why American cattle producers do not like the President’s 90-day plan. I may not like it either, but you must look at the bigger picture. It will give relief to some people that need it by slowing down the rapidly rising prices.

When it comes midterm election time in a few months it will also earn some more votes. It is imperative to keep President Trump’s agendas going and not let any more com mu n ist s or socia l ist s i n ou r government.

Stop and think about this. The President is also releasing some of our oil reserves to slow down the price of fuel, but I don’t hear the oil companies squawking about that.

There is a time that you must quit thinking about yourselves and throw yourself in with the team.

A 90-day tariff reduction for hamburger is not going to kill the cattle industry. We have an absolutely thriving economy with very low unemployment. We have taken a big chunk out of the cartels, we are deporting illegal alien criminals, reducing crime by leaps and bounds, etc. It all takes more time than we want it to, but this country is on the way to being healthy once again.

Thanks once again to President Trump, Secretary of Agriculture Rollins, and the forward-thinking cattleman that see a bright future ahead. Tomorrow when you get up, consider membership in alternative cattle organizations and go barbecue a hamburger with a green chili on it.

Mmmmm, good!

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NEW MEXICO FEDERAL LANDS NEWS

by Jerry Schickedanz

HEADS UP! Jerry G. Schickedanz, Linebery Policy Center The views and opinions expressed do not represent those of the Regents of New Mexico State University

I

am going to jump around some this month, as there are too many interesting things going on in Washington, D.C., to address a single item. One of those is the reauthorization of the Farm Bill.

The U.S. Farm Bill is a massive package of legislation, renewed every five years, that governs national agriculture, food nutrition programs, and rural development. I am reminded of a Will Rogers-type quote: “Everyone talks about the Farm Bill, but no one does anything about it”.

Originally, the Farm Bill was enacted as the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 to

42 SEPTEMBER 2026

manage crop surpluses, raise commodity allowing for the purchase of low-cost proprices, and combat the Great Depression. cessed food items. A significant portion of Traditionally, farm bills were focused on subsidized corn and soybeans goes toward support for a handful of staple field crops livestock feed, contributing to low-cost and a limited number of other commodities mass-produced meat. (corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice, dairy, One of the major items of contention is and sugar). These are still present in farm that over 80 percent of the farm bill budget bills; however, the legislation has expanded is consumed by SNAP. Farmers would like in scope to include prominent topics such as to get more dollars for the crops they raise, nutrition, conservation, horticulture, farm and the cheap food policy works against loans, research, rural development, and higher farm prices, along with the import of others. cheaper food crops that undercut local farm The U.S. “cheap food policy” is a prices. long-standing, often highly criticized, The hangup in the current farm bill is approach to agricultural management. It is how quickly the federal government can primarily driven by the farm bill and federal move SNAP to the states to manage. The subsidies that encourage high-volume pro- cheap food policy has reduced the percentage duction of commodity crops, like wheat, of income that we spend on food from 30 corn, and soybeans. percent in the 1950s to approximately 10 This, in turn, encourages the production percent in the early 2020s, with a slight of inexpensive, processed, high-calorie, and bump to 11 percent during the COVID era. nutrient-poor foods. The later iterations of In my opinion, it is simply who has the most the farm bill intentionally merged farm votes, the agriculture community or the safety nets with domestic food assistance to housewife purchasing groceries. Cheap food unite rural and urban lawmakers into a will win out over high farm commodity voting bloc. prices.

The result is the development of the The 2026 Farm Bill passed out of the US federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance House of Representatives in April. The Program (SNAP), which helps over 41 Senate took it up in committee in early million low-income people access food, August where it failed. The Senate is in recess

until nearly mid-September.

President Donald Trump recently signed E.O. 14408 “Removing Unnecessary and Counterproductive Restrictions on Access to Federal Land” which repealed two executive orders E.O. 11644 and E.O. 11989 from the 1970s that had governed off-road vehicle use on federal public lands. By removing a 50-year framework that required agencies to minimize impact from motorized use, the new order lays the groundwork for expanded off-road vehicle access with fewer safeguards.

This action is partially due to the increase in demand for off-road vehicle use on federal lands from 2000 to today.

The repeal of these executive orders does not immediately open new roads, trails, or areas to motorized use. Existing travel management plans, route designations, closures, land-use plans, and agency travel management regulations remain in effect unless and until they are revised through future agency action. Instead, the new executive order directs federal agencies to review, revise, or rescind regulations adopted to implement the repealed executive orders and develop a new framework for managing off-road vehicle use on public lands.

Keep your head up and looking to the horizon, as there will be many things happening during this election cycle that will impact t he production agricu lture industry.

▫

Plan your JANUARY — Wildlife; Gelbvieh; advertisinginfog r Joint Stockmen’s Convention Results the com year! FEBRUARY — Hereford; Beefmasters; Texas Longhorns MARCH — Limousin; Santa Gertrudis APRIL — Dairy MAY — News of the Day

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Southwest OCTOBER — Angus; Brangus; Red Angus;

NM State Fair Results NOVEMBER — Cattleman of the Year; Joint

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SEPTEMBER 2026

43

RANCH FOOD & FODDER

by Deanna Dickinson McCall

A

fter last month’s recipe of fish tacos, I realized one thing I really have had fun with is creating a Mexican or southwestern coleslaw. I recently made one for friends I had over for dinner. They love Mexican food and I cooked a dinner of pork adovada, rice, Mexican coleslaw, calabacitas and a fruit salad for dessert. The coleslaw was a nice fresh, crisp bite to accompany the

heavy, rich pork, as was finishing with fruit.

This is a recipe you can play with, adding what you want or don’t want. A good way to be creative. My kids all laughed several years ago when they learned I was writing a cookbook. I never measured anything, officially, I guess is how to say it. The palm of my hand, and the old coffee cups I keep in the crocks of all-purpose flour and in the white sugar that have been there for 50 years were my standard for measuring. I had to make my recipes several times to make sure the quarter of the Melmac coffee cup was a true quarter cup, and the tablespoons and teaspoons I poured in my palm were really the correct amount.

Anyway, you can really change this basic recipe by changing ingredients. It can come together fast if you buy a bag of shredded

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cabbage/coleslaw mix at the grocery, too. You can make it creamy or more vinegar based.

By the way, when I was a kid, vinegar-based slaws were called Depression slaws, since the ingredients for mayonnaise were hard to come by during the Great Depression. You can use beans, corn, avocado, or tomatoes, etc. Or not. Your preference. I have even added taco seasoning or the equivalent to the dressing. I have also added meat when we needed a cold supper after a long hot day.

Cooked shrimp, chicken and beef strips are all good if you want it for a main dish. I suggest you follow the basic recipe below, using ingredients you like for the first time, then try adding different ingredients the next time. I like a vibrant, tangy side for some proteins. It is fast, easy, goes well with so many foods and is really handy to take to an event.

I added two versions of dressings to try.

You can add your favorite spices and herbs to those. Just stir and taste until you get the flavor and consistency you want. They are both good on pulled beef or pork tacos and on shrimp and fish tacos, too.

Mexican Coleslaw Ingredients: 1 bag of tri-color coleslaw mix I can of drained black, kidney or garbanzo beans ½ cup sliced red onion 2 chopped green onions 1 cup charred corn, frozen or canned will work ½ cup chopped cucumber 1 can drained black olives, or use green olives 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 2 jalapeno or sweet peppers diced fine 1 avocado cubed 1 TBS chopped fresh cilantro, optional if you think it tastes like soap Mix all the above in a large bowl

Dressings: 1) Vinegar, light dressing Mix in a small bowl 2 TBS lime juice 2 TBS olive oil 2 TBS apple cider vinegar 2 tsp honey Garlic powder salt and pepper Pour over the slaw, mix well. You can serve immediately or refrigerate for a few days.

2) Creamy, mayo dressing Mix in a small bowl ¾ cup of mayo ½ cup sour cream or yogurt 2 TBS honey 2 TBS lime juice Salt and pepper Optional -1 TBS taco seasoning or chile powder, garlic and cumin Pour over the slaw, mix well and serve immediately

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NEW MEXICO’S OLD TIMES & OLD TIMERS

by Don Bullis, New Mexico Author donbullis@msn.com

Zebulon Pike in New Mexico, 1807

B

y the early years of the 19th century, some of the movers and shakers in Washington, D.C. were casting covetous eyes on the trans Mississippi American West. France posed no obstacle to western expansion by the United States. In 1803, Napoleon sold Louisiana—an ill-defined area estimated at 828,000 square miles that extended from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada to the United States for $15,000,000.

Spain was not so accommodating and kept its doors securely closed to interlopers.

The Spanish government allowed no trade between themselves and the Americans, British or French and they were hostile to intruders.

All of that notwithstanding, U. S. Army lieutenant Zebulon Montgomery Pike (17791813) entered the Spanish Territory in 1806.

In July, Pike and with a party of 22 men— he called them “A damned set of Rascals, but very proper for such expeditions as I am engaged in”—headed west. His route took him to the banks of the Republican River near what is now the Kansas-Nebraska line, then southwest into Colorado. He is said to have passed Pike’s Peak on November 15 but didn’t stop to climb it. (He also didn’t name it for himself. John C. Fremont named it for him many years later.)

He and his men suffered greatly during the winter months because they were equipped for a warm climate, not the freezing cold they encountered. In early 1807 they crossed the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and reached the confluence of the Rio Grande and Rio Conejos in what is now southern Colorado, well within Spanish territory.

