Bill Would Give Tribal Leaders Stake In Managing AZ Conservation Lands

BY MARK RICHARDSON, PRODUCER

Secretary Haaland has spoken openly about raising her daughter as a single mother, giving birth four days after her graduation, also from the University of New Mexico, in 1994.

According to their profile on PAA’s website, Haaland is also a poet and artist. The bio says that they have also worked on several political campaigns since high school.

It says that Haaland ‘passionate about empowering youth’ and ‘creating art as a form of resistance.’

Haaland wrote a 2019 article for Teen Vogue titled: ‘How Museums and Historical Spaces Disrespect Native American History.’ They wrote in the piece of having tea with Nancy Pelosi, taking a selfie with AOC and meeting actor Mark Ruffalo.

In 2021, they narrated the documentary Our Story: The Indigenous Led Fight to Protect Greater Chaco.

Haaland spoke about perceived racial disparity when it came to how little support Native American communities received during amid the pandemic during an interview with American Theatre.

They said: ‘It ties into the whole privilege thing. People just assume that everyone in America lives the same way they do. And that’s just not true.’

During the same interview, Haaland spoke about their mother saying: ‘From a very young age, she instilled in me a sense of wanting to do the right thing and make the world a better place. I get to watch her create this ripple effect of change throughout several communities.’

While in a separate interview with NBC News, Haaland complained of feeling ‘isolated’ thanks to being both Native American and ‘queer.’

They also said that hate crimes involving LGBTQ people on reservations are rarely investigated.

Speaking about the scandal involving the protest with Fox News, Protect the Public’s Trust Director Michael Chamberlain said: ‘The circumstances around the riot at Interior headquarters represent yet another instance in which an administration that promised a return to normalcy is producing anything but.

‘Meanwhile, the American public’s trust in its government continues its precipitous decline,’ he added.

Following the protest at the Stewart Lee Udall Main Interior building, police arrested dozens of activists. Video from the event showed members of the group attempting to gain access for the offices. At least one officer was hospitalized.

In a statement at the time, Interior Department spokeswoman Melissa Schwartz said: ‘Centering the voices of lawful protesters is and will continue to be an important foundation of our democracy. It is also our obligation to keep everyone safe. We will continue to do everything we can to de-escalate while honoring first amendment rights.’ ▫

Abill to make tribal governments equal partners with the federal government in managing a pair of Arizona land preserves advanced in the U.S. House Wednesday.

The measure would establish the Great Bend of the Gila and Palo Verde National Conservation Areas, and designate a panel of 13 tribal governments to jointly manage the lands with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Much of the 400,000 acres is considered sacred and ancestral lands by Native Americans.

Representative Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., the bill’s sponsor, said he and others have been working on the plan for more than a decade.

“The bill would protect tens of thousands of acres of new conservation lands and wilderness across a landscape dotted with petroglyphs, ancient structures and settlements, and other cultural settlements and monuments,” Grijalva outlined.

For the first time, tribal governments and the BLM would share responsibility for protecting the area, considered one of the most culturally significant and ecologically fragile landscapes in the U.S. If Congress approves “conservation” status, the areas would be permanently protected.

Tribal leaders say Native Americans have rarely had a voice in how their lands are managed, often watching careless development destroy iconic archaeological formations and ancestral monuments.

Stephen Roe Lewis, governor of the Gila River Indian Community, told subcommittee members in the past, tribal lands were often left unprotected against vandalism and destruction.

“Culturally significant places such as these deserve the highest protection,” Lewis stressed. “If these areas are vandalized, if sacred places are disrupted, irreversible harm is caused because these areas cannot be replaced.”

Skylar Begay, a tribal outreach fellow at Archaeology Southwest, said giving tribal leaders equal status over historic lands is long overdue.

“Allowing the indigenous peoples to access and use the land in traditional ways and be on equal levels with municipal, state, and federal governments will be a small step in righting the wrongs that indigenous peoples have endured,” Begay contended.

N.C. Supreme Court Ends Challenge to State Nuisance Laws

BY LISA M. KEEFE / MEATINGPLACE.COM

The North Carolina Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging state law that limits options for filing nuisance lawsuits against agricultural operations, particularly hog farms, according to court documents.

The case, filed in 2019, challenged amendments to North Carolina’s Right to Farm Act enacted in 2017 and 2018. North Carolina Environmental Justice Network, the Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help, Waterkeeper Alliance, and Winyah Rivers Alliance — parent organization of the Lumber Riverkeeper and Waccamaw Riverkeeper — were plaintiffs in the case.

At issue were hog farms that supplied Smithfield Foods’ pork processing operations, whose use of manure for fertilizer and other practices were blamed for significantly undermining the property values and quality of life for nearby residents, who are largely economically disadvantaged people of color.

