LMD July 2023

Riding Herd Saying things that need to be said.

July 15, 2023 • www.aaalivestock.com

Volume 65 • No. 7

Coming Undone LEE PITTS

I

t’s been a love affair ever since they joined hands in 1986 to save the spotted owl. That means they’ve been hitched for 36 years now and seldom have we seen them disagree in public. They were the perfect pair and where one went the other followed. But now the bond between the over 50,000 animal rights groups and environmental organizations in America is being tested like never before and before you know it they’ll be seeing a marriage counselor and seeking a trial separation because, let’s face it, their issues and differences are just too big to overcome.

Once upon a time wherever the eco-warriors went into battle the folks who refer to cats, dogs and cows as “non-human animals” always had their backs.

It seems like they’ve always been joined at the hip, probably because as flaming liberals they have so much in common. Until now when one green group needed help lobbying a bill through Congress they knew they could count on support from the animal rightists. But now there seems to be visible signs of discord between the greens and the animal activists which is probably good news for stockmen. Divide and conquer and all that.

Crispy Critters

NEWSPAPER PRIORITY HANDLING

One wonders, why did it take record setting forest fires for the animal rightists to wake up and smell the smoke? During

a recent four-year period it’s estimated that 539 separate wildfires killed nearly 3 million animals and a funny thing about infernos is that fire doesn’t play favorites. It kills all animals. It wasn’t just the creatures the animal activists love to hate, like cows and sheep. (The animal activists supposedly love all animals... just not our animals.) Yet we wonder, where were the protestors, the PETA Hollywood starlets covering their privates

cooked w-a-a-ay past well-done, that would have been okay with the animal rightists who don’t seem to categorize cows as “animals.” But if you walk the ground after a forest fire has incinerated everything in its path you’ll see the skeletons of all sorts of crispy critters like cremated cottontails, carbonized deer and all sorts of endangered species consumed by combustion. And because these fires were largely the result of policies written by their buddies, the environmentalists, and a few brave animal rightists had the nerve to suggest that, hey, maybe what’s best for the greens isn’t necessarily good for the animal lovers.

If the first signs of division between the greenies and the animal lovers were the forest fires, it was the hunting done by the greens that really made the animal activists madder than a

Don’t judge folks by their relatives.

with lettuce leaves, protesting against the loss of animal lives due to senseless wildfires that burned brightly due to government mismanagement?

If it was just cows that were

livestock-truck-bombing Animal Liberation Front member.

Yes, it turns out that greenies can, and do, support hunting in cases when it’s considered to be ecologically beneficial. While on the opposite side of the argument are animal ethicists who argue that we have a moral obligation to take ALL steps necessary to avoid ALL suffering of animals. Naturally, your average animal rightist would never condone hunting of any kind.

So when environmentalists supported the murder of cows by government gunslingers that rubbed the animal lovers the wrong way, even if the dead were just cows.

Target Practice The Center for Biological Diversity has been a thorn in rancher’s side for decades as they are one of the greenest groups there is. What is new is that they have now become a pain in the patoot of the USDA, or the Animal Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) to be more continued on page 2

Green Madness The Downside You’d Have To Burn a Pizza Stove 849 Years of Wild and to Equal 1 Year of John Kerry’s Private Jet Science River Act Designation nvironmental bureaucrats are out to

BY MARC MORANO / NEW YORK POST OPINION

Impact on Property Owners, Water Rights, and Agricultural Communities

BY DREW LESOFSKI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HERITAGE WATERS COALITION

W

ild and Science River Act (Wild and Science) designation is a process that legally secures specific areas, primarily to protect their unique ecosystems and biodiversity.

While the intention is generally noble, these designations can inadvertently pose a host of negative implications, particularly for private property owners, water rights holders, and the farming and ranching communities.

Private property owners are often significantly affected by Wild and Science designations. Although these designations do not directly annex privately owned land, they can devalue such properties due to the restrictions and regulations imposed on surrounding areas. For instance, activities such as construction, road building, and usage of motorized vehicles could be limited, thus impacting the overall convenience and accessibility of these properties. Furthermore, property owners may be subjected to stricter regulations about how they can use their land to prevent potential damage to the adjacent Wild and Science designated areas.

Water rights are another contentious issue associated with Wild and Science designation. continued on page 4

E

save you from pizza.

The city government is set to restrict emissions from coal- and wood-fired pizza ovens in restaurants in the city.

New Yorkers are once again suffering at the hands of the unelected food police in the name of public health and climate change.

New Yorkers have already endured former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s attempts to ban soda sales of over 16 ounces for their own good and are facing Governor Kathy Hochul’s gas stove and furnace bans in the state, all in the name of climate change.

And now, another one bites the crust as New York City officials are going after pizzerias using the century-old cooking methods, citing the ovens’ allegedly excessive carbon emissions.

But how many pizzas would you have to order to equal just one trip on John Kerry’s private jet?

In 2021, Kerry’s private jet emitted an estimated 116 metric tons of carbon in less than a year. Private jets emit up to 40 times as much CO2 per passenger as commercial flights.

It would take a coal-burning stove 849 years to reach the carbon emissions of John Kerry’s jet in one year.

By comparison, the carbon footprint of a wood-burning stove (a reasonable facsimile of a pizza oven) is barely measurable. The 8 Billion Trees Project estimates that the “carbon footprint of wood-burning stoves” can be up to 15.6 grams an hour or 374 grams a day. This is meacontinued on page 4

by LEE PITTS

No Chit Chat

M

y friend Rod gets all his news by reading the headlines on a website called Market Watch because he refuses to pay a dollar per week to read the complete stories. But this only partially explains his stupidity.

“What’s all this excitement about AI?” he asked. “I read where one company’s stock went up 700% because it’s a leader in AI. And every other headline was about how AI is the next EXCITING BIG THING. Heck, we’ve been AI’ing cows for decades now and Wall Street just found out? And just ask any brown-shouldered AI technician how ‘exciting’ it is.”

Admittedly, Rod’s not all that computer savvy. He thinks a byte is what rattlesnakes and cantankerous old horses do. His chips are ruffled with ridges and he thinks software refers to the plastic knives, forks and spoons they pass out at bull-sale-barbecues. Cookies are what you get for dessert.

“Rod,” I said, “if you weren’t so cheap and could read the complete stories you’d know that the AI they’re referring to is artificial intelligence, not artificial insemination.”

Obviously, Rod hasn’t had too many run-ins with intelligence, real or artificial, and I’m beginning to wonder about myself. Not too long after the encounter with Rod I was reading a story in the New Mexico Stockman magazine about stress in cows caused by cold weather. It was a ho-hum story and not up to the usual excellent standards of the magazine.

And then I read the fine print and you can imagine my surprise when I read that the sample article was written BY A COMPUTER! Well, my friends, I’ve seen the future and it doesn’t include me. I blame something called ChatGPT that will write a story all by itself without any human intervention.

Now you can add ‘writer’ to the list of jobs destroyed by the Internet. If you see me on the side of the road with a sign that says “Will work for food,” throw me a quarter or two. Actually the nerds and geeks say ChatGPT doesn’t write the stories, it generates them. So I’m a ‘generator’ now. Or a ‘linguistic engineer,’ as one out-of-work

continued on page 3

Page 2

Livestock Market Digest

July 15, 2023

COMING UNDONE

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exact. The Center threatened a lawsuit to remove the estrays or feral cattle that wandered into the Gila National Forest because the feds had let their fences fall. The Center said the cows were harming riparian areas in the forest. Notice they didn’t say the deer, elk and other four legged critters were also destroying riverbanks... just the cows. The Center for Biological Diversity wanted it stopped no matter how it was done.

Officials at APHIS came to the conclusion that rather than try to have cowboys gather the estrays, which is done all the time in similar country, they decided that shooting them down would be “the most effective method.” They also said their sharpshooters would be so precise that no animal would suffer.

So on Feb 10 and 11, 2022, 65 cattle were shot from a helicopter by government sponsored marksmen and readers of this newspaper may remember the haunting images of a dogied calf that was doomed to starvation, or to be eaten alive by predators, bawling for its dead mother. Another photo showed the bloated carcass of a cow lying in a stream, which is ironic because supposedly the Center for Biological Diversity wanted the cows shot in the first place to preserve the quality of the river water. And instead of using the beef from the slaughtered cattle to feed the homeless, wolves dined on the cattle instead, thereby developing an even more ravenous taste for beef. .

The disconnect between animal rightists and the Center For Biological Diversity, which you’ll remember is a green group, came about because it was the duty of APHIS to “ensure the humane treatment of animals covered by the Animal Welfare Act.” Obviously, gunning the cattle down, and leaving the wounded left to suffer in no way can be construed as “humane treatment.” An assortment of groups, including the New Mexico Livestock Board filed objections to the slaughter as did some green groups including the Humane Farming Association with its 270,000 members.

After the uproar caused by the inhumane slaughter and the negative publicity that followed I thought the feds would have learned their lesson and would never try that again but on February 23, 2023, cows were once again used as target practice by government “sharpshooters” and an even deeper wedge was driven between the greenies and the animal activists.

A similar argument broke out between the greens and the animal rightists over the hordes of wild horses currently decimating public lands with their overgrazing in several western locales. And by now it’s become obvious, even to the most dense PETA member, that you can’t be a greenie and an animal rightist at the same time.

It’s also becoming crystal clear to more and more animal rightists that perhaps the time has come to split the sheets with the environmentalists because their ethics are incompatible, and their positions are irreconcilable. For example, in many instances environmentalists actually condone hunting, which an animal rightist would consider an abomination. The greenies consider it justifiable to kill individual animals that are an introduced species if they threaten the preservation of native species. This is clearly illustrated by the green’s call for the killing of barred owls in the Pacific Northwest who are killing the spotted owls which are an indigenous and endangered species.

The greens are more concerned about things like biodiversity and ecosystems whereas these topics are paid little heed by animal rightists who argue that whether an individual animal exists naturally or is introduced is not morally relevant. To the animal rightists it’s the individual’s capacity to suffer that matters, not who their ancestors were.

Sliced and Diced

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The divide between the greens and the animal lovers will only get bigger as the battle over fossil fuels and renewable energy heats up.

When one of the first wind farms was built in the Altamount Pass in California, I drove by it frequently and my first impression was what a disaster this would be for animals and the environment. The land that was previously used for grazing was now sliced up by miles of roads that connected the huge wind turbines that were located directly in the path of several migratory bird species. And speaking of slicing and dicing, that’s what the turbines did to birds and bats.

Piles of dead bird carcasses collected under the turbines.

The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System in California’s Mojave Desert was no better when I saw it from the air. The Ivanpah solar power plant uses a large number of mirrors to focus sunlight on a central receiver (boiler) atop towers. These concentrating solar plants are called “power towers” and they produce beams of sunlight so intense they instantly incinerate any living thing that comes close, causing some folks to ask if there is any difference between the loss of life from solar and wind farms and animals drenched in oil following an oil spill?