For reasons known only to himself, Pike ordered the construction of a small blockhouse. When it was complete, he raised the flag of the United States and settled in. On February 26, 1807, a troop of Spanish soldiers arrived and took the Americans into custody.

They were escorted to Santa Fe where Pike was interrogated at length before they were sent on to Albuquerque and finally Chihuahua. They were ultimately released and they

returned to Louisiana in July 1807.

There is, of course, much more to the story and the people involved.

Zebulon Pike was an ambitious young man, the son of an Army major. He aimed to make a name for himself and in seeking ways to do that he came to the attention of General James Wilkinson. Wilkinson was one of the great villains of early United States history. He had an enviable military record in the young country and had risen to the rank of brevet brigadier general during the Revolutionary War. He left the army after the war but returned to it in 1792 and in 1797 he was named commander of the U. S. Army which position he held in 1806. For many of

those years he received an annual stipend of $4,000 from the Spanish government, and many believe that he even swore an oath of allegiance to Spain.

Wilkinson was also a part of the so-called Burr Conspiracy, if not the instigator of it.

Aaron Burr had served as Vice President of the U.S. from 1801-04.* The goal of the conspiracy was the partition of North America into two distinct entities, the western half of which would be governed by Burr and Wilkinson. Wilkinson seems to have avoided the appearance of wrongdoing because his own personal aims were much the same as those of the U.S. government. It seemed what he was doing was what he should be doing.

SEPTEMBER 2026

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It is unlikely that Zeb Pike was a part of, or even aware of, Burr and Wilkinson’s grandiose scheme and he was never accused of complicity in the conspiracy. He was aware, however, that his expedition was expected to do more than simply map the headwaters of the Arkansas and Red Rivers. The reason he built his blockhouse and ostentatiously displayed the American flag may have been to attract the attention of the Spanish. There was no other practical reason for it.

And he didn’t simply build it and wait for results, either.

One member of his party was Dr. John H. Robinson who had hounded General Wilkinson until he was allowed to go west with Pike.

His reason for doing so was not to serve as surgeon for Pike’s troops but to collect a debt owed to an American named William Morrison by one Baptiste LaLande who lived near Santa Fe.** Shortly before Pike’s entourage reached the Rio Conejos, Dr. Robinson announced that he would leave the group and trek to Santa Fe. He told Pike that he would not mention that he was part of a U. S. Army expedition but claim he was with a group of hunters. He said he would rejoin the group in time for the march back to civilization.

Pike had to have known that Spanish officials could not ignore a lone American arriving in Santa Fe on foot. This was especially true because Robinson would be required to present his authority to collect the debt to the Spanish Governor, Don Joaquin del Real Alencaster. Robinson was true to his word. He did not say that he had traveled with an army expedition. He claimed he’d lately separated from a group of hunters. The distinction was lost on Real Alencaster. The Spanish border was closed to all Americans.

Robinson left Pike in late January 1807.

On February 26, Pike and his men were captured by 100 Spanish soldiers. * Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel at Weehawken, New Jersey on July 11, 1804. ** This appears to have been a legitimate debt. LaLande pled poverty, however, and the debt was not repaid.

LaLande died in Santa Fe in 1825, quite wealthy.

Next Month—Zeb Pike in Santa Fe

46 SEPTEMBER 2026

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Powering the Southwest Should Also Benefit New Mexico — By Michael Perry, Candidate for New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Across New Mexico, thousands of acres of State Trust Land are being developed for wind and solar energy. Many of these projects are designed to deliver electricity to customers outside our state.

If New Mexico is helping power the Southwest, then New Mexicans should also share more fully in the benefits.

This is not about stopping renewable energy. It is about raising the standard of stewardship and ensuring these projects leave a lasting legacy here at home.

I will work with stakeholders to explore opportunities for more of the electricity generated on State Trust Lands to benefit New Mexico consumers and communities whenever practical.

Our families, businesses, farmers, ranchers, and rural communities should benefit from the resources produced on our own land.

I also believe renewable energy companies should become long term partners in caring for the landscapes where they operate.

Today, many wind and solar leases on State Trust Lands generate royalty rates in the range of 3 to 6 percent. Unlike the oil and gas industry, there is no dedicated statewide reclamation fund supported by these projects to help restore the land at the end of a project’s useful life.

As renewable energy continues to expand across New Mexico, we have an opportunity to think beyond energy production and invest in the long term stewardship of the landscapes that make these projects possible.

The lease should not be the end of our relationship with renewable energy developers.

It should be the beginning of a partnership in native grassland restoration that improve the health stewardship. of our forests, watersheds, and grasslands.

Rather than viewing renewable energy projects • Incorporate wildlife friendly solar design, solely as places to generate electricity, we should including higher panel clearances where practical, also view them as opportunities to improve wildlife native vegetation beneath solar arrays, pollinator habitat, restore watersheds, and strengthen the habitat, and wildlife friendly fencing. landscapes that support our rural communities.

• Support the installation of solar powered wildlife Imagine hundreds of miles of wind energy water systems where appropriate to benefit birds, corridors also serving as corridors of conservation. pollinators, and other wildlife.

Renewable energy developers could partner with • Participate in developing practical long term the State Land Office, conservation organizations, reclamation strategies that ensure renewable energy sportsmen, local communities, and private projects leave New Mexico’s landscapes healthy, landowners to help fund watershed restoration, productive, and ready for future generations. forest thinning, invasive species removal, erosion Just as importantly, I believe the State Land Office control, and native grassland restoration. These should recognize companies that choose to go investments would improve wildlife habitat, reduce beyond the minimum requirements of their leases. catastrophic wildfire risk, improve water infiltration, Companies that voluntarily invest in habitat and help protect the watersheds that provide water restoration, watershed health, wildlife for communities across New Mexico. improvements, responsible reclamation, and Solar projects offer similar opportunities. innovative stewardship practices should be Where practical, future projects should consider recognized as New Mexico Stewardship Partners. raising panels high enough to allow native grasses This designation would recognize companies that and wildflowers to thrive beneath them. Healthy choose to invest in the land not because they are vegetation reduces erosion, improves soil health, required to, but because they understand that good provides habitat for pollinators and ground nesting stewardship is good business. birds, and creates healthier landscapes overall.

By recognizing these industry leaders, we can Solar powered wildlife water systems could also encourage innovation, strengthen public trust, and provide dependable water sources in appropriate demonstrate that renewable energy development locations, demonstrating that renewable energy and and conservation are not competing ideas. They conservation can work hand in hand. can work together to benefit our schools, our These ideas are not intended to burden renewable communities, our wildlife, and future generations. energy developers. They are intended to create For more than 30 years, I have believed that healthy partnerships that benefit both the industry and the lands create healthy communities. people of New Mexico.

If New Mexico’s land is helping power America’s The Renewable Stewardship Initiative future, then those projects should also help restore That is why I am proposing the Renewable New Mexico’s forests, strengthen our watersheds, Stewardship Initiative. improve wildlife habitat, and invest in the communities that call this state home.

The Renewable Stewardship Initiative is built on a simple Renewable can produce more than Paid forbelief.

by Michael Perry for Land Commissioner, Katie Lollar, energy Treasurer electricity.

Renewable energy should produce more than electricity. It should also produce healthier It can produce healthier forests. landscapes, stronger watersheds, better wildlife Stronger watersheds. habitat, and lasting benefits for the people of Better wildlife habitat.

New Mexico.

Stronger rural communities.

Under this initiative, I will work with renewable And a legacy of stewardship that future generations energy developers, conservation organizations, will be proud to inherit. sportsmen, ranchers, local communities, and other That is not just good conservation. stakeholders to encourage projects that: That is good stewardship.

• Explore opportunities to keep more of the electricity generated on New Mexico State Trust Lands serving New Mexico communities whenever practical.

• Invest in habitat restoration, watershed restoration, forest thinning, invasive species management, and

Michael J. Perry Candidate for NM Commissioner of Public Lands

575.317.4938 • perry4nmland.com • facebook.com/perryfornm Paid for by Michael Perry for Land Commissioner, Katie Lollar, Treasurer

SEPTEMBER 2026

47

From New Mexico to Argentina: Building Agricultural Leaders

by Tina Wilson, coordinator, New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program

New Mexico Ag Leadership participants on their international tour in Argentina.

production, agriculture, trade, and the con- perspectives home. The international expenections between producers and global rience is one component of NMAL’s markets. The experience also encouraged 18-month leadership program. Participants participants to compare Argentina’s agricul- also take part in seminars, industry visits, tural systems with those in New Mexico and and leadership development opportunities consider ideas that could across New Mexico and the United States benefit our own commu- while building relationships with agriculnities and industries. tural professionals statewide.

Experiences like the NMAL is now recruiting participants for A rgent i na t r ip help Class 18. The program is designed for agridevelop leaders who cultural, food, and natural resource understand those connec- professionals seeking to strengthen their tions and can bring new leadership skills, expand their networks, and gain a broader understanding of the issues shaping New Mexico agriculture.

Whether you are a producer, rancher, agribusiness professional, or agricultural employee, NMAL offers an opportunity to learn from others, explore new perspectives, and prepare for greater leadership within your community and industry.

The New Mexico agriculture needs strong, TheDepartment DepartmentofofAnimal Animal&&Range RangeSciences Sciencesisispart partofofthe the College informed leaders. Consider applying to CollegeofofAgricultural, Agricultural,Consumer Consumer&&Environmental EnvironmentalSciences Sciences NMAL Class 18 to join the next generation Four on-campus animal facilities house: of agricultural leaders in New Mexico.

