NM Stockman | 12-2025

The Magazine for Western Life DECEMBER 2025

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DECEMBER 2025

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FINANCING LIFE, BEYOND CITY LIMITS Financing For: Farm, Ranch and Recreational Real Estate, Operating Lines,

Livestock, Equipment, Construction, Agribusiness, Forestry & Country Homes

AgTrustACA.com 866-AgLoans

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NEW MEXICO STOCKMAN P.O. Box 7127, Albuquerque, NM 87194 505-243-9515 Fax: 505-349-3060

DEPARTMENTS 10 NMCGA President’s Message

by Bronson Corn, NMCGA President

E-mail: caren­@aaalivestock.com

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

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

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

12 Just the Facts ... & Then Some

by Caren Cowan, Publisher, New Mexico Stockman

16 New Mexico CowBelles Jingle Jangle 30 New Mexico’s Old Times & Old Timers

by Don Bullis

48 Food & Fodder

by Deanna Dickinson McCall

52 News Update: Pearce, JBS Pays 63 Riding Herd

by Lee Pitts

64 View from the Backside

by Barry Denton

65 In Memoriam 69 New Mexico Federal Lands News

by Jerry Schickedanz

71 Sandhill Sheriffs and Shotgun Diplomacy 76 Marketplace 77 Seedstock Guide 81 Real Estate Guide 93 For the Love of Beef

by Patty Waid

102 From The Arena

by Julie Carter and Sage Faulkner

104 Advertisers’ Index

FEATURES

ADVERTISING SALES

18 2025 Bull Buyers Guide 26 The Most Valuable Investment in the Beef Herd – The Bull

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

32 How to Protect Large Animals in a Fire Emergency

New Mexico Stockman

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

Source PenState Extension Source Texas A & M University

34 NMSU, NM Hay Association to Host 2026 Southwest Hay and Forage Conference 38 Cattle on Feed Report Source Southern Ag Today

42 Building the Future of Agriculture, One Classroom at a Time

GUIDE

51 Preserving New Mexico’s Beef Industry for the Next Generation

by Senators Pat Boone, Pat Woods, Crystal Brantley, and Representative Jack Chatfield; newmexicosun.com

54 Doc Jim Lytle 55 Consortium Adopts New Name, “Tribal Self-Governance” 56 Dunes Sagebrush Lizard ESA Documents for Comment 57 Trump Team Proposes Big Changes in ESA Rules

by Michael Doyle, Greenwire

58 Latest Activist Trial Outcome Affirms Ideology Does Not Trump Law

by Hannah Thompson-Weeman, meatingplace.com

60 American Prairie Sues Montana DNRC for Bison Grazing Permits

by Darrell Ehrlick, Daily Montanan

62 Tom W. Paterson, Spur Ranch Cattle Company, Honored with Friend of Conservation Award 70 COP 30 Get the U.S. Out of This Air Travel U.N. Offset Scheme

by Craig Rucker, CFACT

72 Selecting Replacement Heifers: Building a Productive Cowherd for the Future

by Parker A. Henley and Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Specialists

90 New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association Heritage Buckles Awarded 92 New WOTUS Rule Out for Comment Source Holland & Knight

96 Rimrock Ranch Youth Team Claims Reserve Championship in Amarillo

by Julie Carter

100 Current NMJC Rodeo Team Gunnar Tipton — Past New Mexico High School Rodeo Association

by Julie Carter

101 New Mexico Secures $3.5 Million Federal Grant to Strengthen Local Food Supply Chain

by Athena Franco, ffa.org

44 Cull Cows Defy Seasonality

by David Anderson, Professor and Extension Economist, Livestock and Food Products Marketing, Dairy, Policy; Source: Southern Ag Today

50 Generations Gather at the Arizona National Livestock Show

by Tyler Grandil, Executive Director

DECEMBER 2025

VOL 91, No.12 USPS 381-580

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Bull Buyers

on the cover “The Family Tree” by Jack Soreson. For more on this and Jack’s other work, visit jacksorensonfineart.com Texas artist Jack Sorenson CA grew up living the scenes of the Wild West that he paints today. As a kid he roamed through Six Gun City, an Old West frontier town and tourist attraction that his dad built near the Palo Duro Canyon. As soon as he was old enough, his daddy put him to work as a gunslinger and stagecoach driver. “How many people today can say they’ve been run over by a stagecoach?” he asks. “I have!” // Jack’s love of art is similarly deep-rooted. “At the age of six I announced to my family that I was going to be a professional artist,” he recalls. “As a boy I spent most of my free time sketching… dogs, trees, wagons, people and horses—especially horses. It’s like a preacher being called—it’s what I am supposed to do.” // After his first one-man show sold out in 1974, Jack quit his day job as a horse-breaker and began painting full-time. Today he is one of America’s most celebrated Western artists. Leanin’ Tree has licensed more than one hundred of his images for greeting cards. His work has also been featured on dozens of other products, as well as on the cover of top industry magazines such as Western Horseman, The American Quarter Horse Journal and The Cattleman. Jack credits his success as an artist in part to the fact that he is a storyteller, stating, “I believe that great paintings should tell a story and involve the viewer.” // Jack achieved a career-long goal in 2021 when he was elected to Cowboy Artists of America.

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35th Annual

Roswell Brangus Bull & Female Sale Saturday February 28, 2026

Females sell at 11am — Bulls sell at 1pm

Roswell Livestock Auction 900 N. Garden St. Roswell, NM

50 Registered Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls 200 + Bred and Open Commercial Females

For a sale catalog or more information please contact:

Bill Morrison at 575-760-7263

Floyd Brangus

6 DECEMBER 2025

Lack-Morrison Brangus

UBAR Brangus

Townsend Brangus

Brown Brothers Ranch

DECEMBER 2025

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Protecting Ranch Profits Coast to Coast

RANGELAND DROUGHT INSURANCE USDA/FCIC sponsored product Rainfall Indexing program available in all 48 contiguous states including NM & AZ Call us for details or questions T. Cy Griffin 325-226-0432 cy@cauthornandgriffin.com

Guy Cauthorn 512-658-0134 cauthorn@anco.com

Craig Leonard 325-226-3347 craig@cauthornandgriffin.com

www.cglranchins.com

This agency is an equal opportunity agency

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The Best of Both…

Hereford & Angus Bull Sale

Pérez Cattle Company

WORLD-CLASS GENETICS FOR THE SOUTHWEST

Offering functional, practical and profit-driven sons of these proven sires…

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RST Unique 1030

Hoffman High Road

February 24, 2026 | 1 PM (MT) At the Ranch—Nara Visa, New Mexico 180 Registered Hereford & Angus Bulls Yearling & 18-Month-Old Bulls

Scan or call for a catalog!

9 DECEMBER 2025

PerezCattleCo.com 575-403-7971

Michael Pérez 575-403-7970 Kyle Pérez 575-403-7971 DECEMBER 2025

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

by Bronson Corn NMCGA President

Bronson Corn President Roswell Tom Paterson President-Elect Luna Dave Kenneke NW Vice President Cimarron Jeff Decker SE Vice President Lovington Roy Farr SW Vice President Datil Cliff Copeland NE Vice President Nara Visa Becky King-Spindle Vice President at Large Moriarty Shacey Sullivan Secretary/Treasurer Peralta Loren Patterson Immediate Past President Corona

I

pray that each and every one of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving spending time with your family and friends! We are truly blessed that the Good Lord gives us the opportunity to wake up in the morning to do His work!

Sometimes we have a hard time seeing the good things we accomplish through all the struggles we go through on a daily basis. Biblically speaking God presents himself as Fire, the reason for that is fire is clean, pure, something to be feared but respected, something to clean unwanted things in your life, it nourishes you to be able to feed yourself and your family, FIRE is used for everything in your life!

Sometimes God has to through you in the fire so that He can form you into what you are meant to be! So be Thankful for the bad times too, because you never know what you can go through until you’ve come through the fire!

I hope that we had the chance to chat at the annual convention in Albuquerque; what a blast and I am so thankful for the great conversation and new friendships that were made! I hope that you left the convention informed, optimistic, refreshed, and fully understanding what it is that we at the New Mexico Cattle Growers do. I am so very proud of what our team has accomplished over the last couple of years, and I am so thankful for those who were honored during the convention. Through their efforts, our state and organization is much better because of them!

Over the last couple months we have experienced a lot in the livestock industry, our calf prices have take a pretty sizable drop from $375 feeders down to $315, and $240 Live Cattle down to $215. Lots of fear came from the words said from our current administration about lowering the cost of beef for American consumers, the market reaction that we have experienced was definitely impactful, but it was very reactionary!

The paper traders are fleeing like a bunch of rats and a sinking ship, which honestly is not a bad thing! Be confident in your product, the record high prices that we experienced and frankly still have, can only be attributed to supply and demand! We are at the lowest cattle inventory in 50+ years, yet we are producing more pounds of beef in history. Anyone who has payed attention over the last 5-10 years knew this was coming, the writing has been on the wall for a long time, and its still there!

Don’t be discouraged my friends, the American population now know good and well that the cattle industry in the USA hasn’t been all rainbows and butterflies! But guess what…. We’re Still Here! God has big plans for each and every one of us, and if you are in the FIRE right now, be patient as your time is coming!

God Bless you and your family!

“Yall Have A Gooden”

Numbers 6:24

Randell Major Past President

Bronson Corn

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NOT ALL

BULLS

equal ARE CREATED

BULLS B ULLS AVAILABLE AVAILABLE PR PRIVATE IVATE TREATY TREATY

400

Hereford, Angus, Charolais

Yearlings & 2 Year Olds Bill: 505-220-9909 Tom: 505-321-8808 billkingranch.com Moriarty, NM

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JUST THE FACTS ... & THEN SOME

by Caren Cowan, Publisher New Mexico Stockman

Facts

P

resident Trump has brought the wrath of agriculture down on himself. I am not making a judgement call one way or another, but all you have to do is look at any agricultural news feed to know the score.

Tariffs are at the top of the concerns, especially with farmers. The Administration is working on fixing things, but it appears that there are millions of dollars in losses that cannot be recovered.

On the beef side, in addition to the tariffs, the President made the misstep of increasing imports from Argentina in an effort to drive down beef prices for consumers. Never mind that beef from Argentina is already being imported and that the amount to be brought in won’t make a lot of difference to anyone.

But we all know that’s not the point.

Pitting consumers against ranchers won’t work.

Next the President called for an investigation of the big four packers, something

ranchers have been requesting for decades.

There have been several investigations, but the results have all been the same. NOTHING. This time even the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers (TSCRA) initially supported the investigation, they now state “that the lack of transparency is not where today’s price pressures are coming from,” according to the Cattlemen’s Column: the cattle market is not broken, by Shelby Horn, TSCRA Director.

Rather Horn points to the lag between cattle prices and consumers as well as the negative beef packer margins most of the year. While he noted that “packers certainly have experienced strong margins in some years,” he left out the part that in 2020 packers were making $700 a head while ranchers were losing money on a massive scale.

It is interesting that Tyson chose to shutter one beef plant and pare down another one to a single shift, putting some 4,900 workers out of jobs soon after the President’s investigation announcement. That action alone drove live cattle futures down the limit at the opening of the market on November 24.

The company reported millions in losses over the past couple of years. Tyson’s plans are to pick up the slack by increasing production at its other beef facilities, which have a total weekly slaughter capacity of 155,000 head, according to the Tyson Foods website.

They didn’t mention the $1.659 billion in

operating income on $15.436 billion in sales for fiscal year 2020. Nor did they mention that they will acquire the shuttered Cargill turkey plant in Springdale, Arkansas. Tyson plans to retrofit the plant into another chicken processing facility.

Although it seems impossible for this non-economic mind that four groups maintain control over 85 percent of the beef sold in the US isn’t collusion of some kind. I am not holding my breath on the results of this new investigation.

It is also worth noting that President Trump eliminated the tariffs on beef and some other products in late November.

On other fronts…

The Trump Administration has released two new rulemakings that will help ranchers and all Americans. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on November 17, 2025, announced the release of a proposed rule revising the definition of “waters of the United States” (Proposed WOTUS Rule). The rule is intended to resolve the regulatory

continued on page 14 >>

2026

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This may not fit in your stocking, but this book deserves to be under every tree!

There are still Ranch Raised Kids books available! Order TODAY! Hard Cover Books $70 each ______ x $70 = ____ quantity

Soft Cover Books $50 each ______ x $50 = ____ quantity Shipping $10 per book ______ x $10 = ____ (Books may also be picked up at Joint Stockmen’s Convention)

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Name ____________________________ Address ____________________________ City _____________ State ____ Zip ______ Email _______________________________ Telephone __________________________

Orders may be emailed to cattlegrowersfoundationinc@gmail.com Orders and credit card payments may be made at www.cattlegrowersfoundation.org or mail to: Cattlegrowers Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 7035, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87194

The Cattlegrowers Foundation, Inc. is a 501(3) tax deductible non-profit

DECEMBER 2025

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FACTS

<< cont from page 12

uncertainty that has persisted for decades regarding the scope of federal jurisdiction.

Public comments on the proposed rule can be submitted to the official Regulations. gov docket (Docket ID No. EPAHQ-OW-2025-0322) until January 5, 2026.

Read the full article on the proposed changes on page 92 of this issue.

At the same time proposals were released on how the US Fish & Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries handle their most important Endangered Species Act (ESA) tasks, from designating critical habitat to setting protection standards for threatened species.

Read the full article on page 57 of this publication.

Comments are due on December 21.

Look for the regulations at: https://www.regulations.gov by searching the following docket numbers: ЇЇ FWS–HQ–ES–2025–0039 (Section 4) ЇЇ FWS–HQ–ES–2025–0044 (Section 7) ЇЇ FWS–HQ–ES–2025–0029 (Section 4(d)) ЇЇ FWS–HQ–ES–2025–0048 (Section 4(b)(2)) Best wishes for a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

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T X E R E D LIVESTOCK COMMISSION 274 East Darby Road, Dexter, NM

Now Selling *** *** Packer Beef Cows & Bulls • Dairy Cows

Accepting All Classes of Beef Cows & Bulls, Calves & Yearlings Cattle Received Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday — Call for Permits: (575)-626-9492

SALE EVERY TUESDAY — 10:00 a.m.

Will Be Open Through the Holidays For load lots of 40,000 lbs or more, commission charge is $21/head plus fee • Commission 3% plus Insurance & Beef Checkoff • Trich Testing Available — $90 / Head

575.624.COWS www.dexterlivestockcommission.com/

www.dexterlivestockcommission.com

Ted Nelson – 575.840.6351

14 DECEMBER 2025

Jerrod Harral – 575.910.3570

Dickie McIntosh — 575.626.5459

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JINGLE JANGLE

H

ello New Mexico CowBelles! I am your Jingle Jangle editor. I received no other news from local CowBelles this month other than the following.

Mesilla Valley CowBelles held meetings virtually to plan and arrange coverage at multiple events. Ag Day at NMSU Football November 8th, and Christmas tree donation to Dona Ana 4-H fundraiser held at Home Grown November 22-23, 2025. Both were huge successes. Mary Esther Grider received the 2025 Volunteer of the Year award at New Mexico Farm and Livestock

• Legal For Trade • Legal For Trade • Mobile and Stationary Scales Mobile and Stationary Scales • Durable• Construction •For Durable Construction • 12ft - 22ft Length • Legal Trade Available Most sizes available for immediate installation •For12ft - 22ft Length Mobile and Stationary ScalesAvailable • •Legal Trade Most sizes availableScales for immediate installation Durable • •Mobile andConstruction Stationary 12ft - 22ft Length Available • •Durable Construction Most sizes available for immediate installation • 12ft - 22ft Length Available Most sizes available for immediate installation

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

Bureau’s Annual Meeting as well! This local is extremely proud of her continued efforts and willingness to step up at any given time to share her love for agriculture and the Beef Industry!

Hopefully several of you other locals will start submitting news. They do not always have to be in the form of minutes or formal newsletters. Please send via snail mail or Email. Thank you again! janetwitte@msn. com

T

ime is something that gets talked about a lot. What time is it? What time does it get dark? What time is dinner? And always the one, time sure does go by fast.

This is my last article as President of New Mexico CowBelles and it seems like it was just yesterday I was nervously writing the first one.

This has been such an incredible year, and I am grateful for the time I have had to be in the role.

Leadership in any way is not an easy task.

It comes with lots of second guessing and praying that you make decisions that are best for the organization and its members.

The role is sometimes hard because there may be people who don’t see it the way you see it. I have done my best to represent the cattlewomen of New Mexico and the members of New Mexico CowBelles. From meetings to functions and all places in between. It has been an honor to be the one wearing the tag that says “New Mexico”.

Our state is blessed with wonderful cattlemen and cattlewomen that are passionate about our industry. As the industry is not an easy one and seems to take hits regularly. It is sometimes a tough place to be. I commend and appreciate all the producers and beef advocates in our state who choose to step up and be the voice for our industry.

It has been my pleasure and blessing to be the New Mexico CowBelles President and I thank everyone who has come alongside me to get the job done.

See you down the trail, – Corrina Casler New Mexico CowBelles President

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

Cell: 806-683-4613 • steve@expressscale.com www.expressscale.com 16 DECEMBER 2025

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Come outside and let’s capture you!

Natural light portrait and landscape photography are my specialties

Congratulations

SENATOR

PAT WOODS! You are most deserving of recognition as Cattleman of the Year.

Julie Carter jcarternm@live.com

fineartamerica.com/profiles/4-julie-carter

B

eing named your Cattleman of the Year is truly a humbling honor.

Eva and I have been overwhelmed ...

Thank you for your protection of New Mexico’S Ag industry.

Your many years of service have benefited us all.

~ John & Linda Keck Alamo Ranch

by the letters, texts, phone calls, and kind words we’ve received. When I opened the magazine and saw how many friends took the time—and spent their money—to place congratulatory ads, it genuinely warmed my heart.

Several fellow legislators have even asked me to sign their personal copies, and I’ve been recognized in a number of interim meetings.

Those gestures mean a great deal, not just to me personally, but as an acknowledgment of our industry’s steadfast commitment to feeding America.

We raise an animal that thrives on pasture plants that no human could survive on, and in doing so, it creates a nutritious, high-energy protein—an invaluable food source for families everywhere.

I am deeply grateful to the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association for this recognition and for their continued work on behalf of our producers.

Thank you all for this incredible honor.

— Senator Pat Woods DECEMBER 2025

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Bull Buyers

2025

GUIDE

WE DON’T KNOW WHERE CATTLE PRICES ARE HEADED, BUT ONE THING IS FOR SURE — YOU NEED GOOD BULLS! CALL NOW FOR THE BEST SELECTION! NAME OF PRODUCER

ALL BREEDS

SEE AD ON PAGE

American Heritage Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Bar G Feedyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Cattlemen’s LS Auction (Belen) . . . . . . . . 36 Select Sires Member Coop . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Five States Livestock Auction . . . . . . . . . . 44 Fort Worth Stock Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Genex / Candy Trujillo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75, 77 Landmark Mercantile Livestock Auction . . 34 McPherson Heifer Bulls . . . . . . . . . . . . 75, 78 NMSU Animal & Range Sciences . . 65, 66, 74

18 DECEMBER 2025

NAME OF PRODUCER

SEE AD ON PAGE

Roswell Livestock Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Tucumcari Bull Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

ANGUS

2 Bar Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28, 80 4 G Mountain Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 A Lazy 6 Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36, 78 American Angus Association . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Black Angus “Ready for Work” Bull Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Bill King Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Bays Cattle Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Bradley 3 Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73, 78 C Bar Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75, 79 Candy Ray Trujillo’s Black Angus . . . . . . . . . 75 Clark Anvil Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69, 79 Conniff Cattle Co. LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 78 Cornerstone Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Diamond Seven Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47, 77 Hartzog Angus Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43, 78 Heartstone Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Hennard Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Hooper Cattle Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Hubbell Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27, 77 J-C Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Laflin Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Lazy D Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73, 80 Lust Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

NAME OF PRODUCER

SEE AD ON PAGE

M-Hat Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Manzano Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39, 78 McKenzie Land & Livestock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 New Mexico Angus & Hereford Bull & Heifer Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 NMSU Animal & Range Sciences . . 65, 66, 74 Olson Land & Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75, 77 Perez Cattle Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 77 Salazar Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Thompson Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33, 79 Tucumcari Bull Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 U Bar Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Weaver Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Widner Angus Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

BARZONA

Raymond Boykin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75, 77

BEEFMASTER

Beefmaster Breeders United . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Casey Beefmasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75, 78 Elbrock Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Evans Beefmasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Major Cattle Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24, 77

BRAHMAN

American Brahman Breeders Association 48 NMSU Animal & Range Sciences . . 65, 66, 74 Pratt Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56, 80

BRANGUS ANGUS RED ANGUS

19 DECEMBER 2025

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

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

Ranch Location 1818 Arabela Road Arabela , NM DECEMBER 2025

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J-C Angus Ranch 2025Bull Buyers PERFORMANCE YOU CAN COUNT ON

GUIDE

46th Anniversary sale at the ranch on 3/21/26 Selling 65 Yearling Bulls

BLOODLINES: CONNEALY COMMERCE, BASIN KEYSTONE, CROUCH CONGRESS, SITZ RESILIENT, CONNEALY EMERALD, ACC ASCENSION

Over 40 years of Performance & Efficiency Testing JOHN, CATHY & CALEB HECKENDORN, JOE & REBECCA ISBELL 75-A Pueblo Rd. N., Moriarty, NM 87035 JOSHUA AND SARAH YU Home: 505/832-9364 – Cell.: 505/379-8212 JOSHUA & MORGAN HECKENDORN Web: www.jcangus.com – Email: info@jcangus.com

WEAVER RANCH 41st ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE President's Day Monday, February 16, 2026

12:30 p.m. at the ranch north of Fort Collins, Colo.

SELLING 60 REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS BULLS BVD, Fertility, PAP & Trich Tested Featuring Bulls out of these A.I. & other Weaver Ranch Sires Name

Birth Wt.

CED

BW

WW

YW

Milk

PAP

$EN

IMF

REA

Fat

McConnell Altitude

69#

+6

-.3

+59

+103

+20

38

+14

+.60

+0

+.070

MJW 0789 Resource1441

85#

+3

+1.8

+51

+92

+20

41

-3

+.22

+.56

+.042

Stevenson Turning Point

75#

+17

-2.7

+59

+99

+21

NA

-6

+.51

+.75

+.023

Weavers Final Answer 3100

75#

+9

-1.9

+33

+67

+25

39

+8

+.45

+.02

+.033

Over 66 years of selecting for:

Easy Calving, Carcass Quality & Disposition Susan & Mourine Weaver 3000 West Co. Rd. 70 • Ft. Collins, CO 80524 Visitors Always Welcome Cattle may be seen at any time!!!

20 DECEMBER 2025

SEE AD ON PAGE

BRANGUS

Brown Brothers Brangus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Brinks Brangus / Westall Ranches LLC 19, 80 Carter Brangus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63, 77 Floyd Brangus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Lack-Morrison Brangus . . . . . . . . . 6, 60, 107 NMSU Animal & Range Sciences . . 65, 66, 74 Parker Brangus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Lavender Brangus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70, 80 Ramro LLC / RJ Cattle Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

HAYHOOK Lim Flex & Limousin

PAP testing since 1991 at an elevation of 7500'

(970) 568-3898

NAME OF PRODUCER

Over 38 Years of Breeding & Selection Bulls and Replacement Females BLACK POLLED BULLS & HEIFERS JUDY BUGHER • EDNA MANNING 9700 Slaughterville Rd., Lexington, OK 73051 405/306-1315 • 405/306-1316 hayhooklimousin@gmail.com

Producing rugged, deep sided, thick made, easy doing, range ready bulls like this sire.

Annual Bull Sale March 30, 2026 Selling 50 plus Hereford Bulls both Horned & Polled.

d l r o W l a e R ford Cattle Here

e s n e s n o No N

Range Raised, Time Tested for 82 years and counting. The quality goes in before the brand goes on.

Barbara Copeland Cliff & Pat Copeland 575.633.2800 – home 575.403.8123 – Cliff cell 21 DECEMBER 2025

Matt Copeland 580.336.8284 – Matt cell Alyssa Copeland – 731.499.3356 c3copeland@plateautel.net

www.copelandherefords.com

DECEMBER 2025

21

Bull Buyers

2025

NAME OF PRODUCER

SEE AD ON PAGE

SEE AD ON PAGE

Rio Hondo Land & Livestock Co . . . . . . . . . 78 Roswell Brangus Breeders Coop . . . . . . . . 107 Roswell Brangus Breeders Bull & Female Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Southwest Brangus Breeders . . . . . . . . . . 58 Townsend Brangus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60, 107

SEE AD ON PAGE

UBAR Brangus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 60, 107 Westall Ranches LLC / Brinks Brangus 19, 80

Tucumcari Bull Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

BRAUNVIEH

McPherson Heifer Bulls . . . . . . . . . . . . 75, 78

GUIDE CHAROLAIS

NAME OF PRODUCER

NAME OF PRODUCER

Tucumcari Bull Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 American Int’l Charolais Association . . . . . 79 Bar A Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Bill King Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Bradley 3 Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73, 78 C Bar Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75, 79 Grau Charolais Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41, 77 Grau Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77, 106 Ramro LLC / RJ Cattle Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

LT CATTLE COMPANY SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO

BR ENDURE J042 ET

BR SOONER 8075

BD 3/23/2021 BW:3.2 WW:65 YW:111

BD 4/24/2018 BW:4.3 WW:64 YW:111

MILK: 34 SC:2.2 REA: 0.57

MILK: 28 SC:0.7 REA: 0.7

Thank you so very much for your support through the years! The yearling Hereford horned and polled bulls will be ready to go on a first-come, firstserve basis after the first of the year. They were weaned in early December and are big and stout. They are priced for the commercial man. Feel free to call us if we can help with your bull needs.