Renewable energy is not quite the panacea we are led to believe it is. For one thing, renewable energy requires a lot more land than fossil fuel production, and its infrastructure fragments or even eliminates high-quality wildlife habitat. It can also lead to a variety of other impacts on wildlife, including behavioral changes and mortality.

The greenies are fond of saying that fewer birds are killed with renewable energy. They say that by far more birds and bats are killed by the windshields of cars fueled by fossil fuels than in a renewable energy world, but this claim is ridiculous because even cars fueled with renewable energy are going to kill just as many birds as cars gassed up on fossil fuels. The birds will be dead no matter if the car that killed them was powered by Exxon or lithium batteries.

Studies show that utility companies in the U.S. have built renewable energy projects on mostly undeveloped areas where land prices are less expensive. A good example is the BLM who brags that since 2021 they have approved 35 projects on 23,396 acres of BLM managed lands. And to meet President Biden’s goal of a 100 percent clean electricity grid by 2035 the BLM promises to promote the development of more solar, wind and geothermal plants on public lands which will fragment even more high-quality wildlife habitat.

It’s projected that 50 million acres of new land will be needed to be

July 15, 2023 developed for energy production in the United States by 2035, and the vast majority of that will be public land in the West.

Even if more rules and regulations are written to supposedly negate the harmful effects of wind turbines and solar arrays the sites can still cause harm to animals by taking up a lot of space and driving animals out of their habitat. If you’ve ever seen a solar array you know that it quickly becomes a vast wasteland and if you see any wildlife at all it is probably cooked. That’s because the construction of renewable energy infrastructure damages the land’s natural layout and destroys plants and animals. Again, consider the Mojave solar plant. Mojave desert tortoises usually live up to 80 years, but the threat to their habitat puts those lives in danger. The initial plan for the plant just said that the tortoises would likely be displaced and would have to adapt to a new environment. Can you imagine someone saying that tortoises in Clark County, Nevada, would have to be moved to make way for cows, instead of the other way around?

It’s been suggested by more than one expert in the field that while renewable energy is good, the negative impact on biodiversity outweighs any positive environmental impact of rechargeable energy.

Green-Collared Criminals There’s another reason the relationship between the environmentalists and the animal rightists is falling apart and it’s the age old problem of money. Your money. Both parties want more of it.

The environmentalists are green all right... green as in cash. And greedy for more. Recently Australia’s prime minister denounced the environmentalists as “shameful and said they were nothing but a bunch of “green-collared criminals”. Well of course they are. Going green is a business. A VERY BIG BUSINESS! And the greens and the animal rightists are competing for the same dollars.

It’s predicted that as the baby boomers die off much of their money will find its way into the coffers of all sorts of charities. With over 50,000 green and animal rights groups already begging you for money you can also add thousands of new green groups being created on a daily basis by another dead dot com billionaire. Add it all up and the numbers are as staggering. Consider this heavyweight brawl: IN THIS CORNER we have the WWF, and no, we’re not talking about wrestling. (The World Wrestling Federation lost a lawsuit to the World Wildlife Fund and had to change their name to the WWE). The real WWF, the World Wildlife Fund in their fiscal year 2022 raised $433 million with commitments from both private and public donors, a 15 percent increase over fiscal year 2021.

The WWF has five million members and calls itself the “world’s leading conservation fund”. But I bet conservation wasn’t the first thing that came to your mind when you first heard “World Wildlife Fund”. Why not call themselves the World Conservation Fund and let the wrestler’s keep their name? Because the word “wildlife” brings in more bucks, that’s why.

AND IN THE OTHER CORNER we have The Humane Society of the United States with its 10 million members, double the size of the WWF. HSUS donates roughly two percent of its money to actual animal shelters and has been accused of misleading donors into thinking that their donations directly support local animal shelters when, in fact, HSUS has no affiliation with or control over local humane societies. Which is what most Americans first think of when they hear the words Humane Society. Right?

So we are supposed to believe that this “conservation group” and this animal rights organization are on the same team when the only thing they have in common is they’re both fake. (I suppose we should say “allegedly fake” to keep their armies of lawyers at bay.)

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Livestock Market Digest

Page 3

Farm Credit of New Mexico Statement on Merger Reconsideration

F

arm Credit of New Mexico (FCNM) is proud of our deep legacy of serving farmers and ranchers and our commitment to agriculture is unchanged. The Board has been diligently working on the strategic direction of the Association and supports a merger with American AgCredit.

American AgCredit is a part of the Farm Credit System owned by its stockholders/ customers and overseen by a stockholder elected Board of Directors. The FCNM Board of Directors believe a merged Association should create competitive advantage, provide marketplace stability, and

NO CHIT CHAT

enhance the customer experience. On May 9, 2023, voting stockholders voted in favor of the merger –82 percent of the FCNM stockholders who voted (19 percent), voted in favor of the merger.

The merger process, as established by Congress, includes a 35-day reconsideration period after the vote.

Farm Credit of New Mexico stockholders exercised their right to petition for reconsideration of the merger vote and according to the Farm Credit Administration (FCA) the petition is valid, which initiates a re-vote on the merger by the Farm Credit of New Mexico B stockholders. As part of

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writer referred to herself.

ChatGPT is an “AI powered chatbot” (whatever that is) that can write novels, poems that don’t rhyme, emails from Nigerian princes, malicious computer code or your son’s 5th grade report about the Amazon rainforest. It does this by scanning sources like Wikipedia, The National Enquirer, books, the New York Times, scientific journals and my column no doubt, then putting it all together in one jumbled article. Trust me, ChatGPT writing would put a person with caffeine-intoxication to sleep.

Evidently teachers aren’t able to tell if a student wrote a report because given the same topic ChatGPT writes something different every time. I’d hope that a teacher could tell that a D student DID NOT write a report on how to build a nuclear bomb.

I read one account that says ChatGPT can even write good rap songs but I don’t think there is such a thing. One article said that ChatGPT can even write humorous columns but in all honesty none of them left me hemorrh aging with laughter. ChatGPT does all this by plagiarizing content that was actually written by real people like me without any attribution or royalty paid to the original writer. This is flat-out stealing and just one more example of the morale decay in our country.

One of the unforeseen problems with ChatGPT is there has to be real writers writing original content for the chatbot to be able to steal from. I guarantee if some poverty stricken editor at the New York or LA Times is forced to pick between a bad article written for free by a computer, or a good article written by a professional, they’ll pick the free one every time. Even though an article written

by ChatGPT might contain one sentence that says one thing and then in the very next sentence says the exact opposite. So basically what you end up with are two computers lying to each other.

I read where ChatGPT already has 100 million users and 1.8 billion visitors per month... but I don’t know if the glowing report was written by a real person or some self-serving computer.

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this process stockholder information sessions, updated and abbreviated voting disclosure document, notice of a special meeting and a special stockholders meeting (which includes voting by proxy and in person) are being planned following the regulated process.

Farm Credit of New Mexico has taken steps to provide business continuity during this extended merger process.

FCNM staff continue focus on serving our customers, and their financial services needs.

The Board is committed to doing what’s right for our customers and our employees – The Board believes this is the best path forward.

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Podcast CONTRIBUTED BY PATINA THOMPSON

A

mongst the digital media world, there’s a podcast unlike any other. A podcast that melds together the rich history of the southwest, charming personality of the hosts, and provides vital weather and cattle reports for active agriculturists.

The brainchild of Paul Ramirez, Western Ag Life Media’s podcast combines the talents of a formidable trio that educates and delivers information in a casual and fun setting, with a digital podcast that’s easy to digest.

One piece of the trio is Matt Arendt. Matt is the “best thing that came out of California” according to Paul and offers a unique perspective of the cattle market. Matt grew up around horses, roping and rodeo, and got started at the ripe age of 13 with his very own bucking bull business.

While in high school, he took a job at the local livestock auction which sparked his passion for all aspects of the business.

After earning an Agriculture Business and Animal Science degree at Oklahoma State University, Matt worked for various packers and buyers and is now in the cattle business buying and selling for himself and others.

Matt publishes a weekly newsletter, titled “Catching up with the Cattle market” that covers fat cattle trade, box beef cutout trends, cull cow and bull prices and feeder and stocker markets in the West.

The Western Ag Life podcast is not only a great tool to get Matt’s weekly report to the masses, Matt sees it as a necessity for agriculture producers in the southwest and western U.S. “Many producers don’t know the full picture of what happens each week in the cattle market, what sells and what doesn’t. Operators who want to continue to be successful need to know how it’s all tied together. The more education an operator can have, no matter where they are in the country, the better decisions they can make in buying and selling livestock”, said Matt.

A vital piece of the trio is held by Dr. Dean Fish. Dean was born on the Singing Valley Ranch (previously Thurber Registered Hereford’s) in Sonoita and credits his deep roots in agriculture not only to his family,

Livestock Market Digest but to his involvement in 4-H as a youth.

After fifteen years of service as a Livestock Extension Specialist at the UA, Dean is back to managing the Santa Fe Ranch, the ranch he grew up on and his dad managed for many years, and operating Anchor F Cattle LLC. Dean Fish is well known in the agriculture industry but one might say his natural talent for interviewing people is the heart of the podcast. Western Ag Voices highlights the stories of the people and characters that make up the rich fabric of the west.

These are individuals who took the risks, broke the rules and made waves in the name of agriculture, but Ag Life Voices is also seeking the hidden gems and stories that have yet to be told.

Dean “believes it’s important to preserve these stories for future generations, and to feed and foster the historical component of the west. We have lost too many of the stories from great people who have so much to tell and that we can learn from.” Western Ag Life Voices provides in-depth interviews, agriculture-based stories and serves to educate the public about the rich and plentiful food, fiber and folks of the west.

Western Ag Life Media’s founder Paul Ramirez is from one of the original ranching families in the Sulphur Springs Valley. Even though his family moved to Tucson when Paul was young for his father to pursue a more stable job at the mines, Paul’s love for agriculture that was ingrained in his heritage never left him. In high school, Paul jumped at the opportunity to join FFA and was the first student to earn the American Farmer Degree from Amphitheater High School in Tucson. While in high school, Paul worked at Nelson Livestock where Jack Nelson and Larry Hudecek mentored and molded him. Paul later worked for Shamrock Dairy, Arizona Feeds, found time to become an award-winning auctioneer, and is the lead agent for the real estate auction division of United Country Stockmen’s Realty.

Paul thanks his wife, Tina, for the concept behind Western Ag Life magazine which he founded in 2018 to communicate, educate and celebrate the people of the western lifestyle.

“Tina would be fascinated by the stories I would come home with after visiting with people at

the sale barns and feed stores,” states Paul.

