NMS March 23

THESE BULLS ARE OUT OF ELITE HERD SIRES

We have been raising phenomenal Limousin and LimousinXAngus Bulls for over 50 years. A breed second to none, our cattle have been raised at high altitudes 8,000 feet and above.

They are pap and fertility tested and are ready for your cattle.

These bulls will be sold by Private Treaty and will be available after February 1st.

JBV YELLOWSTONE

CELL HEAVY HITTER

NEW MEXICO STOCKMAN

P.O. Box 7127, Albuquerque, NM 87194

505-243-9515 Fax: 505-349-3060

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, Loren Patterson

n New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc.

nmwgi@nmagriculture.org

P.O. Box 2822, Moriarty NM 87035

Office: 505.247.0584 , Fax: 505.842.1766

Physical Location 809 First Street, Moriarty NM 87035 President James Duffy

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING

Publisher: Caren Cowan

Publisher Emeritus: Chuck Stocks

Advertising Representatives: Chris Martinez

Melinda Martinez

Contributing Editors: Carol Wilson

Callie Gnatkowski-Gibson

Howard Hutchinson Lee Pitts

PRODUCTION

Production Coordinator: Carol Pendleton

Editorial & Advertising Design: Kristy Hinds

ADVERTISING SALES

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

New Mexico Stockman (USPS 381-580) is published monthly by Caren Cowan, 2231 Rio Grande, NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104-2529

Subscription price: 1 year - $30 / 2 years - $40 Single issue price $10, Directory price $30

Subscriptions are non-refundable

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.

DEPARTMENTS

10 NMCGA President’s Message by Loren Patterson

12 Just the Facts ... and Then Some by Caren Cowan, Publisher New Mexico Stockman

16 New Mexico CowBelles Jingle Jangle

26 New Mexico’s Old Times & Old Timers by Don Bullis

30 Beef It’s What’s for Dinner Recipe

32 Riding Herd by Lee Pitts

35 New Mexico Beef Council Bullhorn

38 Collectors Corner by Jim Olson

62 Aggie Notes by Craig Gifford, PhD, Extension Beef Cattle Specialiast, New Mexico State Univeristy

64 View From the Backside by Barry Denton

67 Food & Fodder by Deanna Dickinson McCall

72 New Mexico Federal Lands Council News by Frank DuBois

75 Marketplace

79

FEATURES

19 Composites Simplify Reproductive Management by Burt Rutherford

24 No. 47 Stumbled – No. 48 Soared by David Muska, Southwest Policy Center

28 Vanishing Habitats for Wildlife Greatly Exaggerated in Push of "Biodiversity," "30 x 30" Land Grab by Rob Gordon, Daily Signal

30 FWS Proposes New Rule for Take Permits Under the Endangered Species Act by Alanna Madden, Courthouse News

34 GOP Introduces Bill to Exclude Ag from SEC Climate Rules

Source: High Plains News

42 Peel: Beef Herd Will Not Expand in 2023 by Meatingplace Editors

44 EPA to Study Water Pollution Tied to Livestock Farms by Marc Heller, E&E News

48 HC Neel Named Santa Gertrudis Breeders International Executive Director

48 Project Update: Utilizing the Santa Gertrudis breed as a model for Critically Evaluating Heterosis in Intermountain West Beef Systems by Dr. Matthew Garcia, Utah State University Beef Specialist

56 Beef Cow Herd to Shrink for Years to Come by Lee Schultz, BEEF

87 Meet the 2023 New Mexico Horse Council Officers

92 505 Southwestern Joins PRCA as National Partner

93 Jaclyn Ferrel Receives WRCA Foundation Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project Scholarship

94 Ovation Protege Helment Recall Notice

February 2023

94 44th Annual Baca Rodeo Southern Series Results Weekend 1 – February 11 & 12

95 44th Annual Baca Rodeo Southern Series Results

Weekend 2 – February 18 & 19

95 A Horse with Cow by Bob Welch, Working Ranch Cowboys Association

on the cover

Santa Gertrudis Pair by Noe Perez, a South Texas native, is one of the state’s foremost landscape artists. He received a commission from King Ranch to create a painting to commemorate the one-hundredyear anniversary of the historic Main House. Soon after he began working on paintings that would be featured in King Ranch: A Legacy in Art, 2021. His work has been exhibited at museums and other venues throughout Texas and is included in The Art of Texas State Parks, 2023. He is represented by Foltz Fine Art in Houston. He lives in Corpus Christi.