We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a wet, prosperous New Year!

Thank you, Jimmy McCauley

CORRIENTE F1S

Pratt Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56, 80

GELBVIEH

American Gelbvieh Association . . . . . . 18, 80 Bow K Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Pratt Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56, 80 Wilkinson Gelbvieh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

HEREFORD

Abercrombie Ranch Herefords . . . . . . . . . . 59 Bill King Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 B & H Herefords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42, 78 Bar J Bar Herefords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37, 77 CS Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Clark Anvil Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69, 79 Clavel Herefords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Coleman Herefords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Copeland & Sons Herefords LLC . . . . . . . . . 21 Corn Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Cornerstone Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Cox Ranch Herefords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48, 77 Coyote Ridge Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Decker Herefords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Henard Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69, 79 Hooper Herefords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 LT Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 NMSU Animal & Range Sciences . . 65, 66, 74 Perez Cattle Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 77 Pratt Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56, 80 Rancho de Santa Barbara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Salazar Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Texas Hereford Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Tom Robb & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69, 79 Tucumcari Bull Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 USA Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38, 80 West Star Herefords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71, 81 White Mountain Herefords . . . . . . . . . 38, 77

LIMOUSIN

Hayhook Limousin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Keeton Limousin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 North American Limousin Foundation . . . 40 Running Creek Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70, 80 Walking Spear Land & Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

LIMFLEX

Walking Spear Land & Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Tucumcari Bull Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 JIMMY MCCAULEY (575)574-2283

DAVID MCCAULEY(575)538-1828

RYAN MCCAULEY (575)654-4030

WE WOULD BE HONORED TO HEAR FROM YOU. 22 DECEMBER 2025

OPTIMIZERS

Clark Anvil Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69, 79

23 DECEMBER 2025

DECEMBER 2025

23

Bull Buyers

2025

GUIDE

NAME OF PRODUCER

SEE AD ON PAGE

RED ANGUS

Ferguson Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Lazy D Ranch Red Angus . . . . . . . . . . . 73, 80 K2 Red Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Santa Rita Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75, 78 Tucumcari Bull Test Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

SALERS

American Salers Association . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Clark Anvil Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69, 79 Tucumcari Bull Test Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

SANTA GERTRUDIS

Siler Santa Gertrudis Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

SIM-ANGUS

Campbell Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Tucumcari Bull Test Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

SIMMENTAL

Campbell Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Tucumcari Bull Test Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

MAJOR

Raising Beefmaster Cattle Since 1982 Excellent Quality – Lasater Breeding

BEEFMASTERS

YOUR ADVANTAGE POWERED BY ANGUS

A Division of Major Cattle Co., LLC

The Lineup! Look for their Yearling Bull Calves in the Spring of 2026.

FMC 9428 (Big Iron) A Frenzel bred sire. His genetics go back to the Foundation Herd.

LBAR 6107 an Enfuego son.

His genetics are engrained in our females.

LBAR 0501 (Wolfman) His offspring are becoming some of the best in our herd.

CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL MANAGER TO LOCATE ANGUS GENETICS SELECT MARKETING OPTIONS TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS ACCESS AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION® PROGRAMS AND SERVICES BUY THE ADVANTAGE. BUY THE POWER.

BUY REGISTERED ANGUS GENETICS. angus .org/angus- advant age

FIRE POWER 265 RH C1022363 FIVE V BEEFMASTERS LL MR FIRE POWER 513 513 LT C1053959 DNA 429162 Sire LAIRMORE LL MISS COLORADO 026 026 LT C997051 LAIRMORE 313 LH C881591 DNA 812A FRENZEL U BLD 9069A Dam 8323 LH C967479 F BAR FAITH 1223-6 LH C706683 *FRENZEL

L BAR 6165 6165 LH C935662 L BAR 1/2 11/12 L BAR EN FUEGO 9560 LE C 988569 DNA 549782A PV Sire L BAR U 1/1 10/11 L BAR 5456 5456 LH C928492 L BAR L BAR 8307 8307 LE C960603 L BAR U9/09 Dam L BAR 3453 3453 LH C1038015 DNA 123015104942 GLD30K L BAR L BAR 3440 3440 LH C889925 L BAR

Danny Major 928/925-3710

24 DECEMBER 2025

404 RH C903452 DWIGHT RAMPLEY SCHNEIDER 0481 0481 LH C994584 US900009112 Sire SCHNEIDER & SONS U 1/1 5/14 4115 LH C900477 FRENZEL L BAR 6105 6105 LH C1078603 L BAR Dam L BAR 6440 6440 LH C1107066 DNA NE00863399 PV L BAR L BAR 3456 LH C1038007 L BAR

P.O. Box 5128, Chino Valley, AZ 86323

Radale Tiner, Regional Manager 979-492-2663 rtiner@angus.org New Mexico | Texas

25 DECEMBER 2025

DECEMBER 2025

25

The Most Valuable Investment in the Beef Herd – The Bull Source: PennState Extension

B

eef producers are responsible for numerous purchases for the cattle enterprise. They often purchase feed, minerals, equipment, and other supplies that many times are promised to be the “best investment for the ranch.”

There is only one true investment on the ranch that can live up to that promise: the bull in the pasture. If you maintain a closed herd, the genes entering the cow herd will come completely from the bulls you select.

Following three generations of retained heifers, 87.5 percent of the genetic make-up

of the females you return to the herd is the result of the last three bulls you purchased.

When you consider the long-term impact of the bull, you can never buy a bull that is too good.

For the beef cow-calf enterprise, the sale of a live calf is the only true source of income.

The sale of market cows that did not get bred or lost a calf, and the sale of market bulls, will generate revenue, but it also reduces the capital in the enterprise.

The first step in the selection of a bull is having one that will help the cow produce a live calf. To stack the odds in your favor, you should select a bull with a breed average or lower birth weight and good calving ease.

Following the birth of a live calf, the next concern is a calf that will grow and produce the most pounds possible at weaning and sale time for the calf.

Getting the Cow Bred Cow fertility is an important factor for getting the cows bred, but that is another story for another time. Fertility in young bulls is a function of age, genetics, nutrition, and environment, just to list a few factors.

The only objective method for measuring bull fertility is with a breeding soundness examination (BSE).

Bays Cattle Co. A lot of breeders claim to have rock footed bulls,

but we have the real deal here. Several Hereford, mainly polled, but few horned and Angus bulls running in really rough country. I will have them at the house in mid December and on feed for sale. Get them in December before they get fat and soft, turn em out and have a bull that will last you a long time. We breed them to be moderate in size and fertile. No cow that fails to breed gets a chance to fail again.

Desert adapted and good doing kind.

Call me at 575-590-7587 if you’re interested.

26 DECEMBER 2025

This process combines most of the components that contribute to fertility (scrotal size, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, and a physical exam of the reproductive organs) are all evaluated to develop a final score for a bull. Failure to meet specific benchmarks for any of the factors results in a BSE failure.

The test has been proven to be very efficient for measuring bull fertility in the field.

One major limitation of a BSE is that it is only valid for the test on the day of the test for the semen collection evaluated. Most central bull test stations conduct a BSE on bulls to be sold through the program. There are a limited number of veterinarians available to provide an on-farm BSE. Another consideration for yearling bulls is the bull-to-cow ratio in the herd. Yearling bulls should probably be limited to approximately 15 to 20 cows depending on the size and actual age of the bull.

A yearling should not be expected to service more than one cow per day. If you consider there will be at least one cow in the herd in heat every day in a 21-head cow herd, given on average a 21-day reproductive cycle in the cow, this is the maximum breeding herd for the young sire.

It can be increased to about 30 cows for the 2-year-old. Recent work from Colorado State University established, a mature bull should be able to comfortably service 50 cows for the breeding season. To reduce the bull-to-cow ratio from 1-50 to 1-40 has the same effect as purchasing insurance. Consider the cost of the cow that has a fertile heat but is not bred until the following heat cycle, the next month. In today’s calf market, it could likely cost the producer upwards of $150 per calf just from the lost weaning weight.

As mentioned earlier, one additional consideration is buying the bull that has a greater chance of producing a live calf. The birth weight of a calf is the single most important factor for calving difficulty.

Difficult calvings and dystocia generally result in dead calves, dead cows, and/or cows that do not breed back. Using genetic information such as EPDs for Calving Ease and Birth Weight has proven that there will be fewer difficult calvings, resulting in more live calves.

All breed associations publish the average EPDs for Calving Ease and Birth Weight in their population of bulls. Selecting bulls that are at or below breed average for these EPDs for breeding young cows can prove to be very

continued on page 28 >>

e l t t a C s Traits s s a u c r g a C An l, &

aterna M , W B ofile for r P y t i n Inge

WATCH FOR OUR BULL SALE MARCH 27, 2026 Cattlemens Livestock Auction — Belen, NM

45 YEARLING BULLS Using A.I. Has Added Value to Our Cowherd

Rick & Maggie Hubbell 505/469-1215 27 DECEMBER 2025

Mark Hubbell 575/773-4567

rick@hubbellranch.net P.O. Box 99, Quemado, NM 87829 DECEMBER 2025

27

MVP - BULL << cont from page 26 beneficial. Especially keep them below breed average if any heifers are to be retained in the herd from any cows because half of the genes for birth weight are supplied by the dam.

Getting More Pounds At the current price of calves, the day of buying just any old bull from the sale barn must come to an end. This is most likely the most expensive bull a producer can buy.

Given the absence of performance records, you have absolutely no opportunity to either reduce your risk for calving difficulty or increase calf growth and performance, resulting in heavier calves at weaning.

The technology and information available for selecting breeding cattle is such that there is no reason to buy inferior bu l ls.

Expected progeny differences (EPDs),

performance records, and genetic markers are all available to use for bull-buying decisions.

Consider this example of using EPDs to select two bulls: These EPDs tell us that, when bred to an average group of cows, Bull A will wean calves that are 20 pounds heavier than Bull B, and both will have the same average birth weight. If we use these bulls on an average of 40 cows over four years and wean 95 percent of the calves, we will expect Bull A to wean 3040 more pounds of calf. At $2.25 per pound, that is $6840 more value over the life of the bull.

Considering the return on investment, the $2000 bull actually costs $4800 more to own than the $4000 bull when you consider the value of the calves. Consider bulls are

Thank You.

only “rented.” For the initial investment cost of $4000 for a bull that is later sold for $2500 when he is marketed after just four years of service, the cost to breed each cow in the herd for the four years, just considering the purchase price, is only $9.38 per cow.

While making the decision to buy a bull, set the goals for the herd, identify bulls with the genetic potential to reach those goals, disregard any bull without known genetic information, then select a bull based on the breed, phenotype, or other criteria you require. It will truly be the most important investment you make for the cow herd.

Originally writ ten by John Comerford

▫

Thank you for your support of our program and commitment to our “able” genetics.

Upcoming Sale Dates JANUARY 23, 2026

MAY 9, 2026

TAA Best of the West, Fort Worth, Texas

TAA Spring Spectacular, Salado, Texas

JANUARY 24, 2026

OCTOBER 3, 2026

TAA Stars of Texas, Fort Worth, Texas

Prime By Design Sale, Hereford, Texas

MARCH 18, 2026 2 Bar Angus Bull Sale, Hereford, Texas

Hosted with Goode Angus

OCTOBER 10, 2026

TAA Autumn Classic, Salado, Texas COMING SOON TO A PASTURE NEAR YOU

HEREFORD, TEXAS 806-344-7444 2018 SEEDSTOCK COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AWARD

Follow Us On Facebook

28 DECEMBER 2025

Steve & Laura Knoll www.2barangus.com

BULLS • FEMALES • EMBRYOS

SEMEN

THE NEW MEXICO ANGUS ASSOCIATION

< 23rd Bull and >

Heifer Sale

Monday March 9 2026 ’ ’ 75 REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS Bulls & Heifers available for preview, Sunday, March 8, 2026 All Bulls & Registered Heifers will have 50K Genetic Testing

*NEW SALE LOCATION* DEXTER LIVESTOCK COMMISSION, 274 E. DARBY ROAD, DEXTER, NEW MEXICO

Sale time 1 p.m.

Bulls will be tested for Fertility & Trich • Meal will be served for buyers & guests

for information call

Candy Trujillo 480-208-1410 Larry Wheeler 575-988-5566

Online Sale is available through CattleUSA — pre-registration required —

Thank you for your past business and we look forward to seeing you at our 2026 Angus Bull & Heifer Sale!

29 DECEMBER 2025

DECEMBER 2025

29

NEW MEXICO’S OLD TIMES & OLD TIMERS

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

Deputy Jim Kent Murdered

by Horse Thieves Deputy Williams Badly Injured Deputy Melon, Uninjured, Fetched Help

A

band of horse thieves plied their trade in Union County, New Mexico in the spring of 1909. In one case alone they stole 28 head from the ranch of John King near Folsom. Many other ranchers in the area suffered significant losses of riding stock.

In early June, Sheriff D. W. Snyder heard that stolen horses were being sold to farmers around Richland in southwestern Kansas, and he immediately sent his deputy, Jim Kent, to Kansas to see what he could find. Kent located and recovered several of the horses and found that many others had been traded for mules and other horses. He picked up a trail in Richland that took him to Trinidad, Colorado, where he learned that a man named Clarence Hamilton had sold some mules and horses to a Colorado farmer.

When Hamilton went to a Trinidad bank with the farmer to close the deal and collect payment, he found Deputy Kent waiting for him. It wasn’t long before Hamilton told Kent that a gang made up of the Jamison brothers stole the animals. He said the outlaws maintained a “camp” in eastern Colfax County, near the Union County line, only about five miles from the King ranch.

Sheriff Snyder sent Deputies Kent, H. M. Williams and Gay Melon to arrest the thieves.

They reached the King ranch on the evening

30 DECEMBER 2025

of July 1 and spent the night there. the George ranch, only 20 miles from the The sun was not yet above the horizon the scene of the killing. next morning when the posse took the trail One story is that the Jamisons surrendered toward the Jamison place. They hid outside themselves to Mr. George, who was a Justice the small adobe house before full daylight. of the Peace. Other accounts are less clear as Soon enough, one of the outlaws stepped out to what the outlaws were doing at the George of the house to gather kindling and firewood place. for use in preparing breakfast, or other The officers and their prisoners began the morning chores. trip back to Clayton at once and arrived there Deputy Kent followed him back inside. At at noon the next day. The Sheriff and his posse gunpoint he ordered, “Throw up your hands!” had covered a distance of more than 200 miles Kent’s demand was quickly answered by a in about 29 hours. Simple arithmetic shows gunshot from an adjoining room. The deputy, that the posse averaged nearly seven miles per shot in the neck, fell to the floor, mortally hour which was pretty speedy traveling in wounded. those days. A ride of 50 to 60 miles per day on Deputy Williams, not far behind Kent, horseback, an average of three or so miles per approached the door and he too was shot and hour, was generally considered a day’s work. severely wounded.

The Jamisons were locked in jail, and when Deputy Melon hurried away from the scene another brother, and their father, arrived from and raced back to the King ranch for help.

Raton to visit them, they were arrested, too.

Williams, in great agony from a stomach Deputy Williams survived a long wagon wound, reached his horse and managed to ride in the hot sun to Folsom where a local mount, and he too started for the King ranch. doctor dressed his wound. The morning train His strength failed him, however, and he col- then took him to Trinidad, Colorado, where lapsed along the road where a second posse the bullet could be removed. He survived. from Folson found him some hours later, Local newspapers reported that James I. unconscious from loss of blood.

Kent was born in Bartols County, Texas, in Newspaper accounts of the day reported 1875. Maps contemporary to the times, as well that the horse thieves stepped over and around as modern references, do not show any such Kent’s body as they finished preparing and county in Texas. eating breakfast. Then they mounted up rode Kent’s obituary read: west, toward Raton, but apparently not in “He was a highly esteemed citizen, doing great haste. right by his fellow man for the sake of doing Meantime, Deputy Melon reached the right, a friend to those for whom he professed King ranch and soon John King rode on into friendship. His untimely death we greatly Folsom where he sent a telegram to Sheriff deplore and realize that one has been called Snyder: from our midst whose place in our community July 2, 9:00 a.m. will be hard to fill.”

Sheriff: Complete details regarding the prosecutions of the J. I. Kent killed at Jamison ranch. Take Jamison brothers are not known. It is known that along posse from there overland at once.

George Jamison was convicted of manslaughter for Sheriff Snyder and a three-man posse set killing Deputy Kent, and sentenced to five years in the out from Clayton immediately and by riding Penitentiary. hard overtook the killers about midnight at

▫

Gentle • Ranch Raised • RanGe Ready ReGisteRed • PRoven Bloodlines

RaMRo llc / RJ cattle co 31 DECEMBER 2025

713-204-4903 • 713-253-4804

DECEMBER 2025

31

How to Protect Large Animals in a Fire Emergency

Source: Texas A & M University

T

he winter chill has begun to blow through the U.S., and the comfort of a warm fire is a welcome respite. But as owners move their large animals into their barn to protect them from the elements, there are a number of factors that could lead to an unwanted fire, which can threaten the health and safety of the horses and livestock seeking shelter within them.

Dr. Kyle Johnson, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, offers advice on how owners can

shield their barns — and their large animals — from this threat by providing a plan to execute if the danger of fire engulfs their property.

Preventive fire measures Horse barns and other agricultural buildings are often full of flammable items such as hay and shavings. Even the barn itself — if constructed of wood — can serve as fuel for a fire.

“Over 80 percent of barn fires are caused by electrical malfunctions or human errors,” Johnson said. “Such errors may include improper disposal of a cigarette or placing a heat source — such as a space heater or hot equipment — near flammable material.”

Another risk factor to consider is the weather, as lightning strikes are also a common cause of barn fires.

“To combat this worry, barns should have professionally installed lightning protection systems, which are designed to provide lightning with a safe path to follow into the ground,” Johnson said.

Because many barns and other agricultural buildings are located in rural areas, where emergency and firefighter response may be delayed, preventing fire is key, according to Johnson.

CONNIFF CATTLE CO. LLC We are always trying to find new genetics that could improve our herd.

TEX Playbook 5437 16K

Call John 575-644-2900 or email john@conniffcattle.com John Conniff • Laura Mathers Conniff • 1500 Snow Road, Las Cruces, NM 88005

32 DECEMBER 2025

“Fire prevention is focused on keeping sources of ignition away from fuel sources and reducing the amount of those fuel sources as much as possible,” he said.

Methods to reduce the risk of barn fires include: ЇЇ Prohibiting smoking in or around the barn ЇЇ

Ensuring electrical wiring is functioning properly

ЇЇ

Avoiding electrical outlet overloading

ЇЇ

Prohibiting welding or torch cutting in or around the barn

ЇЇ

Storing hay and straw in a separate structure from gasoline and diesel

ЇЇ

Removing cobwebs and dusting regularly

“Residential smoke detectors often do not work well in barns because of high humidity and high particulate matter in the air,” Johnson said. “Instead, rely on carbon monoxide detectors or other commercially installed fire detection alarms. Systems that connect directly to a security system company or the local fire department are ideal — such devices can improve response times.”

Urgent evacuations Even with the most thorough preparations, a fire may still occur that could threaten the safety of your horses and livestock.

“If a fire starts in a barn, it can move very quickly and there may be only minutes to act,” Johnson said. “When ignited, hay, straw, and shavings can reach nearly 300°F in less than five minutes — meaning each second is precious to save an animal’s life.

“It is important to have a properly charged ABC fire extinguisher at each of the barn’s entrances and ensure everyone knows how to operate them,” Johnson said.

In a barn fire situation, calling 911 and evacuating is the best thing an owner can do.

As with house fires, no one should enter; doing so could result in serious injury or death from the fire or smoke.

“In addition, the threat of heat, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other toxic fumes produced by the burning of plastics and other materials can cause horses and livestock to suffocate,” Johnson said.

continued on page 34 >>

THOMPSON RANCH REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS

2025 AVERAGE WEIGHTS RAISED ONLY ON RANGE CONDITIONS. BW: 58 TO 70 LBS. / WW: 600 TO 820 LBS.

PRIVATE TREATY

WWW.THOMPSONRANCH.NET RANCH: 575-423-3313 • CELL: 505-818-7284 33 DECEMBER 2025

MOUNTAINAIR, NEW MEXICO

DECEMBER 2025

33

FIRE

<< cont from page 32

Fires can also weaken a barn, thus making it more likely to collapse. With that in mind, it is essential to have an evacuation plan in place ahead of time.

Making a plan Johnson recommends evacuating large animals using the following steps: ЇЇ Keep a halter or lead rope close to each stall ЇЇ

Calmly but quickly lead animals away from the fire

ЇЇ

Contain the animals in a designated paddock or pasture

ЇЇ

Hose the animals off thoroughly

“Hosing animals off can remove any hot embers or fire material and can also decontaminate them,” Johnson said. “Soot from fires contains a lot of nasty substances that can be toxic to horses and humans.”

Following evacuation, all animals involved in or near the flames should be promptly evaluated by a veterinarian.

“Even if a horse doesn’t have evidence of burns, they may have inhaled super-heated air and smoke, which can be deadly,” Johnson said. “Horses may appear healthy at first, but the injuries to the lungs and other tissues can manifest 12-24 hours later as pneumonia.”

Proactive planning Approaching the threat of fire without a plan not only endangers yourself, but also your property, livestock, horses, and other loved ones; having a barn fire plan is not just a recommendation — it is a necessity.

“Write it down, discuss it with everyone at your barn, and practice it,” Johnson said. “A plan that isn’t written down and rehearsed is only an idea.”

Emergencies can be extremely stressful for humans and animals alike, but being prepared with an evacuation plan can ensure that everyone emerges from a barn fire unharmed.

Pasture Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed. tamu.edu/news/tag/pasture-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamu. edu.

▫

EVERY WEDNESDAY @ 10:30 575-635-4173

MORE INFO

12000 STERN DR. MESQUITE, NM 88048

“We strive to market your livestock to their fullest potential”

CATTLE

NMSU, NM Hay Association to Host 2026 Southwest Hay and Forage Conference

SHEEP

GOATS

T

he 2026 Southwest Hay and Forage Conference, hosted by New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and the New Mexico Hay Association, will feature two special guest speakers who will discuss successful farm transitions and water issues in the West.

The conference will take place January 21 through 23 at the Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Drive, in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Among the topics to be presented at the conference include “Corn Leafhopper: An Emerging Pest in Corn,” “Drones for Spraying: Custom Application and Producer Perspective,” and “Small Grain Forage Quality.” There will also be industry and regulation updates provided by researchers and experts. Also this year, a special highlight will be the showcasing of the new Hesston double small square baler recently on the market.

NMSU Extension forage specialist Mark Marsalis said this year’s topics are unique and should appeal to farmers of all interests.

continued on page 36 >>

34 DECEMBER 2025

Great Selection of High Q

Now testing 280 bulls and heifers!

Only the very best will be sold

Great Selection of High Quality Bulls and Heifers that Will F Date: Saturday, March 14th, 2026

Time: 1 pm MT Place: Tucumcari Bull Test Great Selection of High Quality Bulls and Heifers that Will Fit Your Program 6502 Quay Road Am.5 Tucumcari, NMand heifers!

Now testing 280 bulls

Only thethat very best willBraunvieh, be sold Great Selection of High Quality Bulls and Heifers Will FitHereford, Your Program Angus, SimAngus, Simmental, Salers, Red Angus, Charolais, and Limflex breeds represented.

Now testing 280 bulls and heifers!

Now testing 280 bulls and heifers!

Only the very best will be sold Only the very best will be sold

th, 2026 Date: Saturday, March 14th14 , 2026 Date: March Now testing 280Saturday, bulls and heifers!

Time: 1pm pm MT Only the very 1 best will be sold Time: MT Place: Tucumcari Bull Test Place: Tucumcari Bull Test 6502 Quay Road Am.5 th , 2026 Date: Saturday, 6502 March 14 Quay Road Am.5 Tucumcari, NM Time: 1 pm MT NM Place: TucumcariTucumcari, Bull Test Angus, SimAngus, Simmental, Hereford, Braunvieh, Salers, 6502Red Quay Angus,Road Charolais,Am.5 and Limflex breeds represented.