Tina urged him to share the stories to keep them alive. The popular paper format was published quarterly and led to the digital version of Western Ag Life Media to get in front of consumers on a more consistent basis.

Paul’s intent is to be diverse in content, he explains, “topics and products will be all-encompassing, anything from reining horses, horse races, clothing, artists and artwork, auctions, real estate, livestock shows, floriculture to poultry. Any aspect of the agriculture community and western lifestyle is welcomed conversation.

The podcast is a hub for producers to connect with producers, support each other, and market services and products to a worldwide audience of agriculturists. Western Ag Life’s podcast is available on all major platforms. Heck, even Siri and Alexa know who we are!”

There are many great stories to be heard, just a click away, at Western Ag Life Media’s podcast. If you have a recommendation for an individual or stories that needs to be told, please email info@westernaglife.com.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by visiting www.westernaglife.com..

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July 15, 2023

The Cowman’s Jimbo Humphreys Named Ranching Heritage Association Working Cowboy Award Recipient

J

ames “Jimbo” Humphreys, Jr., a West Texas cowboy who has excelled in nearly every facet of ranch life, will be the fifth recipient of the Ranching Heritage Association (RHA) Working Cowboy Award presented during the annual National Golden Spur Award Honors on Friday, November 3 at the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts & Sciences in Lubbock, Texas.

“The RHA Working Cowboy Award is designed to recognize an outstanding individual who makes his living primarily horseback, caring for livestock on a daily basis,” said Jim Bret Campbell, executive director of the National Ranching Heritage Center at Texas Tech University and the Ranching Heritage As-

sociation. “Jimbo is a cowboy’s cowboy, plus he’s been a wagon cook, made bits and spurs and even manages a ranch. Most of all he’s done it while embodying the values of cow country.”

The Ranching Heritage Association, a nationwide non-profit membership organization supporting the programs of the National Ranching Heritage Center, sponsors the award on an annual basis to honor a working cowboy skilled in all aspects of ranch work and respected by the ranch crew and ranching community.

“Our Board of Directors believes it’s important to recognize those folks who brave all kinds of weather and conditions to ensure that work on a ranch gets done,” Campbell said, noting that award nominations for

DOWNSIDE OF WILD AND SCIENCE Water is a precious commodity, especially in arid regions where its scarcity often leads to conflicts. By designating an area as Wild and Science, the federal government could potentially exert more control over the water bodies and their usage within these regions. While the goal is to protect these resources and maintain their natural state, this could infringe upon the rights of individuals or entities that previously held the rights to these water sources. In worst-case scenarios, it might even lead to expropriation, a legal seizure of private property for public use.

The farming and ranching communities often bear the brunt of the negative impacts associated with Wild and Science designation. A significant proportion of agricultural activity, particularly in the West, depends on the grazing rights on federal lands. Wild and Science designation can curtail these rights, drastically affecting the livelihood of farmers and ranchers. Additionally, restrictions on

the usage of motorized vehicles could make it difficult for them to transport their produce or access remote portions of their land, exacerbating the challenges they already face.

Moreover, these communities may also be impacted indirectly through limitations on irrigation. If the regulations restrict water usage or impose costly modifications to existing irrigation systems to minimize environmental impact, farmers could face heightened financial burdens. In the long run, these could contribute to a decline in local agriculture and ranching, leading to economic instability and community disruption.

These restrictions could also lead to adverse ecological effects. For example, responsible grazing is often an effective tool for managing plant growth and preventing wildfires. By limiting such practices, Wild and Science designation could inadvertently increase the risk of fires, posing a greater threat to the environment it seeks to protect.

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While the protection and preservation of natural resources are undeniably important, the potential negative impacts on private property owners, water rights, and the agricultural communities cannot be ignored. It is crucial to strike a balanced approach that acknowledges these complexities.

A solution could lie in creating more flexible regulations that allow sustainable practices, or perhaps compensatory schemes that could offset the losses incurred by these communities.

In conclusion, as we look towards the future of environmental conservation, a more nuanced understanding of the effects of Wild and Science designation is needed. Measures should be taken to minimize their potential negative impacts on the human communities that exist alongside these Wild and Science areas. Only through a balanced and equitable approach can we truly achieve sustainable coexistence with nature...

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GREEN MADNESS sured in grams, not metric tons.

You would have to burn that stove for 310,160 days — that is, 849 years — to equal what hypocrite Kerry puts out in a year.

But wait, it gets better!

Physicist Dr. Will Happer, emeritus of Princeton University and the chair of the CO2 Coalition, told the New York Post that restrictions on woodor coal-fired pizza ovens may increase the carbon footprint of pizza in New York City.

“To the extent that the woodfired ovens are replaced by electrically heated ovens, which I suppose is what is intended, CO2 emissions will probably increase,” Happer said.

“Even for New York City, most of the electrical power probably comes from burning gas or coal. For a gas-fired pizza oven, all the heat of combustion is used to bake the pizza. For an electrically heated oven, you have to convert electrical power back to heat.

“It is hard to see how emis-

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sions could decrease if people want to continue eating the same amount of pizza,” he added.

So before we add the culinary tradition of coal-fired pizza to the growing list of our alleged climate sins, maybe we should heed the words of … Biden climate envoy John Kerry.

“The fact is that even if every American citizen biked to work, carpooled to school, used only solar panels to power their homes, if we each planted a dozen trees, if we somehow eliminated all of our domestic greenhouse gas emissions, guess what — that still wouldn’t be enough to offset the carbon pollution coming from the rest of the world,” Kerry said in 2015.

Gas stoves, wood-burning stoves — these are drops in the bucket when it comes to emissions. Actually smaller than that, teardrops. Yet bureaucrats and politicians are intent on making us suffer for their performative pleasure.

We are seeing simultaneous meat restriction proposals in Germany and Ireland.

Embracing the Net Zero agenda, Ireland announced it was culling 200,000 cows (65,000 over three years) to meet its climate goals. Not to be outdone, the German Nutrition Society recommends over 90 percent reduction in daily meat eating.

As always, it’s the average person who will have to suffer for the religion of the elites.

To New York City bureaucrats, the message is simple: Lay off the restrictions on pizza, gas stoves, appliances, gas-powered cars, and meat-eating in a silly effort to regulate the climate.

This may sound cheesy, but the secret sauce in this battle to save New York’s iconic pizza traditions is to deliver a loud and clear NO to the city bureaucrats.

Marc Morano is the publisher of ClimateDepot.com and author of “The Great Reset: Global Elites & The Permanent Lockdown.”.

▫

Humphreys described him as a multi-talented working cowboy who has served for decades as a role model for younger cowboys in trade and character.

“Jimbo Humphreys, from his foundation, is a cowboy from childhood with roots in the Pitchfork Ranch, to the most forward-thinking of cowboys and cowmen,” stated Scott Williamson, executive director of law enforcement, brand and inspection services at Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. “Jimbo led the way in horsemanship, in crafting the bits and spurs required for the trade, and in the integrity and kindness that defines this industry and these cowboys, most importantly.”

Humphreys has pursued cowboy life from various directions – making a living by punching cows, cooking on chuckwagons, training horses, building fences and corrals, crafting bits and spurs, and now, managing a large cow-calf operation on the Guitar Ranches.

“I was always interested in every facet of the ranching industry, and never have got completely away from it,” Humphreys stated. “I went off in some different directions, but it was still tied back to the ranching life. I’ve just always been around it and never really tried to get away from it. I’ve tried to do it all.”

Humphreys grew up on the Pitchfork Land & Cattle Co. ranch in Guthrie, Texas, where his father, James “Jim” Humphreys, Sr., served as ranch manager for most of Jimbo’s childhood. Jimbo began cowboying in junior high school, where he was paid a dollar a day, upgrading to five dollars a day once he entered high school.

At the start of his freshman year of college at Texas Tech University, Humphreys was drafted to the Army through the draft lottery in 1971. He spent six years in a platoon in Levelland, Texas, before returning to the Pitchfork Ranch where he gained an interest in welding by building pens and corrals.

Around this time, Humphreys stopped riding altogether. He admitted that he had become a little jaded toward the lifestyle because of the rougher way horses were handled and trained in that era. However, discovering clinician and horseman Ray Hunt’s gentler and more considerate approach to horsemanship drew Humphreys back to the horse business.

Humphreys started applying Hunt’s methods to training horse teams to assist with fencing and pulling the chuck wagon. Humphreys recalls he got into the cooking business through the fencing business by cooking for his crew while out on the job building fences. He cooked for several well-known ranching figures, including Ray Hunt, Bob Moorhouse, Buster Welch and Craig Haythorn.

As Humphreys entered back into the horse business, he also mastered another skill – building bits and spurs. “I didn’t have any equipment, and I needed some bits and other things, but couldn’t afford to go buy any,” Humphreys said. “I welded, so I’d repaired a few bits before, and I’d get a pattern off and make me a pair. One thing led to another, and that’s how I got into that business.”

Humphreys’ return to the horse business eventually led him to the Stock Horse of Tex-

Livestock Market Digest as Association where he was among the association’s top open riders. He also frequently competed in American Quarter Horse Association and Ranch Horse Association of America shows.

In 1995, Humphreys started working for the Guitar Ranches, a third-generation family-run operation, performing various jobs and earning the role of ranch manager.

When asked about the most rewarding part of his well-rounded cowboying career, Humphreys replied, “Probably the diversity of it. The overall – everything. I don’t know if I could pick out one thing. I am just thankful for every bit of it.”

Humphreys’ lifetime of cowboying accomplishments will be honored at the National Golden Spur Award Honors on November 3. Tickets for the National Golden Spur Award Honors are available to the public for purchase beginning July 28. For event details and ticketing information visit goldenspurhonors.com..

Page 5

Jimbo Humphreys, recipient of the 2023 RHA Working Cowboy Award, has mastered almost every facet of cowboy life. The Working Cowboy Award is given annually by the Ranching Heritage Association, a nationwide non-profit organization supporting the programs of the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock.

(Photo by Ross Hecox)

July 15, 2023

▫

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Page 6

Livestock Market Digest

Massey Wins 2023 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship

J

acob Massey, from Petersburg, Tennessee, was named champion at the 2023 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC). The championship, now in its 59th year, was held at Arcadia Stockyard in Arcadia, Florida and presented by the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA).

Massey earned his spot to compete in this year’s competition by making the top 10 at the qualifying event held at Windsor Livestock Auction Co., Inc. in Windsor, Missouri The other contestants also qualified through three qualifying events with the 31st semi-finalist being the reigning Calgary Stampede International Livestock Auctioneer Champion.

Dean Edge of Rimbey, Alta., earned Reserve Champion honors, and Sixto Paiz from Portales, N.M., was named Runner-Up Champion.