• Mineral programs designed specifically for the desert southwest

• Our Suther LS-201 probiotic yields +7% total diet efficiency and is ALL NATURAL

• We have solutions for the absolute lowest daily cost, highest performing programs on the market, ask about FORAGE MAX

• We design cubes, concentrated protein/mineral blocks, tubs and loose mineral built specifically for your ranch

• You can choose high-fat offerings in both cube (8%) and tubs (10%) to balance your energy needs

• We are experts in natural cattle programs

• You can choose from bulk, tote, bag or block with delivery or local pick-up

• We are committed to consistent quality, the fastest delivery and reliable local service

For Sale Private Treaty

Bred Cows - Heifers - Bulls

Give us a call to schedule a visit!

Bill King: (505)220-9909

Tom Spindle: (505)321-8808

Moriarty, New Mexico

Hereford - Angus - Charolais

2022 Seedstock 100 Producer -Beef Magazine

If you’re looking for cattle with powerful genetics and phenominal phenotypes like these, be the first to take your pick!

We’re offering Registered & Commerical Bred Cows, Bred Heifers, and Yearling Females for sale private treaty. Along with Two-Year Old and Yearling Bulls.

Herd Sires include:

Loewen Genesis G16 ET BR Belle Air 6011

C CJC Belle Heir ET CRR 5280

Connealy Black Granite

Connealy Power Surge 3115 CAG CC SIDELINE 7063E

LT Patriot 4004 PLD

LT Horizon and more!

C-2000 FEATURES

• Wide Opening Head Gate

• Opens same distance top to bottom

• Wide opening facilitates smooth exits & easy enticing of cattle with a clear visual path

• Revolutionary Rack & Pinion mechanism makes catching & holding cattle an easy task

• Optional Neck Extenders provide additional head control

• Head Gate control handle is reversible

• As always, made in USA

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Loren Patterson NMCGA President

Loren Patterson President Corona

Bronson Corn President-Elect Roswell

Dave Kenneke NW Vice President Cimarron

Cliff Copeland NE Vice President

Nara Visa

Jeff Decker SE Vice President Lovington

Roy Farr SW Vice President Datil

Black eye!

You’re darn right, we fought for it! As everyone knows by now, a Federal Judge in Albuquerque has opened the door for the United State Forest Service to move forward with aerial gunning of estray cattle in the Gila Wilderness.

Going before the Judge, NMCGA knew that our attempt to stop the helicopter operation was a big mountain to climb, it was last year also. In the Judge’s own findings, “A Temporary Restraining Order is an extreme remedy”.

NMCGA and other co-filers agreed we would still step into the ring, despite the knowledge we likely would not win.…that round! The reality is this issue will go on for a few more rounds. What is of the greatest concern, now having spent a day in court, is that the USFS no longer recognizes un-branded cattle as livestock but a new class of nuisance animal. I am very proud of the dedication to the fight some of our members have pledged, allowing us as an organization to step into the ring.

Fights like this make it obvious that USFS allotments are worth less and less every single year. The USFS manipulates language of the Organic Act to wield unlimited authority in management, even when it contradicts their own referenced, long standing procedural documents. What our members and the industry needs to recognize is that a courtroom and legal action is only one branch of the Government to implement the checks of unbridled authority.

Our organization is working the three branches of government not only in the state but at the Federal level to protect the many members that hold federal grazing permits or grazing land near or bordering federally administered lands.

Once again our state faces the potential of a very active fire season. I would like to thank those individuals that have donated to the NMCGA Producer Relief Fund. As an organization we were able to help producers as well as some of our own members affected by the fires last year with feed and infrastructure. As we move through spring weather events, keep an eye on the horizon for those signs of fire and do what you can to help the people of your community.

Joe Culbertson Vice

President at Large

Amistad

Shacey Sullivan Secretary

/ Treasurer Peralta

Randell Major Immediate Past President Magadalena

Tom Sidwell

Past President Quay

The Lesser Prairie Chicken listing now has the potential to impact grazing on over one-third of the private land grazing lands of our state. Considering the BLM land which will be impacted, I wouldn’t be surprised if more than a third of our AUM’s might be affected. Working with our State Land Office, agriculture lessees are protected for incidental takes on their State Land.

It is the responsibility of the individual to protect themselves on BLM or private land. Many producers have expressed concern, questioning if they want on another government list. NMCGA is not recommending anything but as President I implore you to look into the protections available to you. We are still fighting the listing and have momentum in the new congress to address the issue.

It is easy to get discouraged at the battles ahead. As an organization we have a long history of fighting the good fight and never rolling over because the difficulty of the road ahead.