T

he New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program (NMAL) recently traveled to Argentina, offering participants the opportunity to experience agriculture from a global perspective and to explore the challenges and opportunities facing producers worldwide.

Argentina provided a valuable setting for participants to examine cattle

animal ANIMAL & & range RANGE sS CC iI eE nN CC eE sS

beeF CaTTle/horses/swine/sheep

LIVESTOCK NUTRITION / GENETICS / PHYSIOLOGY / ENDOCRINOLOGY / MEAT SCIENCE / WOOL / TOXICOLOGY / WATERSHED & RANGELAND ECOLOGY / WEED & BRUSH CONTROL / PLANT SYSTEMATICS / GRAZING MANAGEMENT

The Department also offers pre-veterinary studies – our graduates have a high acceptance rate into veterinary medicine programs. We offer graduate degrees at the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy levels.

The M.S. or Ph.D. in Animal Science can emphasize nutrition or physiology, and offers a Ph.D. in Range Science to study range management, range ecology and watershed management.

THE DEPARTMENT ALSO OPERATES

Students can major in Animal or Rangeland Resources and are provided with the very best of “hands on” academic instruction by our faculty. Fully equipped labs allow students access to cutting-edge research in: • The Chihuahuan Desert Rangeland Research Center (The College Ranch) – 64,000 acre ranch just outside of Las Cruces • The Corona Range & Livestock Research Center – 28,000 acre ranch & facilities in Corona, NM • Student organizations, including a Block & Bridle Club, Pre-Vet Club, Range Club, Horsemen’s Association, Therapeutic Riding Club, & Judging Teams • Clayton Research Center hosts research on shipping protocols, particularly evaluating the health and performance of newly received cattle, and nutrition and management from feedlot to slaughter

Dr. John Campbell hallford––575-646-6180 575-646-2515 Dr. Shanna Ivey––575/646-6180 575-646-2515 /• Dr. Dr. Dennis John Campbell http://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/anrs/ http://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/anrs

48 SEPTEMBER 2026

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Keeping Working Lands Working Guardrails for Solar Development

by New Association of Soil Conservation Districts

N

ew Mexico needs reliable energy, but we should not solve one problem by creating another.

As solar development expands across the state, New Mexico should establish reasonable guardrails to protect agricultural land, Agriculture and solar can coexist. livestock production, healthy soils and water resources. ously disturbed areas and other developed The first question should be simple: Does lands should be considered before converta solar project have to be built on produc- ing productive agricultural ground to tive agricultural or grazing land? utility-scale solar. The U.S. Department of Whenever possible, the answer should be Energy and USDA have specifically identino. fied these types of locations as opportunities Rooftops, parking lots, commercial and for solar development while also recognizing industrial properties, brownfields, previ- dual-use agrivoltaics as a way to combine

energy production with agriculture. https:// www.energy.gov/cmei/systems/usda-doe-solar-energy-and-farming-initiatives?utm_ source=chatgpt.com But when agricultural or grazing land is appropriate for solar, development should not automatically mean removing that land from agricultural production.

Agrivoltaics, or dual-use solar, offers another option. Solar arrays can be designed

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with sufficient height and spacing to allow cattle to graze beneath and around the panels while maintaining vegetation and keeping the land productive.

New Mexico is particularly well suited to exploring this approach. Approximately 95 percent of the state’s agricultural land is rangeland, according to the New Mexico Healthy Soil Working Group. Its research and resources on solar grazing point to the potential for adaptive grazing to manage vegetation, improve soil health and provide an additional income opportunity for ranchers. https://w w w.nmhea lt hysoil.org/ agri-solar/?utm_source=chatgpt.com The benefits can extend to livestock.

Shade from solar panels can reduce heat stress in cattle, while continued vegetation protects the soil. Maintaining ground cover is especially important in New Mexico’s arid climate, where water is scarce and erosion and runoff can be significant concerns.

The alternative deserves scrutiny. Poorly planned development can disturb soil, remove vegetation and change how water moves across the landscape. Losing productive ground cover can have consequences for livestock forage, soil health and the ability of the land to capture and retain precipitation.

This is why intentionality matters.

Solar development should not be viewed simply as placing panels on the cheapest available acreage. The design should consider the existing agricultural use of the land and whether that function can be preserved.

That could mean requirements for maintaining minimum vegetative cover, protecting soil, providing livestock access where appropriate, protecting water resources and designing panel height and spacing to accommodate grazing.

It also means recognizing that not every site is suitable for dual-use solar. Some agricultural land should simply remain agricultural land.

New Mexico can support renewable energy without sacrificing the working lands that produce our food, support our livestock and protect our natural resources.

Solar should be built where it makes the most sense—and when it occupies working agricultural land, it should be required to work alongside agriculture whenever feasible.

The goal is to make sure New Mexico doesn’t trade productive working lands for energy infrastructure when better alternatives exist.

▫

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Services Rescind ESA Definition of “Harm,” Face Lawsuits

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n mid-July, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) together with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively, “the Services”) finalized a rule to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”).

The term is part of the ESA’s overall prohibition on “take” of protected wildlife and has been defined through regulation since 1975.

In rescinding the rule, the Services indicate that the definition of “harm” does not match the best possible interpretation of the ESA. Since the recission was finalized, at least four federal lawsuits have been filed by environmental groups and Native American Tribes, claiming that rescinding the definition violates federal law.

Under the ESA it is illegal to “take” any wildlife species that have been listed as either threatened or endangered. The term “take” is broadly defined under the ESA as “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.” FWS first adopted a regulatory definition of “harm” for the purposes of “take” in 1975. That definition was slightly modified in 1981 and until the recission rule, “harm” was defined as “an act which actually kills or injures wildlife [including] significant habitat modification or degradation where it actually kills or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding or sheltering.” NMFS adopted the same definition in 1999.

By defining “harm” to include “significant habitat modification or degradation” that “actually kills or injures wildlife,” the Services interpreted the prohibition on “take” of protected species to include destruction of species habitat even if habitat destruction did not involve directly killing or injuring a member of the species. For example, under the 1981 definition of “harm,” it would be a violation of the ESA to cut down a stand of trees that provide habitat to an endangered species of bird even if none were directly killed when the trees were cut down.

The Supreme Court upheld this definition of “harm” in its 1995 decision, Babbitt v. Sweet Home Chapter of Communities for A Great Oregon,where the Court held 6-3 that

the definition was “reasonable” in light of rule, they argued that, as part of the Execu- because it is one that the Supreme Court has the “broad purpose” of the ESA to protect tive Branch, they have a constitutional rejected. They claim that the Services failed endangered and threatened wildlife. Because responsibility to “take care that the laws be to explain how or why Justice Scalia’s dissent the Court concluded that the definition was faithfully executed.” Because the Services in Babbit, rather than the majority opinion, reasonable, it relied on the doctrine of believe that the single, best interpretation of articulates the “single, best” meaning of Chevron deference to decide the case. In a the ESA’s “take” prohibition was given by “take” under the ESA. dissenting opinion, Justice Scalia disagreed Justice Scalia in his Babbit dissent, they Rescinding the regulatory definition of with the majority’s conclusion and instead moved to rescind the “harm” definition and “harm” is likely to have broad impacts for a would have limited it to acts that directly kill limit “take” to actions that directly kill or variety of reasons. For property owners and or injure protected wildlife. According to injure protected species. agricultural producers, the recission could Justice Scalia, limiting “harm” to direct acts The recission rule is set to go into effect result in reduced regulation at least as long against wildlife makes sense when looking on September 14, 2026, and already at least as the rule remains in place. However, at the statutory definition of “take” which four lawsuits have been filed to challenge it. perhaps an unintended outcome of the recisincludes other direct actions like pursue, All four claim that the recission violates the sion rule is the opportunity to get a better hunt, shoot, and wound.

Administrative Procedure Act (“APA”) and understanding of how courts will treat Loper In their final rule to rescind the “harm” ask that the rule be overturned. The plain- Bright going forward. The standard estabdefinition, the Services explained that the tiffs in each lawsuit allege that the recission lished by the Supreme Court in Loper Bright action was prompted by the Supreme Court’s rule violates the APA because the Services is still relatively new, particularly when com2024 ruling in Loper Bright Enters. v. Rai- did not provide a “reasonable rationale” for pared with Chevron deference which was in mondo,where the Court overturned Chevron rescinding the “harm” definition. place for decades before being overturned. deference. When the Court issued Loper The plaintiffs claim that the recission rule For an industry as heavily regulated as agriBright, it recognized that many of its previ- is “arbitrary and capricious” because the culture, how courts treat agency rules ous holdings were based on Chevron only explanation the Services provided to interpreting statutory language is an importdeference and concluded that those cases support rescinding the “harm” definition is ant part of understanding how the law were still good law and should not be con- an improper interpretation of Loper Bright. impacts day-to-day operations. sidered invalid or overturned because of the They argue that under the Loper Bright stanCourt’s Loper Bright decision. dard, it is courts, not agencies, that determine Although the Services acknowledged that the single, best interpretation of the law. pasts cases which relied on Chevron defer- According to the plaintiffs, the recission rule ence were still valid in their final recission cannot be the best interpretation of “harm”

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SEPTEMBER 2026

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Cattle Research May Provide Answers to Father’s Role in Pregnancy Loss

by Kay Ledbetter, Texas Agri Life

W

hen a pregnancy ends early and unexplained, the search for answers usually begins with the mother.

Lacey Luense, Ph.D., wants to know what the father’s sperm might have to do with it.