Other top 10 finalists were Andy Baumeister, Goldthwaite, Texas; Leon Caselman, Long Lane, Mo.; Dakota Davis, Waukomis, Okla.; Justin Dodson, Welch, Okla.; Brennin Jack, Virden, Man.; Wade Leist, Boyne City, Mich.; and Curtis Wetovick, Fullerton, Neb. Additional semi-finalists were Neil Bouray, Webber, Kan.; Shannon Davis, Winnsboro, Texas; Philip Gilstrap, Pendleton, S.C.; Michael Imbrogno, Turlock, Calif.; Marcus Kent, Dunnellon, Fla.; Lynn Langvardt, Chapman, Kan. (High Score Interview); Ed Leist, Gaylord, Mich.; Lane Marbach, Victoria, Texas; Brandon McLagan, Elmer, Mo.; Jeremy Miller, Fairland, Okla.; Daniel Mitchell, Cumberland, Ohio; Ben Morgan, Organ Cave, W.Va.; Chris Pinard, Swainsboro, Ga.; Jack Riggs, Glenns Ferry, Idaho; Troy Robinett, Decatur, Texas (Rookie of the Year); Jay Romine, Mt. Washington, Ky.; Ethan Schuette, Washington, Kan.; Jeff Showalter, Broadway, Va.; Andrew Sylvester, Wamego, Kan.; Seth Waldroup, Westminster, S.C.; and Tim Yoder, Montezuma, Ga. As the new champion, Massey will spend the next year traveling the country, sharing his auctioneering skills with other livestock auction markets and acting as a spokesperson on behalf of the livestock marketing industry and LMA. Massey regularly sells for Mid-South Regional Livestock Center, LLC in Unionville, Tenn. and two United Producers, Inc. locations in Columbia and Fayetteville, Tennessee. .

▫

Natalie Kovarik & Brandi Buzzard to Serve as Mentors in 2023 College Aggies Online program

C

attle ranchers and social media influencers Natalie Kovarik and Brandi Buzzard are two of the mentors set to advise participants in the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2023 College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship program, which begins on September 11.

Registration is now open for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students studying in the U.S., as well as collegiate clubs and classes. Last year, nearly $20,000 in scholarships and prizes were awarded to participants. Sign up for this year’s competition here: https:// animalagalliance.org/initiatives/

July 15, 2023

University Embarks on Farm Apprentices hip Program to Bolster Local Food System Program to help meet increasing demand for local produce and support new growers

S

ome aspiring smallscale farmers will have the opportunity to serve a one-year apprenticeship to bolster their abilities to start and run a small-scale operation, thanks to a new Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program being offered by the University of Nevada, Reno. The program will provide a $40,000 stipend to participants, based on an average of 32 program hours a week, and will be hosted at the University’s Desert Farming Initiative, which is part of the Experiment Station’s Valley Road Field Lab in Reno. It is expected to be the first certified farm apprenticeship program in Nevada, pending certification from the Nevada Department of Labor.

“We are really pleased to be able to offer this hands-on, intensive farming apprenticeship program, to help fill in the gaps for those with a degree or some background in agriculture, but not quite enough knowledge or experience to start and run their own small-scale farming business,” said Bill Payne, dean of the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources. “Our Desert Farming Initiative team has put together an excellent program that I am sure will help establish some new small-scale farms in our state.”

The initial program is being funded by a $256,000 threeyear grant from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, as part of its Regional Food Systems Partnership Program, along with contributions from the College. Applications for the first two apprenticeships will be taken beginning this July.

Selections will be made through a competitive process, and apprenticeships begin in October.

Next summer, applications will be taken for another three ap-

college-aggies-online/.

CAO connects college students from across the country who are passionate about sharing positive, factual information about agriculture. Participants receive nine interactive and educational weeks of content to help them become confident and effective communicators for agriculture with guidance from farmers and industry mentors.

During their scheduled week of the program, Kovarik and Buzzard will share valuable insights and helpful tips when it comes to engaging about agriculture.

“College Aggies Online equips college students with the tools needed to effectively bridge the gap between farm and table,” said Emily Ellis, manager, communications and content, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “In only nine weeks in 2022, more than 8.5 million people were reached through the program with the students’ social media content and on-campus events. This is thanks, in part, to the opportunities for students to network with and learn from mentors

prenticeships, with those chosen beginning October 2024.

Staff visited three successful apprenticeship programs in California to build Nevada’s program with time-tested approaches. Apprentices will be guided through a science-based curriculum taught by a team of specialists from the College and partners in the agricultural industry, as well as will receive hands-on practical farm training at the Desert Farm Initiative and partner farms, including Holley Family Farms in Dayton. The program emphasis is on certified-organic and climate-smart practices for smallscale outdoor farming.

Each apprentice will manage a farm incubator space at the Desert Farming Initiative, where they will execute a crop and sales plan according to their particular farming interests.

They will be allotted approximately one-eighth of an acre for growing field crops, temperature-controlled greenhouse space for starting seedlings, and half of a hoop house for season extension. Incubator spaces will be managed under the Desert Farming Initiative’s organic certification and Nevada producer license, as well as rigorous food safety requirements.

“This program will be a springboard for people who are serious about pursuing a career in fruit and vegetable production,” said Jill Moe, director of the Desert Farming Initiative, adding that it’s for those who intend to do small-scale farming, meaning a gross farm income of anywhere between $25,000 to $350,000. “We’re hearing from farmers market managers, food co-ops and food hubs that there just isn’t enough local produce to meet regional demand, and we’re creating a pathway to success for a new generation of farmers.”

Moe added that the farmto-fork and local foods movements have inspired new interest in farming as a career, but that there’s a lot to know before

like Kovarik and Buzzard, two fan-favorites who are returning this year.”

Kovarik is a proud rancher’s daughter, wife, mother, and rancher herself. She works alongside her husband, Luke, and her three sons, where they own and operate Kovarik Cattle Co, a cow calf business with a growing registered herd. Growing up, Natalie was raised on her family’s registered Hereford operation in southwest Montana. She began sharing her ranching story online four years ago to foster a community that trusts and believes in agriculture as much as she does. Today, she is the co-host of the popular podcast Discover Ag as well as the co-founder of Elevate Ag, an online course and community providing farmers and ranchers with the tools needed to successfully advocate for agriculture online.

Buzzard is editor of the Red Angus Magazine and blogger and speaker under the title Buzzard’s Beat. She and her husband operate a small ranch in southeast Kansas where she

jumping in.

“It’s not just understanding how to grow crops in this climate,” she said. “It’s also creating a business plan, marketing, food safety, legal requirements, accounting, software, collaboration within the food system and managing people. Our program will cover all that and more.”

The Churchill Entrepreneur Development Association and the Churchill office of the Nevada Small Business Development Center will provide education in business principles and practices. Apprentices who complete the program will understand the regional farming landscape in Nevada, farm-to-market avenues, and topics in food security and food sovereignty. Moe said the program will also prioritize Hispanic, indigenous and other underserved community members, and is working with tribal communities and the College’s Extension unit to incorporate appropriate information and guest instructors.

Team members who are developing and will implement the program include Anna Miller, education program coordinator; Garrett Menghini, farm production manager; Felipe Barrios Masias, associate professor focusing on agronomy; Staci Emm, Extension professor managing the Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Program; and Kelli Kelly, agricultural business advisor with the Churchill Enterprise Development Association.

Successful applicants will have at least two seasons of farming experience, or a degree from an agricultural education program, or demonstrated experience as a gardener with intention to scale up into farming.

Further information about the program and application instructions will be posted to the program’s website in early July.

“We want to provide practical information and hands-on training for those with some farming knowledge and the burning desire to get into the business,” Moe said. “It’s about equipping them with the knowledge they need to start a successful, sustainable enterprise, while contributing to our state’s healthy local food supply and economy.

It’s what a land-grant university should be doing, right?”.

▫

spends a majority of her time rodeoing, ranching, and engaging with her rural community. Buzzard started the blog, “Buzzard’s Beat,” in 2009 and focuses on opening the door to American agriculture, how our food is raised, and the people who raise it. She is an active speaker and has been featured on many platforms including CBS News, Fox News, MSNBC News, and many more.

In addition to sharing tips for communicating about agriculture, Kovarik and Buzzard will also provide feedback on submitted social media posts and challenges and help in selecting weekly scholarship winners. The top participants at the conclusion of the program will be invited to attend the Alliance’s 2024 Stakeholders Summit, set for May 8-9 in Kansas City, Missouri, for national recognition.

Students interested in networking with industry professionals and learning from successful agriculture influencers while strengthening their communication skills are invited to sign up today at animalagalliance. org/initiatives/college-aggies-online

▫

July 15, 2023

Livestock Market Digest

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

www.scottlandcompany.com

Ben G. Scott – Broker Krystal M. Nelson – NM QB 800-933-9698 5:00 a.m./10:00 p.m.

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itt, TX 79027 Scott - Broker ifying Broker am/10:00pm ompany.com

R SMALL!

adalupe Co., eded & 519 nch on both flow daily) ner; wildlife, uyer looking New Mexico

We need listings on all types of ag properties large or small!

Livestock Market ■ NEW LISTING! GUADALUPE CO.,Digest NM – Enjoy ranch life on this 401.38 ac. ranch, 12 mi. W of Santa Rosa. Good location and access. One windmill, pipeline to four drinking troughs, comfortable rustic home, good fences, etc.

■ NEW LISTING! UNION CO., NM – 2,091.72 ac. (1,771.72 Deeded, 320 ac. -/+ State Lease), well watered w/three wells, two sets of steel pens.

Well located just off of the Clayton/Springer hwy. on Barney Road.

■ PRICE REDUCED! DALLAM CO, TX – 1,216.63 ac. +/- of CRP/ranchland w/irrigation, re-development potential, wells & pipelines already in place.

■ KB RANCH - Kenney Co., TX – KB Ranch is a low fenced 802 +/- acre property that is surrounded by large ranches. The ranch has abundant whitetail and is also populated with turkey, dove, quail, hogs and varmint species. Axis are in the area and have been occasionally seen. The ranch lies approximately 9 miles south of Bracketville on TX 131 and is accessed by all weather Standart Road.

■ COLFAX COUNTY NM GETAWAY – 1,482.90 ac.+/- grassland (1,193.59 ac. +/- Deeded, 289.31 ac.

State Lease), great location near all types of mountain recreation.

521 West Second St. • Portales, NM 88130 ■ ANGUS, NM – 250 +/- acres with over a 1/2 575-226-0672 mile575-226-0671 of NM 48 frontage.orElevations from 6,800fax to 7,200 feet. Two springs along a creek. Ideal for future Buena Vista Realty development or build your own getaway home.

Qualifying Broker: ■ PECOS CO. – 637 ac., Big water, State Classified Minerals. A.H. (Jack) Merrick 575-760-7521 www.buenavista-nm.com ■ CASTRO CO., TX – 592 ac. +/_- w/remodeled 4 bd./4 ½ bath home, 160 ac. under pivot. Balance is dryland & native grass.