Tucumcari, NMSimmental, Hereford, Braunvieh, Salers, Angus, SimAngus,

For more information contact:th Date: Saturday, March 14 , 2026 Marcy Ward 575-644-3379 or maward@nmsu.edu.

Time: 1 Orpm MT visit: https://tucbulltest.nmsu.edu/ Place: Tucumcari Bull Test Can't make Quay the sale?Road Also Available on…

6502 Am.5 Tucumcari, NM

uality Bulls and Heifers that Will Fit Your Program

For more information contact: Red Angus, Charolais, and Limflex breeds represented.

Marcy Ward 575-644-3379 or maward@nmsu.edu.

Angus, SimAngus, Simmental, Hereford, Braunvieh, Salers, OrFor visit: https://tucbulltest.nmsu.edu/ Red Angus, Charolais, and Limflex breeds represented. contact: more information

Marcy Ward For more information contact: Can't make the sale?

Also Available on…

575-644-3379 or maward@nmsu.edu.

Marcy Ward visit: https://tucbulltest.nmsu.edu/ 575-644-3379Or or maward@nmsu.edu.

Or visit: https://tucbulltest.nmsu.edu/

Angus, SimAngus, Simmental, Hereford, Braunvieh, Salers, Red Angus, Charolais, and Limflex breeds represented.

Efficiency Tested Performance Proven!

For more information contact: Heritability to stretch Marcy your forage and grow your profits!

Ward

575-644-3379 or maward@nmsu.edu.

Or visit: https://tucbulltest.nmsu.edu/

Can't make the sale? Also Available on…

Efficiency Tested Performance Prov

Efficiency Tested Efficiency Tested Performance Proven!Perf

Can't make sale?on…

Also Available on…

Can't make the sale?

Alsothe Available

35 DECEMBER 2025

DECEMBER 2025

35

Cattlemens Livestock Regular Sales

Auction Co., Inc.

CATTLE Every Friday at 9 a.m.

BelenLivestockAuction.com

For more information or to consign cattle, please give us a call or drop by. We guarantee our same high quality service as in the past.

P.O. Box 608 • Belen, NM OFFICE: 505-864-7451 • FAX: 505-864-7073 BRANDON MAJOR — 505-270-4873 • ELIJAH PADILLA — 505-573-0546 BUCKY RUSSELL — 505-410-3216

BULLS FOR SALE

Private Treaty Sales

Replacement Quality Heifer Calves For Sale

<< cont from page 34

“We’ve tried to combine our typical forage production topics with those that impact the agricultural community as a whole and that reach broader audiences,” he said.

Guest speaker Mike Downey, manager of succession planning at UnCommon Farms, will discuss the common traits of highly successful farm transitions. Downey is a partner in Next Gen Ag Advocates, which offers a program with non-family transitions, and matching young and aspiring farmers to retiring farmers or operations who don’t have a successor. He has worked with more than 500 family farms, and provides a unique perspective to help guide other farms through their own succession planning journeys. Free one-on-one consultations will be provided to those interested.

Sam Barncastle, executive director of the Family Farm Alliance, will speak about water issues in the West and policy impacts.

She is a New Mexico attorney with more than 17 years of experience in litigation and policy-making regarding water and natural resources on both the state and federal level.

She is a 2007 graduate of NMSU, and her family farms in the Mesilla Valley.

Additional topics include a look at the current state of the dairy industry in New Mexico, as well as intercropping alfalfa into young nut tree orchards, both of which apply to other major industries in the state.

Five New Mexico Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education Units, or CEUs, have been approved for the conference. Texas, Arizona and Certified Crop Adviser CEUs will be requested.

The conference will also feature a trade show and its popular Ace-in-the-Hole Casino Party and fundraiser following dinner January 22, as well as the Paint Party with Peggy Krantz that afternoon.

Pre-registration is $150 per person before Dec. 31. Attendees may register after Dec. 31 or at the door for $175. Annual membership dues to the New Mexico Hay Association are $65.

For more information, including a full agenda, visit nmhay.com or forages.nmsu.edu. Registration, payment, sponsorship and vendor info is available at nmhay.com.

Villanueva •

Call Bob, Kay or Mike Anderson A Lazy 6 Angus at Blanco Canyon — 1995 State Hwy 3, Ribera, NM 87560 Headquarters: 575/421-1809 Cells: 505/690-1191 • 505-690-2024 Email alazy6ranch@yahoo.com for catalog

36 DECEMBER 2025

HAY

The 2026 Southwest Hay and Forage Conference, hosted by New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and the New Mexico Hay Association, will take place Jan. 21-23 in Ruidoso. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)

▫

Texas’ Only Hereford Operation West of the Rio Grande

Jim, Sue, Jeep, Meghan & Jake Darnell

The Darnells Continue 132-Year-Old a Family Tradition of Raising Good-Doin’ Hereford Cattle

TEXAS/NEW MEXICO RANCH 5 Paseo De Paz Lane, El Paso, TX 79932

HIGH QUALITY 2-YEAR-OLD BULLS AVAILABLE

Jim 915-479-5299 Sue 915-549-2534 Email: barjbarherefords@aol.com OKLAHOMA RANCH Woods County, Oklahoma

Hereford Ranch Since 1893

Bulls & Heifers For Sale at Private Treaty

37 DECEMBER 2025

Se Habla Español DECEMBER 2025

37

Cattle on Feed Report Source: Southern Ag Today

A

mid the drumbeat of bad news in the cattle market over the last month, including on-again, off-again tariffs, jawboning for lower beef prices, and now Tyson’s announcement that they will close their beef packing plant in Lexington, Nebraska, in January, USDA released a cattle on feed report (COF).

USDA caught up on cattle on feed following the shutdown when they released the COF report on November 21st. The report did not contain many surprises. Placements and marketings were down 10 percent and 8 percent, compared to October 2024. The combination left the number of cattle on feed down 1.6 percent compared to November 1, 2024.

The most interesting, and important, number in the report was the number of heifers on feed. Heifers on feed is normally reported in the October report, but that was delayed due to the shutdown. There were 4.355 million heifers on feed on October 1, 2025. That was 245,000 fewer than October 1, 2024, and the fewest heifers on feed for an October since 2018. It also represented the 5th consecutive quarter of year-over-year declines in the number of heifers on feed.

That would seem to be positive news if looking for evidence of herd expansion.

But the heifer data on feed for October 2024 would have included spayed heifers imported from Mexico. Over the April-September 2024 period, 266,559 spayed heifers were imported. So, the decline in heifers on feed ref lects no imported heifers from Mexico this year and any decline in domestic heifer feedlot placement. The expectation is that fewer spayed heifers would have been imported this year compared to last year, but considering imports, the report doesn’t indicate a lot of heifer retention.

The report included a rare event with Texas slipping to number 2, reporting 10,000 fewer cattle on feed than Nebraska, 2.63 million head versus 2.64 million head. The last time Nebraska had more cattle in feedyards than Texas was May 2018. The lack of Mexican feeder cattle imports is the most important factor in this ranking reversal.

There were a couple of other interesting numbers to think about. More steers were reported on feed than a year ago. At first glance, we might think that seems surprising given the decline in cow numbers, but days on feed is boosting total cattle on feed inventories, given overall declines in cattle numbers.

White Mountain Herefords White Mountain Herefords e Mountain Herefords Marketing Bulls & Replacement Females

Daric & Patty Knight Springerville, Arizona Daric & Patty Knight 928-521-9897 Springerville, Arizona

Daric & Patty Knight Springerville, Arizona 928-521-9897

928-521-9897

A Corn GreatBeef Set ofBulls Coming-2-Bulls For Sale at the Ranch

Consigning 7 head to the Tucumcari Feed Efficiency Bull Test & Sale in March

Mike & Jennifer Corn 575-420-3630 mwc1983@roswellwool.com

38 DECEMBER 2025

Give Us a Call Today!

Give Us a Call TODAY!

25 miles NW of Roswell At mile marker 55 on Hwy 246

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39 DECEMBER 2025

DECEMBER 2025

39

Isa I Beefmaster Sale 2025

sa Beefmasters LLC held its 64th Beefmas- their highest average to date, with excellent ter Bull Sale on October 4th in San Angelo, demand for quality Beefmaster genetics.

Texas. Beefmasters’ largest one-brand sale Auctioneer Joe Goggins of Billings, Montana, was outstanding, with 32 buyers from eight sold the bulls in a blistering time of 2 hours, U.S. states and Mexico taking home 103 10 minutes.

Beefmaster bulls at an average of $10,165. Isa The high-selling bull, L Bar 3544, sold to President Lorenzo Lasater stated the sale was William Richey of Florida for $25,000. This awesome young herd sire prospect is the son of L Bar 9537 and L Bar 0475 and is the top overall performer in the offering. He boasts an incredible EPD profile, with all 17 EPDs in the top 50 percent of the breed and nine at 15 percent or better.

The two second-high-selling bulls each brought $17,000: L Bar 3510 to Lykes Brothers of Florida and L Bar 3527 to Tyler Blackmon of Alabama. Both sires are also extreme top performers and descendants of L Bar 4519, a son of the great L Bar En Fuego, who sold in this sale in 2011. En Fuego has sired many high-sellers since, and now his descendants are ringing the bell. A truly remarkable genetic line.

Volume buyers included Ray Corona, FL – 10; Diamond and a Half, NM – 10; Rollins Ranch, FL – 10; Goff Ranch, AZ – 8; and Kellis Ranch, AZ – 7. Lasater and his sister Beau Bamberg, DMV: 575.317.6768 and partner, Isabel Hernandez, represent the fifth generation of the family dedicated to Jorge Melchor, DMV: 575.308.3950 breeding performance Beefmaster genetics.

P.O. Box 129, Roswell, NM 88202 The breed was founded by their grandfather, Tom Lasater, in 1937. This year marks the 88th anniversary of the breed. It is also the 133rd anniversary of the L Bar brand, which was first used by Ed Lasater in 1892 in South Texas. The brand has been used continuously by six generations of the family in Texas and Mexico.

According to Lasater, “This set of bulls represents over 88 years of consistent, balanced selection for economically viable cattle. These bulls will produce excellent feeder calves and replacement heifers in any environment, but especially the tougher ones.

With more pounds at weaning, lower input costs, more longevity and the best mother-cow on the planet, Beefmasters can’t be beat.”

The Lasater family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone in attendance, especially the many repeat customers, including several second- and third-generation buyers. We are already working hard to bring you our 65th set of Beefmaster bulls on October 3, 2026.

RIO PECOS VETERINARY Livestock Veterinary Supplies & Services

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40 DECEMBER 2025

GRAU

CHAROLAIS RANCH Grady, New Mexico

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

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

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

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

41 DECEMBER 2025

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

DECEMBER 2025

41

Building the Future of Agriculture, One Classroom at a Time

by Athena Franco, ffa.org

A

cross New Mexico, Britney Lardner has made it her mission to help students discover the importance of agriculture. For over five years as the program coordinator for New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom (NMAITC), she’s been inspiring students, teachers and volunteers to connect with the industry that keeps our world running. Through her work, Lardner shows what it truly means to live to serve, as she uses her passion and leadership to make a real difference in her community and beyond.

In her role, Lardner travels across the a third-grade class in Albuquerque. After state leading hands-on lessons for K–12 stu- presenting lessons about sheep, goats, and dents, organizing AgXplorer field days, and weaving, she was met in the hallway by two hosting teacher workshops. She also trains students carrying a folder of thank-you cards volunteers from FFA and 4-H to present and a class poster showing everything they agriculture lessons in classrooms, helping learned. “Moments like that remind me why them grow their confidence and communi- I love what I do,” Lardner said. cation skills along the way. “We encourage Her advice for FFA members who want volunteers to get ‘AG’tive in the classroom,” to make a difference is simple: Start now. she said. “It helps us reach more students “Try something new, get out of your comfort while helping presenters find their voice in zone, and travel whenever you can,” she agriculture.” encourages. “Even reading to an elementary Though she isn’t directly involved with class can spark the next generation of leaders.” the Adopt a Cow program, Lardner proudly Whether filling 1,200 cups of cream for a promotes it each year to help teachers bring butter-making activity or driving hours to agriculture to life. Her support for programs reach a classroom, Lardner pours her heart like this highlights her heart for service — into everything she does. Through her hard she always finds ways to connect students work and heart, she demonstrates how one with agriculture, whether through a fun person’s passion can inspire hundreds — classroom activity or a simple social media truly living out the motto of “Living to post encouraging teachers to get involved.

Serve.”

Lardner’s passion for agricultural education started in high school when she joined FFA as a senior. Inspired by her siblings’ involvement and her ag teacher’s enthusiasm, she decided to pursue agricultural education at New Mexico State University, later earning her master’s degree in international agriculture from Oklahoma State University.

One of her favorite memories came from

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AUCTIONEERS 575-485-2508

www.jandjauction.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

WE THANK YOU FOR A GREAT YEAR AND WISH YOU ALL A WONDERFUL 2026

By 2160 out of a super good Bravo 3-year-old mama!

BW 83lbs. Act. WW 740 at 225 days, no creep!

Quality & Muscle to Burn! Available!

BH 2160 DOMINO 5033 Weaned Bull and Heifer Calves Available by Churchill Domino 2160K and H Mark Domino 0655 ET

Bulls, Females Semen for Sale Bulls, Females and and Semen for Sale Sale Cow Herd located atNew Pinon, New Mexico Cow Herd located Pinon, New Mexico Cow Herd located atatPiñon, Mexico

Scan this QR Code

Contact one of our salesmen:

Joe (575) 447-2508 Roland (505) 617-5345 Dave (505)652-8832 John (505)617-0799 Check out our website for more info and upcoming auctions!

42 DECEMBER 2025

B&H B&HHerefords Herefords

Phil Harvey Jr. Jim Bob Burnett Jim Bob Burnett PhilBox Harvey PO 40,Jr.Mesilla, NM 88046 205 E. Cottonwood Rd.Bob Burnett Jim Phil Harvey Jr. 205 E.NM Cottonwood P.O. Box 40 • Mesilla, NM 88046 Cell 575-644-6925 Lake Arthur, 88253E.Rd. Cottonwood Rd. P.O. Box 40 • Mesilla, NM 88046 Lake Arthur,205 NM 88253 Cell 575-644-6925 philharveyjr@comcast.net Cell 575-365-8291Lake Arthur, NM 88253 Cell 575-644-6925 Cell 575-365-8291 philharveyjr@comcast.net www.bhherefords.com burnettjimbob@gmail.com Cell 575-365-8291 burnettjimbob@gmail.com philharveyjr@comcast.net www.bhherefords.com burnettjimbob@gmail.com www.bhherefords.com

Call or Message Us Now!

Producing Quality Angus for 75 Years UPCOMING 6 MARCH 202 ll Test/ Sale u B i r a c m u • Tuc 026 March 14, 2 Bull Sale e d u it lt A h • NM Hig Abiquiu, NM

Bulls Available Year-Round Select Groups of Bred Heifers Available

CALL TODAY!

Four Generations of Raising Angus Cattle 43 DECEMBER 2025

Roy & Trudy Hartzog P.O. Box 102 Bovina, TX 79009 Ranch • 806-825-2711 Roy • 806-225-7230 Trudy • 806-470-2508 email: Arlo22@wtrt.net

DECEMBER 2025

43

ll the talk of relaxing tariffs on Most will remember that cull cow prices Cull Cows Defy imported beef, knowing that the tend to hit their seasonal lows in the Fall. The majority of our beef imports are lean most important reason for the price decline Seasonality beef trimmings to go into ground beef com- is that more cows are culled from the herd

by David Anderson, Professor and Extension Economist, Livestock and Food Products Marketing, Dairy, Policy / Source: Southern Ag Today

A

peting with cull cow beef, suggested it might be time to take a quick look at the cull cow market.

Custom Slaughtering & Custom Processing Thatcher, Arizona • 928-428-0556 • Call for info & scheduling carterscustomcuts.com

www.facebook.com/Carterbeef

in the Fall. For beef cattle, the largest proportion of cows are culled in the Fall following calf weaning. On the dairy side, cow culling increases from summertime lows. The increase in supplies of cows for sale results in lower prices. Another contributor to lower prices is the end of grilling season, with consumers shifting over to more Fall and Winter consumption patterns.

So far this Fall, the cull cow market has defied normal seasonality. Southern Plains cull cow auction prices hit about $165 per cwt back in June and have remained there since then. A couple weeks of declines were followed by rebounds back to about $165 per cwt. National average cutter quality cows have declined recently, slipping about $9 per cwt to $126.

While the live cow market has not declined much, the same cannot be said for the cow beef market. The boxed cow beef cutout climbed to $340 per cwt but has declined to $317 over the last two months.

Wholesale 90 percent lean beef has declined from $436 to $404 per cwt over the same period. Both the boxed beef cutout and wholesale 90 percent lean have followed the normal season pattern, declining into the Fall.

We are likely to see some increased culling from the dairy side of the beef industry in the coming months. USDA’s latest milk production report indicated the nation’s dairy cow herd at 9.85 million head. That is the largest herd since at least 1993. Milk production in September was 4 percent larger than the year before. Milk prices are beginning to decline sharply with increased production. There is no doubt that the increased returns from using beef bull instead of dairy breed semen to produce cross bred calves is boosting profits and aiding in the dairy herd expansion. Beef cow culling is likely to remain low due to the historically small cow herd and incentives to expand. More dairy cow culling and less beef cow culling will continue to leave cull cow prices high.

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44 DECEMBER 2025

Efficiency

at it's finest.

Scan to learn more

Beefmaster genetics are bred to do more with less — delivering fertility, longevity, and performance that pay.

When efficiency matters, trust the breed built for it.

45 DECEMBER 2025

DECEMBER 2025

45

H

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S

F OR

O RN E D

F OR

D

S

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Cattle Bred for OPTIMUM GENETIC Performance

36

*ANGUS *POLLED *HORNED

Hooper attle Company

View Bulls @www.hoopercattlecompany.com

HE

AN

HE

AC BL K

LLED

D

PO

Over 70 Years Raising Q uality Seedstock

— Registered Herefords & Black Angus —

9/7/25 205 D. W.W.

EPDs

BULLS 11 Polled 22 Angus 3 Horned TAG # SIRE BREED B.DATE

B.W.

W.W.

ADJ.WT RATIO

W.D.A.

B.W.

W.W.

Y.W.

MILK

M&G

403

PB

ANGUS 11/28/2024

78

665

N/A

N/A

2.34

1.3

69

118

26

N/A

404

PB

ANGUS 11/28/2024

64

615

N/A

N/A

2.17

1.2

54

94

25

N/A

409

PB

ANGUS 12/7/2024

79

660

N/A

N/A

2.41

0.2

58

101

27

N/A

4010

15

POLLED 12/7/2024

74

490

399

94

1.79

1.4

48

80

26

50

411

PB

ANGUS 12/7/2024

73

635

N/A

N/A

2.32

1.2

51

88

27

N/A

412

15

POLLED 12/7/2024

78

570

492

116

2.08

3.3

56

90

23

51

416

PB

ANGUS 12/9/2024

90

810

N/A

N/A

2.98

2.2

71

122

30

N/A

423

PB

ANGUS 12/12/2024

76

650

N/A

N/A

2.42

0.3

57

100

26

N/A

429

10

POLLED 12/15/2024

70

415

394

93

1.56

1.8

51

85

28

53

435

15

HORNED 12/17/2024

98

535

444

105

2.02

3.9

48

80

22

46

437

PB

ANGUS 12/18/2024

88

595

N/A

N/A

2.26

2.0

53

97

25

N/A

442

PB

ANGUS 12/18/2024

81

550

N/A

N/A

2.09

2.2

54

97

28

N/A

445

PB

ANGUS 12/19/2024

80

680

N/A

N/A

2.60

0.9

61

104

25

N/A

446

15

POLLED 12/19/2024

74

455

387

91

1.73

2.5

46

76

26

49

449

PB

ANGUS 12/20/2024

65

475

N/A

N/A

1.82

-0.3

56

104

26

N/A

5112

PB

ANGUS 1/17/2025

95

790

N/A

N/A

3.39

3.3

76

123

27

N/A

5115

03

POLLED 1/20/2025

90

520

482

99

2.26

4.5

58

92

22

51

5119

09

HORNED 1/26/2025

78

525

490

101

2.34

1.5

45

71

27

49

5122

18

ANGUS 1/28/2025

80

670

N/A

N/A

3.02

1.9

74

129

24

N/A

5203

PB

ANGUS

2/3/2025

92

580

N/A

N/A

2.69

3.1

62

109

24

N/A

5204

18

ANGUS

2/4/2025

84

680

N/A

N/A

3.16

3.0

81

144

23

N/A

5205

920

POLLED 2/6/2025

84

520

501

103

2.44

-0.2

50

76

29

54

5207

10

POLLED 2/8/2025

84

425

463

95

2.01

3.3

57

91

28

57

5210

PB

ANGUS 2/11/2025

82

600

N/A

N/A

2.88

1.5

66

113

25

N/A

5212

GF

ANGUS 2/12/2025

80

590

N/A

N/A

2.84

0.5

71

123

23

N/A

5214

87

HORNED 2/19/2025

84

535

528

109

2.61

2.2

62

101

30

61

5217

920

POLLED 2/21/2025

78

525

528

109

2.65

-1.8

43

66

32

53

5219

18

ANGUS 2/22/2025

78

605

N/A

N/A

3.07

0.8

71

127

25

N/A

5220

PB

ANGUS 2/23/2025

78

535

N/A

N/A

2.73

0.4

58

100

26

N/A

5221

PB

ANGUS 2/24/2025

74

435

N/A

N/A

2.23

0.8

60

110

22

N/A

5222

03

POLLED 2/27/2025

94

425

450

93

2.21

4.1

56

88

21

49

5223

10

POLLED 2/27/2025

74

380

436

90

1.98

1.4

50

81

24

49

5224

18

ANGUS 2/28/2025

85

450

N/A

N/A

2.36

2.9

55

105

22

N/A

5301

PB

ANGUS

3/5/2025

83

625

N/A

N/A

3.36

2.8

77

130

28

N/A

5304

18

ANGUS 3/21/2025

72

520

N/A

N/A

3.06

0.3

67

116

22

N/A

5401

10

POLLED 4/15/2025

78

350

473

n/a

2.41

3.8

60

97

26

56

Also available private treaty, at this time, are female littermates, and a few cow/calf pairs.

EPDs & TPR Records available on all cattle. Range-raised, rugged, rock-footed at over 7,600 ft. elevation.

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47 DECEMBER 2025

Larry & Jennifer Webb | Newkirk, New Mexico | 575-403-9910 Diamond SevenAngus.com

DECEMBER 2025

47

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by Deanna Dickinson McCall

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hristmas time always calls for the best we can give. It is supposed to be about giving and not receiving, but it is also nice when you are on the receiving end of something special that folks love and appreciate. I think one of the best presents to give and to receive is a gift that was homemade, people are giving their love, time and work.

Sometimes just doing a chore or repair for someone is a greatly appreciated gift.

Cooking and baking are wonderful gifts.

Food is so much a part of Christmas, from cookies and desserts to jellies and preserves to an awesome, festive meal. Another gift of love and labor that everyone loves receiving!

With record beef prices many families are not cooking their usual prime rib roast or rib eye steaks. A way to still enjoy a wonderful beef dinner without the higher cost of prime cuts is a tri-tip roast. Because it is often just the two of us, we started having tri-tip roasts/ steaks for special dinners. Tri-tips have been served on central California ranches for a very long time, using the infamous Santa Maria grill. You don’t have to have one to have a great tri-tip.

The cut finally became popular beyond California and is available at most stores. It is sometimes called a steak, sometimes a roast. It is a triangle shape cut from the

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505-227-7318 • riograndescales@yahoo.com 48 DECEMBER 2025

bottom sirloin, not to be confused with a sirloin tip roast. They average around 2 lbs, and it is easy to cook as many as you need, one reason for the popularity on the old ranches when feeding a crew, or having a large party.

You can marinate if you aren’t cooking it medium rare, the preferred doneness, as it can dry out quickly. The dry rubbed crust helps to hold the moisture in, also. I don’t recommend medium or well done for this cut.

It is often served with a freshly roasted pepper, onion and tomato salsa, or a chimichurri sauce.

We like both. The typical Central California meal uses the roasted salsa, and includes pinquito beans, green salad and grilled garlic bread.

This is the standard recipe for the tri-tip, minus red oak chips.

Tri-Tip and Santa Maria Sea soning Ingredients: 2 tsp kosher salt 2 tsp black pepper 2 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp paprika 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp dried rosemary ¼ tsp cayenne pepper ½ cup of olive oil 1 2- lb tri-tip roast patted dry Directions: Mix together all the seasonings for the rub. Rub tri-tip with olive oil, then coat the meat with the seasonings, rubbing it in.

You can place the coated meat back in the frig if you aren’t cooking until later, but it should set out at least 20 minutes before cooking.