Smithfield by and large did not fare well in individual lawsuits filed by neighbors, however, the state moved to tighten restrictions on nuisance lawsuits filed against farms in response to “hundreds of plaintiffs” having filed such lawsuits over the years.

Orders signed by Justice Phil Berger Jr. did not explain the court’s decision.

USCA Appoints New Leadership

The U.S Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) hosted its 15th Annual Meeting & Cattle Producer’s Forum in December 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Board of Directors approved the slate of nominations for USCA officer positions. Justin Tupper of South Dakota will assume the presidency in 2023, alongside Whitney Klasna of Montana as his Vice President. Chuck Kiker of Texas will remain the Parliamentarian, while Ann Miller continues to serve as the organization’s Treasurer. Amanda Kita graciously volunteered to take on the role of Secretary.

The Forum drew attendees from across the U.S., and served as a platform for key industry leaders and decision makers to discuss what the future holds for the U.S. cattle industry.

Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Charles Hatcher provided a lunchtime keynote address. Several federal government officials were also on-hand to interact with attendees, including USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Sandra Eskin and the Department of Justice Antitrust Division’s Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Kades.

On December 9, after conferring with their respective policy committees in breakout sessions, USCA members debated prior and prospective policy resolutions. Each resolution in the current USCA policy book is reviewed every two years at the Annual Meeting and will now be mailed to the full membership for a vote. ▫

Estate Guide

This 491.55 ac. +/property is located in Colfax County, NM and is 3 miles West of Interstate 25 on Higway 58 or approx. 20 miles East of Cimarron, New Mexico. Along with the property are 371 shares of water from Antelope Valley Irrigation District which has been used to irrigate approximately 222 acres historically. This will make a good investment for development, farming, grazing or hunting with deer, elk and antelope in the area.

■ COLFAX COUNTY NM GETAWAY – 1,482.90 ac.+/grassland (1,193.59 ac. +/- Deeded, 289.31 ac. State Lease), great location near all types of mountain recreation.

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

■ CASTRO CO., TX – 592 ac. +/_- w/remodeled 4 bd./4 ½ bath home, 160 ac. under pivot. Balance is dryland & native grass.

■ CARSON CO., TX – 640 ac. +/- 5 mi. N of Panhandle on TX 207.333 ac. +/- under 3 center pivot systems. One well produces 800 GPM. Permanent perimeter and cross fencing.

■ PECOS CO. – 637 ac., Big water, State Classified

Minerals.

■ ANGUS, NM – 250 +/- acres with over a 1/2 mile of NM 48 frontage. Elevations from 6,800 to 7,200 feet. Two springs along a creek. Ideal for future development or build your own getaway home.

Dimmitt, TX 79027

Scott - Broker

Qualifying Broker

5:00am/10:00pm www.scottlandcompany.com

OR SMALL!

Guadalupe Co., deeded & 519 ranch on both flow daily)

Sumner; wildlife, buyer looking New Mexico

980 ac. +/past, land lays side of Hwy. 54.

Union Co., NM –grassland w/stateremodeled in very good on pvmt.

SCOTT MCNALLY

Ag Land Loans

TEXAS & OKLA. FARMS & RANCHES

■ PALO DURO CREEK TREASURE – 941 acres +/- in Randall Co. NW of Canyon, Tx. STUNNING VIEWS OVER

• 83 acre wood home with barns, meadows and woods. Fronts State Rd. $545,000

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

■ DEAF SMITH CO., TX. – 651 ac. +/-, 7 miles N of

• 160 acre Ranger Eastland Co, $560,000

• 270 acre Mitchell County, Texas ranch. Investors dream; excellent cash flow. Rock formation being crushed and sold; wind turbans,

MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION – CALL PAUL FOR DETAILS 10 Acres of commercial property, incredible highway visibility and access from either east or west directions on Hwy 60, 3 miles East of Garden Inn Truck Plaza and 4 miles west of Willow Springs. Natural gas may be available on site. LOCATION PLUS! This property is well suited for many types of

A H (Jack) Merrick 575-760-7521 www buenavista-nm com listing agent

575-825-1291 www.buenavista-nm.com

+/- heavily livestock w/ fences etc., on the front gate. scenic ac. +/- on by Lincoln in Pines & covered meadow Penasco. This build a legacy ac. irr., on Mexico, adjoins Potential.

POTENTIAL

Texline Special, +/- w/water & a beautiful 3 bathrooms, metal shop.

• 840 Immaculate, Hunt Co, TX. Ranch. Pastures, 40 tanks, and lakes. Beautiful home, barns, and other improvements. Some minerals, game galore. All for $1.35 million.