■ CARSON CO., TX – 640 ac. +/- 5 mi. N of Panhandle on TX 207. 333 ac. +/- under 3 center pivot systems. One well produces 800 GPM. Permanent perimeter and cross fencing.

■ PALO DURO CREEK TREASURE – 941 acres +/in Randall Co. NW of Canyon, Tx. STUNNING VIEWS OVER LOOKING PALO DURO CREEK. Turn key cow/calf operation w development potential. Property includes: 3/3/3 ranch style home, 4 wells, large shop plus shed, enclosed livestock working facility w/hydraulic chute, livestock pens & shed, miles of 5 & 6 barbed wire fence & over 7000’ of pipe fence. YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS! Canyon School District.

■ DEAF SMITH CO., TX. – 651 ac. +/-, 7 miles N of Dawn, Tx., 1 mile E of FM 809. 349 acres native grass with well-maintained fencing and 302 acres of cultivated dry land.

■ PRICE REDUCTION! TURN-KEY RESTAURANT – READY FOR BUSINESS! One of the best steak houses in the nation just out of Amarillo & Canyon at Umbarger, TX., state-of-the-art bldg., w/complete facilities.

980 ac. +/ast, land lays e of Hwy. 54. n Co., NM – and w/stateremodeled n very good n pvmt. +/- heavily isting livestockagent w/ 75-825-1291. nces etc., on ea-nm.com front gate. c ac. +/- on

by Lincoln in Pines & ed meadow enasco. This uild a legacy

ac. irr., on xico, adjoins .

POTENTIAL xline Special,

+/- w/water & a beautiful 3 bathrooms, tal shop.

Bottari Realty

RANCH & FARM REAL ESTATE

ATE GUIDE

alty

Page 7

TEXAS & OKLA. FARMS & RANCHES • 83 acre wood home with barns, meadows and woods. Fronts State Rd. $545,000 • 160 acre Ranger Eastland Co, $560,000

• 270 acre Mitchell County, Texas ranch. Investors dream; excellent cash flow. Rock formation being crushed and sold; wind turbans, some minerals. Irrigation water developed, crop & cattle, modest improvements. Just off I-20. Price reduced to $1.25 million.

AG LAND LOANS As Low As 6% OPWKCAP 6%

INTEREST RATES AS LOW AS 6% Payments Scheduled on 25 Years

Selling residential, farm, ranch, commercial and relocating properties.

COLETTA RAY

Page 7

SOCORRO PLAZA REALTY

■ BERRENDA CREEK RANCH: 231 AYL 51.35 +/- Section Ranch located southeast of Hillsboro, N.M. 32,870 +/total acres, 120 +/- deeded acres, 23,646 the Plaza +/- acres On of BLM 9,104 +/- acres of NM state land, 12 wells in 3 pastures with 195,000Donald gallons ofBrown water storage. Priced Qualifying Broker at $1,432,200

505-507-2915 cell ■ CATTLE RANCH & FARM: SE of Deming, NM 2,900 +/- acres 505-838-0095 faxtotal, 2,500 +/- acres of deeded land, including 71 +/116 Plaza 575.935.9680 Office joes3@suddenlink.net acres of water rights with a priority date PO Box 1903 575.935.9680 Fax Michael Perez Associates 03/03/1945.

240 +/acres of NM State Socorro, NM 87801 Nara Visa, NM • 575-403-7970 coletta@plateautel.net Land.

Priced at $1,200,000 www.socorroplazarealty.com www.clovisrealestatesales.com ■dbrown@socorroplazarealty.com FLYING W MOUNTAIN RANCH: 345 AYL plus five horses located in the Cedar Mountains of Hachita, NM. 39.60± sections, 25,347± acres total, 1278± acres of deeded land, 3152± acres of state land, 20,917 acres of BLM, AsLow Low 3% four miles of As AsAs 4.5% newerOPWKCAP fence, over 55,000 gallons of water 2.9% OPWKCAP 2.9% storage, 17± miles of pipeline less than 20 INTEREST RATES AS LOW AS 3% INTEREST RATES AS LOW 4.5% years old, three wells plus AS one domestic Payments Scheduled on Years Payments on 2525 Years well, four Scheduled pastures plus two traps, seven dirt tanks, house, barns, corrals, semi-load and livestock scales. Priced at $2,900,000 ■ SMITH RANCH: 19.28± section cattle ranch plus 335± acre farm located in Joe Stubblefield & Associates Road Forks, N.M. The ranch has 12,343± 13830 Western St., Amarillo, TX total acres, 3721± deeded, 2400± acres 806/622-3482 • cell 806/674-2062 of NM joes3@suddenlink.net state land, 6222± acres of BLM, 154 Michael AYL plus six horses, ranch has Perez Associates adequate water and pipelines, Nara Visa, NM •storage 575/403-7970 headquarters has manufactured homes, shed row barns (equipment or commodity storage), plus livestock shades, corrals, chute facilities are covered 521 Westcattle Second St.,working Portales, NM 88130 cattle working facilities, north farm 163± 575-226-0671 acres, the south farm 173± acres, seller retains a “life estate”. Priced at $2,300,000 www.buenavista-nm.com

Pioneer Realty Joe Stubblefield & Associates 1304 PileWestern Street, St., Clovis, NM TX 88101 13830 Amarillo, 575-799-9600 Direct 806/622-3482 • cell 806/674-2062

AG LOANS AGLAND LAND LOANS

Rural Properties around Portales, NM 1242 NM 480 - Nice home on 59.7 acres, grass 427 S Rrd P 1/2 - Large nice home, lots of barns 24+ ac 1694 S Rrd 4, Great home, barns, cattle pens, location 2344 S Rrd K east of Dora, NM, great - Near wind farms MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION – CALL PAUL FOR DETAILS All properties excellent homes & can have horses, etc.

10 Acres of commercial property, incredible highway visibility and access from either east or west

directions on Hwy 60, 3and milesother East ofproperties Garden Innat Truck Plaza and 4 miles west of Willow Springs.

See these www.buenavista-nm.com Natural gas may be available on site. LOCATION PLUS! This property is well suited for many types of businesses (Restaurant, Retail, Motel, Business of any kind!) A MUST SEE PROPERTY. MLS#11402703

See all my listings at: paulmcgilliard.murney.com Paul McGilliard, Broker Associate Residential / Farms/Ranches / Commercial 417-839-5096 or 800-743-0336

COLETTA RAY

Pioneer Realty 1304 Pile Street, Clovis, NM 88101

575-799-9600 Direct 575.935.9680 Office 575.935.9680 Fax coletta@plateautel.net www.clovisrealestatesales.com

THE SAND CAMP RANCH

productive Pecos River Valley. Theexcellent ranchpastures is comprised of 2,598 +/- deeded acres, 6,717 NM with balance good flood irrigated pastures. NO PUMPING COST! Dryland is perfect for expansion to pivot irrigated alfalfa if desired. Plus BLM permit for 540 AU is fenced into 4 fields on about State Lease Acres, 23,653 Federal BLM Lease Acres and 480 acres Uncontrolled, 33,448 18,000 acres only 7 miles away. REDUCED ASKING PRICE - $3,125,000 Joeacres Priest(52.26 Real Sections).

Estate Grazing total aacres Section BLMacresgrazing permit BEAVER Capacity CREEK RANCH:set aboutby 82,000 - with 2,7003deeded plus contiguous USFS & at BLM 408 permits for 450 pair; 580+- acres irrigated alfalfa, pasture, and meadow from Beaver Creek water rights and Animal Units Yearlong. The ranch oneis irrigation watered by three wells and an250extensive system. well. 3 homes, 2 hay barns, 4 feedlots each w/ ton barns, 2 large pipeline reservoirs, can run up to 1-800/671-4548 500-600 cows YEAR ROUND. REDUCED ASKING PRICE - $5,400,000. joepriestre.net This ranch• isjoepriestre@earthlink.com ready to go, no deferred maintenance. Price: $3,870, 000. Call or email for a BEAR CREEK RANCH: Approx. 1,278 acres winter range ground and recreational property. Located on Bear Creek and accessed South Cow Creek Valley Road. Should be great hunting for deer, wild turkey, wild brochure and an appointment to come take afromlook. pigs, quail & owner states good trout fishing in Bear Creek. Deeded access easement thru neighbor ranches.

EIGHT MILE DRAW LAND 740 ± Acres of unimproved native grassland No improvements & very private inside the ranch.

Now only $700 per acre - $894,600

located four miles west of Roswell inBILL the Six Mile HillSHASTA area withLAND frontage along U.S.INC. Highway WRIGHT, SERVICES, 530-941-8100 • • www.ranch-lands.com 70/380. This parcel is fenced on three sides and adjoins 120 acres of additional land that may be purchased. Great investment. $600 per acre. ch that has been owned and operated

est of Roswell, NM along and adjacent d of 6,607 deeded acres and 80 acres

775/752-3040 Nevada Farms & raNch PrOPerTY www.bottarirealty.com

521 West Se

575-226-0

B

A.H. (J ww

Bar M Real Estate

521 West Second St. • Portales, NM 88130

575-226-0671 or 575-226-0672 fax

Buena Vista Realty

Qualifying Broker: A.H. (Jack) Merrick 575-760-7521 www.buenavista-nm.com

SCOTT MCNALLY www.ranchesnm.com 575/622-5867 575/420-1237 Ranch Sales & Appraisals

AS PROV R

14298 N.

2

Serving all of Southern, Arizona Call Buena Vista Realty at 575-226-0671 or the listing agent Land, Farms, Homes, Country Estates, Commercial Lori Bohm 575-760-9847, or Melody Sandberg 575-825-1291.

National Advertising – Local Expertise Many good pictures on MLS or www.buenavista-nm.com

SOME OF OUR OFFERINGS • Custom Home on 36+ acre estate in Dragoon Mountain Ranch • 36+ acre homesites in St David, AZ • 80 Acre Farm land with 16” Irrigation Well in Willcox, AZ • Custom Home on 4+ acres in Cochise, AZ • 40 acre off grid land in Portal, AZ

DRE# 00963490

O’NEILL LAND, llc

SOLD

O’NEILL LAND, llc P.O. Box 145, Cimarron, NM 87714 • 575/376-2341 • Fax: 575/376-2347 land@swranches.com • www.swranches.com

MIAMI 40 ACRES, Colfax County, NM. Private 2 bedroom getaway with elevated views, 2nd guest cabin, irrigation, pole barn great for storage.

View private setting. Survey available, septic’s upgraded. $475,000 MIAMI DREAM, 14.70 +/- deeded acres. Approx 1,583 sq ft 2 bedroom 1 bath home. Real country living with barn wood siding, porches, recent remodel for remote workspace.