You will need to have two different heat levels to grill a tri-tip. One for direct heat for searing and one for in-direct heat for cooking. Hot side should be about 350, cooler around 275.

Place tri-tip on grate over direct heat (hot side) with the lid open, and grill until lightly charred in spots and somewhat brown, 5-7 minutes. Flip over and repeat.

Move the meat to the cooler side and close the lid. In about 35 minutes check the temperature, you want 132 degrees for medium rare.

Once you reach that temperature move to a cutting board and let stand 15 to 20 minutes, it will continue cooking while resting.

Slice against the grain to serve, don’t cut too thick slices. Pour either the traditional salsa or chimichurri sauce over the center of the sliced meat when serving.

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DECEMBER 2025

49

Generations Gather at the Arizona National Livestock Show

by Tyler Grandil, Executive Director

A

t the Arizona National Livestock Show, tradition is not a backdrop, it is the foundation. For 78 years families have gathered at the Arizona State Fairgrounds to compete, volunteer and reconnect through a shared love of agriculture. Across the barns and arenas, that continuity is unmistakable.

Grandparents who once led cattle through the fairgrounds now stand proudly at the rail, watching grandchildren do the same.

Volunteers and staff members who started as youth exhibitors now guide and mentor others, passing along lessons learned over decades. Even among judges, this year you

will find Chad and Gunner Coburn, a father and son working together to sort the market goats and wether does.

This passing of generations represents the essential transfer of knowledge, tradition and pride from one generation to another. So how do we make sure the cycle continues? At the Arizona National, the secret sauce is remaining exhibitor focused. As the show adds contests, programs and areas of interest for participants, the goal is always the same: we want you here. This approach provides past and current generations the means to cultivate the next generation and help them develop a love for agriculture, family and relationships.

This enduring sense of community has helped the Arizona National grow while keeping its purpose clear. As agriculture changes, the event remains a place where history, progress and family come together.

The Arizona National Livestock Show stands as proof that while the industry evolves, the values that sustain it, responsibility, respect and family, never fade.

If you’re in the Phoenix area between the week of Christmas and New Year’s, stop by the Arizona State Fairgrounds and see the magic. There’s something for everyone.

Witness top-tier livestock from over 30 states, including cattle, sheep, goats and swine,

competing in rigorous evaluation. Catch the Ranch Rodeo, where local cowboys and cowgirls showcase teamwork and skill in events like team roping and barrel racing. Watch the Stockdog Trials as highly trained dogs and their handlers demonstrate precision and the unique bond between humans and working animals.

Families and youth will love the Farm Experience, where interactive activities teach the importance of livestock care and management. Youth programs offer opportunities to test skills in Ag Mechanics, Farming Simulator tournaments, Horse Judging, Horse Skillathon, Livestock Judging, Livestock Skillathon, Tool ID contests, Welding competitions and Public Speaking. Each program encourages learning, leadership and hands-on experience, connecting the next generation to agriculture. Cattlemen will find value in Cattlemen’s Day, featuring the grading and sale of replacement heifers and commercial bulls to improve existing herds.

Whether you are a lifelong rancher, an aspiring young agriculturalist, or simply looking for a fun and educational experience, the 2025 Arizona National Livestock Show has something to inspire and engage everyone.

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Blair Clavel – 575/643-7517 50 DECEMBER 2025

Preserving New Mexico’s Beef Industry for the Next Generation

by Pat Boone, Pat Woods, Crystal Brantley, and Jack Chatfield, https://newmexicosun.com/

N

ew Mexico is facing a critical moment in its beef industry. Consumers are paying record-high prices, but these prices reflect years of complex challenges: delayed herd cycles due to COVID-19, drought-induced herd reductions, and decades of policy restrictions on grazing, including Conservation Reserve Programs, reduced public land permits, and more recent 30 by 30 and 50 by 50 initiatives.

The timing is ironic. Under normal conditions, the current market strength should have occurred five years ago, coinciding with the natural 12-year cattle cycle. Instead, pandemic-related consumption lags, combined with dry years, have created ideal conditions for herd reductions—and now strong demand is finally catching up.

However, the sustainability of New Mexico’s beef industry is in jeopardy. The average beef producer in the state is over 60 years old.

Rising costs of production — including loan rates reaching 11 to 12 percent, and land values doubling or tripling — mean many ranchers are tempted to liquidate herds rather than pass operations to the next generation. Passing land and operations to younger ranchers is made even more challenging by policies limiting grazing access.

Profitability is not a luxury—it is the foundation of sustainability. A ranch cannot invest in rotational grazing, water infrastructure, or herd improvement without sufficient profit. We can express this simply: Without profit, sustainability collapses.

With profit, reinvestment amplifies longterm viability. This is why today’s high beef prices represent a rare opportunity for ranchers to secure both their financial stability and the future of their land and herds.

To preserve New Mexico’s beef industry,

we need policies and programs that: 1. Support generational transfer through tax incentives, low-interest loans, and estate planning assistance.

2. Balance conservation programs with productive grazing opportunities on public and private land.

3. Provide financial tools for young ranchers to expand herds and invest in sustainable practices.

4. Encourage investment in drought-resilient forage, rotational grazing, and water infrastructure.

By ensuring ranchers can be both profitable and responsible stewards of the land, New Mexico can rebuild beef herds, protect rural livelihoods, and maintain a culturally and economically vital industry for decades to come.

Senator Crystal Brantley represents District 35 in the New Mexico Senate, which includes Catron, Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Sierra & Socorro counties. Senator Pat Boone represents District 41 in the New Mexico Senate, which includes Lea County and portions of Roosevelt County. Senator Pat Woods represents District 7 in the New Mexico Senate, which includes Curry, Quay, Roosevelt & Union counties.

Representative Jack Chatfield represents House District 67 in the New Mexico House of Representatives, which includes Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Quay, Roosevelt & San Miguel counties.

▫

125,000 Head Capacity 8 MILES SOUTHWEST OF HEREFORD, TEXAS FINANCING AVAILABLE Johnny Trotter

President - General Manager Res: 806/364-1172 Mobile: 806/346-2508 Email: jtrotter@bar-g.com

Kevin Bunch, Assistant Manager Mike Anthony, Comptroller

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PO BOX 1797, HEREFORD, TX 79045 • 806/357-2241

DECEMBER 2025

51

ROSWELL LIVESTOCK AUCTION SALES, INC.

NEWS UPDATE

by Labradoodle Bennington, III

& ROSWELL LIVESTOCK AUCTION TRUCKING, INC.

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

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

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

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

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

LORDSBURG, NM 20 Bar Livestock Highway #90 at NM #3 – East side of highway. Receiving cattle for transport 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month. Smiley Wooton, 575622-5580 office, 575-626-6253 cell.

PECOS, TX Jason Heritage is now receiving cattle every Sunday.

For information to unload contact Jason Heritage 575-840-9544 or Smiley Wooton 575-6266253. Receiving cattle every Sunday.

VAN HORN, TX 800 West 2nd, 5 blocks west of Courthouse. Bob Kinford, 432-284-1553. Receiving cattle 1st & 3rd Sundays.

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

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

52 DECEMBER 2025

JBS Pays Up to Settle NY ‘Net Zero’ Case

by Chris Moore, meatingplace.com

J

BS USA Food Co. agreed to pay $1.1 million to settle state allegations in New York that the meat processor misled consumers about its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The settlement resolves a 2024 lawsuit by NY Attorney General Letitia James that accused JBS USA of falsely advertising that it would achieve “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 despite lacking a credible plan to do so.

The money will support climate-smart agriculture programs in New York that help farmers adopt practices to reduce emissions, boost productivity and improve climate resilience. JBS USA must also reform its environmental marketing practices and submit annual compliance reports to the state for three years.

“This settlement does not reflect an admission of wrongdoing, and JBS USA remains driven to advance sustainable agriculture,” JBS said in a statement to Meatingplace. “As part of the resolution, we will contribute $1.1 million to support climate-smart farming practices. We maintain a continued focus on investing in practical solutions that strengthen the resilience of the food system.”

The attorney general’s office said the company’s “Net Zero by 2040” campaign was not supported by data or feasibility studies and continued even after the Better Business Bureau’s National Advertising Division warned JBS that its claims were unsubstantiated.

The agreement prohibits JBS USA from making deceptive or unverified environmental statements and places the company under monitoring by the Office of the Attorney General through 2028.

▫

Pearce Tapped to lead Bureau of Land Management

by Rachel Frazin, The Hill

P

resident Trump has nominated former Rep. Steve Pearce (R-N.M.) to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The BLM manages federal lands and sets policy for energy production, grazing and recreation upon them.

Pearce unsuccessfully ran to be New Mexico’s governor in 2018.

In the House, he served on the House Natural Resources committee, which oversees the agency he may now run.

Pearce’s nomination comes several months after Trump’s initial pick for the role, Kat h leen Sga mma w it hdrew f rom consideration.

While no reason was given for her withdrawal, it came after comments she made that were critical of the Jan. 6, 2021 riots and President Trump’s rhetoric related to them surfaced.

Pearce’s nomination received praise from Republicans and criticism from environmental groups.

“Steve’s leadership will be invaluable in managing our public lands and wisely stewarding our resources. This nomination is a major win for Wyoming and the entire west, and I’m glad to see such a crucial role filled by someone so well qualified,” said Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) in a written statement.

Both the Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity put out scathing statements about the nomination.

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Doc Jim Lytle

ethic and undying loyalty to animals and the and Arizona Livestock Incident Response families who owned them, Lytle earned a Team (ALIRT), an organization formed after name for himself around the region.

9/11 to investigate and respond to potential He also contributed to the Wickenburg bioterrorism in livestock herds. community in countless ways. He helped Lytle’s family remembers him as a hard kids with their 4-H projects, served on board worker, but Lytle always said, “If you love r. Jim Lytle, DVM, was born James for Wickenburg Community Hospital, what you do, you never work a day in your Victor Lytle, April 7, 1949, in Prescott, worked the Desert Caballeros Ride, and life.” They also remember family times of Arizona, to Victor and Ethel Lytle. He served on Wickenburg Volunteer Fire fishing and traveling, his support of their died October 28, 2025, in Flagstaff following Department. He was also known for helping sports events and saddle club activities. a brief illness. He was 76. young veterinarians get started in the He is survived by his wife Chris of WickLytle’s formative years were spent in business. enburg; son Shawn (Alexis), Gilbert; Prescott. He was involved with sports and In 1994, he and Chris partnered with Ben daughter Erica (Michael) Morrell, Peoria; spent summers on the family ranch near and Claudia Billingslea on the Forepaugh brother Bob Lytle, Prescott; sister Betty Tombstone. He was an Eagle Scout and Cattle Company where he spent a lot of time Warman, Mexico City; grandchildren enjoyed many outdoor activities with his when he wasn’t traveling as a vet. He cow- Vivian, Jacari, Micah and Emery; as well as father. He graduated from Prescott High boyed at Forepaugh and of course, provided extended family and many lifelong friends.

School in 1967. vet services.

Lytle was building a fund for which vet Lytle then attended Colorado State UniLytle loved his time as a volunteer fire- school graduates could apply to have part of versity for undergraduate studies and fighter. After the department transitioned to their student loans paid back if they served graduated from CSU Veterinary School in a full-time, paid staff, he took a seat on the large animals, especially cattle ranches. The 1974. During college, he met Chris Painter, board of the Wickenburg Rural Fire District fund is currently administered through the and the two were married June 29, 1974. and was serving as chairman at the time of Bill Owen Cowboy Artistry Memorial ScholThe couple moved to North Platte, his death. arship Fund. In lieu of flowers, the Lytle Nebraska for his first job as a veterinarian, In 2000, he sold Bar S Animal Clinic and family encourages donations be sent to Bill then transitioned to Wickenburg in 1976 ventured into traveling ranch work. For the Owen Cowboy Artist Memorial Scholarship when he was hired at Bar S Animal Clinic. next 25 years, he worked tirelessly taking Fund, c/o Dallas Laone Accounting, Shortly thereafter, he purchased the clinic care of large ranches border to border, oper- 7380 S Eastern Ave., #124-365, Las Vegas, and provided care for large and small ating out of their home. He was involved NV 89123. animals as well as horses and cattle on sur- with Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association, rounding ranches. Due to his amazing work Arizona Cowpunchers’ Reunion Association,

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54 DECEMBER 2025

of the TSG Board of Directors. “Tribal tribal nations leading their own futures.”

Consortium Self-Governance represents more than a Registration is now open for the 2026 – it’s a movement rooted in sovereignty, Tribal Self-Governance Conference, taking Adopts New Name, name leadership, and the enduring right of every place April 7 through 10 at Gila River Wild tribal nation to determine its own path. This Horse Pass Resort & Casino in Chandler, “Tribal Selforganization has always stood on the princi- Arizona. The annual gathering brings Governance” ple that tribes know what’s best for their together tribal leaders, advocates, and part-

T

he Self Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium (SGCETC) proudly announces its new name and identity: Tribal Self-Governance (TSG).

The change marks a powerful new chapter in the organization’s mission to advance tribal sovereignty, strengthen and expand Self-Governance authority, and protect the foundational principles of self-determination.

Alongside the new name, TSG has launched a redesigned website, www.tribalselfgov.org, providing an improved, accessible hub for resources, educational materials, and stories of tribal success. The updated platform will serve as a central source for news, training opportunities, and advocacy updates related to self-governance and federal policy.

“Our new identity reflects both continuity and progress,” said W. Ron Allen, President

people, and that mission continues stronger than ever.”

TSG will continue to lead national education and communication efforts that strengthen and expand the Self-Governance movement. This includes hosting the annual Tribal Self-Governance Conference, producing the award-winning For Our People: Stories of Tribal Self-Governance and Sovereignty docuseries, seeking opportunities to expand and enhance Self-Governance authority, and developing new educational tools to deepen understanding of Self-Governance authority.

“Tribal Self-Governance better reflects who we are and what we stand for,” said Jay Spaan, Executive Director of Tribal Self-Governance. “For more than three decades, Tribes have proven that self-governance works, that when decision-making power is placed in Tribal hands, outcomes improve for our people. This evolution of our name embodies the strength, unity, and vision of

ners from across the nation to share strategies, celebrate successes, and advance the movement of Tribal Self-Governance. Attendees, vendors, and exhibitors can find detailed registration and hotel information at tribalselfgov.org/tsg-conference/.

Early registration is encouraged, as conference hotel rates and exhibitor space are limited, and all participants are invited to be part of shaping the future of Tribal Self-Governance and policy innovation.

Recent episodes of For Our People have showcased local leadership in healthcare reform, co-management of public lands, food sovereignty, youth mentorship, and community healing, illustrating how Self-Governance continues to drive meaningful change on the ground. Watch the series at www.youtube.com/@tribalselfgov or on the FNX streaming app.

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DECEMBER 2025

55

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56 DECEMBER 2025

he U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking public comments on a proposed habitat conservation plan and a draft environmental assessment for the Crossroads-Hobbs-Roadrunner Transmission Project located in Roosevelt and Lea counties. The HCP and EA are part of the incidental take permit application for the endangered dunes sagebrush lizard under Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act. If finalized, the permit would extend over a 60-year term.

NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest LLC developed a proposed habitat conservation plan outlining the construction of approximately 137 miles of 345-kV transmission line and 16 miles of related access roads across a combination of private, trust and state lands. The HCP includes strategies to avoid, minimize, and mitigate potential impacts on the dunes sagebrush lizard, focusing on activities such as construction, operation, and maintenance of the transmission line and roads. It also addresses the anticipated loss of shinnery oak sand dune habitat, which is critical to the survival of the dunes sagebrush lizard.

The HCP proposes to conserve up to 6,000 acres of private land through the establishment of conservation easements to offset impacts to 277 acres of dunes sagebrush lizard habitat. The easement land protects high-quality, occupied areas of dunes sagebrush lizard habitat in addition to providing connectivity to other suitable habitat patches.

The HCP would also establish land use restrictions or conditions on up to 20,000 acres of New Mexico State Land Office lands to improve dunes sagebrush lizard habitat connectivity for 35 years.

Habitat conservation plans are voluntary agreements that ensure the effects of non-federal activities on threatened and endangered species are adequately minimized or mitigated. Private landowners play a key role in protecting and promoting habitat conservation. Learn more about habitat conservation plans.

The Federal Register notice, proposed HCP and draft environmental assessment are available for review and comment at www.regulations.gov by searching for docket number FWS–R2–ES–2025–0053. The 30-day public comment begins December 1, 2025.

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Trump Team WE’RE HONORED TO Proposes Big BE YOUR HOMETOWN Changes in BANKERS ESA Rules

by Michael Doyle, Greenwire

T

he Trump administration launched a long-awaited and far-reaching bid to change how the Endangered Species Act works, with an ambitious set of regulatory proposals longed for by conservatives and loathed by environmentalists in mid November.

The proposals would govern how the Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries handle their most important ESA tasks, from designating critical habitat to setting protection standards for threatened species. If made final, they would reverse myriad regulations set during the Biden administration and restore rules from President Donald Trump’s first term.

“This administration is restoring the Endangered Species Act to its original intent, protecting species through clear, consistent and lawful standards that also respect the livelihoods of Americans who depend on our land and resources,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement.

Burgum added that the proposed revisions “end years of legal confusion and regulatory overreach, delivering certainty to states, tribes, landowners and businesses” while still protecting vulnerable species and habitat.

The package is part of a broader Trump administration effort to revamp implementation of the Endangered Species Act, such as a proposal earlier this year to shrink the definition of “harm” as it is applied to a listed species. FWS and NOAA Fisheries suggested removing habitat modification from counting as harm to an animal or plant protected by the law.

With environmental organizations quickly mobilizing to oppose the rule changes, there will be months, if not years, of robust public commentary and likely lots of litigation ahead. The Biden administration’s rule changes that Trump intends to replace were finalized in April 2024 after federal agencies reported receiving more than 146,000 public comments.

continued on page 88 >>

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Latest Activist Trial Outcome Affirms Ideology Does Not Trump Law

by Hannah Thompson-Weeman, meatingplace.com

T

he recent conviction of Direct Action Everywhere (DXE) activist Zoe Rosenberg should serve as a clear reminder: Passion does not place anyone above the law.

A Sonoma County jury found Rosenberg guilty of felony conspiracy, trespassing, and vehicle tampering after she entered a Petaluma Poultry processing facility (owned by Perdue Farms) in 2023 and removed four live

chickens. Rosenberg, who has been active in DXE since she was a teenager, recorded and publicized the event as an “open rescue,” claiming to have “saved” the birds from poor conditions. She now faces up to five years in prison when sentenced in December.

The jury reached its verdict after just a few hours of deliberation. That efficiency says a lot. Despite emotional arguments about “compassion” and “rescue,” jurors were able to quickly cut through the rhetoric and recognize what this case really was: a deliberate, coordinated act of trespassing and theft.

As I said in our statement after the verdict, “The crimes committed by DXE extremist Zoe Rosenberg are just that — crimes.” It’s encouraging that the jury came to that conclusion so swiftly. Laws cannot be bent or ignored because of extreme ideologies or personal moral codes.

We often hear activists justify these stunts by claiming they are acting out of necessity to prevent animal suffering. But when individuals break into secure facilities, they endanger the very animals they claim to protect. Trespassing into barns or processing plants risks introducing disease pathogens, stresses animals already under

veterinary supervision, and disrupts carefully managed operations designed for safety and welfare.

This case is not an isolated incident. It’s part of a broader escalation in activist behavior that prioritizes attention and disruption over genuine continuous improvement in animal welfare. DXE and similar groups have turned “open rescues” into made-forsocial-media events, complete with police liaisons, trainings on how to react if arrested, and camera crews and press releases ready to go before the animals are even removed.

During the trial, Rosenberg and fellow activist Raven Deerbrook admitted under oath that they had: • Broken into Petaluma Poultry multiple times • Disguised themselves as Petaluma Poultry employees • Created and used fake ID badges with Rosenberg’s photo and a fake name • Accessed and went through confidential corporate records and data • Stolen livestock from Petaluma Poultry, Reichardt Duck Farms, and from a Hunter Lane facility • Attached GPS trackers to 12 trailers • Cut the fence at the Petaluma Poultry

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facility • Placed hidden cameras inside Petaluma Poultry and took photos of the facility It’s important to call this what it is: performance activism. It does nothing to improve animal welfare, support farmers, or educate the public. It does, however, create security threats, biosecurity hazards, and confusion for consumers who are already trying to navigate a complex food system.

Farmers and processors across the country take animal welfare seriously. Every day, they follow science-based care standards and undergo audits, training, and thirdparty certification to ensure animals are treated humanely and handled responsibly.

None of that gets clicks, but it’s the real story of animal agriculture.

Rosenberg’s conviction reinforces that

there are real consequences for crossing the line between advocacy and criminality.

Courts in multiple states have made it clear that “rescuing” animals without permission is not a moral act. It’s theft. Those decisions matter not only to protect farmers and employees, but also to preserve the rule of law that underpins every industry and community.

This verdict also provides reassurance to everyone working in agriculture that the justice system can still distinguish between lawful activism and unlawful extremism.

People absolutely have the right to advocate for causes they believe in. What they don’t have is the right to invade private property, steal animals, and endanger livelihoods in the process.

It’s worth remembering that the system

activists like DXE attack is the same system that has allowed America to provide affordable, abundant, and increasingly sustainable protein to families worldwide. Our farmers and processors invest heavily in welfare, food safety, and environmental progress. They are the true caretakers of animals, both because it is the right thing to do and because their livelihoods depend on it.

This case should mark a turning point in the conversation. Activists can keep pushing their ideology, but the rest of us will continue doing the hard work of feeding people, caring for animals, and respecting the law that protects both.

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59

American Prairie Sues Montana DNRC for Bison Grazing Permits

by Darrell Ehrlick, Daily Montanan

A

merican Prairie says it has no other option than to sue the Gianforte administration and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (MDRC) because the agency refuses to complete an environmental review and issue a grazing lease for a portion of its bison operations.

American Prairie, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and maintaining one of the nation’s largest nature reserves, owns large swaths of property and has been dedicated to promoting and preserving prairie land and graze bison. It also offers hunting and recreational opportunities throughout central, northern and eastern Montana.

In a lawsuit filed in Lewis and Clark County District Court, American Prairie said that it renewed a grazing lease, originally granted by the state in 2009, when it expired in 2019. Since then, though, the lawsuit said that the department has sat on the application, arguing at times that it was not bound to the Montana Environmental Policy Act, and conversely that the Act

allowed it to take no action on the grazing approval for bison grazing on state trust renewal. lands. DNRC requires a review under MEPA The state DNRC said it has told American laws, but the conservation group argues that Prairie officials that because the land is adja- state law sets out a specific timeline. It argues cent to federal grazing land leased by the U.S. that the DNRC must complete a public Bureau of Land Management, it is awaiting scoping within 60 days of a completed applia final decision about bison grazing there cation, and an environmental review with in before taking action on its state permit. Cur- 90. rently, the Gianforte administration is According to court documents, neither challenging the federal lease to American action has happened — something the Prairie, saying that federal grazing law does agency doesn’t appear to dispute. not allow bison, but a federal administrative However, American Prairie officials say judge previously rejected that argument and that despite communication to DNRC Direcrefused to stop American Prairie’s bison tor Amanda Kaster and though department grazing. The Gianforte has appealed that officials recommended approving the lease, federal decision, and court filings say it could the agency has not yet acted on the six-yeartake years to resolve. But for now, the federal old application. Attorneys Mary Cochenour leases remain intact. and Matthew Cochenour of Helena, who are The legal dispute appears to be part of an representing American Prairie, say that the ongoing campaign by Gov. Greg Gianforte DNRC has used contradictory legal rationale and Montana Attorney General Austin — at times arguing that the agency isn’t Knudsen, both Republicans, to push back subject to MEPA statutes as a state agency, against American Prairie, which they say while also telling American Prairie that threatens Montana cattle and beef producers. MEPA allows it to “take no action” on a state However, American Prairie’s origins remain lease, something the conservation group rooted in the conservative conservation pol- disputes. icies championed by Bozeman-based American Prairie is taking a rare legal Property and Environmental Research move of filing for a writ of mandamus, a legal Center, which advocates for conservation by maneuver that asks a court to compel a private property acquisition. person or agency to complete a task outlined in law. The lawsuit also asks the court to Timelines declare that the DNRC has intentionally In court documents, American Prairie ignored the request and should be forced to said that it submitted a completed applica- order the grazing permit since American tion to the DNRC in 2019, requesting Prairie says the permit complies with law and the organization has used the grazing land previously.

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The lawsuit also alleges that the DNRC has granted bison grazing permits on other parcels of state, including noted media mogul Ted Turner’s land. The group alleges that not only has its due process rights been violated, but it has been targeted for unequal treatment.

The lawsuit also claims that MEPA was revised more than 20 years ago by the 2001 Legislature to include a timeline of approval so that the law couldn’t be used to delay decisions indefinitely, which they say is now the case.