Luense, an assistant professor in epigenetics in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science, studies the causes of early pregnancy loss — a problem that cuts across species and carries both personal and economic costs.

She is working with cattle, where almost 50 percent of pregnancies are estimated to end prematurely, to study the root causes of human infertility, where over 50 percent of all conceptions are estimated not to result in birth.

“We know that maternal issues can be involved,” Luense said. “Sometimes it can be a chromosomal abnormality, disease or problems with the uterine environment. But we don’t know the causes of many pregnancy losses. It’s unexplained, and we are still trying to figure out why this happens so frequently.”

Luense, who also has an appointment with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, is joining forces with Ky Pohler, Ph.D., administrator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Animal Reproductive Biotechnology Center and associate professor, Department of Animal Science, on a $1.65 million National Institutes of Health grant to look at how paternal epigenetic contributions, or non-genetic changes to DNA, are delivered to the embryo.

Determining the male factor in unsuccessful pregnancies Luense said one potential cause for pregnancy loss could be the male’s sperm and epigenetics — or everything above and around the DNA sequence — that affect how the DNA is structured or packaged.

“We are talking about nongenetic changes that can alter how those genes are turned on

54 SEPTEMBER 2026

or off,” she said. “Our research is trying to understand how dad’s epigenetics or the epigenetic changes carried by the sperm can affect fertility, pregnancy and then long-term health and development.”

The overall goal is to understand the nongenetic changes to DNA that are delivered to cattle embryos. The team will use sperm from bulls of high and low fertility to investigate the role of the paternal epigenome in abnormal embryo development and pregnancy loss.

One focus is histones, the proteins that DNA wraps around like a spool and thread.

Previous studies indicate males with abnormal sperm histones are more likely to have partners who experience pregnancy loss.

“However, we don’t know why that happens,” Luense said. “This is something we have been learning much about over the last decade or two. We know a clinical correlation exists, but we do not understand the reasons it occurs. Determining that is our challenge.”

findings could give cattle producers new tools to address a costly problem — roughly half of cattle pregnancies do not result in live births. Better prediction could mean real savings for the industry.

“We hope that, after five years, we will be able to identify biomarkers or alterations to sperm chromatin or sperm histones that may predict pregnancy loss in humans and cattle,” Luense said. “If we know what to look for, maybe it can be treated. We are trying to understand the specific gene pathways regulated by sperm epigenetics occurring in the early embryo and are necessary for a healthy pregnancy and a live birth.”

The results could impact reproductive efficiency and help clinical management of human patients and livestock diagnosed with infertility, poor embryogenesis and pregnancy loss, she said.

▫

Cattle can answer questions humans cannot Luense is determined to help with human pregnancy loss, but experimenting with human embryos is not an option. And, while she has also worked with mouse models, cattle offer something they couldn’t: early embryonic development that more closely mirrors human embryo development, particularly in cell division and timing when genes from the new embryo activate.

Her team will conduct different molecular and genomic analyses on the semen samples from the high- and low-performing bulls to try to understand their biomarkers and to identify changes in the sperm to predict pregnancy loss.

Through in vitro fertilization (IVF), they will be able to generate embryos from bulls with specific changes to the sperm epigenome. These embryos will undergo time-lapse imaging and cutting-edge genomic analyses to determine if changes to sperm histones alter development and gene regulation. Performing such experiments in humans is not possible, making the use of cattle an exciting opportunity to further our understanding of human fertility and pregnancy, Luense said.

Biomarkers to predict, and someday prevent, pregnancy loss Beyond the human health question, the

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seedstock guide ▫

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VERMEJO RIVER VIEW, 87.43 +/Deeded Acres. Small cabin, Conex Box, great views, just 3 miles east of Cold Beer, NM, in Colfax County. 913 SHY 505 Maxwell, NM 87728. $325,000 MIAMI PRIVATE 80, Located ¼ mile off blacktop with dedicated easement, 80 +/deeded acres, large barn, small sleep out, buried utilities, domestic water meter, 80 shares of irrigation and septic able to handle a 3 bedroom home. Some of the best views in Miami. 2050 HWY 21, Miami, NM 87729. $559,000

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ANTELOPE RUN RANCH, ROSWELL, NM Discover the perfect blend of ranch life, recreation, and investment opportunity with this 737 acre property nestled in the heart of New Mexico ranch country. With 2,800 feet of Hwy 70 road frontage, rolling terrain, and breathtaking views of Capitan Mountain, this property is an ideal candidate for your dream retreat and outdoor living. Excellent new water well producing approximately 40 gallons per minute. New electric line ready for home build and development. Antelope Creek runs through the property enhancing both wildlife habitat and scenic value. Rolling hills and native grasses, perfect for grazing and outdoor recreation.

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■ CLAYTON, NM AREA – Hayden Ranch

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Milky Ranch – Apache County, Arizona: 450 AU including 37,518 deeded acres with an additional 7,680 acres of Arizona State grazing lease located between Holbrook and Saint Johns, Arizona. The ranch is located directly off of US Highway 180 including seven miles of highway frontage.

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Hay Hollow Property – Navajo County, Arizona: 19,458 deeded acres located between Holbrook and Snowflake, Arizona along the Little Colorado River. Stunning views of painted desert scenery accessible by County roads yet great privacy and the feeling of seclusion. This could be a great investment or development property for solar, wind or residential use.

Price: $6,500,000 Contact Traegen Knight.

SOLD – Burro Springs Ranch – Grant County, New Mexico: 423 AU with 1,073 deeded acres, state and blm leases located north of Lordsburg. Abundant old feed as ranch has been rested for two years. Livestock water supplied by four wells serving over twelve miles of pipeline. Nice set of shipping corrals located just off the improved county road with great access.

Price $3,100,000 Contact Traegen Knight

SOLD

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60 SEPTEMBER 2026

Springs Ranch – 8,858.63 ac. +/- Deeded, 1,003.34 ac. +/- Lease Purchase, 160 ac. +/- State Lease, well fenced and watered by mills, subs and spring, strong grass country, substantial additional income from GCRP and other income, three sets of pens.

■ BACA COUNTY, CO – 6,542.33 ac. +/- of

well managed grassland with 5.2 miles +/- of Two Butte Creek through the ranch, the creek flows from time to time with several yearround live springs in the cottonwood lined creek which provides water for livestock and a haven for mule deer, antelope, quail, turkey, waterfowl and an occasional elk. Well fenced and watered by pipeline with six large drinkers located strategically throughout the ranch. Gramma and Buffalo grass provide excellent grazing for a cow/calf or yearling operation. GCRP contract on 2,832.45 ac. provides additional income.

■ ADAMS CO., CO – EAST OF DENVER

– 2,550.65 ac. +/-, dryland farm, partially sowed in winter wheat, will sell the one separate section of the four sections separately. Wind/solar lease in place on one of the sections, MP ins. in place for the 2026 wheat crop. Good access!

■ GUADALUPE CO., NM – Escape to wide-open freedom on the Old Route 66 Ranch — 1,540 acres of rolling hills, native pastures, and rugged beauty nestled halfway between Santa Rosa and Tucumcari, New Mexico. Just minutes off I-40 near Newkirk, perfect for ranchers, hunters, and outdoor lovers alike, this Guadalupe County gem offers room to run cattle, space to roam, and unforgettable views in every direction. Sheltering terrain draws in wildlife, making this property the real deal for those who crave privacy, purpose and the outdoors. Privacy, potential, and panoramic skies — give us a call to walk the land and make it yours.

■ REEVES CO., TX – Organic alfalfa farm, producing mineral, feedlot, rock quarry, 2,777 acres +/-.

■ COCHRAN CO., TX – 160 ac. +/- native grass, existing oil production. The tract is located roughly 21 miles north of Plains, Texas and 32 miles southwest of Whiteface, Texas. Mule deer in the area. Good small hunting, grazing ranch.

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139 APACHE MESA RD, HWY 84, LAS VEGAS, NM – 140 deeded acres has incredible rim rock views. New private well, overhead power, fiber optics and live-in camp sheds are located at a view building site. This is a private get away location close to Las Vegas & owner will finance. Price is $349,000 129 TIERRA DE DIOS, ROWE, NM – This 10-acre residential parcel has an electric meter loop on site, community line is water stubbed out and ready to use. Fiber optics on the property line. Horses allowed. Hilltop building site has views! Priced at $124,900 COUNTY ROAD B29A, VILLANUEVA, NM – This 38 deeded acre parcel north of Villanueva is partially fenced and shares a 100 gpm and Starvation Peak views. No restrictions on a couple of great home sites. Parcel is ready for your mfg. home, horses, llamas, goats, cows or kids. County Road maintained access road year-round! Asking $174,900 CR B29A - VILLANUEVA, NM – 680 deeded acres is located just north of the village and has steep Pecos River frontage. Parcel has 3 dirt tanks is perimeter fenced and is a great place for a cow calf or yearling operation! List price is $476,000 I HAVE SEVERAL BUYERS LOOKING FOR SMALL IRRIGATED PECOS RIVER FRONTAGE PARCELS. CALL ME TO SELL YOUR LAND POR FAVOR!

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NEW LISTING! The 8 Mile Ranch in Ashfork, AZ – This is a working cattle ranch encompassing approximately 23,680 acres, with 483.64 deeded acres, 5,640.27 acres of Arizona State Land Department lease, and deeded grazing rights across contiguous private lands. The ranch features gentle rolling terrain, productive grasslands, abundant forage, and a reliable water system with more than 14 well-maintained dirt tanks. The ranch supports a carrying capacity of 300+ CYL and includes numerous improvements. At approximately 5,000 feet in elevation, the ranch provides year-round grazing. Operated as a productive Angus cow-calf ranch, the property benefits from transferable PRF insurance, agricultural tax status and deeded grazing access.