Irrigation and horse facilities, 57 Wampler St., Miami, NM $370,000

MAXWELL 45, Excellent irrigated pasture with utilities in back of property, including installed septic system, with private views of mountains. 40 irrigable acres and a domestic water meter installed. Great to put down home and bring horses. $249,000 $239,000 BAR LAZY 7 RANCH, Colfax County, Moreno Valley 594.38 +/- deeded acres, accessed off blacktop between Eagle Nest and Angel Fire. Historic headquarters. Currently used as summer grazing, pond and trees accessed off county road on rear of property as

Scott McNally, Qualifying Broker P.O. Box 145, Cimarron, NM 87714 • 575/376-2341 • Fax: 575/376-2347 land@swranches.com • www.swranches.com Bar M Real Estate, LLC CHICO CREEK RANCH, Colfax County, NM. NEW LISTING. CIMARRON ON THE RIVER, Colfax County, NM. 7.338 +/P.O. Box6,404.26 428, Roswell, +/- Total Acres, Located approximatelyNM 10 miles east88202 of deeded acres with 4.040 acre-feet per annum out of the Springer New Mexico. 3,692.60 +/- deeded acres with balance Maxwell-Clutton Ditch. Custom country-chic 2,094 +/- sq ft Office: 575-622-5867 Cell: 575-420-1237 in state lease. Excellent grass and water. Two plus miles of the home. Owns both sides of river in places. Horse/cow/chicken/ Chico Creek meandering through the center of the property. vegetable garden/greenhouse/orchard set up. Country living at Website: www.ranchesnm.com Additional wells and dirt tanks. Nice historic head quarters pri- it’s finest, in town, but in a world of your own. Very special on y limits of Roswell, NM. Six total acres

R 2, 200 square foot residence, AedoomCwithandTa loafing shed. Price: $400,000

Paul Bottari, Broker

United Country Real Estate | Arizona Life Homes and Land 520-403-3903 Arizonahomesandlandsales.com Rick Frank, Designated Broker • 520-403-3903

• 840 Immaculate, Hunt Co, TX. Ranch. Pastures, 40 tanks, and lakes. Beautiful home, barns, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RANCH and other improvements. Some is a quality desert ranch with anPROPERTY excellent grass 31 years in the ranch business - see www.ranch-lands.com for videos & brochures minerals, game galore.

All for $1.35 cover and above average improvements.

Located in southern Chaves County east of the DUANE & DIXIE McGARVA RANCH: approx. 985 acres Likely, CA. with about 600+ acre gravity flood million. irrigated pastures PLUS private 542 AU BLM permit. About 425 acres so of the irrigated are level to flood

s southeast of Corona, NM in Lincoln M Lease Acres and 2,240 NM State UYL. Water provided by five wells and corrals. The ranch had a good summer for a brochure or view on my website.

Selling residential, farm, ranch, commercial and relocating properties.

vately located with shade trees and excellent views of the property. Shipping pens in central portion of property. $2,837,318

WAGON MOUND RANCH, Mora/Harding Counties, NM. 8,880.80 +/- Total Acres, a substantial holding with good mix of grazing land and broken country off rim into Canadian River. Has modern water system located 17 miles east of Wagon Mound off pavement then 3 miles on county road. Two bedroom historic

CIMARRON BUSINESS, Frontage opportunity, house, big shop and office buildings, easy view off Hwy 64. Formerly known as “The Porch.” $295,000 SPRINGER VIEW, 29.70 +/- deeded acres. Large house being remodeled, shop, trees, old irrigation pond. All back off highway with great southern aspect. 311 Hwy 56, Colfax County. $209,000 $205,000

Buena Vista Realty

Qualifying Broker: A.H. (Jack) Merrick 575-760-7521 www.buenavista-nm.com

575-226-0671 or 575-226-0672 fax

E

CON W

575-226-0671 or 575-226-0672 fax

521 West Second St. • Portales, NM 88130

E

MAXWELL, 408.90 +/- Deeded Acres. 143.05 Irrigable Acres/Shares with TL pivot covering approximately 80 acres, with balance dry land.

Property has one water meter used for livestock, but could support a home as well. There are two troughs located in the middle of the property. Electricity for pivot is back toward the middle of the property as well.

Property has highway frontage on NM 505 and Highline Rd, a County Rd. Back up to Maxwell Wildlife area.

Colfax County, NM.$599,000

521 West Second St. • Portales, NM 88130

river. Appointment only. $650,000.

RATON MILLION DOLLAR VIEW, Colfax County, NM. 97.68 +/- deeded acres in 2 parcels with excellent home, big shop, wildlife, a true million dollar view at the end of a private road. $489,000. Also listed with the house and one parcel for $375,000.

well. Presented “ASIS” New Survey, $4,000,000 $3,800,000

C

Page 8

Livestock Market Digest

Interior Official Quietly Exits Top Post

BY HANNAH NORTHEY, JENNIFER YACHNIN / E&E NEWS

A

top Interior Department official overseeing water and science policy — including negotiations over the parched Colorado River — quietly resigned more than a month ago, the agency confirmed Wednesday.

Tanya Trujillo stepped down from her position as assistant secretary for water and science six weeks ago and will officially exit the agency July 17, an Interior spokesperson said, but declined to comment on the reason for her departure or where she landed.

Trujillo, a leading expert on the Colorado River, was confirmed by the Senate in the summer of 2021 to the Interior post.

In recent months, as the seven states that share the Colorado River Basin have clashed over potential shortfalls in the river, Trujillo has played a public role in the negotiations, along with Interior Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau and Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton.

But The Washington Post reported in late May that Trujillo had critics among state water managers, who questioned her decision to soften an early deadline during multistate negotiations, arguing it neutered the threat of aggressive action by the federal government.

A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment about how quickly the Biden administration will move to nominate a successor to Trujillo.

The Interior Department recently kicked off long-term planning efforts in the Colorado River Basin — setting standards for shortfalls in the drought-plagued region for the period beginning after 2026 — where Trujillo had been expected to play a key role.

Before joining the Biden administration, Trujillo served on New Mexico’s Interstate Stream Commission, which governs the state’s waters.

A native of New Mexico, Trujillo’s extensive career in water law also included work on Capitol Hill, where she was employed by former Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and in the Obama administration as counselor to the assistant secretary for water and science.

Trujillo also previously led the Colorado River Sustainability Campaign, a multimillion-dollar effort that coordinates and funds a variety of environmental advocacy groups in the basin.

▫

July 15, 2023

Farm Credit of NM Merger with American Ag Credit Put on Hold

T

he Farm Credit of New Mexico’s (FCNM) planned merger with California based American Ag Credit, was ordered to be reconsidered by a new vote by FCNM stockholders on Friday, June 16, 2023, by the Farm Credit Administration (FCA), the federal agency in charge of all farm credit organizations, according to attorney Pete Domenici, Jr., who is representing the petitioners.

The merger was voted on by a relatively small number of FCNM members via mail, proxy or in person on May 9, 2023 at a meeting in Roswell, New Mexico.

Long time association member John Keck of Deming spearheaded the petition for reconsideration and shared that “Many members did not vote as a result of the

short deadline for the vote or with concerns about the lack of information on the complicated merger and its impacts on New Mexico agricultural borrowers.”

The FCA had received considerably more than the required 15 percent of the membership in FCNM on Petitions for Reconsideration of the May 9 vote which triggered the invalidation of the previous vote.

“The Petitioners asked for a new vote according to the FCAs strict rules, including town hall meetings with the directors and management explaining the reasons and advantages to the FCNM in merging or being taken over by any other Farm Credit Association from another state,” he said. “The Petitioners also asked for at least a 30-day time period to conduct the

LMA BlockTrust Network Pilot Project Sales Kicks Off

L

ivestock Marketing Association (LMA) in cooperation with BlockTrust Network, Mobile Cattle Marketing, Petaluma, Calif., Humboldt Livestock Auction Yard, Humboldt, Calif., Turlock Livestock Auction Yard, Turlock, Calif., Cattlemen’s Livestock Market, Galt, Calif., and Blue Grass Stockyards, Lexington, Ky., are conducting a pilot project to determine how blockchain technology offered by BlockTrust Network may allow LMA member livestock marketing businesses to leverage voluntary data capture of cattle moving through the auctions.

The first of a series of sales kicked off on June 17 in Petaluma, Calif., conducted by the Mobile Cattle Marketing Group and featuring 1,500 fancy calves and yearlings. Additional sales are scheduled for July 8 and July 22.

“We see opportunity in discovering how the decentralized database technology, like that offered by BlockTrust Network, may help our member livestock auctions capture greater value for auction customers while also protecting the privacy and rights of the farmer/rancher, the livestock auction and each additional stop along the supply chain” said Kristen Parman, Vice President Membership Services for LMA. “We know that livestock auctions have access to a tremendous amount of information about their customer’s herd management practices that result in top quality calves coming to auction, and we want to help auctions and auction customers translate that information into improved value.”

For each animal that is voluntarily electronically identified and enrolled into the BlockTrust Network, a record is created on

Farm Bill Vital to Supporting NMSU’s Mission

T

he Farm Bill is pivotal to New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) ability to uphold our promise to New Mexico communities and our mission as a land-grant university.

The farm bill authorizes federal appropriations to be designated for land-grant universities to receive capacity funds, which includes Hatch, Hatch Multistate, McIntire-Stennis, Animal Health, and Smith-Lever Funds. These funding sources support research projects and Extension programs across New Mexico.

The Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) is the principal research unit of ACES. The AES system consists of scien-

voting in a transparent manner allowing all interested members adequate time to vote.”

The FCNM is a very strong home-grown Farm Bank owned by its members. It was established in New Mexico over 100 year ago. It is very strongly capitalized and enjoys a great deal of prestige and respect in our state and with elected officials. “There is also a big concern among the members that this prestige and respect would be lost if the merger were to proceed and in the aftermath our members would just be numbers to be administered by an out-of-state giant Farm Bank Association”, Keck stated.

Meetings are being planned to chart out how the process will work from here.

▫

the Blockchain; this record can contain as much, or as little additional data as desired and in this pilot project that information will be managed and controlled at the discretion of the participating auction. An example of additional data would be records containing health events or routine examinations, nutrition information, or animal demographics.

The participating auction and consignors can then access a web portal where the participant can securely access the data on the network that they have permission to see. As more animals go through the supply chain, and matches are made, more data will become available.

Results from the pilot project will be reviewed to determine all costs and changes in value that can be attributed to the BlockTrust Network enrollment with full results reported back to LMA’s leadership for future member service development.

▫

tists from NMSU’s main campus in the College of ACES and twelve agricultural science and research centers throughout the state. Research programs focus on four identified critical issues for New Mexico that will also have a global impact.

ACES critical issues include Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, Family Development and Health of New Mexicans, and Environmental Stewardship all of which are based on the foundation of education and training of qualified professionals in the field of agriculture.