Joe Priest Real Estate

1-800/671-4548 joepriestre.net • joepriestre@earthlink.com ranch that has been owned and operated miles southeast of Corona, NM in Lincoln

BLM Lease Acres and 2,240 NM State city limits of Roswell, NM. Six total acres

AUYL. Water provided by five wells and corrals. The ranch had a good summer for a brochure or view on my website.

Improved with a 2, 200 square foot residence, room and loafing shed. Price: $400,000

DUANE & DIXIE McGARVA RANCH: approx. 985 acres Likely, CA. with about 600+ acre gravity flood irrigated pastures PLUS private 542 AU BLM permit. About 425 acres so of the irrigated are level to flood excellent pastures with balance good flood irrigated pastures. NO PUMPING COST! Dryland is perfect for expansion to pivot irrigated alfalfa if desired. Plus BLM permit for 540 AU is fenced into 4 fields on about 18,000 acres only 7 miles away. REDUCED ASKING PRICE - $3,125,000

BEAVER CREEK RANCH: about 82,000 acres - with 2,700 deeded acres plus contiguous USFS & BLM permits for 450 pair; 580+- acres irrigated alfalfa, pasture, and meadow from Beaver Creek water rights and one irrigation well. 3 homes, 2 hay barns, 4 feedlots each w/ 250 ton barns, 2 large reservoirs, can run up to 500-600 cows YEAR ROUND. REDUCED ASKING PRICE - $5,400,000

BEAR CREEK RANCH: Approx. 1,278 acres winter range ground and recreational property. Located on Bear Creek and accessed from South Cow Creek Valley Road. Should be great hunting for deer, wild turkey, wild pigs, quail & owner states good trout fishing in Bear Creek. Deeded access easement thru neighbor ranches. No improvements & very private inside the ranch. Now only $700 per acre - $894,600

BILL WRIGHT, SHASTA LAND SERVICES, INC. 530-941-8100

• www.ranch-lands.com

• DRE# 00963490

O’NEILL LAND, llc

Contract Pending Sold

system, with private views of mountains. 40 irrigable acres and a domestic water meter installed. Great to put down home and bring horses. $249,000 $239,000 BAR LAZY 7 RANCH, Colfax County, Moreno Valley 594.38 +/- deeded acres, accessed off blacktop between Eagle Nest and Angel Fire. Historic headquarters. Currently used as sum- mer grazing, pond and trees accessed off county road on rear of property as well. Presented “ASIS” New Survey, $4,000,000 $3,800,000 UTE PARK RIVER PLACE 6.83 +/ACRES, 450 +/- feet of the Cimarron River and more than that of Ute Creek are the south and east boundaries of this unique one of a kind water property. 2 bedroom 1 bathroom cabin, year round access off Hwy 64. $589,000 $570,000 CIMARRON BUSINESS, Frontage opportunity, house, big shop and office buildings, easy view off Hwy 64. Formerly known as “The Porch.”

$295,000

COLFAX TAVERN & DINER, Colfax County, NM. Aka “COLD BEER”, turn key legendry regional icon and destination, with anchor staff/team willing to stay on. Prime business on front range. $1,500,000

SPRINGER VIEW, 29.70 +/- deeded acres. Large house being remodeled, shop, trees, old irrigation pond. All back off highway with great southern aspect. 311 Hwy 56, Colfax County.

$209,000

Forest Management Benefits Bears, Bobcats, Moose, Owls And Bunnies

BY NICK SMITH / HEALTHY FORESTS, HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

The 2021 South Yaak

Fire scorched portions of Montana’s Kootenai National Forest, underscoring the need for proactive and preventative active forest management to reduce future risks to local forests, nearby communities, indigenous resources, wildlife habitat, water resources and other values.

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) responded by developing the Black Ram project, a carefully and responsibly-designed effort to improve the health and resiliency of these public lands for the future.

For the many diverse benefits that Black Ram will provide, the project is supported by the Kootenai (Ktunaxa) Tribe, Lincoln County, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and other community leaders. However, this month a pair of anti-forestry groups sued the Forest Service, claiming the project fails to protect Grizzly bears.

Both the USFS and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) have found that Black Ram would have no significant negative impact on wildlife species, including Grizzly bears. In fact, the project is designed to protect and improve habitat and forage conditions for a range of species.

Through the use of science-based forestry tools such as prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, hand thinning and stream restoration, Black Ram will improve big game winter range conditions, promote huckleberry growth to provide nourishment to the estimated 60 Grizzlies in the Cabinet-Yaak zone, and improve aquatic habitat. It will also provide trail and other recreational improvements to allow more of us to enjoy our public lands and wildlife.

Last year, we released a video highlighting an innovative project on nearby private land aimed at thinning fire-prone forests, while providing a travel corridor for grizzlies moving up and down the local valley. This approach shows its possible meet the needs of this species while protecting our communities and forests from devastating fires.