Offered at $3,600,000.

NEW LISTING! Sunburst Homestead in Yucca, AZ is an extraordinary ±159.57-acre off-grid retreat in the scenic Mohave Desert. This unique property features a structurally sound 3,247square-foot custom home with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, an office, attached garage, and a 2,400-square-foot shop. Designed for sustainable, independent living, it includes extensive solar power, a private well, backup generator, propane storage, water tanks, and established almond trees, Thompson grapes, and artichokes. While the home is fully functional and move-in ready, it offers an opportunity to add your personal touch with interior paint, trim, and cosmetic finishing. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and endless Arizona skies, Sunburst Homestead is a rare opportunity to create your ideal off-grid lifestyle. Offered at $1,200,000.

Mimbres River Farm and Ranch in Silver City, NM – This well improved 47 head ranch provides a unique, turn-key opportunity to own a picturesque and remarkable farm/cattle ranch coupled with a developed investment property nestled in the Mimbres Valley. Consisting of 1,566 total acres the ranch is well watered and improved with good strong feed and irrigated farmland.

Offered at $3,400,000.

The Woodruff Farm in Woodruff, AZ – Turnkey farm located in the beautiful small town of Woodruff, Arizona. The farm includes a newly constructed 4500 sq ft. masonry barn for storing yearly hay production complete with electric and water. Attached is a newer two-bedroom, well-constructed, insulated home with modern amenities. Located above the home are two unfinished, rough framed 750 sq. ft studio apartments that can be finished with minimal expense. Seller has established 54 acres of alfalfa/grass watered by Uncle Bill’s Bar in Reserve, NM – Situated within the vast Gila historic Woodruff Irrigation District. Tractors and attachments may be National Forest, Uncle Bill's is ideally located to serve a steady flow of hunters, hikers, campers, and travelers with seasonal included with the right offer. Offered at $1,250,000. income increases. With appx. 4,100 sq ft under roof, you will find two full bars, booths, pool tables, stage, karaoke machine, McKeen Ranch and Farm in Alma, NM – This is a rare opportunity to storage areas, an upstairs and multiple coolers. The building sits own almost 500 deeded acres and the USFS Cedar Breaks grazing on an 19+/-acre parcel that is tied to a commercial area allotment. Current revenue sources include a 145-head Forest Service conveniently located in Reserve and at the junction of NM State grazing permit, premium grass hay production, alfalfa hay sales, elk landowner permits, and a recreation area suitable for weddings, Roads 12 ND 435. Offered at $1,700,000. reunions and special events. The ranch HQ is conveniently located along Hwy 180 and is well suited for a cattle operation. Alternatively, River’s Edge Farm in Glenwood, NM – Tucked away at the end instead of farming the land, an additional 100 head may be run. The of the road and bordering National Forest, yet only an hour from valuable water rights of appx 277 ac ft exist on the 85 irrigated acres Silver City, the farm offers everything today's homesteader or and add significant investment appeal with the water rights alone retiree could want: privacy, self-sufficiency, and natural beauty. representing substantial stand-alone value. The grazing operation is With approximately 36 acres and irrigation rights dating back to supported by four large rotational pastures, solar powered wells, dirt the 1880’s, this rare property combines historic water security with tanks, cattle scales, pipe corrals and multiple sets of working modern comfort. The River's Edge offers reliable water rights, facilities. Additional improvements include a large hay barn, featuring nearly ¼ mile of cool, year-round flowing water, fertile soil, regenerative pastures, and infrastructure. With its peaceful extensive outbuildings, a concrete diversion and dam system and seclusion and low-maintenance 1,700 square foot home, the barns professionally leveled irrigation fields designed for efficient and corrals create the perfect place to settle. Offered at agricultural production. Offered at $6,500,000. $995,000.

Leist Homestead in Seligman, AZ – This 626-acre, all-deeded Bourdon Ranch Farm in Snowflake, AZ – Amazing opportunity in gentleman's ranch is located 22 miles north of Seligman on Route 66. a growing area of the White Mountains! Approximately 180 acres It features an immaculately kept 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, hay including 45 planted acres in permanent pasture. Bring your barn, saddle house, and corrals. It has amazing views and meticulous animals and create your own ranch or farm or invest in a great landscaping. Multiple RV hookups offer potential additional income. piece of property to subdivide. Fantastic water area, great soil, Can run 10-20 head of cattle. Private and peaceful, with highway and welcoming neighborhood. Parcel is located above the frontage and great amenities. Offered at $1,489,000.

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Answering New Mexico’s Most Pressing Water Questions

current lifestyle with the water I have? These turning to groundwater. With the drying of questions land on the desks of researchers at the Rio Grande, Albuquerque has shut off its the New Mexico Water Resources Research river diversions and switched to groundwater Institute at New Mexico State University –– pumps. In the Mesilla Valley, decades of and increasingly, so do the answers. Across declining surface water deliveries have the university, scientists are working to driven the same shift — so much so that, better understand our changing water port- according to NM WRRI’s Dynamic Statefolio and to identify new approaches to adapt wide Water Budget model, the Lower Rio

by Alexander “Sam” Fernald, Director, Water Resources to changing water supply conditions.

Grande region has used more groundwater Research Institute at New Mexico State University Mountain snowpack is shrinking and than surface water since 2010. n the western U.S., April 1 is the tradi- melting earlier as temperatures rise, comAgriculture is the largest user of water in tional day to evaluate snow water pounding a drought that has gripped New New Mexico, and its effective management equivalent, the amount of water held in the Mexico for more than two decades. As of is at the heart of New Mexico’s water future. snowpack that supplies river flow for the June 12, 2026, 98 percent of the state was in The New Mexico State Legislature invested coming spring and summer. The mountains drought. Meanwhile, atmospheric evapora- in the Agricultural Water Resilience of southern Colorado and northern New tive demand has increased 15 percent since Program to fund projects and research Mexico hold the snow that melts to feed flow 1980 and is projected to reach 30 percent by aimed at improving agricultural water resilin the Rio Grande and San Juan Rivers.

2060, meaning plants and soils need more ience while maintaining productivity. NM On April 1, 2026, the graph of snow water water just to stay as hydrated as before. New WRRI partners with on-the-ground projects equivalent showed the lowest value ever Mexico isn’t just experiencing a temporary led by farmers and ranchers to conduct recorded for these mountain watersheds. It dry spell; it’s facing a new normal of “heat research that advances water-saving techwas not a hydrologist’s April Fools’ prank; it drought” — the combined effect of less pre- niques and technologies. Programs like was a stark depiction of a drying trend cipitation, earlier snowmelt, and higher AgWRP show that New Mexico does not marked by less snow water equivalent and temperatures — which is expected to cut have to choose between supporting agriculdeclining river flow. Given stressed water river and stream flows by 25 percent over the ture and conserving water—we can and must resources, water users across New Mexico next 50 years. We’re already seeing it in do both. are asking the same urgent questions: Will Albuquerque, where the Rio Grande ran dry The Resilient Agricultural Water Commy business or farm have enough water to in May this year, far earlier than in previous munity Systems project, led by NM WRRI support its activities? Is there enough water dry years. for healthy ecosystems? Can I keep my As river flows shrink, water users are

I

continued on page 66 >>

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ANSWERING<< cont from page 64 and the NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, exemplifies the land-grant university education, extension, and research mission. The project integrates systems-based approaches to strengthen community resilience in the face of water scarcity. Cutting-edge research incorporates simulations of current and future water use with shifts in crops, changing economic landscapes, and connections to social structures. The project also pro-

vides cooperative extension programming to deliver the needed research-based knowledge to communities and water managers.

NMSU researchers in the College of Engineering are developing technologies to treat marginal-quality water sources and provide high-quality water supplies for high-value uses, such as cities and industries. Salty groundwater is widespread in New Mexico, but it was previously unusable due to a lack of technology, economic limitations, and water-quality hurdles. Research through the National Alliance for Water Innovation is developing new treatment technologies that

provide usable clean water supplies from salty groundwater or other low-quality groundwaters; this research is showing the potential to extract high-value products such as salts and metals dissolved in the source water. The Strategic Water Supply project, funded by the State of New Mexico, is working to provide support for the state’s initiatives that put these new technologies to work in actual treatment plants that will use treated brackish groundwater as an alternative water supply.

Science to understand and inform water use is taking new leaps forward with advanced computing. Researchers across the NMSU campus are developing artificial intelligence tools to gather a wide variety of data extending from applied projects in the field to satellite remote sensing data and to help translate diverse information into new ways to irrigate, treat water, and even assess transboundary groundwater resources.

More than 200 scientists, educators, and extension specialists involved in water research at NM WRRI and NMSU are helping answer New Mexico’s most pressing water questions through 21st-century landgrant research and outreach. While we will not be able to mitigate all the impacts of drought and the changing water outlook, we are excited about the positive impacts our research efforts are showing. By working together with collaborative team science, researchers at NMSU are passionate about pioneering innovations to guide New Mexico’s water future for productive agriculture, hea lt hy ecosystems, a nd t hr iv i ng communities.

Fernald is a professor of watershed management and director of the Water Resources Research Institute at NMSU. He may be reached at afernald@nmsu. edu.