Pray your neighbor gets rain, and no lightning!

Loren N. Patterson

by Caren Cowan, Publisher New Mexico Stockman

In 1997 or 1998 Hugh B. McKeen went to Washington, DC to testify about the impacts the US Forest Service (USFS) had on ranchers in New Mexico and the West. As I helped him draft his testimony, I wrote a statement that said something about the agency being a partner with livestock growers.

Hugh B. asked me to take it out. He told me it has been some time since the USFS had even made a pretense of working with allotment owners. That has been a painful lesson learned over time.

My family had little interaction with federal land managers. And that was with malice of forethought.

My great-grandfather settled in Tombstone, Arizona in 1881. He put his brand on his first cow, a dairy cow, in about 1884. Over the years he and my grandfather built a substantial ranch.

There was a rule that the first William

Big Brother

Cowan had when putt ing together ranch land. Don’t get involved with the federal government. He believed that was a future ranching on State Trust Lands, but there has never been much federal land to speak of ever as part of the ranch.

Hugh B.’s story is a long one. It took years before there were agency personnel that would work with him and others. Unfortunately the agency reassigns their people all too often and maintaining relationships is difficult.

Today the battle rages on. Hugh B. and Margie want to retire. They want to build a house on the other side of the river. Plans were well underway when they were informed that because they needed to cross 340 feet of USFS land, they are not going to be able to build the new home.

The stories have been many and varied, but at least one issue is that they didn’t put the road, with a number, on the Travel Man-

agement Plan roads map. Never mind that there are other roads that are not on the map and roads on the map that don’t have numbers.

Hopefully this can get resolved sooner rather than later. Seems like if the feds can contract with another group of feds to try and slaughter cattle with a helicopter sniper, a 340 foot road will be no hill for a stepper.

After what occurred in the Gila Wilderness in the past year, it is clear we are dealing with BIG BROTHER, not anything resembling a government that our tax dollars fund.

In February 2022 the USFS and USDA Wildlife Services gunned down 65 head of cattle in the Gila Wilderness. There was no concern about where the animals were left to bleed out or about the welfare of baby calves that became wolf food sooner rather

continued on page 14 >>

REA +.41, MRB +.30, CHB +131

JCS 1479G DOMINATOR 2301

AHA 44401302 • 2/11/22 • Horned

SR Dominator 1479G x JCS Miss Spartan 0809

CED +9.6, BW – 1.4, WW +51, YW +89, SC +1.3, MILK +26, CW +79, REA +.56, MRB +.21, CHB +129

JCS 1479G DOMINO 2307

AHA 44381699 • 2/15/22 • Horned

SR Dominator 1479G x JCS Mrs. Langdon 0729

CED +4.8, BW +2.2, WW +55, YW +92, SC +1.1, MILK +34, CW +66, REA +.25, MRB +.04, CHB +89

JCS 7314 COPPER 2356

AHA 44379457 • 3/14/22 • Horned

JCS 124Y Copper 7314 x JCS Homebrew 7154

CED – 3.7, BW +5.3, WW +64, YW +104, SC +0.8, MILK +32, CW +79, REA +.48, MRB +.10, CHB +126

JCS DOMINATOR 2348

AHA 44388613 • 3/21/22 • Horned

SR Dominator 170H x JCS 609 Dominette 9554

CED +1.6, BW +3.3, WW +60, YW +94, SC +1.1, MILK +29, CW +78, REA +.46, MRB +.32, CHB +138

than later.

The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association and others tried to get an injunction to stop the slaughter. The Federal District judge deemed that if there wasn’t a rule preventing the feds from killing cattle, then they could.

Following the slaughter there was a stipulated agreement on how the USFS and Wildlife Service could proceed if the issue ever arose again. That wasn’t worth the paper it was written on.

In the early fall of 2023 there began to be rumblings that the USFS and their gunhappy buddies were going to do it again. They did make some attempt to follow the stipulation by issuing a scoping notice on the slaughter, giving the public the opportunity to comment. However, the notice was designed for the USFS to give themselves a categorical exclusion to kill the animals with no regard to the public comments.

Somehow over time those cattle morphed into “invasive species” causing environmental damage and harm to endangered species. Never mind that over the years there have been numerous cattle gathers to remove the estray cattle when a herd built up. Big Brother

claims that some of those cattle have been out there for 50 years. Clearly animal husbandry knowledge is not necessary when you work for the government.