Some believe “hands off” forest management is the only solution to protecting and restoring vulnerable wildlife species. Many species benefit from disturbance and require young forests and other early successional habitats for cover and food. As timber harvesting has declined on federal lands, so too has the young- and mixed-aged forest habitat that many animals need.

In northern states like Minnesota, there are also concerns about the future for moose populations. A reduction in logging on the Superior National Forest has left forest stands that are too old for moose to thrive. That’s why a new moose collaborative has been formed to develop large-scale habitat projects, spanning at least three areas of 10,000 to 50,000 contiguous acres, 15 to 75 square miles each to support the species.

Forest management has been key to the recovery of species. Recently, it was credited with helping to increase bobcat populations in Pennsylvania’s forests after years of decline.

In the west, years of unnaturally severe wildfire has degraded forage and roosting habitat for the Northern Spotted Owl. Active forest management to reduce sever fire could aid northern spotted owl, though unfortunately the federal government continues to double-down on restricting timber harvesting and other management activities on forests they manage.

Anti-forestry efforts to derail timber harvesting and other management activities too often come at the expense of both people and wildlife. Yet science continues to demonstrate that we can protecting our forests and communities while restoring and enhancing conditions for bears, bobcats, moose, bunnies and many other wildlife.

U.S. Cattle Inventory Down Three Percent

There were 89.3 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms as of Jan. 1, 2023, according to the Cattle report published today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Other key findings in the report were:

■ Of the 89.3 million head inventory, all cows and heifers that have calved totaled 38.3 million.

■ There are 28.9 million beef cows in the United States as of Jan. 1, 2023, down 4% from last year.

■ The number of milk cows in the United States increased to 9.40 million.

■ U.S. calf crop was estimated at 34.5 million head, down 2% from 2021.

■ All cattle on feed were at 14.2 million head, down 4% from 2022.

To obtain an accurate measurement of the current state of the U.S. cattle industry, NASS surveyed approximately 35,400 operators across the nation during the first half of January. Surveyed producers were asked to report their cattle inventories as of Jan. 1, 2023, and calf crop for the entire year of 2022 by internet, mail, telephone, or in-person interview.

CO Couple Receives Coveted Angus Herdsman Honors

Jeff and Kathi Creamer, Lazy JB Angus in Montrose, Colorado recently received prestigious acknowledgement for nearly 40 years of hard work. Their cumulative management experience, industry knowledge and dedication to the Angus breed earned them recognition as 2023 Angus Herdsmen of the Year.

Since 1984, the Creamers have assisted Kathi’s family’s operation, Lazy JB Angus, which they now own and operate after taking over the reins in 1999.

The couple, alongside their adult children, manages over 300 registered Angus cows, with roles including everything from breeding, feeding, marketing, daily show cattle care, secretarial work, irrigation, harvesting hay and anything else that needs to be done on the ranch.

“This award has been a lifelong goal for us as a couple,” Kathi said. “For years we have watched many talented cattlemen and women come before us to receive this award and to be named amongst those individuals and couples is truly icing on the cake for our Angus story.”

The Herdsman of the Year award recognizes breeders who dedicate their time and talent to bettering the Angus breed. Selected by their peers through a nomination committee and voting process, Kathi said this award makes her thankful for all the people involved.

“To know our peers, both young and old, found us wor- thy of this prestigious award is something we will be forever grateful for,” Kathi said.

“To those that have stood in our corner, we are so thankful for you, to those we have yet to cross paths, we are excited to meet you, and to all who casted their vote for us, we hope we can continue to be role-model herdsmen for generations to come and appreciate your support.”

At Cattlemen’s Congress, Angus enthusiasts gathered for the Angus Foundation’s 150 Years of Angus Celebration to enjoy camaraderie and eagerly anticipate the announcement of the recipient. Unable to attend the reception, Kathi said the winning phone call caught her completely off guard.

“When I received the call from Mark McCully, I really had no idea what he was calling about,” Kathi said. “We had been busy preparing for Denver and had lost track of what day the winners would be announced. I was in complete shock when he told me, I even asked him if he was serious, followed by overwhelming tears of joy and gratitude.”

Kathi said she wasted no time sharing the news with her family. “I instantly opened the door to where my children were clipping cattle and stood there with tears streaming down my face telling them, ‘We won! Your dad and I won,’” Kathi said. “The emotions were truly reflective of how appreciative, shocked and grateful Jeff and I felt knowing we had been selected.”

As expected, the lives of herdsmen worthy of this award aren’t always glamorous, but Kathi said the people keep them motivated.

Kathi said the Angus family is one of the most unique assets of the breed — it’s truly indescribable.