These issues help guide research initiatives for federal capacity funded research through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

NIFA capacity projects can include Hatch, Hatch multistate, McIntire-Stennis, Animal Health and Renewable Resources Extension programs.

Each of these funding sources has specific distinctions for a research focus. These funds are leveraged with state funds to support additional research and

July 15, 2023

Livestock Market Digest

The View FROM THE BACK SIDE

R

Rainbows on the Rancho

ainbows after a rain have always fascinated me since I was a kid. I was always looking for the end of the rainbow, so I could get the pot of gold.

Where I happened to live, the end of the rainbow was so far away that I could never begin to see the end. Then one day while I was traveling in Scotland, I was coming off the side of a mountain and I could finally see the end of the rainbow.

I could not get to the end because of the terrain, but I saw it for the first time. Several years later I happen to live on a ranch where we can often see both ends of the rainbow, and I have many photographs that will attest to that fact.

I feel very lucky when I see a rainbow as it always provides hope of better things to come in the future. Personally, I believe it is a message from God himself as described in Genesis (9:11-17). The rainbow is described as a sign of the covenant between man and God’s protection.

In 1939 Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg wrote the Academy Award winning song, “Over The Rainbow” for Judy Garland in the movie, The Wizard of Oz. Today, that remains my favorite song of all time and my favorite version of that song is sung by the late great Alberta troubadour, Ian Tyson. This song symbolizes the hope of better things to come.

Now, the Christian sign of the rainbow has been hijacked by something the corrupt administration in Washington, DC calls “Pride Month”. I do not quite understand how you can take pride in sin or mental illness, but stranger things have happened.

Dr Paul R. McHugh the former chief psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins University said that transgenderism is a mental disorder that requires treatment. He also added that people who promote sexual reassignment surgery are collaborating with and promoting a mental disorder.

This administration has done everything they can to promote this lifestyle that is clearly not heathy, why wouldn’t they rather help these folks with their problem. The most interesting aspect about those involved with the LGBT community, is that they did not appreciate being invited to the White House. There is a video of some of the community bearing their breasts on the White House lawn party.

Talk about disrespectful. What a shame. I also do not know why this administration wants to denigrate women by allowing men to compete in female sporting events.

However, let’s get back to agriculture for a moment. The last time you castrated a bull calf on your ranch did it turn into a female? When that castrated bull calf grew up, now known as a steer, did it grow a bag and turn into a milk cow?

Let me know if it has because you will have the first one. We have been cutting calves on this ranch for over 80 years now and we haven’t gotten a female yet. Perhaps all you ranchers and cowboys should call up all your local LGBT friends and invite them to a branding before they sign up for an operation where they will regret the results.

Folks, this country is in serious trouble when the powers that be promote everything that is wrong with America as good.

Whoever heard of political persecution and prosecution in America? That is always something that happened in third world countries. They are trying hard to make a third world country out of America. Don’t let them. It’s your rainbow they are trying hard to destroy.

▫

FARM BILL

cont from page 8

outreach and enables the state Agricultural Experiment Station to pivot in response to unexpected events (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires). The NMSU AES has 48 projects ongoing in various areas of research.

The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) provides a critical link between the research performed at public land- grant institutions and its implementation in local communities.

The New Mexico Cooperative Extension utilizes Smith-Lever funding through the Farm Bill to provide practical, research-based knowledge and programs to serve the citizens of New Mexico. CES has staff in all 33 counties and many Tribal areas in New Mexico, and collaborates with more than 1,000 organizations, state and federal agencies, other universities, and 10,000 volunteers.

We focus on collaboration to foster economic, educational, and community development, keeping the needs of our neighbors at the forefront of our work. Extension agents and specialists have worked during the

last couple of years to create effective ways for youth to access science, technology, art, and math education opportunities as well as identify and address behavioral health concerns for not only our children and families, but also in our agricultural communities.

CES has worked in numerous ways to assist our communities hit the hardest by devasting wildfires and continues to work with multiple state agencies to protect our food supply and develop programs to address a wide range of potential threats to our agricultural infrastructure. CES specialists continue to address the challenges of making critical management decisions through extended drought conditions and work to promote economic development through agriculture.

As the NMSU College of ACES continues to serve the state by fostering excellence in research innovation while providing avenues to train future global leaders in agriculture and provide practical education to our communities these federal funding resources are as important to the success of our mission as they were more than a 100 years ago.

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Page 9

Conservatives Are Winning the War Against ESG. Here’s How —

BY CATHERINE GUNSALUS / WASHINGTON EXAMINER

G

overnor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) recently made headlines when he signed Florida’s anti-ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) legislation into law. But Florida was not the first state to protect taxpayer dollars from woke investing, and it won’t be the last.

Despite what liberal outlets would have you believe, the conservative battle against woke investing is a winning fight. Over the last two years, the number of states that introduced anti-ESG legislation doubled, and the number of states that have passed those bills has nearly tripled to 11 states so far this year.

Why are these bills so successful? Because the ESG movement is fundamentally flawed.

It yields lower financial returns, and its values are out of touch with the majority of Americans.

Simply put, hard-working people want to see their jobs, pensions, and retirement savings protected from funding a political agenda that will hurt them. For example, Oklahoma taxpayers don’t want to fund a net-zero political agenda aimed at phasing out natural gas when six percent of Oklahoma jobs are tied to the oil and gas industry.

ESG is a set of criteria currently being used by some asset managers and financial institutions when deciding whether to do business with American companies. While advocates of ESG argue that investing based on climate impact and social responsibility is a good bet with great returns, the evidence shows otherwise . Even Harvard Business Review acknowledges that ESG investing portfolios perform poorly.

When financial institutions use state funds to boycott the coal industry and advance an

Advertise to Cattleman in the Livestock Market Digest

ESG agenda, it is American workers that suffer. Last year, West Virginia stopped doing business with five major banks boycotting the fossil fuel industry — an industry vital to thousands of jobs in the state as well as the state’s economy.

This year, six other states passed legislation similar to this boycott model. This Heritage Foundation model policy simply ensures states are not customers of companies that threaten the very existence of their citizens’ livelihoods.

Another way states are combating the Left’s ESG push is by prohibiting asset managers from using ESG standards when investing state funds. Florida, Kansas, and several other states have passed legislation of this kind this year to protect state investments and pension funds from ESG. This approach is known as the state pension fiduciary model , and this model, or a version of it, was introduced in more than a dozen states and has already been enacted in 10 states in 2023. These laws ensure asset managers make investment decisions based solely on financial factors, not political ones — something they should already be doing. Asset managers making decisions or commitments based on ESG factors risk violating their fiduciary duty to the state.

To underscore the momentum of the anti-ESG movement in states across the nation, Kansas’s fiduciary model — one of the strongest in the nation — became law despite having a Democratic governor, Kentucky and Arkansas also enacted strong fiduciary model bills.

Montana, Tennessee, and Arizona have passed similar bills, and several more states could see legislation passed this year.

Yet, as state after state enacts laws to protect consumers and taxpayers, the Biden administration remains fixed on forc-

lit Yes.

ing ESG (political) investing onto Americans. For example, Biden’s recent Department of Labor rule will allow companies to make ESG funds the default investment choice for employees who put money into their 401(k).

Congress tried to block this terrible ESG regulation, and even some Senate Democrats joined Republicans in passing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the Department of Labor’s rule.

But Biden issued his first veto to stop the CRA and keep the regulation in place, a decision that risks the retirement savings of 152 million Americans.

While Biden’s unelected bureaucracy works against people and their retirement, elected leaders at the state level are passing laws with great effect in order to defend jobs, workers, and their savings. Like these states, the public is firmly opposed to the ESG agenda — the proof is in the numbers. As more people learn about the dangers of ESG, expect even more states to take action.

▫

Catherine Gunsalus is the director of state advocacy for Heritage Action.

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Page 10

Livestock Market Digest

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July 15, 2023

Farmland Lost is Farmland Lost Forever

BY TOM DEWEESE / AMERICAN POLICY CENTER

“F

armland lost is farmland lost forever.” That catchy phrase is a popular slogan distributed by the Virginia-based land trust called the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC). While it’s an accurate statement, apparently, the PEC and its like-minded Green brethren are only concerned about losing vital farmland to housing developers. Meanwhile, thousands of farmers and ranchers are losing their industries to radical environmental policies supported and promoted by such groups.

Obviously, hypocrisy runs deep in the leftist Green movement.

However, farmland is under attack across the nation, mainly under the guise of climate change and environmental protection. Let’s review some of the main threats America’s farmers are facing.

The central unifying issue driving the attack on America’s farming industry is “climate change.”

SUSTAINABLE! That’s the trigger word driving the attack on farming. Green activists say we face an impending apocalypse and so society, they warn, must pursue a stated goal of achieving “sustainable development” or all will be lost. “Sustainable development” determines how food will be grown, processed, packaged, and marketed. Very specific rules determined what kind of crops may be grown, and how much land may be used for that purpose, while much of a farm’s private property is forced into open space for habitat, wetlands, and “supposedly endangered species.

Meanwhile, Biden’s Energy Czar, John Kerry, has accused small farms of being significant emitters of nitrogen. Of course, this is the primary attack on cattle for their burps, flatulence, and manure. The current term is “Climate Smart.” As sustainable development forces higher costs on the farmers, Biden’s massive inflation makes it nearly impossible for farmers to stay afloat.

While the Biden cabal is pushing to maneuver it all into place, the real driving force is being driven by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and its Great Reset agenda. The WEF has actually launched something called its New Vision for Agriculture (NVA) initiative, which it defines as a “roadmap for Stakeholders.” Stakeholders are not farmers, property owners, or others in the agriculture industry. They are Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) many of whom have been working directly with the United Nations for decades to direct climate change policy.

“The World Economics Forum’s New Vision for Agriculture initiative is led by 17 global companies that are Industry Partners of the Forum,” according to the WEF/McKinsey report. It continues, “the 17 global companies that championed the initiative are Archer Daniels Midland, BASF, Bunge, Cargill, The Coca-Cola Company, Dupont, General Mills, Kraft Foods, Metro, Monsanto company, Nestle, PepsiCo, SABMiller, Syngenta, Unileve4r, Wal-Mart Stores, and Yara In-

ternational.”

Now add the funds of private foundations such as the Rockefellers, Blackrock, and Gates Foundation, then the true road map of those stakeholders and their funders begins to emerge.

These forces are NOT protectors of the environment; they are destroyers of it and 0ur current living standards.

Now comes the implementation of the plan. How do they intend to ultimately change the entire food production system of the nation and make it sustainable? Answer: target the land.

Wind and Solar Reports from the solar industry as far back as 2017, indicate that the Midwestern states are the “growing hotspot for solar and wind power” to replace traditional coal and gas power plants – meaning thousands of acres of valuable farm land would be required to replace current energy sources that now use only a few acres. A World Bank study published in 2017 admitted that “clean energy” technology is “significantly more material intensive” than hydrocarbon energy sources, and that estimate didn’t even consider farmland destruction.