“The 2001 Montana Legislature, concerned that MEPA was being used as an obstructionist tool to delay projects, imposed strict timelines for agencies to complete environmental review with the goal of accelerating environmental review,” the lawsuit said.

Cattle, bison and Montana law American Prairie also pointed out in its court filing that Montana law doesn’t differentiate between cattle and bison.

According to the lawsuit, the department manages the land based on a measurement called “animal units month.” Essentially the statistic is meant to gauge the “carrying capacity” of any piece of land. For example, grazing sheep or smaller animals on land takes less forage, water and may have lesser impact on soil and vegetation as the same number of larger animals, like cattle. Since 2009, Montana has applied one AUM for cattle and bison, meaning they’re measured identically by grazing officials.

While American Prairie said that some changes to the lease — like changing use from grazing to agriculture or recreation — would take a review, state trust leases do not require a change on a grazing lease depending on animal, so long as they obey the AUM limits.

“Although the state leases themselves do not require agency approval for change of class, DNRC has long required MEPA environmental review from changing grazing from cattle to bison on state lands,” the lawsuit said.

The DNRC last month told American Prairie officials that it was waiting until a final decision was reached by federal officials, although that could take years.

“DNRC has refused to perform its own independent MEPA analysis related to bison grazing on state trust lands until its appeals of the federal final decision are resolved, even though DNRC is not bound by such federal action,” the lawsuit said. “The appeals could be active for years and could outlive the 10-year leases.”

Currently the federal leases are being

reviewed by the BLM’s Office of Hearings and Appeals, and the lawsuit notes that there are multiple levels of challenges that could continue, including going as far as the United States Supreme Court, likely years aways.

“DNRC cannot both require MEPA analysis and, at the same time, invoke an exemption to avoid MEPA procedures, which is exactly what the agency is doing here.

Either MEPA applies, or it does not,” the lawsuit said. “DNRC’s expansive interpretation of the MEPA exemption statute— using it to garner authority to not act at all on any

decision, MEPA or otherwise — is an abuse of the agency’s authority and, at best, an arbitrary and capricious and unlawful act by the agency.”

American Prairie said that in addition to legal costs, which it is asking the courts to award, it has now been forced to purchase thousands in materials and spend time to comply with the DNRC’s delaying a decision.

The Daily Montanan reached out to officials with the Montana DNRC about the lawsuit, and they said they are reviewing it, but generally do not comment on active litigation.

▫

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61

Tom W. Paterson, Spur Ranch Cattle Company, Honored with Friend of Conservation Award

T

he New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts (NMACD) is proud to announce that Tom W. Paterson, Spur Ranch Cattle Company, has been awarded the prestigious Friends of Conservation Award for his outstanding contributions to natural resource stewardship in New Mexico.

Nominated by multiple conservation districts, Paterson has been recognized for decades of leadership in land and water conservation. Since 1999, he has implemented innovative practices on Spur Ranch including erosion control, forest health projects, controlled burns, and grazing management.

These efforts have improved the resilience of the land while serving as a model for other ranchers and landowners across the Southwest.

Beyond his own ranch, Paterson has dedicated countless hours to educating others and advocating for conservation at the local, state, and national level. As President-Elect of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA), he has traveled across the Southwest attending conservation district meetings, county commission hearings, and national forums, always representing the voices of ranchers, farmers,and rural families.

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—all vital to protecting the state’s land, water, and food systems.

“Tom doesn’t just talk about conservation—he lives it,” said Howard Hutchinson, Supervisor with the San Francisco SWCD. “From the hands-on work he’s done at Spur Ranch to the countless hours he’s spent at meetings and in the Legislature, Tom has shown an unwavering commitment to protecting New Mexico’s natural resources. He is a true friend of conservation.”

The Friends of Conservation Award is given annually to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary dedication to the protection, management, and wise use of New Mexico’s natural resources.

Paterson accepted the award surrounded by colleagues, ranchers, and conservation leaders, who applauded his vision, persistence, and good humor.

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RIDING HERD

by Lee Pitts

Kids These Days

W

hen it comes to kids and ranching there are four distinct species we should be concerned about: #1- The queasy tattooed urchin- These are kids who grew up on a ranch and can’t wait to vamoose. When they are informed by their parents that, “Someday all this ranch will be yours,” they get a nauseous look on their face and run away screaming, “No, no, no.”

They escape to the big city where they’ll have ready access to tattoos that don’t wash off in the shower, earrings and nostril rings, and tongue studs. They want no part of drouths, calving season or stringing barbed wire. They have seen their parents get up at three a.m. to check heifers, stress out over if the banker will renew their loan one more year, worry themselves sick about wolves and whether the BLM will cut their numbers again. They are sick and tired of riding the school bus an hour each day and don’t like

having to drive 50 miles to the mall or to COSTCO. This species was born on third base and doesn’t even realize it.

This species has also been referred to as “Killers of their parent’s dreams.” #2- The sad-faced second sibling- These are ranch-raised offspring who love everything about the ranching lifestyle and want desperately to come home to raise their kids the way they were brought up. But they can’t because the ranch can only support one more family and the antiquated law of primogeniture states that the exalted oldest son shall inherit everything. (You’d think we lived in England for gosh sakes where William becomes King and Harry is disinherited and sent to California as punishment.)

So the younger offspring are forced to find work in the city living a life they hate and dreaming of the good old days when they rode horses, fed cows, and hit the high school rodeo road almost every weekend. They return annually to the ranch to help brand which only makes it worse when they have to go back to their home in the city. #3- The western bug eyed dreamerThese are kids who live in town, join FFA or 4-H and show animals at the county fair every year. They love everything about animals and the romance of ranching and dream of one day going to college in Kansas, Texas, Colorado or Oklahoma and majoring in animal science. They would gladly trade their sister or brother for the opportunity to grow up on a ranch. I happen to belong to this species and would have willingly thrown my brother in with the deal.

As youngsters we were encouraged by ag

teachers and college professors to pursue our dreams of one day becoming a rancher.

Turns out, this bordered on child abuse because there is no way the child can become a rancher unless he or she inherits a 20 million dollar windfall and buys a ranch, or marries into a ranching family which often is too high a price to pay. Besides, the ranching family is on the lookout for such freeloaders.

In my case I’ve never owned more than one acre of ground and had to have seven other jobs just to support my ranching hobby.

I started acquiring cattle in the early 1970s which coincided with one of the biggest wrecks in the history of the cattle business.

Financially I’d have been waaaay better off buying stock that didn’t have four legs. #4- The rotten traitorous sibling- Sadly, this is a very prominent species of ranch kids today. Usually the grandparents worked their butts off to acquire ranch land which they then pass on to a father or a mother who built up the ranch into a thriving business with multiple income streams worth many millions. Usually the parents of this endangered species have three or four children and all but one of the kids wants to come home to the build on the ranch’s legacy but there’s always one child who wants his inheritance right now. So the dreams of the three other siblings are dashed when the ranch has to be sold to pay off the greedy traitorous brother or sister. Which reminds me of the old proverb, “The father buys, the son builds, the grandchild sells and his son begs.”

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DECEMBER 2025

63

value in this mission tell me the last time as herd is at a 75 percent low while consumer a rancher that you felt independent. demand is up 9 percent, over the past decade.

VIEW FROM Are there too many Cadillacs in your “Because increasing the size of the domesTHE BACKSIDE garage? Stop and think, there are now four tic herd takes time, the U.S. Department Of

by Barry Denton packers controlling most of the beef in the Agriculture (USDA) is investing now to world. If you are running livestock on a gov- make these markets less volatile for ranchers ernment grazing lease, are they doing over the long term and more affordable for everything they can do to help you? consumers.”

On top of it, these forced taxes that you When is the last time you have seen a are paying to sell your cattle are really press release like this from our government destroying your independence. It is so simple concerning ranchers. If my memory serves to see how taxes destroy freedom. me, I think it was back during the Reagan Yes, I realize that getting a bunch of inde- Administration with then Secretary of Agripendent ranchers to come together for a culture Ezra Taft Benson, that rancher’s common cause is difficult, but I see R-CALF issues were last seriously addressed.

At least this government knows that the (The opinions expressed in this column are not USA as the only ones in the country making that effort on your behalf.

I hope that all rancher does exist. Now, I do not expect govnecessarily those of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ independent cattle and sheep producers have ernment to solve our problems, but there are Association or this publication.) become enthusiastic supporters of R-CALF. a few things they can do to help. I hope we y hat is off to Mr. Bill Bullard and the They are poised as our last hope. Look into see our anti-trust laws used to break up the great non-profit organization known it and make up your own mind. packer monopoly. as R-CALF USA. If you are not Here is something else that gives me hope I see that just yesterday, by executive familiar with it, it is the acronym of Ranch- for the future of ranchers and food for order President Trump reduced the tariff by ers-Catt lemen Lega l Fund- United thought. It is a recent press release from 10 percent for foreign beef to ease consumer Stockgrowers Of America.

USDA: woes. I understand this move, but personally, Their mission is to ensure the profitability “(Washington, D.C., October 22, 2025)- I wished he had raised it another 10 percent. and independence of beef and cattle produc- Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke This is a problem that has been building ers. Part of the way they do that is by L. Rollins, Secretary of the Interior Doug since the 1980s and it won’t be resolved advocating for Mandatory Country of Origin Burgum, Secretary of Health and Human quickly or by one stroke of the pen. GovernLabeling, the Farm Bill, and against that ever Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Small ment for the most part has been sitting back present un-American tax known as the Beef Business Administrator Kelly Loeff ler and watching the last few years as the gloCheckoff. announced a suite of actions to strengthen balization of agriculture takes place.

I have seen them team up with Turning the American beef industry, reinforcing and Now is the time for them to step in and Point USA to emphasize the globalization of prioritizing the rancher’s critical role in the pin back some of the globalization practices beef and how that kills the independent national security of the United States. t hat are destroy ing t he American rancher and eventually kills the United “Since 2017, the United States has lost over Rancher.

States by controlling our food supply.

17 percent of family farms, more than 17 That of course is the goal. If you see no percent over the last decade. The national

Pondering Ag

M

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64 DECEMBER 2025

Dusty Wold, born January 14, 1976, in at the King Anvil Ranch south of Tucson Florence, Arizona. Passed into the arms of before venturing into New Mexico to work his Savior November 6, 2025. The eldest of for Hap Canning at the Block Ranch in four boys born to Dustin and Vicki Wold, he Capitan. spent his young life in the mountains around After Hap’s passing in 2005, Dusty stayed Oracle, Arizona. He learned to love cows and on and worked for John Simmons. He grew the ranch life. his skills and his family there in Capitan.

He spent his summers working for Goff Adding Rafe, Cal and Cord to the mix. His Ranches. He learned to be an Arizona faith was grown in Capitan, he grew from cowboy, riding the rough country in the Mt. knowing there was a God to knowing and Lemon foothills and desert country. After pursuing a relationship with Jesus as his high school, he worked for Ben Billingslea Savior. His greatest desire was that his boys and Jim Lytle on the Fourpaugh in Wicken- would know their dad was a man of God first burg, Arizona. These two men played a and foremost. pivotal role in shaping Dusty as a ranch The family spent a few months in Kansas manager. and then moved back to the Southwest and He came back to Oracle and was working home to New Mexico. They lived for a few for Goffs again when he saw a young woman years in the Las Vegas area and made more whose smile he thought he liked a little. He friends who became family and added the stepped out of his comfort zone and asked last of his four boys, Grant. her on a date, she accepted and that was the Dusty was given the opportunity God beginning of a 23-year love story. A year later, had planned for him in 2013 when he was they were married, they spent a few months hired to run the Mescalero Apache Cattle

Enterprises. This was the answer to many prayers and the biggest challenge he would face. His dream was to build up a ranch into a profitable, successful business.

Within a few years, Dusty had made his mark. Growing the herd from 1,200 head into 2,500 head profitable ranch. He had achieved his personal professional goal and was a proud employee of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

A man of few words, he never felt the need to talk about the cowboy he was but would rather put his head down and let the work show for himself. He was who he said he was, no matter who or where, Dusty was always the same.

He was a man of God who hoped to share the hope of Jesus with those he met, he saw the power and majesty of God’s creation in the vast sky and the calves in the pasture. He

continued on page 66 >>

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

THE DEPARTMENT ALSO OPERATES

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

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

66 DECEMBER 2025

marveled at the awkwardness of a newborn foal and the beauty of a well-built horse. He could talk for hours about cattle, horses or cow dogs.

In August 2025, Dusty was infected with West Nile Virus, after a valiant fight to recover, his lungs were weakened, and he passed on November 6, 2025. He left a void and a legacy that will be remembered by all those who loved him. A member of First Baptist Ruidoso, a 4-H leader for Mescalero and Otero County. He was a member of the Otero County Fair Board. His desire to be a servant to others was a product of his love and desire to serve Jesus.

Dusty is survived by his parents, Dustin and Vicki Wold of Tularosa; three brothers, Chet (Jessica) Wold, Benson, Arizona; Nate (Crystal) Wold, Oracle; and Reed Wold, Denver, Colorado; nieces and nephews. His in-laws, Tim and Martha Wheeler, Globe, Arizona; his brother-in-law, Micah Wheeler.

His beloved wife, partner, other half and best friend of 22 years, Ruth and four sons, Rafe, Cal, Cord, and Grant. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in his honor to Kenya Missions at First Baptist Church in Ruidoso.

Jacquelin (Judy) Ann Iacoletti, 84, Kansas City, peacefully passed away on November 7, 2025 surrounded by her daughter and loving caregivers.

Judy was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico on November 15, 1940 to Alice Faye Graham and Merle (Jack) Rosco Souders, Jr. Judy graduated from Kennewick High School in Washington State before moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She enjoyed a career as the Executive Secretary at the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association where she made many lifelong friends and felt the members were her extended family. Judy enjoyed garage/estate sales and also enjoyed reading, watching movies, working in her backyard, her pet turtles, quilting, hand embroidery, and hand appliqué. While in Albuquerque, Judy was active in the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Rocky Mountain Region, Sandia Mountains Chapter where she served as membership chair.

Judy is survived by her daughter Kim Gott (David), stepsons Louis Iacoletti (Anja Sinn) and John Iacoletti (Lori), bother Jerry Souders (Gloria), sister in law Mary Kimbell, nephews Dalton Souders (Olga), Ronnie Souders (Victor Chavez), Jerry Kimbell, Curtis Kimbell (Heidi), and one niece Ronda

DeWulf (Mike).

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers in both Albuquerque and Kansas City, along with the hospice teams that cared for Judy. Her family and many friends loved her dearly and she will be missed by all. The family has requested donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Juan Alejandro “Chapo” Varela, 89, passed away peacefully at home in Tucson on April 3, 2025. Chapo graduated from Douglas High School and earned a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Economics from the University of Arizona.

A respected rancher known as “Mr. Brangus,” Chapo pioneered cattle breeding technologies and worked tirelessly to improve livestock across the U.S.-Mexico border. He was also active in politics in Mexico, where he served as a City Councilman in Agua Prieta and a Representative for the State of Sonora in the Mexican Congress.

Chapo is survived by his wife, Norma; children, Jose and Ana; and grandchildren, Jose, Joaquin, Alex, and Luis.

Harry “Dave” D. Eastlake Jr., 88, Amarillo, Texas, passed away on January 10, 2025.

He was born to Harry D. Eastlake Sr. and Janice Voelpel Eastlake, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on December 10, 1936. Dave was raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He attended

Glendale High School where he was involved joined the PRCA. Throughout the many in FFA and vocational agriculture classes. He years of competing in the pro ranks, Dave graduated from Arizona State University, won or placed in Prescott, Fort Worth, Cheyearning his degree in Livestock Production enne and at numerous other rodeos. In 1970, Management. he was among the top 15 ranked ropers in His love of horses was set in motion soon the world. after his 8th grade year when his father At age 40, Dave learned about what is now bought him his first horse. His interest in the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association. rodeo began when a neighbor of his taught He wasn’t keen on being in a “senior” assoDave how to rope. Dave took a turn at riding ciation, but gave in and began to compete. bulls and bucking horses in high school. He ended up going to every final from 1979 During this time he competed in a junior through 2004. He competed in 50-60 events rodeo association. At the same time, he set per year with the NSPRA. He won the world about developing his roping skills by prac- calf roping event five times, along with the ticing on a Jersey calf his boss had given him team roping and ribbon roping events, one in lieu of his wages at a dairy farm. During time each. his college years he continued to only The jobs Dave held over the years have compete in riding events. However, he had been many, but all have been related to the bought a roping horse so that he could con- agriculture or cattle industry in some way. tinue to hone his roping prowess.

They include working for the United States During college Dave worked at the uni- Department of Agriculture in Casa Grande, versity’s dairy & poultry farms, among other the feedlot in Stanfield, Benedict Cattle places. After college he took the opportunity Company and Coronado Cattle Company in to work for a feedlot in Stanfield, Arizona. Tucson, Eli Lilly/ELANCO in Phoenix, He rode everyday at the feedlot as well as Western Beef in Amarillo, American Ag roped and doctored the cattle.He also Credit in Guymon, Oklahoma then translearned a lot from two friends who had been ferred to Amarillo, and lastly Commodities attending a roping school. After gaining this Corp. He retired in 1993. experience, he got serious about roping.

Dave served on the executive board for In the early 60’s, Dave started competing the NSPRA from 1982-1987, in which 3 of in the Arizona Rodeo Association. He continued on page 68 >> became state champion in 1965. In 1966 he

Lust Angus will 30 bulls old selling in theat Tucumcari Feed Efficiency Test Sale March on March6, 8th, 2025.

Selling 10 have two-year bulls Wildorado, Texas, Friday, 2026.

Additionally, willyearling have a dozen 2 year bulls in theon Wildorado Bull Sale on March 2025.

Sellingwe35 bulls at old Tucumcari Saturday, March 14,7th, 2026.

DECEMBER 2025

67

CONSERVATION OVER PRESERVATION M

ichael believes in active land stewardship through conservation not passive preservation. While preservation often seeks to lock land away from use, conservation balances ecological health with economic productivity and public access. Michael supports land policies that allow for responsible grazing, recreation, energy development, and habitat restoration ensuring that our lands remain productive, resilient, and available to future generations. His boots-on-the-ground experience has shown that active management is the best path forward for New Mexico’s diverse and dynamic landscapes.

Please sign a petition to get Micheal Perry on the ballot at electronicpetitions.elections.sos.nm.gov/ voter-verification

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

IN MEMORIAM<< cont from pg 67 those years he was the general manager. He also served as president in 2000. Dave was elected to the NSPRA Hall of Fame in 2003.

Dave’s thoughts on rodeo and roping: “I rope every day, it’s great exercise. I greatly enjoy it and it keeps me young!”

“Rodeo is a lot of hard work and sacrifices, it’s fun and it’s what I do. Rodeo is a family business. When you compete and travel together you become family. I’m not out there for the money. Being a world champion and placing in the professional rankings is great and something to be proud of!”

Dave is survived by his wife of 48 ½ years, Linda McLendon Eastlake, brother Bruce (Sandy) Eastlake, daughters Melanie (Russell) Latimer and Heidi Carpena, stepson Randy Hopper, grandchildren Gabe (Christy) Carpena, Thor (Alicia) Smith, Brittany (Tyler) Carpena Noel, Shalimar (Devlon) Latimer Darda, Marissa (Cody) Carpena Ballard, Addie and Grayson Hopper, nephew Kevin Eastlake and niece Kendra Eastlake, as well as eight great-grandchildren.

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

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

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Plan your r JANUARY — Wildlife; Gelbvieh; advertisinginfo the com g Joint Stockmen’s Convention Results year! FEBRUARY — Hereford; Beefmasters; Texas

SALE EVERY TUESDAY 11 AM

Longhorns MARCH — Limousin; Santa Gertrudis APRIL — Dairy MAY — News of the Day

Bill Martin: 970-302-5834 Office: 806-677-0777

68 DECEMBER 2025

Editorial Calendar

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

Southwest OCTOBER — Angus; Brangus; Red Angus;

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

Stockmen’s Convention Preview DECEMBER — Bull Buyers Guide

If you would like to see your breed featured email caren@aaalivestock.com To Reserve Advertising Space email chris@aaalivestock.com or call Chris at 505.243.9515, ext. 28

considerations, with Congress sometimes overriding agency recommendations to accommodate local demands or political allies. For example, bills have been passed to

by Jerry Schickedanz expand access for certain recreational uses like bicycles, permanent mountain climbing apparatus in designated wilderness, or to allow trucks on portage trails in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

The views and opinions expressed do not represent As ecology and land management science those of the Board of Regents of NMSU evolved, some argued that rigid wilderness he “Chickens are coming home to roost” protections hinder adaptive management in the environmental protection com- needed to address challenges such as climate munity. For more than a hundred change, invasive species and wildfire manyears, beginning with President Teddy Roo- agement. Federal agencies have begun sevelt and continuing with Aldo Leopold, restoring landscapes to “desired conditions” Gifford Pinchot, The Wilderness Society and that resemble pre-settlement ecosystems.

Sierra Club and many others have advocated While intended to preserve biodiversity or for wilderness. They have spent their time restore lost habitat, such activities run lobbying Congress to preserve Federal Lands counter to the act’s “purity” concept and are from lands being trammeled by man in per- untrammeled. petuity. Wilderness with a capital W was to The Alaska National Interest Lands Conbe the gold standard of land protection. servation Act of 1980 added over 56 million A large tract in the Gila National Forest acres to the National Wilderness Preservawas set aside in 1924 designated as the Gila tion System but made special exceptions for Primitive Area and managed as a wilderness wilderness in Alaska. It allowed practices area. Congress passed the Wilderness Act such as motorized access for traditional uses, of 1964, the concept was to preserve land in maintenance of existing cabins, use for subtheir most natural “untrammeled state”, sistence purposes, fish habitat modification, where man is a visitor who does not remain. the establishment of fish hatchery programs The Forest Service continued this “purity” and the construction of some new recreation concept in their recommendations of land cabins—activities that would not be allowed for Congress to protect. The protectionist under the 1964 Act elsewhere. movement should have been happy, and they Congress diluted wilderness protections were for a while. primarily because it had to reconcile the In their zeal to create set aside land in the Wilderness Act’s ambitious preservation name of Wilderness, the purity concept was ideals with competing economic interests, getting in the way of new Wilderness Areas, political realities, evolving environmental and the Eastern Wilderness Act of 1975 was science, and social concerns. These pressures passed. This Act allowed lands with “evi- led to legislative compromises, exceptions, dence of past development” to be added to and reinterpretations that have weakened the the criteria for consideration of Wilderness core principle of keeping wilderness designation and allowed to recover their “untrammeled by man and replacing it with wilderness character over time. This was a a more flexible framework. While these major shift in ideology from protection to changes reflect the complexities of managing creation of wilderness. public lands in a modern, multi-use society, Over time, Congress has not only desig- they have generated an enduring controversy nated new wilderness areas but has also among environmentalists who champion the responded to pressures from various constit- original purity definition of wilderness. uencies to be less strict in the purity concept In May of this year, the Forest Service is of nomination and management of the wil- proposing to do controlled burns in several derness after designation. Congressional California Wilderness areas to restore the dilution includes legislative riders and wilderness into a pre-global warming desired special provisions attached to larger bills that state of naturalness and the same advocates allowed activities and conditions were of diluted wilderness are up in arms and the banned by the Wilderness Act. “chickens are in the hen house”.

These include exceptions permitting You can’t have it both ways. mechanized recreation, commercial uses Keep your eyes on the horizon as the and infrastructure maintenance. Designa- future for agriculturists may be picking up tions and boundaries of wilderness areas with this administration. have been influenced heavily by political NEW MEXICO FEDERAL LANDS NEWS

Heads Up

T

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Clark anvil ranCh Reg. Herefords, Salers & Optimizers BULL SALE - APRIL 8, 2026 La Junta Livestock – La Junta, CO

CLINTON CLARK 32190 Co. Rd. S., Karval, CO 80823 719-446-5223 • 719-892-0160 Cell cathikclark@gmail.com www.ClarkAnvilRanch.com

HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME!

HENARD RANCH

OSCAR · 575/398-6155 • 575/760-0814 BOX 975, TATUM, NEW MEXICO 88267 RUSTY · 575/760-0816

Tom Robb & Sons T

R

S

Registered & Commercial

POLLED HEREFORDS Tom: 719-688-2334 719/456 -1149 Keith: 575-693-5329 34125 Rd. 20, McClave, CO robbherefords@gmail.com

DECEMBER 2025

69

COP 30

Get the U.S. Out of This Air Travel U.N. Offset Scheme

by Craig Rucker, CFACT

A

s world leaders, New Mexico’s Governor, CFACT, and countless others head to Brazil for COP 30, the biggest and most dangerous UN climate conference of the year, we call on the Trump Administration to finish the job and break America free of every useless redistribution scheme created in the name of climate.