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New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Heritage Buckle Contest Honors Youth

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earn them a $1,000 scholarship funded through the NMCGA Promotions and Marketing Committee. The statewide winner and their family will be awarded and recognized as special guests during the 2026 Joint Stockmen’s Convention held in December.

2026 Heritage Buckle Northwest ew Mexico Cattle Growers’ Associa- Region Winner is Laryn Platero

tion is proud to announce the winners of the annual Heritage Buckle Contest.

The contest aims to tell the stories of New Mexico’s youth involved in agriculture and highlights the importance of generational ties to land and livestock.

Youth, ages 13 to 17 years, in all 33 counties of New Mexico were eligible to apply.

Previous winners are not eligible to receive honors. One winner is being selected from each region. Entries require a 350-to-500word essay response to the question: How does your Heritage advance and promote the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association?

NMCGA award sponsors will collaborate in deciding the final winners from each region. Winners will receive a belt buckle and a one-year NMCGA junior membership.

Each region winner will then be automatically advanced to the Statewide Heritage Contest, where their essay submissions could

“Our industry is built on generations of hard work, dedication, and a love for the land.

It is inspiring to see young people stepping forward and embracing that legacy with such enthusiasm and purpose,” said Marjorie Lantana, NMCGA Northwest Regional Vice President In response to the NMCGA question, Laryn wrote: “I want to continue the New Mexico cowboy way of life by protecting our industry, preserving our land rights, and educating my generation about the importance of the American cattle industry. Many people outside of ranching do not realize how much the cattle industry affects their everyday lives.

Ranchers provide food, care for the land, and support local communities. These values strongly connect with the mission of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association, which myself and my family strongly support. I am proud of where I come from and proud to

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continue my family’s cow and calf operation, our heritage and legacy for generations to come.”

Laryn Platero is the son of Jarrold Platero and Trina Lantana-Platero. A 16-year-old from Farmington, New Mexico, and a proud fifth-generation member of a ranching family in northwest New Mexico. A high school student, athlete, and active 4-H member with Los Rancheros 4-H Club, Laryn has grown up learning the importance of hard work, stewardship, and preserving the ranching way of life. He has shown market lambs, breeding sheep, and market steers through 4-H and continues to build his knowledge and leadership skills in agriculture. Through his family’s cattle operation, 4-H involvement, and passion for the beef industry, Laryn is committed to carrying forward his family’s heritage and helping ensure a strong future for New Mexico agriculture.

Sponsor of the Northwest Buckle was Robin Slutz in memory of Bob Frost

2026 Heritage Buckle Northeast Region is Jessica Jackson “Every opportunity we give our young people helps strengthen the future of agriculture. Their dedication and willingness to

(L to R) Jenny Rowland, NMCGA Staff; winner Jessica Jackson; and Clara Adams, Questa FFA Advisor.

(L to R) Tom Paterson, NMCGA President, Taylor McQueen, winner and Representative Gail Armstrong, NMCGA member and sponsor.

(L to R): Kevin and Renee Grant and their granddaughter Maisie Monzingo & Cade Gardner, winner.

learn reminds us that the traditions we value promote the mission of the New Mexico Cattle today will be in capable hands tomorrow.” Growers’ Association while preserving the Said Dave Kenneke, NMCGA Northeast traditions that make New Mexico special.”

Regional Vice President.

Taylor is a 17-year-old student who has When asked, “How does your Heritage grown up with agriculture and ranching as advance and promote New Mexico Cattle a way of life. She raises cattle with her family, Growers’ Association?” Jessica wrote: “Every- shows steers, and competes in rodeo, expebody hears the phrase, “Do you know who you riences that have taught her hard work, are?” That’s a question that has been tossed responsibility, perseverance, confidence, and around more and more lately. It seems like discipline. Taylor takes pride in her agriculmost people either forget or just don’t care. As tural roots and enjoys sharing her passion for me, I will never forget who I am. I am for ranching and the cattle industry with Jessica Jackson, daughter of Mike and Christy others. She is dedicated to preserving the Jackson. I live on a farm where I help my traditions of agriculture and serving as a parents, brothers, and grandparents raise positive example for the next generation. cattle. I’m on the back of my horse moving Award sponsors were Representative Gail them across a beautiful mountain meadow. Armstrong, Representative Rebecca Dow I’m pulling a calf in a corral. I’m doctoring and Tamara Hurt, NMCGA treasurer. and branding calves. When it’s time for the show ring, I step out with my steer or heifer 2026 Heritage Buckle winner for the and I show to the best of my ability. When the Southeast Region is Cade Gardner. going gets tough, I turn around and look at “The future of agriculture is in capable my family and thank God that I have them. hands. Every time I meet young people with We go through this crazy, dirty, beautiful a passion for this industry, I’m reminded that journey called cattle ranching. So, who am I? our best days are still ahead.” Said Jeff Decker, I’m a cattle grower. And just being me is NMCGA Sout heast Reg iona l Vice exactly how my heritage promotes the New President.

Mexico Cattle Grower’s Association.”

When asked, “How does your Heritage Jessica is a young cattle grower from advance and promote New Mexico Cattle Northern New Mexico who helps her family Growers’ Association?” Cade wrote: “I raise Hereford-Black Angus cross cattle. She believe I can profit NMCGA because I am a is involved in all aspects of ranching, from careful manager of the land and creatures moving and doctoring cattle to branding and that God has gifted me with, a faithful proshowing livestock. Through her family’s moter of raising cattle, and by simply having operation, Jessica has developed a strong genes of ranching in my blood. Being on my appreciation for her family, her livestock, list of goals in life, it would be my great pleaand the ranching heritage she is proud to sure to someday join the New Mexico Cattle carry forward.

Growers.”

Sponsors of Jessica’s award were Bill King Cade is the son of Cole and Megan and Copeland & Sons.

Gardner, a fifth-generation rancher from Fort Sumner, New Mexico, whose deep2026 Heritage Buckle Southwest rooted agricultural heritage has shaped his Region winner is Taylor McQueen strong work ethic, faith, and commitment to “Investing in the next generation of agri- the cattle industry. Growing up on his famcultural leaders is one of the most important ily’s ranch, Cade has developed firsthand things we can do for the future of our indus- experience in all aspects of cattle production, try. These young people bring passion, from doctoring and working livestock to determination, and a commitment to carry- roping, branding, and daily ranch manageing our agricultural heritage forward,” said ment. Guided by his Christian faith and Tracy Drummond, NMCGA Southwest inspired by generations before him, Cade Regional Vice President hopes to continue his family’s ranching When asked, “How does your Heritage legacy. advance and promote New Mexico Cattle Sponsor of the Southeast Award was Growers’ Association?” Taylor wrote: “My Tamera Hurt and Representative Gail heritage in ranching has taught me values Armstrong. that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It has shown me the meaning of responsibility, leadership, and pride in where I come from.

By continuing to raise cattle, show steers, compete in rodeo, and represent agriculture in a positive light, I am helping advance and

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(L to R): Laryn Platero, winner and Matthew Denetclaw, NMCGA member and member of Class III of the Linda Davis YCLA.

SEPTEMBER 2026

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New Mexico Youth Dominate on the World Horse Stage

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he New Mexico Quarter Horse Association (NMQHA) celebrates eight youth members who competed at the 2026 American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Show in Oklahoma City, OK, July 31 through August 9, 2026. These youth are some of the best and brightest equestrian competitors and represented New Mexico at the world level.

“I am proud of the hard work, the teamwork between horse and rider, and the grace each of our youth exhibits,” said NMQHA Youth Advisor and Board Member Bridgette Honea. “These kids work tirelessly throughout the year, and they all brought their A-game to this show.”

NMQHA is proud to recognize each member of the 2026 team. Awards received include several world and reserve world championships, top ten awards, and finalist placings among the world’s toughest competitors.

Katie Bennett, Corrales competed in the Level 2 Hunter Hack, Equitation Over Fences,

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and Working Hunter Under Saddle with her finish in the Level 3 14-18 Trail. horse BC STREAKNDEMON. This was the Kenzie Honea, Albuquerque earned a pair’s first world show and NMQHA is finalist ribbon, placing 11th in the Level 1 looking forward to seeing Katie’s continued Youth 13 and under Showmanship with her success. horse OVERDUE TO BE INVITED. Emily Dennisson, Edgewood placed K-Lee Martinez, Las Cruces and her sixth in the Level 2 14-18 Ranch Riding with horse EXX earned a World Championship her horse SPOOKS SMOKIN GUNN. in the Level 1 Youth Performance Halter Klairah Bowker, Edgewood earned Geldings. several awards with her horse PAID IN Levi Martinez, Las Cruces showed his SIXES including World Champion in the horse COOL IN MY LEVIS and placed 4th Level 2 13 and under Ranch Riding, World in the Level 1 Aged Halter Geldings and 7th Champion in the Level 3 13 and under Ranch in the Level 2 and Level 3 Aged Halter Riding, Reserve World Champion in the Geldings.

Level 2 Working Western Rail, Bronze The NMQHA Youth team’s presence was Champion in the Level 3 Working Western made possible in part by major contributions Rail. from sponsors including Berger Briggs Real Kyrah Bowker, Edgewood earned several Estate & Property Management, Rocky, Kelly, awards with her horse GUNNIN FOR THE & Ashlyn Lawrence, Albuquerque Equine, GOLD including a World Championship in Toni & Greg Miller, Albuquerque Mail the Level 3 14-18 Ranch Riding, 6th place in Service, Bar Lazy J Performance Horses, the Level 3 14-18 Ranch Trail, 7th place in SYNLawn New Mexico the Level 3 Working Western Rail.