The solar panels are made of plastic – which takes oil to produce. Underneath those solar panels that run end to end, row by row, for thousands of acres, is cement for infrastructure wires.

Little can grow underneath them – no grass, no animals.

That’s how farmland is being destroyed.

In addition to solar, the Midwest states are also targeted for wind power. Wind power needs enormous amounts of oil for the turbines to turn. And those blades are not degradable when they no longer work. Again, they also need the massive infrastructure under the planned forests of turbines. How much raw material, including limestone, steel, aluminum, cobalt, and nickel will it take to produce a single wind turbine? And what about the transmission lines needed to get the electricity onto the power grid?

Picture thousands of acres of these turbines – the death of scenic views, of peaceful land, and in the air, nothing will be flying. Millions of birds, rapture, and endangered species destroyed – in the name of environmental protection. Ask the Interior Department how many birds are killed yearly. Such information, they will tell you, is classified. Why? Wind and solar are a joke.

Remember when we used to call environmentalists “Tree Huggers?” Well, where are they now? Why are they not standing up to stop wind and solar from destroying the environment?

For example, the Wind industry has cleared over 17,283 acres in Scotland for wind farms. To do it they have wiped out 14,000,000 trees – to save the planet!

Wind and solar processes produce next to nothing for the power grid. If all other sources of fuels were banned and all power was to come from wind and solar, estimates are that it would only provide between 4% and 12% of the energy we need to run the country. Yet millions of acres of vital farmland – private property needed to pro-

duce our food supply — are targeted to be buried under this insanity.

Carbon Capture Pipelines Those pushing for more solar and wind energy also champion carbon capture pipelines.

They insist that manmade CO2 is driving climate change and therefore pipelines are needed to be used to safely bury this threat from fossil fuel plants into the ground. Here’s the scheme.

Private corporations have targeted thousands of acres of privately-owned, food-producing Midwest Corn Belt farmland to build several interconnecting pipelines. A letter being sent to targeted property owners from Navigator Heartland Greenway LLC says, “Navigator is proposing to build a large-scale carbon capture pipeline system spanning 1300 miles across five states in the Midwest…” The letter goes on to explain that “the pipeline will materially reduce the participant’s carbon footprint and further the global goal of carbon neutrality… The pipeline system… will capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from local facilities before these emissions reach the atmosphere and transport the CO2 safely via pipeline to a permanent and secure underground sequestration site in Illinois.”

There is no sound scientific reason for such a project. Trees and plants need CO2 to live.

Here are some actual scientific facts that prove CO2 is not a pollutant but is necessary for a sound environment:

■■ More

CO2 plant growth.

enhances

■■ More CO2 boosts crop yields which helps feed more people worldwide.

■■ Nearly all plants increase photosynthesis in response to increasing CO2 (CO2

■■ fertilization). More plant growth means less topsoil erosion.

■■ More CO2 makes plants

grow faster, with less stress and water. Moister soil.

■■ More CO2 helps plants to

create natural repellants to fight insect predators.

The Carbon Capture Pipelines are unnecessary and dangerous to all of human society.

Many scientists warn of a growing CO2 shortage that will lead to famine. The U.S. Navy has produced a chart entitled “CO2 Starvation. The chart reports that average CO2 needs for plant life is 1,600 Parts Per Million(PPM). However, according to the Navy. we are currently at 400 PPM. These figures have been verified by other scientists, including Climate expert Dr. Willy Soon and Dr. Lee Merritt.

Dr. Merritt also predicts a “dust bowl” phenomena as a result of plants starving from CO2. Millions of acres covered by solar panels and wind turbines will lead to the destruction of the environment.

Today, in targeted states, including Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota, there is growing opposition to the pipelines. Farmers are beginning to understand the threat to their property rights. In response, the corporations behind the scheme resort to ruthless intimidation tactics to scare the farmers into compliance as they boldly trespass on private farmland with armed guards and heavy equipment,

damaging crops. With this tactic employed, will local and state governments stand with the farmers who feed us or the powerful corporations?

Attack on the Cattle Industry – Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef “Meat consumption is devastating some of the world’s most valuable and vulnerable regions, due to the vast amount of land needed to produce animal feed.” The quote is from a report issued by one of the most powerful environmental NGOs, the World Wildlife Fund. They have made it their mission to stop beef consumption. How can they do that, you may ask?

First, the WWF was influential in creating the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Quick to join were the four min packing companies that control access to the beef market, including Tysons, Cargil, JBS and National Beef.

Next to join was the National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA), the largest association representing the beef industry.

Working together, these organizations began to create new rules that coerced cattlemen to be “certified” to attain what is called “Beef Quality Assurance” recognition from the federal Department of Agriculture.

This would grant them the label of being “sustainable,” of course. In the name of environmental protection, these new rules placed restrictions on water grazing, reduced productive uses of the ranchland to make way for wildlife habitat, and forced cattle growers to have smaller herds. All this served to make the ranching process more expensive.

Worst of all is the removal of “Nation of Origin” labeling, so consumers don’t know where their beef is coming from. This allows the packers to use foreign beef which is exempt from the strict Roundtable rules, making it much cheaper than American beef.

The WWF’s Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef is nothing short of a monopoly controlling the industry. There is no free market per se. A few years ago, an independent company called Northern Beef Packers was created at an investment cost of approximately $50 million to create an independent packing company not tied to the Roundtable. The four major packers simply lowered their costs to block the competition by making the price of beef so low that it drove the independent company out of business.

Many suspect the goal is to stop beef consumption and replace it with the fake meat now being offered by Bill Gates and others. Of course, the packers will still have something to market without contending with the animal rights lobby. These corporations will continue to stuff their pockets while gaining the power to set what products will be offered to consumers.

It’s important to once again emphasize that one of the main packing companies, Cargil, is one of the 17 global companies that are Industry Partners of the World Economic Forum’s New Vision for Agriculture, which, as already reported, is dedicated to transforming the U.S. food industry. Another piece of the puzzle put in its place.

Livestock Market Digest

The threat from China – buying up American Farmland China now owns roughly 384,000 acres of U.S. farmland, according to a 2021 report from the Department of Agriculture. Of that, 195,000 acres are owned by 85 Chinese investors. It is vital to make clear China is a communist dictatorship. There is no free market in China, so there are no private corporations. All are controlled by the government. So, even if it appears that a Chinese individual or company is purchasing land, the power behind it is the government which is an avowed opponent to the concept of free markets, private property or individual liberty. Allowing such a force to purchase massive amounts of American land is a direct threat to American sovereignty, especially when much of the land they buy is within visual range of American military bases.

China is pushing hard for the U.S. to accept wind and solar power while we eliminate gas and coal. Yet, China is leading the world in reopening oil wells and coal mines for their OWN energy needs.

China is behind much of the drive to convert to electric vehicles, away from gas-powered cars. Does it surprise you that China has influence over much of the lithium resources in the world necessary to power those gas cars? China says America must follow the globalist dictates of “Sustainable” policies – but China doesn’t.

China is allied and works in partnership with those in Davos championing the Great Reset – designed to destroy our free market system. The more American land China controls, the more influence it can exert over U.S. policy.

China is an avowed enemy of free markets and American influence. It has proven over the years that it will support or undertake actions that would impact American security and prosperity. That includes the use of American farmland. Through the purchase of American farmland China can add power to the push for the carbon capture pipeline, thereby helping from the inside to destroy American food sources. China can increase the spread of wind and solar over valuable American

farmland, decreasing more of the farm industry. Plus, they can use American farmland to raise crops and ship them back to China for their own use, while American grocery shelves grow empty.

In Florida, twelve Chinese investors have already put $16 million into an aquaculture project on 100 acres in Fellsmere, Florida. In Virginia, the Chinese bought Smithfield Foods and its 460 large farms and facilities in 26 states, employing tens of thousands of Americans. Additional projects such as these are in literally every state in the Union.

So serious is the threat that legislation has been introduced in Congress to control or prevent Chinese purchases of farmland. Texas Congressman Chip Roy has introduced the “Securing American Land from Foreign Interference Act” (H.R. 3244). The specific purpose is to block Communist Chinese farmland purchases in America.

China has labeled the bill racist against Asians.

However, in the state legislature of South Dakota, legislation was introduced to block China from buying farmland in that state. Yet, the bill faced opposition from nearly every agriculture industry group. According to reports, the farm industry pushed to block the measure because big corporations, now working to destroy the small farmers see an opportunity to extend the global influence of the Great Reset over the United States.

Small, independent farmers are facing extinction. Their replacement will be powerful corporations that will no longer cater to consumers. Instead consumers will have to accept what the big corporations decide to provide – fake meat and all.

Americans must stand up to save and protect farmland because American Farmland lost, is America lost forever.

Page 11

NOAA Throws Cold Water on Media Hysteria Over Earth’s “Three Hottest Days on Record”

BY NICK POPE / CFACT

Numerous corporate media outlets drove the narrative that July 3 through 5 was the hottest 72-hour stretch ever on record, citing a data tool from the University of Maine which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has warned is not as dependable as traditional observational data.

The New York Times, Fortune, Axios and CBS News each cited the University of Maine’s Climate Reanalyzer in various reports on July 6 asserting that the week’s global temperatures broke the previous record for hottest three-day stretch.

NOAA “cannot confirm” the Reanalyzer’s findings, adding that the Reanalyzer’s “data (is) not suitable to be used as a proxy for actual surface temperatures and climate records,” NOAA Director of Strategic Communications Lori Arguelles wrote in a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Axios’ Thursday headline asserted that “Earth sees three hottest days on record,” while The Times wrote in its Thursday story that “the past three days were quite likely the hottest in Earth’s modern history.” CBS News ran a chyron on a July 6 television segment which read, “Earth sees third straight hottest day on record,” while the first half of Fortune’s Thursday headline stated that “Earth hits record heat third day in a row.”

“Although NOAA cannot validate the methodology or conclusion of the University of Maine analysis, we recognize that we are in a warm period due to climate change, and combined with El Niño and hot summer conditions, we’re seeing record warm surface temperatures being recorded at many locations across the globe,” Arguelles added in her statement to the DCNF. The Reanalyzer uses observational data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), according to the Reanalyzer’s website. The Reanalyzer shows that this week was the hottest week it has ever recorded.

“The situation we are witnessing now is the demonstration that climate change is out of control,” United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said of the heat, according to The Guardian. “If we persist in delaying key measures that are needed, I think we are moving into a catastrophic situation, as the last two records in temperature demonstrates.”

The New York Times, Fortune, Axios and CBS News did not respond immediately to the DCNF’s requests for comment.

This article originally appeared in The Daily Caller

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