Forcing you to pay more to “offset” your airline’s emissions every time you fly internationa lly does absolutely nothing meaningful to lower the temperature of the Earth. It does plenty to line the pockets of those looking to cash in.

President Obama pushed the United States into the UN’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) following the 39th Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organiza-

tion (ICAO) in Montreal in 2016. method for reducing CO2 emissions, makes CORSIA seeks to address CO₂ emissions the case for exiting CORSIA an easy one to from international flights by requiring air- comprehend. lines to offset their emissions above a certain Ideally, President Trump would have threshold by purchasing approved carbon included withdrawing from CORSIA in his credits.

January 20, 2025, executive order “Putting The United States is currently participat- America First in International Environmening in CORSIA’s “voluntary” phase through ta l Agreements.” The Secretar y of 2026. The scheme becomes “mandatory” in Transportation would have then notified the 2027.

UN that America was exiting CORSIA CORSIA costs you every time you fly before June 30, 2025. internationally. Experience teaches us that, Secretary Sean Duffy should inform the if left unchecked, the costs of this aviation UN that America is pulling out of CORSIA offset folly will grow and grow. Airlines even now, before the scheme’s 2027 “mandatory” face a carbon-offset “shortage,” which will offsetting phase begins. put upward pressure on fares.

A legal argument can be made that China does not pay, as you might expect, America missed its chance to withdraw; despite transporting 59.3 million passengers however, CORSIA contains no international in 2024. enforcement mechanism. If America’s air We can expect the airline industry to have carriers cease reporting their emissions and mixed opinions about exiting CORSIA. purchasing offsets under the scheme, we will Many industry insiders viewed forcing effectively be out. airlines to purchase carbon offsets as a lesser The UN Carbon Offsetting and Reducevil when they were faced with potentially tion Scheme for International Aviation is a far costlier schemes. CORSIA kept the air- costly, wasteful, ineffective climate scheme lines out of direct regulation under the Paris only a UN bureaucrat or climate profiteer Climate Accord. CORSIA critics, both left could love. and right, find themselves in rare agreement CFACT advises President Trump to order in viewing the scheme as a cover for corpo- Secretary Duffy and any and all appropriate rate “greenwashing.” officials to withdraw the United States from However, President Trump initiated with- this UN airline carbon-offset scheme drawal of the United States from the Paris without further delay.

Climate Accord soon after taking office.

That, coupled with increasing acceptance of the reality that offsets are not an effective

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2-Year Old Reg. Limousin Bulls Proven Genetics, range ready!

- Selling over 250+ head annually

Running Creek Ranch

JOE FREUND 303-341-9311 JOEY FREUND 303-475-6062 PAT KELLEY 303-840-1848

70 DECEMBER 2025

Private Treaty Bulls out of Carefully Selected Genetics in the Brangus Breed!

SANDHILL SHERIFFS AND SHOTGUN DIPLOMACY by a Sandhills Vet in the Tradition of Baxter Black

Martin Luther King (of the Prairie)

rancher and human doc—showed up with a When I walked in, the ladies cleared a dialysis kit the size of a calf crate. path. Martin spotted Floyd and sprinted.

We patched Martin together with duct The old man caught him mid-air and held tape and desperation. him like a soldier home from war. Tears That afternoon, Mrs. Arrowsmith called. flowed.

Said, “You do whatever it takes to save that Floyd looked at the waitress and said, dog. If you need to fly him to Mayoclinic in “Martin wants steak and eggs.”

Rochester, Minnesota, I’ll get a plane here.

Didn’t say a word to me. Didn’t need to.

Floyd loves that dog more than he loves me.”

That afternoon, two Arrowsmith cowboys “Yes, ma’am,” I said. pulled up with a heifer in tow.

Floyd stayed away, but the Arrowsmith “You boys lost?” I asked. clan came in waves—nieces, nephews, neigh“Nope,” they said. “We’re in the right bors. Martin started perkin’ up. Day three, place.” he ate. Day seven, he was pawin’ the kennel From then on, I was their vet. All because like he’d heard a coyote insult his mother. of a black dog with a preacher’s name and a So I loaded him up and drove to the café. heart bigger than the Nebraska sky.

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In memory of a dog and the cowboy who loved him

O

ut here where calves hit the ground in snowdrifts and the wind don’t take no for an answer, coyotes are about as welcome as a busted cinch. That’s why every proper spread runs coyote dogs — mostly greyhounds strung tighter than a barbed wire fiddle.

Floyd Arrowsmith, a man built like a corral post and about as flexible, hauled his hounds in a beat-up black Ford that coughed like it hated mornings. He had a plywood dog box full of long-legged chasers. But one dog didn’t ride in the back.

He was black, muscle-bound, and answered to “Martin Luther.” Not Marty.

Not Luther. Full name—like a dignitary. He rode shotgun. Always. Floyd didn’t just love that dog—he respected him.

Now, Floyd was the undisputed John Dutton of Rock County. I was the new vet, green as spring wheat. First time we met, he looked me over at the Range Café and said, “You weren’t born here. Might as well pack it up.”

I smiled and said, “Well, sir, now I know I’m stayin’.”

Didn’t win me any favors, but he quit squintin’ at me after that. Still used some vet from two counties over, a fella who showed up like a genie with a thermometer.

Then one sunrise, that same black Ford rolled into my lot, gravel poppin’. Floyd stepped out—and he wasn’t stridin’. He was carryin’ Martin Luther like a baby.

Didn’t speak. Just handed him over, eyes rimmed in tears, and left.

Martin was dyin’. Leptospirosis. Yellow gums. Kidneys shot. I ran fluids, labs, said a prayer or two. Then Dr. Gilg—a part-time

LA PLATA, NM • 505-330-8089 See Us On Facebook — www.facebook.com/DeckerHerefords www.deckerherefordranch.com

Leadership in Quality Herefords

Bulls Available February 2026 Private Treaty

DECEMBER 2025

71

WIDNER ANGUS FARM

Melrose, NM

Selling Registered Black Angus Bulls & Heifers Low Birth Weight • Moderate Framed • Thick Made Jamie Widner • 575-799-3348

1873

CS

2025

Selecting Replacement Heifers: Building a Productive Cowherd for the Future Parker A. Henley and Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Specialists

A

152 Years of Raising Quality Cattle and Horses CS Cattle Co. • 575-376-2827 Cimarron, New Mexico “Out in God’s country”

s we all consider current cow herd dynamics and market trends, producers are evaluating options to rebuild or expand, making this a timely moment to revisit selection priorities. Thoughtful replacement heifer selection is essential to shaping the future of a cowherd. Heifers that fit the production environment, breed early, calve unassisted, and remain productive for years contribute significantly to long-term profitability. This article outlines key traits and tools to consider when making those selections.

Growth Rate to Achieve Early Puberty and Reproductive Readiness

When in Colfax County visit Cimarron and the Aztec Mill Museum

“Crossing the Rayado”

Heifers that reach puberty early are more likely to conceive during their first breeding season and calve by 24 months of age. Early puberty is moderately to highly heritable and positively correlated with lifetime reproductive success.

To support this, heifers should demonstrate consistent growth and reach target weights that promote reproductive readiness.

Ideally, they should weigh approximately 65 percent of their projected mature weight at the start of the breeding season (typically between 13 and 15 months of age).

For example, a heifer expected to mature at 1,400 pounds should weigh around 910 pounds at breeding. Reproductive tract scoring, conducted 4 to 6 weeks prior to the breeding season, is a valuable tool for assessing reproductive maturity. Selecting heifers that exhibit early reproductive development lays the foundation for a more fertile, efficient, and productive cowherd.

Fertility and Longevity

303-770-9292 303-770-9292

72 DECEMBER 2025

Although fertility has low heritability, it is one of the most economically important traits in beef production. Aim for a 60 percent first-service pregnancy rate and 90 percent pregnancy rate within a 60-day breeding season. Early pregnancy diagnosis allows for timely culling of open heifers,

which can be marketed as yearlings. Over time, this strategy enhances herd fertility and longevity, as early-calving heifers tend to remain in the herd longer and wean more pounds of calf over their lifetime. Maintaining a buffer of 5 to 10 percent more heifers than needed allows producers to cull sub-fertile individuals without compromising replacement numbers.

Milking Ability and Mammary Development Optimal milk production is closely tied to forage availability and overall nutritional management. While milking ability is low in heritability, selecting sires with appropriate Milk EPDs can help target the right level of production.

Avoid selecting heifers that were overly fat at weaning, as excessive fat can impair mammary development and future milk yield. When possible, evaluate the udder and teat structure of the dam to anticipate future performance.

Body Type, Disposition, and Structural Soundness Phenotypic evaluation remains a cornerstone of replacement heifer selection. Avoid extremes in size, as both overly large and small heifers may present challenges in feed efficiency, calving ease, and longevity.

Body type and fleshing ability are also

important indicators of future productivity.

Heifers with adequate rib shape, depth of body, and muscling tend to maintain body condition more effectively, especially under variable nutritional conditions.

Disposition is moderately to highly heritable and plays a significant role in herd management. Calm, manageable heifers improve safety, reduce stress during handling, and often show improved reproductive performance. Culling heifers with poor temperament enhances the working environment and herd efficiency.

Structural soundness, particularly in feet, legs, and eyes, is vital for long-term productivity. Heifers should be evaluated for mobility, hoof integrity, and leg structure to ensure they can thrive in various terrain and withstand the physical demands of breeding, calving, and raising a calf.

Calving Ease and Pelvic Measurements Pelvic area (PA) measurements can help predict calving ease. A general rule of thumb is dividing PA by 2.1 to estimate the maximum calf weight a heifer can deliver unassisted. For example, a PA of 175 cm² suggests a heifer can calve an 83 lb calf.

Additionally, consider Calving Ease Maternal (CEM) EPDs when selecting sires for virgin heifers. Bulls with higher CEM values produce daughters more likely to

calve unassisted. Selecting bulls with low Birth Weight (BW) and high Calving Ease Direct EPDs is also critical.

Genomics in Heifer Selection Advancements in DNA testing have added a powerful layer to heifer selection.

Genomic-enhanced EPDs combine pedigree, performance, and DNA data to improve prediction accuracy, especially for traits like fertility, longevity, and maternal ability.

Genomic tools are especially useful in commercial herds where data may be limited.

Several companies offer affordable DNA testing services that help rank heifers based on genetic potential. These tests provide deep insight at a relatively low cost, helping producers increase confidence in selection decisions, identify heifers with superior genetics, and avoid investing in underperforming animals. Incorporating genomics into your selection strategy supports longterm herd productivity and profitability.

Selecting the oldest heifers, those born early in the calving season, remains a reliable strategy for identifying replacements with strong maternal backgrounds. Heifers should reach 65 percent of their mature weight by breeding and be culled if open after the first season. Investing in sound selection practices, including genomic tools, sets the stage for a more productive and profitable cowherd.

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Limousin SINCE 1900

RED ANGUS

Bulls & Replacement Heifers 575-659-9202 2022 N. Turner, Hobbs, NM 88240

www.lazy-d-redangus.com

REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS AND FEMALES

ANNUAL SALE March 7, 2026

The Oldest Angus Herd in the Country R.D. LAFLIN 14075 Carnaham Creek Rd., Olsburg, KS 66520 Cell. 785-587-5852 • 785-468-3571

Registered

Bulls & Females Black Polled Purebreds

KEETON LIMOUSIN

806/777-0230 • 806/786-7428 llkt@door.net • WOLFFORTH, TX WWW.KEETONLIMOUSINRANCH.COM

Evans

Bradley 3 Ranch Ltd.

Quality Beefmasters Affordably Priced

Annual Bull Sale February 14, 2026

Beefmasters MARK EVANS • 435-231-2461 DON EVANS • 775-722-8500 P.O. Box 177 · Enterprise, UT 84725 Legends of the Breed Legacy Award BEEFMASTERS SINCE 1953

evansbeefmasters.com

200 Angus Bulls Fancy Angus Females

at the Ranch NE of Estelline, TX KEN & SUZANNE COLEMAN 1271 County Rd. 115 Visitors Always Welcome Westcliffe, CO 81252-9611 Home 719/783-9324 www.colemanherefords.com

M.L. Bradley, Cell: 940-585-6471

www.bradley3ranch.com DECEMBER 2025

73

Congratulations Tim Cox on another award this fall!

FOR SALE Commercial & SAMM Cross Rams Low Birth Weight Angus Bulls Richard Dunlap 575-649-8545 ridunlap@nmsu.edu www.corona.nmsu.edu

Animal & Range Sciences www.anrs.nmsu.edu | 575-646-2514 New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator.

NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

74 DECEMBER 2025

Raymond Boykin, Jr. BREEDER SINCE 1986

REG. BARZONA: EASY-KEEPING CATTLE THAT GRADE Montgomery, AL Cell: 334/430-0563 etheldozierboykin@yahoo.com

www.olsoncattle.com

14th Annual Production Sale March 26, 2026

Coyote Ridge Ranch Herefords

Total Performance Based on a Strong Foundation of Working Mothers

18300 Weld County Rd. 43, LaSalle, CO 80645 Jane Evans Cornelius • 970/371-0500 Hampton & Kay Cornelius • 970/396-2935 www.coyoteridgeherefords.com

CANDY TRUJILLO Capitan, NM 575-354-2682 480-208-1410 Semen Sales AI Supplies AI Service

Texas Hereford Association A S OUR CE O F QU AL ITY HE RE FO RD S S INC E 1 89 9

4609 Airport Freeway • Ft. Worth, Texas 76117 817/831-3161 • www.texashereford.org texashereford@sbcglobal.net

McPHERSON HEIFER BULLS  ½ Corriente, ½ Angus bulls.

All Solid Black Virgins ½ Corriente, ½ Angus Bred Heifers & Young Pairs Solid Black Matt • 806/292-1035 Steve • 806/292-1039 Lockney, Texas • Claude, Texas Columbus, New Mexico

Ferguson Ranch

Reg. & Comm. Red Angus For Sale

575-491-9025

P. O. BOX 578 · CARRIZOZO, NM 88301

Casey

REG. BLACK ANGUS

BEEFMASTERS seventy-seven years !

— 2nd Oldest Beefmaster Herd — — Highest IMF Herd in the Breed — — Most Fertile Herd in the Breed — — Closed Herd Since 1967 — CaseyBeefmasters.com Watt, Jr. 325/668-1373

Functional Cattle Sold PVT Treaty Muscled Virgin Bulls-CSS Semen

Yearling Bulls & Heifers For Sale Spring 2026 100% AI PROGRAM

CAPITAN, NM 88316 • PO BOX 25

575-354-2682 480-208-1410

Elbrock Ranch Quality Commercial Beefmasters Bulls For Sale Tricia Elbrock Animas, N.M. 88020 C: 575/574-8057 • O: 575/548-2429 elbrock@vtc.net

C Bar R A N C H SLATON, TEXAS

Charolais & Angus Bulls

TREY WOOD 806/789-7312 CLARK WOOD 806/828-6249 • 806/786-2078

DECEMBER 2025

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marketplace ▫

A Monfette Construction Co. Drinking Water Storage Tanks 100 -11,000 Gallons In Stock

Kaddatz Auctioneering & Farm Equipment Sales

New & Used parts, Tractor & Farm Equipment.

Salvage yard: Tractors, Combines, Hay & Farm Equipment Online auctions: We can sell your farm, ranch & construction equipment anywhere in the U.S. Order parts online at farmstore.online – 15% rebate www.kaddatzequipment.com

NRCS Approved

254-582-3000

Veteran Owned Not Just a Little Better – A LOT High Specific Gravity, Heavy Weight Long Warranty Black NRCS Tanks Lifting Eyes — 24 Inch Manhole Please call for the BEST SERVICE & VALUE.

Cloudcroft, NM • 1-800-603-8272 nmwatertanks.com

Lazy J&G Sales

SALES AND SERVICE, INC.

Mixing / Feeding Systems Trucks / Trailers / Stationary Units WES O’BRIEN • Cell 806/231-1102 800/525-7470 • 806/364-7470 www.bjmsales.com 3925 U.S. HWY 60, Hereford, TX 79045

575-447-2508

Containers For Sale / Rent New or Used. All sizes are available.

Please call for a price quote

Weanlings & Yearlings

WE ARE A LOCAL COMPANY IN BUSINESS IN NEW MEXICO SINCE 2005. OUR INVENTORY IS LOCATED IN NEW MEXICO. DELIVERY IS AVAILABLE.

FOR SALE —————— TYLER RIVETTE O: 281/342-4703 • C: 832/494-8871 harrisonquarterhorses@yahoo.com www.harrisonquarterhorseranch.com

processedverified.usda.gov

Complete Compliant Compatible www.technitrack.com

John Sparks 602-989-8817 Agents Wanted

MARKETPLACE TO LIST YOUR AD HERE CONTACT CHRIS@AAALIVESTOCK.COM OR 505-243-9515, x.28

76 DECEMBER 2025

• Mastication of Trees & Understory • Elimination of Invasive Plant Species • Hunting Access Lanes • Utility Easements Clearing • Wildlife Habitat Restoration • Pasture Reclamation • Road & Levee Right-of-Way Maintenance Coby Bartram, Owner 575-202-3885

2631 San Andres Dr., Las Cruces, NM 88007

bartramcoby@gmail.com

omenici

law firm. p.c.

Verification Premium Opportunities Age and Source NHTC TT-AN3 TT-Grass Raised

BRUSHMASTERS, LLC

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

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

▫ seedstock guide

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MAJOR

BEEFMASTERS A Division of Major Cattle Co., LLC

Raising Beefmaster Cattle Since 1982 Excellent Quality – Lasater Breeding Danny Major 928/925-3710 P.O. Box 5128, Chino Valley, AZ 86323

RANCH RAISED

MOUNTAIN RAISED

WINSTON, NEW MEXICO Russell Freeman • Kelly Waide & Ryan Waide

575-743-6904

Bar J Bar HEREFORD RANCH Since 1893 • Se Hable Español

BULLS & HEIFERS – PRIVATE TREATY TEXAS / N.M. RANCH: 5 Paseo de Paz Ln., El Paso, TX 79932 Jim: 915-479-5299 • Sue: 915-549-2534 OKLA. RANCH: Woods County, OK • barjbarherefords@aol.com

Rancho de Santa Barbara

R E G I S T E R E D H E R E F O R D S

gus Cattle Registered An Rick & Maggie Hubbell Mark Hubbell

BREEDER SINCE 1986

REG. BARZONA: EASY-KEEPING CATTLE THAT GRADE Montgomery, AL Cell: 334/430-0563 etheldozierboykin@yahoo.com

Bulls & Heifers

CANDY TRUJILLO Capitan, NM 575-354-2682 480-208-1410 Semen Sales AI Supplies AI Service

505-469-1215

Quemado, NM • rick@hubbellranch.net

WILKINSON GELBVIEH RANCH At the ranch in Model, Colorado and online at DVAuction

facebook.com/p/ Wilkinson-Gelbvieh-Ranch100063707096020

GELBVIEH & BALANCER BULL SALE SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026 www.wilkinsongelbvieh.com

Raymond Boykin, Jr.

575/587-2486 575/587-2211 PEÑASCO, NEW MEXICO

Bill, Nancy & Sydney Bill: (719) 680-0462 Sydney: (719) 680-7910 bnwbulls@gmail.com

www.olsoncattle.com

Registered Bulls & Females Available Horned & Polled DARIC & PATTY KNIGHT SPRINGERVILLE, AZ 928-521-9897 WhiteMountainHerefords.com facebook.com/White-Mountain-Herefords

GRAU RANCH

14th Annual Production Sale March 26, 2026

CHAROLAIS HEIFERS & BULLS FOR SALE 575-760-7304

WESLEY GRAU www.grauranch.com

GrauPerformance Charolais ranCh Tested Since 1965

T. Lane Grau – 575.760.6336 – tlgrau@hotmail.com Colten Grau – 575.760.4510 – colten_g@hotmail.com 1680 CR 37 Grady, New Mexico 88120 DECEMBER 2025

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Bradley 3 Ranch Ltd.

BOB & KAY ANDERSON • 575-421-1809 1995 STATE HWY 3, RIBERA, NM 87560

Phil Harvey Jr. Cell 575-644-6925

Jim Bob Burnett Cell 575-365-8291

philharveyjr@comcast.com

jbb@pvtnetworks.net

www.bhherefords.com

200 Angus Bulls Fancy Angus Females

Annual Bull Sale February 14, 2026 at the Ranch NE of Estelline, TX M.L. Bradley, Cell: 940-585-6471

Rio Hondo

www.bradley3ranch.com

Land & Cattle Co. — Since 1970 —

COMMERCIAL BRANGUS P.O. Box 2 Picacho, NM 88343 575/653-4617 RHLC@diamond-a.com

McPHERSON HEIFER BULLS

Maternal, Moderate Thick & Easy Fleshing Reliable Calving Ease THE GARDNER FAMILY Bill Gardner 505-705-2856

www.manzanoangus.com

Casey

BEEFMASTERS seventy-seven years !

— 2nd Oldest Beefmaster Herd — — Highest IMF Herd in the Breed — — Most Fertile Herd in the Breed — — Closed Herd Since 1967 — CaseyBeefmasters.com Watt, Jr. 325/668-1373

Functional Cattle Sold PVT Treaty Muscled Virgin Bulls-CSS Semen

 ½ Corriente, ½ Angus bulls.

All Solid Black Virgins

~Angus~

½ Corriente, ½ Angus Bred Heifers & Young Pairs Solid Black Matt • 806/292-1035 Steve • 806/292-1039

PRIVATE TREATY

Lockney, Texas • Claude, Texas Columbus, New Mexico

CONNIFF CATTLE CO

.,

LLC

ANGUS Bulls - Cows - Heifers for Sale John & Laura Conniff 1500 Snow Road, Las Cruces, NM 88005 575/644-2900 • john@conniffcattle.com www.conniffcattle.com

SEEDSTOCK GUIDE

TO LIST YOUR HERD HERE CONTACT CHRIS@AAALIVESTOCK.COM OR 505-243-9515, x.28

78 DECEMBER 2025

MILLER 575-478-2398 (H) 575-760-9047 174 N.M. 236, Floyd, NM 88118 ~ USA

Tom Robb & Sons T

R

S

Registered & Commercial

POLLED HEREFORDS Tom: 719-688-2334 719/456 -1149 Keith: 575-693-5329

C Bar R A N C H SLATON, TEXAS

Charolais & Angus Bulls

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

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

▫ seedstock guide

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TREY WOOD 806/789-7312 CLARK WOOD 806/828-6249 • 806/786-2078

34125 Rd. 20, McClave, CO robbherefords@gmail.com

HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME!

HENARD

Northern New Mexico High Altitude Bull Sale SPRING 2026

RANCH

OSCAR · 575/398-6155 • 575/760-0814 BOX 975, TATUM, NEW MEXICO 88267 RUSTY · 575/760-0816

Salazar_ranches@yahoo.com

THOMPSON RANCH Clark anvil ranCh

ANGUS BULLS AND HEIFERS REGISTERED & COMMERCIAL RANGE ACCLIMATED

DAVE & DAWN BOWMAN

Reg. Herefords, Salers & Optimizers

55784 Holly Road Olathe, CO 81425 970-323-6833

BULL SALE - APRIL 8, 2026 La Junta Livestock – La Junta, CO

www.bowkranch.com REGISTERED GELBVIEH CATTLE Reds • Blacks • BalanceR® FEMALES PRIVATE TREATY

CLINTON CLARK 32190 Co. Rd. S., Karval, CO 80823 719-446-5223 • 719-892-0160 Cell cathikclark@gmail.com www.ClarkAnvilRanch.com

WWW.THOMPSONRANCH.NET MOUNTAINAIR, NEW MEXICO RANCH: 575-423-3313 • CELL: 505-818-7284

“POT OF GOLD” BULL SALE Friday, February 27, 2026 DECEMBER 2025

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Rancher to Rancher Bulls Ready to Work

Reg. Bulls &

ate Treaty Heifers Priv ngus.net

4gmountaina

Patrick Gomez • patrick_4g@yahoo.com • 915-801-9597 • 915-490-1817

2-Year Old Reg. Limousin Bulls Proven Genetics, range ready!

- Selling over 250+ head annually

Running Creek Ranch Private Treaty Bulls out of Carefully Selected Genetics in the Brangus Breed!

RED ANGUS

Bulls & Replacement Heifers 575-659-9202 2022 N. Turner, Hobbs, NM 88240

www.lazy-d-redangus.com

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JOE FREUND 303-341-9311 JOEY FREUND 303-475-6062 PAT KELLEY 303-840-1848

REAL ESTATE

GUIDE

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575/447-6041 Tye C. Terrell, Jr.

We Know New Mexico Selling NM ranches for close to 50 Years

Consisting of 50 deeded acres and 21,607 acres of Coronado Nat. Forest grazing acres. 350 head yearlong, beautiful owners home, and Improvements. High Rainfall area. Live water, Many improved springs.