Dakota Honea, Albuquerque earned several awards with her horse LOPIN ALL NIGHT LONG including a Reserve World Championship in Level 2 Performance Halter Geldings, 5th place in the Level 3 Performance Halter Geldings, 4th place in the Level 2 Youth 14-18 Trail, and a Top Ten

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Animal Activists Have an Affordability Problem

about the sour sentiment ahead of November but so too should the animal activist crowd.

The products they endorse carry the steepest price premiums.

Despite consumer anxiety over prices, activists are doubling down. During a recent animal rights conference, a presenter revealed a plan to raise the cost of animal protein even more. The lecture focused on polling conducted late last year that found public opposition to common farming practices. Think keeping chickens indoors (to protect from bird flu) or the temporary conby Jack Hubbard, meatingpklace,com finement of pigs (to mitigate piglets from mericans are losing sleep over the cost being squashed). of food. A July Washington Post-Ipsos The survey language is misleading and, poll found that two-thirds of adults therefore, the results do not honestly reflect describe groceries as “unaffordable”—up American opinion. The polling questions more than 20 points since February. Candi- conveniently fail to mention the reasoning dates for public office should be concerned behind such protocols and the verbiage

A

omits that these methods are largely supported by veterinarians.

The information, however, is valuable in another way: It’s a rough roadmap showing what animal rights activists plan to do next.

It confirms that California’s Proposition 12, which bans the sale of non-cage-free eggs and pork produced with the use of individual maternity pens, was just the opening act.

Outdoor access seems to be next.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is among the organizations moving the goalposts. The group recently issued a supermarket guide for consumers on what kind of animal protein to buy. The ASPCA only endorsed pasture-based systems, while also admitting that very little animal protein produced today actually meets these requirements. In fact, 99 percent of poultry doesn’t satisfy the ASPCA’s standards.

Allowing animal rights activists—many of whom don’t even eat meat—to dictate farming practices is not sustainable for family budgets. Not everyone can afford expensive Whole Foods grocery carts. Veterinarians and farmers should be calling the shots. So what’s the solution?

The Farm Bill passed by the House in April contains a Prop 12 “fix” that prevents states from banning the sale of meat produced lawfully in other states. California might one day mandate that farmers within its own borders only use super costly freerange systems, but it shouldn’t be able to demand that of farmers everywhere else.

The overwhelming majority of voters are waiting on the Senate to act. However, in response to Washington’s slow pace addressing this bipartisan issue, some local governments are tak ing their own initiative.

Smart policymaking at the state level could protect rural economies and consumers from the overreach of places like California where animal activists hold the puppet strings. North Carolina lawmakers are considering putting a “right to farm” constitutional amendment to voters this fall.

And in 2021, Maine became the first state where voters approved a constitutional amendment establishing a right to food.

Obviously, how these measures are crafted matters greatly. But generally speaking, with food costs on everyone’s mind, this is the direction that many voters have an appetite for. Hopefully the US Senate does too.

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72 SEPTEMBER 2026

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Ro de o Ro un dup

FROM THE ARENA

by Julie Carter

Reserve World Champion Light Rifle Zoey Cline Shooting For the Stars, Winning A Title

by Julie Carter

S

became an exceptional marksman, winning buckles, titles and making it annually to Nationals. Every year at Nationals, she’s qualified for the short go (top 20) and every year except one (sixth grade), she’s landed in the top 10 in the nation.

This year was different. “The conditions were definitely better than last year,” she said, “but I just shot better, I guess I’ve gotten better at it. This is the highest scores I’ve ever shot.”

She said she still practices the same amount, but has gotten better about trying new things, doing things a little differently that have resulted in better shooting. “Figuring out how I’m more comfortable and steadier and

All photos courtesy Jennings Rodeo Photography

he’s no stranger to competing on the national stage, or shooting range, as it were. Zoey Cline has qualified for National competition three years in junior high and three years in high school. This year put a title on her resume, Reserve World Champion Light Rifle.

Zoey had one goal in mind when she added Shooting Sports to her entries in Junior High Rodeo. She wanted to outshoot her older brother Zane. Along the way, she

Zoey Cline, 2026 National High School Rodeo Reserve Champion Light Rifle Shooter

it just worked better.”

Out of 145 shooters, Zoey ended up fourth in the long round, fifth in the short round (top 20). She said she was surprised that her aggregate score moved her up to the Reserve Champion spot. “I was happy with how I shot. It was really tough this year, so I knew if I did good in the short round, it could happen. It was one of the toughest years. Between second and tenth place there were only nine points difference.”

Zoey said her dad and brother have helped fine-tune her shooting, along with a few others through the years. “I’ve had a lot of help. I’m very lucky there. I’ve never had a question that somebody couldn’t help me with the answer.” She finished this year as the NM Year End and Finals Champion.

Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing are Zoey’s other events. “I can’t pick a favorite, but I do like the roping because I can rope every day, but honestly, I love them both equally,” she said. Zoey is a senior this fall and does her schooling online through Corona Schools, avoiding the 45-minute commute from the ranch to town.

Her strategy for Nationals this year was simple. “I decided I would just go do the best I can do. That’s really all I have control over.”

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Zoey Cline has made it to the National finals six times, three in Junior and three in High School

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Ro de o Ro un dup

FROM THE ARENA

by Julie Carter

Wacey Trujillo

Girls Reserve World Champion All Around

Wacey Trujillo, fastest goat tying time of the NHSRF

Finishing Off With a Big Win

by Julie Carter

All photos courtesy Jennings Rodeo Photography

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acey Trujillo packed up every skill, thousands of practice hours, all her experience from the last seven years of JH/HS rodeo and took them to her last National High School Rodeo Finals. She came home with a title that summed it all up perfectly. Girls Reserve World Champion All Around.

Qualifying for the 2026 NHSNR in two events (Goat Tying and Breakaway), Wacey left everything she is on the arena floor, including nailing the fastest Goat Tying time of the entire finals of 6.39 to win the 2nd Go Round. “I felt pretty confident coming into Nationals,” she said. “I spent some time tuning up my horse and myself in the Breakaway (thank you Russell Sullivan) and I felt good about the Goat Tying.”

She drew a “little bit wilder” goat in the first round so she just aimed at a solid run.

Her second goat “just let me go be good on him.” (6.39) She tied a 6.61 in the short go, placing her 3rd in the short round and 3rd in three-round aggregate.

In what the announcer said repeatedly was one of the toughest Breakaway Ropings at Nationals he’d seen, Wacey went into the short go in Breakway in splitting fifth and sixth place. She roped a 2.78 and split seventh and eighth and that put her sixth overall with 7.8 on three.

The calculators whirred and the titles were passed out but Team New Mexico saw what they’ve watched year after year. Wacey Trujillo competed with that same “all in” edge she has built unapologetically every

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Wacey Trujillo, National High School Rodeo Girls Reserve Champion All Around

single year. She’s humble, kind and giving, but when her event is on the line in front of her, there is a fierceness and unspoken focus that defies definition.

While Wacey is very proud of this accompl ish ment, done with only two events to tally her Wacey is taking her talents to Tarleton State University points, she says the coolest ever was as an 8th grader, she won leagues of Breakaway. “I love Goat Tying and the JH National Championship in Goat it’s paid my way to college,” she said, “but Tying. Now with JH and HS behind her, she when that’s done, I’m done. I really do love loaded up five horses and headed to Stephen- roping, maybe even a little bit more.”

Wacey says she will truly miss the high ville to college rodeo on the Tarleton Rodeo Team. She’ll get a degree (probably Business) school rodeo. “All the people, the relationbut has some big plans for some college ships. It’s been a wonderful time in my life, rodeo titles and eventually to rope in the big I’ll never ever forget.”

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Aging Consumers Are Different Than Previous Generations

by Chris Moore, meatingplace.com

W

hile demographic data points to an aging America, experts caution against viewing older consumers through outdated stereotypes.

Today’s seniors are not the same consumers who entered retirement a generation ago.

Many baby boomers spent decades traveling, dining out, experimenting with international cuisines and embracing new food experiences. As a result, their preferences often look much different than those of previous generations.

Chef and food innovation consultant Andrew Hunter believes processors should focus less on age and more on evolving consumer behavior.

“So many of us are interested in mindful eating,” Hunter said.

That shift is changing how consumers think about portion sizes, meal occasions and value.

Hunter said many consumers, including older adults, increasingly prefer smaller portions and more flexible meal formats. Instead of focusing solely on large center-of-the-plate proteins, consumers are looking for products that fit changing lifestyles and household structures.

His own household reflects the trend.

As empty nesters, Hunter said he and his wife rarely consume meals the same way they did when raising children. Sharing appetizers, eating smaller portions and seeking greater f lexibility have become more common.

Those changes create opportunities for processors willing to rethink traditional assumptions about serving sizes and product formats.

“I don’t know if there’s as much difference in flavor preferences between seniors and people in their 30s and 40s,” Hunter said.

The implication is significant.

Rather than creating “senior food,” processors may be better served developing products that align with broader shifts toward portion control, convenience and nutrition.

While older Americans represent one of the fastest-growing consumer groups in the country, younger shoppers continue to fuel much of the growth in meat sales and value-added products.

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Team New Mexico Storms the National High School Rodeo Finals Channing Robinson

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USDA Acts to Remove Roadless Rule Restrictions That Exacerbate Rising Wildfire Risk Source: USDA

T

he U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has filed a proposed rule to rescind in its entirety the national 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a one-size-fits-all restriction that has frustrated land managers and served as a barrier to wildfire risk reduction work across large swaths of America’s national forests.