Priced at $4,950,000

D L SO

I have many qualified Buyers looking for Ranches. Give me a call If you are looking to Buy or Sell a Ranch or Farm in Southwestern NM or Southern AZ give us a call ...

Sam Hubbell, Qualifying Broker 520-609-2546 ANTELOPE RUN RANCH, ROSWELL, NM Discover the perfect blend of ranch life, recreation, and investment opportunity with this 737 acre property nestled in the heart of New Mexico ranch country. With 2,800 feet of Hwy 70 road frontage, rolling terrain, and breathtaking views of Capitan Mountain, this property is an ideal candidate for your dream retreat and outdoor living.

Excellent new water well producing approximately 40 gallons per minute. New electric line ready for home build and development.

Antelope Creek runs through the property enhancing both wildlife habitat and scenic value. Rolling hills and native grasses, perfect for grazing and outdoor recreation. Prime wildlife area, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

1907 WHITE MILL ROAD, ROSWELL, NM Horse Facility located southeast of Roswell, NM. Could be used as horse hotel, stallion station, horse facility, or ideal for team ropings. 3 horse barns with almost 100 stalls and runs, hay barns, commodity barn, and small feedyard. Property also has a 3,166 square foot home, office and apartment.

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

Terrell land & livesTock company

SIERRA MADRE RANCH PATAGONIA, AZ —

EAST SECOND FARM #1, ROSWELL, NM 29 acres with 29 acres of Artesian Water Rights, early priority. Irrigation wells pumps at 600 gpm, well tests at 784 total dissolved solids. Land is irrigated by side roll sprinklers.

EAST SECOND FARM #2, ROSWELL, NM 91 acres with 96.6 acres of Artesian Water Rights.

There are two irrigation wells. Each well is pumping 400-500 gallons per minute to go through side roll sprinklers.

Priority date of 1894, 1903, and 1910. Well drilled in 1964. Water test at 645 TDS.

BULLS FOR SALE At Private Treaty

Contact Cherri Michelet Snyder – 575-626-1913 or Jan “JJ’’ Graham – 806-782-1986

Sheldon Wilson • 575/451-7469

Check Our Website For Our Listings — michelethomesteadrealty.net

cell: 580-651-6000 – leave message

­SILER

Santa Gertrudis Cattle David and Avanell Siler P.O. Box 3, Doole, Texas 76836 325/483-5449

For More Information, Michelet Homestead Realty, Roswell, NM

Cherri Michelet Snyder Qualifying Broker 920 East 2nd, Roswell, NM 88201 • 575-623-8440 FARMS, RANCHES, DAIRIES, HORSE & COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES — Satisfied Customers Are My Best Advertisement

O

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

505/243-9515

DECEMBER 2025

81

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Bar M Real Estate

SCOTT MCNALLY www.ranchesnm.com 575/622-5867 575/420-1237

James Sammons III Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma & Missouri Broker

214.701.1970 jamessammons.com jsammons@briggsfreeman.com 3131 Turtle Creek Blvd. | 4th Floor Dallas, Texas 75219 Ranch and Land Division

Ranch Sales & Appraisals

SERVING THE RANCHING INDUSTRY SINCE 1920 www.chassmiddleton.com 5016 122nd STREET LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79424 • 806-763-5331 Sam Middleton 817-304-0504 • Charlie Middleton 806-786-0313 Jim Welles 505-967-6562 • Dwain Nunez 505-263-7868

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

ST. JOHNS OFFICE P.O. Box 1980, St. Johns, Arizona 85936 Ph. 602-228-3494

Buggy Wheel Ranch – Coconino County, Arizona: 446 deeded acres located between Flagstaff and Williams, north of I-40 in the Pittman Valley. Surrounded by tall ponderosa pine the property has access to electrical service and includes paved access along Buggy Wheel Ranch Road. Tremendous privacy being surround by National Forest land on three sides, yet only minutes to I-40 access. Price: $9,500,000 Contact Traegen Knight.

Milky Ranch – Apache County, Arizona: 450 AU including 37,518 deeded acres with an additional 7,680 acres of Arizona State grazing lease located between Holbrook and Saint Johns, Arizona. The ranch is located directly off of US Highway 180 including seven miles of highway frontage. All access to the ranch is via private property and is contained behind locked gates and provides one-of-a-kind privacy with vast views of the National Park. Also included is an additional 7,270 deeded acres located outside the ranch fence. Price: $14,000,000 — Contact Traegen Knight.

Hay Hollow Property – Navajo County, Arizona: 19,458 deeded acres located between Holbrook and Snowflake, Arizona along the Little Colorado River.

Stunning views of painted desert scenery accessible by County roads yet great privacy and the feeling of seclusion. This could be a great investment or development property for solar, wind or residential use. Price: $6,500,000 Contact Traegen Knight.

Burro Springs Ranch – Grant County, New Mexico: 423 AU with 1,073 deeded acres, state and blm leases located north of Lordsburg. Abundant old feed as ranch has been rested for two years. Livestock water supplied by four wells serving over twelve miles of pipeline. Nice set of shipping corrals located just off the improved county road with great access. Price $3,100,000 ESCSROW Contact Traegen Knight CONTACT: ST. JOHNS OFFICE: TRAEGEN KNIGHT www.headquarterswest.com email: info@headquarterswest.com

82 DECEMBER 2025

■ MOUNTAIN TOP RANCH — located east of Piñon, NM, in between the Lincoln National Forest and the Guadalupe National Forest. This ranch is 100% deeded land, which allows for a sportsman’s hunting ranch with endless possibilities. This ranch consists of 5,366+/- acres of deeded land. 3 homes, 4 barns, spotting blinds, airplane runway, dog kennels, hennery, six pastures, two traps, two wells 60,000 gallons water storage, 8 miles of pipeline, troughs with storage tanks & dirt tanks. The highest elevation of the ranch is 6,388+/- feet above sea level w/the lowest elevation is 5,500+/- feet located in Chaves county of southeastern New Mexico.

Exclusively listed w/Keith Brownfield Priced at $5,600,000 ■ AKELA RANCHES — located along I-10 between Las Cruces & Deming, NM 18,467 total acres spread across 28 sections +/- deeded 66+/acres, blm land 7,646+/- acres, state land 5,190+/acres, city of Deming 1,260 acres+/-, adverse land 4,305+/- acres. The ranch is equipped with two sets of corrals and 4 wells w/adequate storage. Priced at $1,200,000 ■ NORTH COLUMBUS LEASE — located between Deming & Columbus, NM 23 sections 15,008 +/acres 472.39 +/- acres of deeded land, BLM 403+/acres, state land 790+/- acres, 13,343+/- acres of adverse land. Two wells, two dirt tanks, two sets of corrals. Priced at $900,000

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O’NEILL LAND, llc

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

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

MIAMI 80+/- ACRES, 3 BAR LAZY 7 RANCH, Colfax bedroom, 2 bathroom home County, Moreno Valley 594.38 with water shares, roping +/- deeded acres, accessed off arena, steel barn with shop. blacktop between Eagle Nest Other historic barns, Pipe cor- and Angel Fire. Historic headrals. Far enough off road to quarters. Currently used as be private. Includes 80 shares summer grazing, pond and of irrigation 2350 SHW 21, trees accessed off county road Miami NM 87729. $569,999 on rear of property as well.

MIAMI PRIVATE 80, Presented “ASIS” New Survey, Located ¼ mile off blacktop $3,800,000 $3,629,000 with dedicated easement, 80 +/- deeded acres, large barn, small sleep out, buried utili- MAXWELL FARM, 320 ties, domestic water meter, 80 +/- Deeded acres, 180.80 shares of irrigation and septic Irrigable acres, center pivot, able to handle a 3 bedroom mid 2000’s modular home, home. Some of the best views two water meters, two barns in Miami. 2050 HWY 21, and one large insulated shop Miami NM 87729.$559,000 on concrete slab. $848,000

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

WESTERN & NATIVE AMERICANA VINTAGE & CONTEMPARY JEWELRY RARE WEAPONRY, ART & MORE

MONTHLY AUCTIONS

SPECIALIZING IN FARMS, RANCHES AND LUXURY HOMES

Merry Christmas AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

MORE HUSTLE, LESS HASSLE RUIDOSO — 575-258-8656 • FT. SUMNER — 575-355-2855 OUR BROKERS: Keli Cox • 575-937-4616 Nick Cortese • 575-760-3818 Kelly Sparks • 575-760-9214 Rye Richardson • 575-430-0777

WWW.VERDEREALTORS.COM 84 DECEMBER 2025

Jymmy Kay Cox • 512-921-8877 Donda Richardson • 575-937-1056 Jackie Higgins • 806-787-5814 Jenna Lawrence• 575-937-8849 Dixie Brown • 575-937-1049

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www.scottlandcompany.com

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

RANCH & FARM REAL ESTATE We need listings on all types of ag properties large or small!

REDUCED 160 +/- Acre, San Simon Pistachio Orchard 50 Acres of third leaf Pistachio trees and 110 acres of second leaf trees. Planted and developed with best farming practices. USDA compliant. Irrigation well capable of producing 1,000+ gpm. Well currently equipped with an 8” submersible producing 625 gpm from 350’. $2,295,000. Call Harry Owens.

Prime 39.81+/- Acre Parcel In the rolling grasslands of Elgin, AZ, a celebrated winegrowing region. Mild year-round climate at an elevation of 4,800’ ideal for homesteading, winery, equestrian pursuits or the peace and quiet of country living. Just 30 minutes from major services. $378,195.00 8+/- Ac, Equestrian Estate, Sonoita, AZ 3,472+/- s.f. home, 5-BR, 3-BA, vaulted ceilings, 3 fireplaces, private office with custom cabinetry, 6-stall horse stable with tack and feed rooms, round pen, outdoor pens, turnout area, fully fenced, 2 pastures, arena panels ready to go, shop 36’ x 36’; totally solar powered, grid tied as backup. $1.25M. Owner/Broker.

RECENTLY SOLD Ranches/Farms Horse Properties/Land Hale Ranch, Patagonia, AZ 10± Acre Country Estate – Sonoita, AZ 218+/- Acres and 60 Head USFS Grazing Allotment. Sold prior to Hilltop home with mountain auction. views, stable, shop, orchard, water features. Sold at 472± Acre Organic Apple Orchard (5 auction.

Tracts) Includes processing facilities, retail Pearce, AZ – Four Offerings at center, two homes, wells, and the Foot of Dragoon Mountains apple trees. Sold at auction.

Lot 1: 3BR/2BA custom territorial-style home on 305± Acres – Ash Creek, Pearce, AZ 5.5± acres. Lots 3 & 4: Three Organic potential, cleared of vacant 1± acre land parcels. mesquites, FAA landing strip, two Sold prior to auction. wells, fenced/cross-fenced.

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

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

■ UNION CO., NM— divided into three tracts for rotational grazing of 1,822 ac. +/- enrolled in the new Grasslands Conservation Reserve Program & 120 ac. +/- of the property in the standard CRP program. GCRP can be grazed year-round each year. Excellent fencing, one mile of hwy. frontage together with all-weather roads on the remainder, equipped with almost new set of steel working pens with scale, a second set of almost new working pens, watered by subs on electricity with pipelines furnishing water for drinkers in each pasture. Gramma & buffalo grasses. Broker owned.

■ UNION CO., NM— Just out of Clayton, a large feedyard w/four circles irrigated by ¼ mile sprinklers, five irr. wells, one domestic well for office & feedyard & just across the hwy. an 800 ac. grass lease.

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

Privacy, potential, and panoramic skies — give us a call to walk the land and make it yours.

■ QUAY COUNTY ALFALFA AND LIVESTOCK— 255.474 ± acres a few miles southeast of Tucumcari, NM in Quay County. A total of 112.3 ± acres irrigated, 107 ± acres of native grassland, and 40 ± acres of dry farmland is combined with a 20’ x 80’ shop with concrete flooring and electricity.

■ TELL, TX HALF SECTION — 320 ± acres just a few miles south of Tell, TX on the northern end of Cottle County. With the majority of the ranch being native pasture, it lends itself to grazing opportunities, hunting or recreational use.

Along with perimeter and interior fencing, a 60 ± acre portion of the property is tilled ground.

■ MULESHOE HOME AND FARM— Irrigated farm of 160 ± acres with a 2017 built home in Bailey County 4.5 miles west of Muleshoe on FM 1760.

The home has 3 br, 2 ba and an office. Other improvements on the property include a 4,032 sq.ft. pole barn with attached shed housing horse pens and cattle working pens. A 5 tower Zimmatic center pivot irrigates approximately 70 acres with three irrigation wells equipped with submersible pumps producing a total of approximately 150 GPM. ■ MCLEAN HWY. 273 RANCH — Gray Co., Tx. – Multi-purpose ranch, 595 +/- acres, good perimeter fencing, 1 mile hwy. frontage, located 1 ½ miles north of McLean.

■ PRICE REDUCED! CHOICE 320 ac.+/-, irrigated farm, w/pivot sprinklers, irrigation wells & an older home which would be liveable or could be moved. Located on pvmt. in prime farming area of Castro Co., TX. ■ PRICE REDUCED! DALLAM CO, TX— 1,216.63 ac. +/- of CRP/ranchland w/ irrigation, re-development potential, wells & pipelines already in place.

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

■ CLAYTON, NM.— 44 acres located approx. 2 miles south of Clayton, NM on Hwy 87 on the East side of the highway. This property has about ½ mile of highway frontage and would be great for residential housing, commercial development or addtl. RV development (adjoins the 16.75 ac. RV park).

■ CLAYTON, NM — 9 ac. +/- located on pvmt. behind a large convenience store on which has been partially begun infrastructure for an RV park. This property will also lend itself well as a large development such as new or existing businesses expanding their company.

■ DALLAM CO., TX— 480 acres in native grass in northeastern Dallam County.

Possible wind potential.

■ 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.

Riding for the brand... is our time-honored tradition.

Auctions are gaining momentum like never before—delivering faster results, competitive prices, and real-time excitement. We’re seeing more buyers, more sellers and more success with every auction!

Feel free to call us if we can help you accelerate the selling process.

Nancy Belt, Broker 520-221-0807 Harry Owens 602-526-4965 Paul Ramirez 520-241-3333

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86 DECEMBER 2025

ANY OMP Trees C N EE s of Save! a GR ousand e we r a h We f the T Bags r e o Pap think ions of l il &M

T& S

MANUFACTURING P.O. Box 336 · Jermyn, Texas 76459

TRIP HOPPER

Range Cattle Feeders

Feed Bulk Accurately

Call Calvin Redding 940-342-2005

Don’t Wait. Don’t Be Late.

Call one of these fine dealers today.

EMERY WELDING · Clayton, NM · 575/374-2723 ROSWELL LIVESTOCK & FARM SUPPLY · Roswell, NM · 575/622-9164 BELL TRAILER PLEX · Amarillo, TX · 806/622-2992 RANDY STALLS · McLean, TX · 806/681-4534 STOCKMEN’S FEED BUNK, INC. · Dalhart, TX · 806/249-5602 / Boise City, OK · 580/544-2460 DICKINSON IMPLEMENT · 1301 E Route 66 Blvd, 575/461-2740 / Tucumcari, NM 88401

87 DECEMBER 2025

All feeders will feed in piles or steady trail feed, whichever you choose. You set the feeder to put out the number of pounds of feed per pile you want. Counter inside truck counts feed for you.

DECEMBER 2025

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TRUMP

The proposed regulatory changes released include: ЇЇ

Removing Biden-era rule language that specified ESA listing decisions must be made “without reference to possible economic or other impacts of such determination.” While the law will still require that listings be made solely on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available, removing the “without reference” language will allow for cost-and-benefit studies to be conducted for the public to consider.

ЇЇ

Removing the Fish and Wildlife Service’s use of a “blanket 4(d) rule” that automatically gives all threatened species the same strict level of protection as species designated as endangered. Under the Trump administration proposal, every threatened species would have a tailored protection plan that could allow for specified exceptions to the ESA ban on harming listed species.

ЇЇ

Revising the factors taken into account when an agency designates critical habitat. The proposal highlights an assortment of national security and economic impact categories that could keep an area from being designated as critical habitat.

ЇЇ

Removing a Biden-era rule that allowed FWS to compel a project proponent to “offset” and not simply mitigate impacts to listed species’ habitat.

NMFLC continues to protect and serve federal grazing allotment owners and State Trust Land lessees of New Mexico on a local and national level.

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<< cont from page 57

New Mexico Federal Lands Council 3417 Avenida Charada NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 Phone: 575.590.7587 • Email: newmexicofederallandscouncil@gmail.com

“These actions reaffirm our commitment to science-based conservation that works hand in hand with America’s energy, agricultural and infrastructure priorities,” said FWS Director Brian Nesvik.

All of the proposed changes come as the two federal agencies involved cope with significant personnel cuts imposed by the Trump administration, causing some skeptics to question how they will carry out the new proposals.

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88 DECEMBER 2025

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More Heritage Buckles Awarded

Cibola County / Shane Branum (above) Sierra County / Julie Edgmon,(l) / presented by Rebecca Bartoo (r) (left) Luna County / Huntleigh Chaffin (r) / sponsored and presented by Tamara Hurt (l)

90 DECEMBER 2025

DECEMBER 2025

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New WOTUS Rule Out For Comment

Source: Holland & Knight

T

he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on November 17, 2025, announced the release of a proposed rule revising the definition of “waters of the United States” (Proposed WOTUS Rule). The rule is intended to resolve the regulatory uncertainty that has persisted for decades regarding the scope of federal jurisdiction.

Public comments on the proposed rule can be submitted to the official Regulations. gov docket (Docket ID No. EPAHQ-OW-2025-0322) until January 5, 2026.

Among other things, the Proposed WOTUS Rule: ЇЇ

establishes that jurisdictional tributaries must connect to traditional navigable waters either directly or through other features (e.g., a culvert) that provide predictable and consistent flow

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defines critical terms consistent with the Sackett decision, including definitions of “relatively permanent” and “continuous surface connection” with respect to adjacent wetlands

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clarifies that ephemeral waters (i.e., those with surface water flowing or standing only in direct response to precipitation) are not jurisdictional because they are not relatively permanent

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removes automatic jurisdiction for “interstate waters”

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adds and expands certain exclusions for prior converted cropland, ditches, wastewater treatment systems and groundwater

The Proposed WOTUS Rule aligns with the goals of the 2025 WOTUS Guidance and rulemaking announcement, aiming to provide consistency that is squarely in line with the U.S. Supreme Court’s reasoning in Sackett v. EPA and borrows some exclusion concepts from the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) promulgated

92 DECEMBER 2025

With Christmas upon us and all there is still to do, I thought I would share a great recipe you can make in large batches, ahead of time, and freeze. This recipe is courtesy of NCBA-Beefitswhatsfordinner.com

during the first Trump Administration.

Below summarizes the proposed amendments to the WOTUS definitions in 33 C.F.R. § 328.3 and 40 C.F.R. § 120.2.

New Proposed Definitions The Proposed WOTUS Rule adds definitions for certain terms that are intended to guide application of the Sackett standard, including A. “Relatively permanent” is proposed to be defined as “standing or continuously flowing bodies of surface water that are standing or continuously f lowing yearround or at least during the wet season.” The Proposed WOTUS Rule makes clear that ephemeral waters (i.e., those with surface water flowing or standing only in direct response to precipitation) are not jurisdictional because they are not relatively permanent.

The agencies stated that the phrase “at least during the wet season” requires extended periods of predictable, continuous surface hydrology occurring in the same geographic feature year after year in response to the wet season, such as when average monthly precipitation exceeds average monthly evapotranspiration. The agencies are seeking comment on the most appropriate method to identify the wet season under the proposed definition of “relatively permanent.” The proposed rule stresses the notion that such information should be readily available to ordinary citizens and trained professionals, such as through personal observations of field conditions.

They indicate that they intend to use the metrics from the web-based Water-Budget Interactive Modeling Program (WebWIMP) as a primary source for identifying the wet season as opposed to brightline flow volumes or duration. There is an open question as to whether the flow would have to be during the entirety of the wet season or based on some proportion of that season, and they seek comment on that issue B. “Tributary” is proposed to be defined as “a body of water with relatively permanent flow, and a bed and bank, that connects to a downstream traditional navigable water or the territorial seas, either directly or through one or more waters or features that convey relatively permanent flow.” The Proposed WOTUS Rule clarifies that features without relatively permanent flow would sever jurisdiction. This definition is fairly consistent with existing practice, essentially treating natural, man-altered and manmade waterbodies as tributaries as long as the waters meet the “relatively permanent” standard set

INGREDIENTS •

• • • • • • • •

1/2 pound ground beef brisket 1/4 pound ground beef ribeye steak boneless 1/4 pound ground beef (80% lean) 1 cup seasoned stuffing mix 1 egg, slightly beaten 3 tablespoons water 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper

CRANBERRY BARBECUE SAUCE • • • • • • • • • • •

2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup chopped white onion 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2-1/2 cups fresh cranberries 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 cup water 1/3 cup ketchup 1/4 cup light brown sugar 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 2 tablespoons molasses 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

INSTRUCTIONS •

•

•

Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine brisket, ribeye, ground beef, stuffing mix, egg, water, garlic, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 24 1-inch meatballs. Place on rack in broiler pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in 400°F oven 18 to 20 minutes until 160°F. Meanwhile, prepare Cranberry Barbecue Sauce. Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until tender, but not brown. Add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine.

Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until cranberries burst and mixture has reduced to thick consistency, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Transfer mixture to blender container. Cover, allowing steam to escape. Process until smooth. Season with salt, as desired.

Serve meatballs with barbecue sauce...pure tangy goodness!

Patty’s Pointers

• European settlers

thought that cranberry flowers looks like a crane’s head, thus the name “cranberry”!

• A single steer can produce enough ground beef to make 720 burgers.

If you would like to share a recipe, picture or memory: Patty Waid, 505-250-4952 patty@pattywaid.com.

Deadline: 5th of each month.

All submissions to be published at the discretion of New Mexico Stockman Magazine and is not guaranteed to be posted.

Happy cooking!

See you all next month.

Patty

DECEMBER 2025

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Editorial Calendar

Plan your r advertising fo the coming year!

JANUARY — Wildlife; Gelbvieh; Joint Stockmen’s Convention Results FEBRUARY — Hereford; Beefmasters; Texas Longhorns MARCH — Limousin; Santa Gertrudis APRIL — Dairy MAY — News of the Day If you would like to see your breed featured email caren@aaalivestock.com To Reserve Advertising Space email chris@aaalivestock.com or call Chris at 505.243.9515, ext. 28

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

forth in Sackett.

Tributaries under the proposed rule may also connect through certain features, both natural (e.g., debris piles, boulder fields or beaver dams) and artificial (e.g., culverts, ditches, pipes, tunnels, pumps, tide gates or dams), even if such features themselves are non-jurisdictional under the proposed rule, as long as those features convey relatively permanent flow. The proposed rule solicits comment on all aspects of the proposed definition of “tributary” and implementation of the definition, including whether to require “bed and banks or additional physical characteristics” in the definition.

The agencies also request comment whether man made features can connect tributaries downstream when they convey relatively permanent flow or if they should sever downstream jurisdiction in all cases other than as part of a water transfer. Under past attempts to address this issue a tributary does not lose its jurisdictional status if it contributes surface water flow to a downstream jurisdictional water through a channelized non-jurisdictional surface water feature such as a culvert, dam, tunnel or other similar artificial feature.

C. “Continuous surface connection,” which is a prerequisite for adjacent wetlands to be considered WOTUS, is proposed to be defined as “having surface water at least during the wet season and abutting (i.e., touching) a jurisdictional water,” thereby creating a two-part test requiring both abutment of jurisdictional water and having surface water at least in the wet season. As described by the agencies, this proposed definition is intended to include wetlands that have “at least semipermanent surface hydrology,” which they believe satisfies the indistinguishability aspect of the Sackett

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94 DECEMBER 2025

decision, and excludes wetlands with only recovery. them to be evaluated under the other jurissaturated soil fed by groundwater.