For 25 years, the 2001 Roadless Rule restricted road construction and limited the USFS’s ability to carry out critical active management work within inventoried roadless areas. Today, that includes more than 44

areas to the local national forest managers.

Returning roadless-area decisions to forest-level land management planning provides flexibility the national rule did not.

Future land management decisions would be based on natural resource conditions and needs and informed by states, tribes, and communities. Rescinding the rule allows forest managers to address watershed, economic, and wildfire-risk conditions within the sideboards of existing laws, regulations, and policy. That would put those decisions within the same planning framework that guides individual plans throughout the National Forest System, according to USDA. More than 95 percent of inventoried roadmillion acres of the 193-million-acre less areas are in 10 Western states: Alaska, National Forest System. The rescission is Arizona, California, Montana, Nevada, New intended to prioritize local agency deci- Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and sion-making over regulatory rules that are Wyoming. The proposed rule does not apply the same across the country, regardless of to national forests in Colorado and Idaho specific land management issues and needs. because those lands are under separate The agency will seek public comment on state-specific roadless regulations. the proposal and on a draft of the environTo comment on the proposed rule and mental impact statement filed today in the draft environmental impact statement, go to Federal Register. The rescission removes Regulations.gov. Public comments must be national designation of roadless areas but received by midnight on Sept. 21. Informadoes not mandate timber cutting or road tion is available on the USFS Roadless Areas construction. The action removes regulatory webpage. burden and sends decisions about roadless

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Charles Malcolm Sullivan passed away on July 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Charles was born to Eunice Bell Turner Sullivan and Ira Henry Sullivan.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend, Charles dedicated his life to his family, his ranch, and serving others. He never asked for help but was always the first to lend a hand, expecting nothing in return. His faith in the Lord, strong work ethic, and kind heart touched countless lives.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara “Bobbie” Sullivan, along with his children, Dallas and Destri; his grandchildren: Kyndra, Trinity and Keighton; extended family, and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, if anyone would like to make a donation, they may do so directly to First Savings Bank in Charles’s memory.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Editor’s Note: Email caren@aaalivestock.com.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Cattlegrowers’ Foundation, a 501(c)3, tax deductable charitable foundation serving the rights of ranch families and educating citizens on governmental actions, policies and practices. Cattlegrowers Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 7517, Albuquerque, NM 87194. The New Mexico Stockman runs memorials as a courtesy to its readers. If families & friends would like to see more detail, verbatim pieces must be emailed to us, & may be printed at 10¢ per word.

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­ Plan your r JANUARY­—­Wildlife;­Gelbvieh; advertisinginfo the com g Joint­Stockmen’s­Convention­Results year!

FEBRUARY­—­Hereford;­Beefmasters; Texas­Longhorns MARCH­—­Limousin;­Santa­Gertrudis APRIL­—­Dairy MAY­—­News­of­the­Day

Editorial Calendar

JUNE­—­Sheepman­of­the­Year JULY­—­Directory­of­Agriculture AUGUST­—­The­Horse­Industry SEPTEMBER­—­Charolais; Fairs­Across­the­Southwest OCTOBER­—­Angus;­­Brangus;­Red­Angus; New Mexico­State­Fair­Results NOVEMBER­—­Cattleman­of­the­Year; Joint­Stockmen’s­Convention­Preview DECEMBER­—­Bull­Buyers­Guide

If you would like to see your breed featured email carenroad1053@gmail.com To Reserve Advertising Space email chris@aaalivestock.com or call Chris at 505.243.9515

SEPTEMBER 2026

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ad index ▫

AB

Ag Lands Southwest. . . . . . . 63 American Heritage Bank / Colten Grau . . . . . . . . . . . 39 American Int’l Charolais . . 21.58 B&R Construction . . . . . . . . 30 Bar A Ranch . . . . . . . . . .21, 54 Bar G Feedyard . . . . . . . . . . 33 Bar M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Barber Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Beaverhead Outdoors. . . . . . 61 Bill King Ranch . . . . . . . . . . 17 BJM Sales & Service Inc. . . . . 55 Border Tank Resources . . . . . 38 Bradley 3 Ranch, Ltd. . . . . . . 56 Briggs Ranches . . . . . . . . . . 25 Brinks Brangus / Westall Ranch. . . . . . . .23, 58 Brownfield Ranch & Farm Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Depot Farm & Ranch . . . .3 Dexter LS Commission . . . . . 13 Diamond Seven Angus . . . . . 56 Domenici Law Firm, PC . . . . . 30

EFGH

Eastern NM State Fair . . . . . . 41 Express Scales Services . . . . . 26 Farmway Feed Mill . . . . . . . . 34 FBFS / Larry Marshall . . . . . . 44 First American Bank . . . . . . . 64 Five States LS Auction, . . . . . 46 Ft. Sumner Processing . . . . . 55 4 Rivers Equipment . . . . . . . . 5 4G Mountain Angus . . . . . . . 56 Garnett Insurance Agency . . . 67 Genex / Candy Trujillo. . . . . . 59 Grau Charolais. . . . . . . . .20, 56 Grau Ranch. . . . . . . . . . .15, 56 Hargrove Ranch Insurance. . . 81 Harrison Quarter Horses . . . . 55 Hartzog Angus Ranch. . . .57, 85 Headquarters West / Traegen Knight . . . . . . . . . 60 Headquarters West Ltd. / Sam Hubbell . . . . . . . . . . 59 Henard Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Hi-Pro Feeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Hubbell Ranch . . . . . . . . . . 59 Hudson LS Supplements. . . . 37 Hutchison Western. . . . . . . . 79

CD

C Bar Ranch . . . . . . . . . .21, 57 Carter Brangus . . . . . . . . . . 56 Carter’s Custom Cuts . . . . . . 84 Casey Beefmasters . . . . . . . . 57 Cattlemens Livestock . . . . . . 33 Cauthorn & Griffin Insurance . 86 Caviness Packing Co., Inc. . . . 36 Clark Anvil Ranch. . . . . . . . . 57 Clovis LS Auction . . . . . . . . . 35 Cobb Charolais . . . . . . . . . . 19 Conniff Cattle Co., LLC . . . . . 57 Copeland & Sons Herefords . . . 7 Copeland Show Cattle . . . . . . 6 Cox Ranch Herefords . . . . . . 59 Dairy Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Denton Photography . . . . . . 46

IJKL

InoSol Castrator. . . . . . . . . . 70 Isa Beefmasters . . . . . . . .56, 75 J & J Auctioneers . . . . . . . . . 68 James Sammons III. . . . . . . . 59

Kaddatz Auctioneering & Farm Equipment . . . . . . . . 55 Ken Ahler Real Estate Co.. . . . 62 L & H Manufacturing . . . . . . 55 Landmark Mercantile LS A. . . 22 Lavender Brangus . . . . . .38, 58 Lazy D Ranch Red Angus. . . . 58 Lazy J&G Sales. . . . . . . . . . . 55 Lonestar Stockyards, LLC. . . . 43 Lowry Show Calves . . . . . . . 52 Lyssy & Eckel Feeds . . . . . . . 79

MNO

Manzano Angus . . . . . . . . . 57 Matlock & Associates . . . . . . 66 McKenzie Land & Lvsk. . . . . . 24 McPherson Heifer Bulls . . . . . 56 Mesa Tractor, Inc. . . . . . . .29, 54 Michael Perry For Land Commissioner . . . . . . .11, 47 Michelet Homestead Realty . . 59 Middleton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Monfette Construction Co. 30, 55 Nat’l Animal Interest Alliance 42 NM Dept of Wildlife . . . . . . . 77 NM Farm & Lvsk. Bureau . . . . 21 NM State Fair . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Nixon Family Farms . . . . . . . 71 NM Federal Lands Council . . . 45 NM Purina Dealers . . . . . . . . 88 NM Workers’ Compensation Administration . . . . . . . . . 87 NMAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 NMSU Animal & Range Sciences . . . . . . . . . . .48, 52 Old Mill Farm & Ranch Supply . 2 Olson Land and Cattle . . . . . 56

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PR

Parker Brangus . . . . . . . . . . 58 Perez Cattle Company . . . . . 59 Pratt Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 R.L. Cox Company . . . . . .31, 55 Rafter G Ranch Supply . . .30, 44 Ramro LLC / RJ Cattle Co . . . . 18 Republic Ranches, LLC . . . . . 62 Reverse Rocking R Ranch . . . 65 Rio Grande Scales & Equipment . . . . . . . . .22, 55 Roswell Lvsk. & Farm Supply . 40 Roswell Lvsk. Auction Co. . . . 32 Rusty’s Weigh Scales & Service 12

STUV

Santa Rita Ranch . . . . . . . . . 56 Scott Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Select Sires Member Coop. . . 57 Terrell Land & LS Co. . . . . . . . 60 The Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Thompson Ranch . . . . . . . . 58 Tom Robb & Sons . . . . . . . . 57 2 Bar Angus . . . . . . . . . .38, 56 United Fiberglass, Inc.. . . . . . 51 USA Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Verde Real Estate . . . . . . . . . 62 Villa Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

WYZ

W&W Fiberglass Tank Co.. . . . 82 Waypath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 West Star Herefords . . . . .50, 59 Western Trading Post . . . . . . 29 Williams Windmill, Inc. . . .31, 56 WW - Paul Scales . . . . . . . . . 70 Y Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Zia Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . 62

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