Ditches. In an attempt to address confu- dictional categories and two-part test set Additionally, only the portion of the sion with respect to this existing exclusion, forth in Sackett. The 2023 post-Sackett reviwetland that meets these two factors would the Proposed WOTUS Rule proposes simply sions to the 2023 WOTUS Rule already be considered jurisdictional adjacent wet- that all ditches, including roadside ditches, removed “interstate wetlands” from the lands, regardless of the full scope of the that are constructed or excavated entirely in WOTUS definition, meaning this proposed wetland itself. The agencies also propose that dry land are not WOTUS, even if those removal should not substantially affect the culverts do not inherently sever the contin- ditches have relatively permanent flow and jurisdictional status of existing interstate uous surface connection when the culvert connect to jurisdictional waters. The only wetlands. serves to extend the relatively permanent “ditches” that are intended to fall outside of For similar reasons, the agencies prowater. this exclusion are tidal or navigable-in-fact posed to remove “intrastate” from the lakes This would be demonstrated by relatively ditches (i.e., canals). and ponds category of the WOTUS definipermanent water flow being present through Wastewater Treatment Systems. The tion to make clear that the “relatively the culvert, as well as an ordinary high water agencies proposed to broaden this exclusion permanent” standard applies regardless of mark within the culvert, which provides the to include all components of a waste treat- whether the water is interstate or intrastate. lateral limits of a tributary extending ment system, which the agencies believe Impacts to Wetlands through the culvert. They are seeking com- largely clarifies existing practice. ments on this approach, which would be Overall, with respect to wetlands, the likely very common such as when a stream Proposed Removal of Interstate Proposed WOTUS Rule reaffirms the existWaters and Intrastate Lakes and passes under a roadway. ing law of the land set forth in Sackett that The agencies seek comment on an alter- Ponds wetlands must be indistinguishable from native approach whereby wetlands, lakes and The Proposed WOTUS Rule removes jurisdictional waters through a continuous ponds would have a “continuous surface “interstate waters” from the WOTUS defini- surface connection. The Regulatory Impact connection” only if they abut (i.e., touch) a tion due to its overbreadth following Sackett. Analysis prepared by the agencies for the jurisdictional water and have a perennial As explained by the agencies, “interstate Proposed WOTUS Rule estimates that presence of surface water (i.e., it is year- waters” can be relatively permanent but do approximately 19 percent of wetlands listed round). Only wetlands that have permanent not have to be. Removal of “interstate waters” on the National Wetlands Inventory would surface water, in addition to abutting a juris- from the WOTUS definition removes an be considered WOTUS under the Proposed dictional water, would be WOTUS under this automatic jurisdictional determination with WOTUS Rule. alternative approach. respect to such waters and instead requires In particular, the limitation of jurisdictional wetlands to those portions that have Proposed Changes to Exclusions surface water at least during the wet season The Proposed WOTUS Rule proposes a and abut a jurisdictional water are intended new groundwater exclusion and revisions to to further limit the scope of permafrost wetE R AD IN TH certain existing exclusions, and adds correlands that are considered to have a PLACE YOU sponding definitions as follows: continuous surface connection and aid the Groundwater. The Proposed WOTUS agencies in making jurisdictional determiRule would add a new exclusion for groundnations with respect to wetland mosaics. water, previously proposed in the 2020 The Proposed WOTUS Rule also provides NWPR, codifying the existing practice and implementation guidance for each of the historic understanding that groundwater is above changes to clarify how these proposed not WOTUS. The exclusion would expressly changes would work in practice for field include groundwater drained through subpersonnel. surface drainage systems.

This proposed rulemaking aims to solidPrior Converted Cropland. Under the ify Sackett and provide clarity and durability existing 2023 WOTUS Rule, this existing to a longstanding debate. Only time will tell exclusion expires upon a change in use of the if the Proposed WOTUS Rule affords the land. The Proposed WOTUS Rule would finality that would benefit regulators and clarify that the prior converted cropland industry members alike. exclusion would no longer apply when the cropland is abandoned for agricultural purposes for at least five years and the land has reverted to wetlands. The Proposed WOTUS Rule clarifies that the wetland is not automatically jurisdictional at that time; it would be jurisdictional only if it meets the requirements for an adjacent wetland. The Proposed WOTUS Rule also explains that “agricultural purposes” is broadly considered to include a variety of agricultural uses, including idling land for conservation uses and soil www.aaalivestock.com

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Rimrock Ranch Youth Team Claims Reserve Championship in Amarillo

by Julie Carter

A

team of New Mexico youth ranch rodeo cowboys qualified to compete in the 5th WRCA Youth World Championship Ranch Rodeo in Amarillo in November and cowboyed their way into the Reserve Champion slot. The Rimrock Ranch team consists of Haize Price, Brycen Barnes, Kyon Hatley, Mason Martinez, Tres Estrada.

With consistent and solid runs, the Rimrock team tallied their points for the WCRA Finals Reserve Champion title with qualified times in all five events. They placed 2nd in the Sorting, 3rd in the Trailer Loading, 4th in the Wild Steer Race, 6th in the Doctoring and 7th in the Branding.

The boys had entered three of the 10 qualifier youth ranch rodeos but punched their ticket to the finals by winning the Big Bend Youth Ranch Rodeo in Abilene. They won the Sorting, Team Branding, Trailer Loading and were second in the Team Doctoring and Wild Steer Race. The team was third place at the Youth event in Hugo, Colo., and Roaring Springs, Texas. Only first-place team qualifiers earn a spot at the November finals.

Adding a huge feather to their hats over this last 4th of July, Rimrock Ranch also won the adult Smokey Bear Stampede Ranch Rodeo in Capitan, New Mexico, which as any ranch rodeo eventer will tell you, is no easy feat. The boys have been spectators of that rodeo since they were very small and so to win it as a team was over the top “the best.”

The cowboys come together from a stretch of ranch country from Mosquero to Hobbs. Brycen, Kyon and Haize all high school rodeo together, with roping being their connective event but Brycen (Mosquero) also rides saddle broncs, and Kyon (Hobbs) and Haize (Cuervo) both compete in Reined Cow Horse. Mason is a ranch kid from Solano while the youngest member of the team, Tres, 8, is a 6th generation rancher from Trementina.

These cowboys are proud as punch for their accomplishments and yet with the usual cowboy humbleness they describe the parts they each have on the team. Brycen said when not holding the line in an event, he’s usually the guy under the belly of the steer in the Wild Steer Race as he attempts to keep the steer from running off. Kyon and

96 DECEMBER 2025

Haize do the sorting and roping, and Mason and Tres are line holders and work the branding paint bucket in that event. Mason is also a back up roper in a couple events.

When asked if he had a favorite horse to day work on, Kyon said, “Whoever is out there looking at me in the morning is my favorite.” Tres is only 8 years old, but he follows his sister Mary Ann who went with the Rimrock team to the finals when she was only 5. His favorite part of going to the event is the trade show. He said he really likes the caps, shirts and other cowboy merchandise.

He rides 16-year-old “Cowboy” who will, according to Tres, “really watch a cow.”

Team Branding with Tres Estrada, Mason Martinez and Brycen Barnes at the branding iron.

Kyon Hatley, Mason Martinez and Brycen Barnes with Haize Price aboard the steer.

Mason Martinez, Kyon Hatley, Brycen Barnes assisting rider Haize Price in the steer riding.

Haize is the only current team member that has been to WCR A finals before, but the desire to get back there has been contagious among the cowboys. Ha i z e, who lives on the Rimrock Ranch, is the team captain and in his quiet Haize way, just does what he does and expects the others to do the same.

In the meantime, Kyon, Haize and Brycen (all homeschooled) have been ranch day working (often together) and high school rodeoi ng t heir way through the fall.

There isn’t much doubt when you talk to any of them, they are having the time of their life and don’t plan on having any less fun any time soon.

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Haize Price, Mason Martinez, Brycen Barnes and Kyon Hatley in the trailer loading

Rimrock Ranch team members Mason Martinez, Brycen Barnes, Kyon Hatley, Haize Price and Tres Estrada DECEMBER 2025

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Current NMJC Rodeo Team Gunnar Tipton — Past New Mexico High School Rodeo Association

by Julie Carter

B

ridging the gap: Gunnar Tipton left his high school senior year behind as Reserved Champion Tie Down Roper and made his way to Rock Springs, Wyoming to compete in his last High School Nationals Rodeo.

Gunnar admitted to being a little lost after graduation from Dora High School. “I was ready to get out of school,” he said. “But then I thought, I don’t know what I’m going to do.” Some brutal honest reflection from Gunnar, but one thing he did know, he was going to keep roping calves.

After a summer of day-working on ranches and roping calves at summer rodeos, Gunnar’s rig headed to Hobbs where he had enrolled in the NMJC Farm and Ranch program and been recruited to the rodeo team as a tie down and team roper.

Gunnar’s high school rodeo credentials (National qualifier for three of his high school years) didn’t buy him any special spot in the college arena. He found himself being tested on a new stage and set out to prove he was worthy.

“I practice just about every day, and often more than once a day. Before morning classes on the days that I can and again later in the day after classes are done, I’m roping calves.”

It paid off for him at the first college rodeo the middle of September in Portales.

Gunnar split fourth and fifth in the long go of the rodeo and after a rough run in the

100 DECEMBER 2025

Gunnar Tipton

Gunnar at Portales College Rodeo photo by April Ashley McDermid

short go, he still ended up seventh overall.

Long-time college rodeo coach CJ Aragon said it best. “High school results do not reflect how successful a rodeo athlete will be in college. College and professional competition test your work ethic and your ability to learn from failure, not your raw talent.”

Gunnar said he has managed to bridge the gap from high school rodeo to college level without a lot of nerves or worry. “I’m comfortable in the box,” he said. “When Goose and I back in there, everything is just as it should be and just as we want it to be.

Nothing else matters.”

After qualifying and competing at the Junior Patriot in Fort Worth and the Mike Johnson World Tuffest Junior Rodeo in Las Vegas, Gunnar said playing on the “big stage and the bright lights” helped prepare him for competition about anywhere.

“I absolutely love college rodeo and the team,” he said. It’s one big family with everybody rooting for everyone, even those with other colleges.” (Many of those are former high school rodeo competitors with Gunnar.)

Gunnar says that camaraderie in the practice pen and at the rodeos is amazing.

Gunnar heads to Canadian next with the NMJC team. Like so many seniors that moved on to college level rodeo, he’s happy to be where he is, doing what he loves, and it puts a bright light on his future in rodeo.

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New Mexico Secures $3.5 Million Federal Grant to Strengthen Local Food Supply Chain

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ighteen New Mexico agribusinesses are set to boost operations with a $3.54 million federal grant, awarded in partnership with the state agriculture department, to strengthen mid-chain food producers.

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) competitive grant program is designed to strengthen the “middle of the supply chain” by supporting projects that increase capacity for processing, aggregation and distribution of local foods. Funded projects include construction, purchasing equipment for locally produced products and expanding processing facilities to diversify value-added offerings.

“Supporting our farmers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs is an investment in our economy, and in healthier communities and stronger connections between New Mexicans and the food grown here at home,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “These projects will help ensure that more of the food on our tables is produced, processed and distributed right here in New Mexico.”

Awardees include: • Backyard Farms, LLC • Bluefly Farms, LLC • B Street Market • Chavez Farms • Corrales Classic Farms • Desert Verde Farm, LLC • El Calvario United Methodist Church • Frontier Food Hub

• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center • La Granada • La Mesa Organic Farms • New Mexico Ferments • New Mexico Harvest • Rio Grande Community Development Corporation • Santa Fe Farmers Market • Santa Fe Farmers Market Institute • Silverleaf Family Farms, LLC • Statewide Products Company, Inc “By investing in the middle of the supply chain, we’re helping New Mexico producers bring more local food to market and strengthening our state’s food system,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte.

Examples of the types of projects to begin include: Frontier Food Hub, a program of the National Center for Frontier Communities, will purchase and deploy two mobile cold storage units to support Lordsburg, Deming and Catron County. This project will strengthen the supply chain by extending the shelf life of local products, expanding access to programs like Fresh RX and farm-to-school, and creating new market opportunities for growers in rural areas.

La Mesa Organic Farms will upgrade mobile kitchen and processing equipment to increase production of heritage apple cider and blue corn products, expanding into more regional farmers markets while preserving traditional New Mexico foodways.

Statewide Products Company, Inc., a woman-owned food distribution business, will expand service to underserved rural communities by upgrading equipment, adding customer ordering sof tware, and acquiring reduced-emission delivery vehicles to more efficiently transport New Mexico-made products such as chile, salsa and jams.

All projects must be completed by December 15, 2026.

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Gunnar Tipton by Julie Carter DECEMBER 2025

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FROM THE ARENA

by Julie Carter

Family, Fun & Friends

T

he third rodeo weekend in the fall run was nothing short of “the best” all the way around. After two cold and wet rodeo weekends, the weather was about as perfect as an October rodeo can be. Sunshine and good solid competition cocooned the weekend as high school and junior high kids experienced the emotional highs and lows of the sport. But at the end of the day, every one of them gave it their best shot. Learning that there is a next rodeo and another one after that starts at this level.

Fort Sumner served up small town agriculture community hospitality with a side of Pecos River ambiance. Thank you to the Harris Ranch for again hosting the Light Rifle and Trap competition. Great range with the added hospitality of hot coffee and brownies. The rodeo grounds maintain an old timey atmosphere for a weekend stay.

The rodeo rigs are parked in surrounding pastures and under the giant historic cottonwood trees, which originated in the 1860s when they were planted by Native Americans. Camp chair camaraderie was everywhere in the evenings and the benefit breakaway and team ropings in the evenings had outstanding turnouts.

For me, the best part was seeing the kids getting better and better at their events. Ten or so fifth graders are making their mark in junior high rodeo and building their confi-

Chisum Benjamin

102 DECEMBER 2025

dence that they can be competitive against an 8th grader. The same applies for the 30 or so 9th Graders competing against as many seniors. Points are given where points are earned, without age discrimination.

The associations finished up the fall run in Clovis over Halloween weekend. Those results will be in the January 2026 NM Stockman. The spring season starts in March in Socorro.

Fort Sumner Results HS Boys All Around: Tied-Dawson Mathis, Ike Smith, Tate White HS Girls All Around: Cylee Roberts JH Boys All Around: Jace Wild Green JH Girls All Around: Kollins Griggs

Two Day Average Winners: HS Light Rifle: Zoey Cline JH Light Rifle: Waylan Valdez HS Trap: Brenden Morris HS Boys Cutting: Bray Bennett HS Girls Cutting: Macklee Cain HS Reined Cow Horse: Kyon Hatley HS Steer Wrestling: Stetson Trujillo

JH Chute Dogging: Oliver Chadwick HS Team Roping: Holt Haynes & Koen Romero JH Team Roping: Maison Chavez & Jase Burris HS Barrels: Mesa Bruton JH Barrels: Morgan Parra HS Girls Breakaway: Amy Murphy JH Girls Breakaway: Kennedy Hintz JH Boys Breakaway: Jett Gonzales JH Ribbon Roping: Reiner McConnel & Reagan Barba HS Tie Down: Rody Mack JH Tie Down: Bryce McCutcheon HS Goat Tying: Wacey Trujillo JH Girls Goat Tying: Payzlee Ware JH Boys Goat Tying: Graden Acuna HS Pole Bending: Mesa Bruton JH Pole Bending: Bristol Shiver HS Saddle Bronc: Tate West JH Steer Saddle Bronc: Brody Bisetti HS Bull Riding: Jaxon Romero JH Bull Riding: Jace Wild Green JH Steer Bareback Riding: Jace Wild Green

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Isabella Garcia

Kyon Hatley

Maddy Aragon

R od eo R ou nd up

Quincy Mack

Stetson Trujillo

Magdalena Hazle

Neveah Pacheco

Pike Ketcham

Riley Caviness

Zoey Cline Slade Thompson DECEMBER 2025

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A-C

A Lazy 6 Angus Ranch . . . . 36, 78 Abercrombie Ranch Herefords. .59 AgTrust Farm Credit . . . . . . . . . 2 American Angus Assoc. . . . . . 24 American Brahman Breeders . . 48 American Gelbvieh Assoc. . 18, 80 American Heritage Bank . . . . 57 American Int’l Charolais . . . . . 79 American Salers Assoc. . . . . . . 72 B & H Herefords . . . . . . . . 42, 78 Bar A Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Bar G Feedyard . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Bar J Bar Herefords . . . . . . 37, 77 Bar M Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . 82 Bays Cattle Company . . . . . . . 26 Beaverhead Outdoors . . . . . . 83 Beefmaster Breeders United . . 45 Bill King Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . 11 BJM Sales & Service Inc. . . . . . 76 Black Angus “Ready for Work” Bull Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Border Tank Resources . . . . . . 56 Bow K Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Bradley 3 Ranch, Ltd. . . . . . 73, 78 Brinks Brangus / Westall Ranch, . . . . . . . . 19, 80 Brownfield Ranch & Farm Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Brushmaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 C Bar Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . 75, 79 Campbell Simmentals . . . . . . 65 Candy Ray Trujillo’s Black Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Carter Brangus . . . . . . . . . 63, 77 Carter Custom Cuts . . . . . . . . 44 Casey Beefmasters . . . . . . 75, 78 Cattlegrowers Foundation . . . . 13 Cattlemen’s LS Auction Co . . . . 36

Cauthorn & Griffin Insurance . . . 7 Chas S. Middleton & Son . . . . . 82 Clark Anvil Ranch . . . . . . . 69, 79 Clavel Herefords . . . . . . . . . . 50 Coleman Herefords . . . . . . . . 73 Conniff Cattle Co., LLC . . . . 32, 78 Copeland & Sons Herefords . . . 21 Corn Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Cornerstone Ranch . . . . . . . . 23 Cox Ranch Herefords . . . . . 48, 77 Coyote Ridge Ranch . . . . . . . . 75 CS Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Headquarters West / Traegen Knight . . . . . . . . . . 82 Headquarters West Ltd. / Sam Hubbell . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Heartstone Angus, LLC . . . . . . 30 Henard Ranch . . . . . . . . . 69, 79 Hi-Pro Feeds / Sendero . . . . . . 5 Hooper Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Hubbell Ranch . . . . . . . . . 27, 77 Hudson LS Supplements . . . . . 54 Hutchison Western . . . . . . . 105 J & J Auctioneers . . . . . . . . . . 42 J-C Angus Ranch . . . . . . . . . . 20 James Sammons III . . . . . . . . 82 John Keck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 K2 Red Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Kaddatz Auctioneering & Farm Equipment . . . . . . . . . 76 Keeton Limousin . . . . . . . . . . 73 L & H Manufacturing . . . . . . . 70 Lack-Morrison Brangus . . . . . . 60 Laflin Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Landmark Mercantile LS . . . . . 34 Lavender Brangus . . . . . . . 70, 80 Lazy D Ranch Red Angus . . 73, 80 Lazy J&G Sales . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Lonestar Stockyards, LLC . . 68, 88 LT Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Lust Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Lyssy & Eckel Feeds . . . . . . . 105

D-L

Decker Herefords . . . . . . . . . . 71 Denton Photography . . . . . . . 94 Depot Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Dexter LS Commission . . . . . . 14 Diamond Seven Angus . . . 47, 77 Domenici Law Firm, PC . . . . . . 76 Elbrock Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Evans Beefmasters . . . . . . . . . 73 Express Scales Services . . . . . . 16 Farmway Feed Mill . . . . . . . . . 53 FBFS / Larry Marshall . . . . . . . 61 Ferguson Ranch . . . . . . . . . . 75 Five States LS Auction, . . . . . . 44 Fort Worth Stock Show . . . . . . 24 4 Rivers Equipment . . . . . . . . . 8 4G Mountain Angus . . . . . . . . 80 Ft. Sumner Processing . . . . . . 62 Garnett Insurance Agency . . . . 89 Genex / Candy Trujillo . . . . 75, 77 Grau Charolais . . . . . . . . . 41, 77 Grau Ranch . . . . . . . . . . 77, 106 Harrison Quarter Horses . . . . . 76 Hartzog Angus Ranch . . . . 43, 78 Hayhook Lim Flex . . . . . . . . . 20

M,N

M Hat Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Major Cattle Co., LLC . . . . . 24, 77 Manzano Angus . . . . . . . . 39, 78 McKenzie Land & LS . . . . . . . . 25 McPherson Heifer Bulls . . . 75, 78 Mesa Lands Comm. College . . . 91

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Mesa Tractor, Inc. . . . . . . . 55, 76 Michael Perry For Land Commissioner . . . . . . . . . . 68 Michelet Homestead Realty . . . 81 Miller Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Monfette Construction Co. . . . 76 New Mexico Angus Bull & Heifer Sale . . . . . . . . . . . 29 NM Purina Dealers . . . . . . . . 108 NMCGA Jackpot Steer Show . . 99 NMSU Animal & Range Sciences / . . . . . . . . 65, 66, 74 No-Bull Enterprises LLC . . . . . . 94 N. American Limousin Fdtn . . . 40

0-R

O’Neill Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Olson Land and Cattle . . . . 75, 77 Parker Brangus . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Pat Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Perez Cattle Company . . . . .9, 77 Phil Harvey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Pratt Farms . . . . . . . . . . . 56, 80 Ramro LLC / RJ Cattle Co . . . . . 31 Rancho De Santa Barbara . . . . 77 Raymond Boykin . . . . . . . 75, 77 Republic Ranches, LLC . . . . . . 81 Rio Grande Scales & Equip. . 48, 76 Rio Hondo Land & LS Co. . . . . . 78 Rio Pecos Veterinary . . . . . . . . 40 Roswell Brangus Breeders Co-Op . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Roswell Brangus Bull & Female Sale . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Roswell LS Auction Co. . . . . . . 52 Running Creek Ranch . . . . 70, 80 Rusty’s Weigh Scales & Service 92

S-Z

Salazar Ranches . . . . . . . . . . 79 Santa Rita Ranch . . . . . . . . 75, 78 Scott Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Select Sires Member Coop . . . 79 Siler Santa Gertrudis Cattle . . . 81 SW Brangus Breeders Assn . . . 58 Stockmen’s Realty . . . . . . . . . 85 T & S Manufacturing . . . . . . . 87 TechniTrack, LLC . . . . . . . . . . 76 Terrell Land & LS Co. . . . . . . . . 81 Texas Hereford Assoc. . . . . . . . 75 The Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Thompson Ranch . . . . . . . 33, 79 Tom Robb & Sons . . . . . . . 69, 79 Townsend Brangus . . . . . . . . 60 Tucumcari Bull Test . . . . . . . . 35 2 Bar Angus . . . . . . . . . . . 28, 80 U Bar Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 UBAR Brangus . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 United Fiberglass, Inc. . . . . . . . 66 USA Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . .38, 80 Verde Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . 84 W&W Fiberglass Tank Co. . . . 104 Walking Spear Land & Cattle . . 62 Wanted Caregiver . . . . . . . . . 56 Waypath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Weaver Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Western Trading Post . . . . . . . 84 West Star Herefords . . . . . . 71, 81 White Mountain Herefords . 38, 77 Widner Angus Farm . . . . . . . . 72 Wilkinson Gelbvieh Ranch . . . . 77 Zia Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

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35 th Annual

ROSWELL BRANGUS SALE Feb 28, 2026 Roswell Livestock Auction Roswell, NM Females sell @11:00 am Lunch for Buyers – 12 noon Bulls sell @1:00 pm Horses sell immediately after the Bull sale Cattle available for viewing Friday, February 21

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Brown Brothers Ranch JAY, CARRIE, & SARAH HOLLIFIELD 3930 S. Brown Road Roswell, NM 88203 bbr.slf@gmail.com Jay: 575-626-1776 Carrie: 575-626-1777 Sarah: 575-840-9128

107 DECEMBER 2025

Lack-Morrison Brangus JOE PAUL & ROSIE LACK P.O. Box 274, Hatch, NM 87937 Phone: 575-267-1016 • Fax: 575-267-1234 Racheal Carpenter 575-644-1311 BILL MORRISON 411 CR 10, Clovis, NM 88101 Phone: 575-760-7263 Email: bvmorrison@yucca.net lackmorrisonbrangus.com

UBAR Brangus RYAN & LORI SCOTT 3208 Lilac Road, Clovis, NM 88101 Phone: 575-491-6922 ryscott6922@gmail.com

Townsend Brangus PATTI TOWNSEND P.O. Box 278 Milburn, Oklahoma 73450 Home: 580-443-5777

CHRIS & TRACI SCOTT 874 Sixteen Springs Canyon Road Cloudcroft, NM 88317 Phone: 575-430-4198

STEVEN & TYLER TOWNSEND 580-380-1968 PHILIP TOWNSEND 580-465-7487 DECEMBER 2025

107

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Contact your Purina Animal Nutrition dealer or visit purinamills.com/cattle to learn more. ©2015 Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. All rights reserved.

Bunks Feed Hobbs, NM Jim Selman • 575-397-1228

Dickinson Implement Co. Tucumcari, NM Dwight Haller, 575-461-2740

One Stop Feed, Inc. Clovis, NM Austin Hale • 575-762-3997

Case & Co. Tucumcari, NM Luke Haller • 575-403-8566

Double D Animal Nutrition Artesia, NM Don Spearman • 575-302-9280

Purina Animal Nutrition Eastern NM Steve Swift, 575-760-3112

Cowboy’s Corner Lovington, NM Wayne Banks • 575-396-5663

Lincoln County Mercantile Capitan, NM Rance Rogers, 575-354-4260

Purina Animal Nutrition Western NM Joram Robbs, 520-576-8011

Creighton’s at The Fort Fort Sumner, NM Garland Creighton, 575-760-6149

Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply Roswell, NM 575-622-9164

Creighton’s Town & Country Portales, NM Garland Creighton, 575-356-3665 108 DECEMBER 2025

DECEMBER 2025

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