These animals were allowed to roam when grazing allotments were withdrawn and there was no one to keep fences up. The feds did one better by removing all the infrastructure (fences, corrals, and other management facilities) that allowed the handling of the estray animals.

On February 17 the USFS announced they would begin aerial killing gunning February 23 through 26. They claimed they needed to kill 150 head running on 100,000 acres.

With a final decision in hand, another injunction was requested from the Federal District Court. It was again denied by the same judge.

Mother Nature weighed in bringing high winds, rain and snow for part of the slaughter period. Although the period was extended by two days, Big Brother was only able to fly three days.

And how many cattle did they find and kill? A mere 19 head. The USFS says it searched the entire target area visually and with thermal imaging.

One news outlet reported that the crew spotted significant numbers of elk, deer, javelina and even rabbits — but no additional cattle were found following the operation.

Throughout this whole ordeal Big Brother has not responded to any of the numerous requests for documentation of all this environmental damage.

The truth of the matter is that this was a politically driven decision by those who want to think there are no cattle in the Wilderness when the Gila celebrates its 100th anniversary in June 2024.

As someone said on a call I was on this evening regarding another USDA agency’s overreach… They are not trustworthy.

Eco-Grief

Wyoming’s freshman Congresswoman Harriet Hageman made the news when she went to the US House Floor with the goal of ending a counseling program for US Fish & Wildlife (FWS) employees claiming to suffer from “eco-grief.” (See the full article on page 70)

One could take the position that these poor souls are suffering because ranchers and farmers are mean to them. Fat chance!

One could hope that they are suffering because their inner selves know the tragedies they are perpetrating on people who are struggling to provide food fiber for the nation and the world. Equally a fat chance.

The real need is for relief for the people suffering at the hands of the government agents… not counseling for the perpetrators.

However in the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess that I have caused as much grief as possible to unreasonable and overbearing federal agents.

Perhaps my finest hour in that realm was when a wolf program coordinator retired earlier than announced following a trip we made to Washington, DC. Then there was the time that a gun-toting Bureau of Land Management employee was sent to parts unknown before I got home from that trip.      ▫

As part of our theme, encouraging each other was a huge part of my mission this year. I have a questionnaire I send to random members and in turn, you all get to learn a little bit about their life, family and why they joined New Mexico CowBelles!

This month’s member is Melissa Gonzales of Pinon CowBelles. She and her husband, Jose, have two children – Jonah (2) and Addison (5 months). Jose runs the ranch full time and Melissa is the Chief Deputy Clerk for Harding County. Melissa was born and raised 20 miles north of Roy, NM on her family ranch.

They moved back to run the ranch in 2019 when her parents decided to semi-retire. Her reason for becoming a member started with her mom, Barbara Shaw. Barbara has been a CowBelle for as long as Melissa can remember. While growing up, she saw the many activities the CowBelles did in their community.

In her words, “It is a great organization to promote Beef, not only in our area, but throughout the state. I am a third generation rancher. It was important to my siblings and I to keep the ranch in our family when my parents were ready to step back. It is not only a great way to raise our children, but a great way of life. Sure not every day is easy, but it is flexible and a family adventure. Through the ups and downs, ranchers are very strong people and there is always something to be thankful for.”

We are proud you are a part of New Mexico CowBelles, Melissa!

– Vonda Frost

NMCB President

Silver Spur CowBelles met January 26 with 14 members present and President Trina Davis presiding. Several members not receiving minutes, due to USPS issues. 4-H sent money for license plates. December 2022 minutes were accepted and

the treasurer report accepted and filed. The total for Drive for Hunger is currently unknown. Juanita presented receipts, reimbursement approved. Membership: no new Associate memberships. 2022 Volunteer Hours: 10, 570 miles driven, 574 meeting hours, 335.5 preparation hours, 317 travel hours. Legislative: NM Livestock Board hearing regarding the USFS cattle slaughter in Gila. The Board found USFS in violation of NM State Law prohibiting cruelty. A legislature proposed bill on gun control has prompted interest in voicing opposition. NM Cattle Growers requesting volunteer bill readers to monitor legislation. Discussion followed on timing and the ability to respond. Ag in the Classroom: no news. Springer has been served by the group. Farm Bureau and CowBelles serve NM. Curriculum may be written by Mrs. Patterson of NMCG. NM CowBelles (NMCB) can provide information.

NMCB Zoom Call: Highlights of 2023 schedule: Zoom meetings, national meeting in New Orleans, Ag Fest and workshop in Abiquiu and Alamogordo. In 2024 the national meeting will be held in Las Cruces to include tour of the U.S.- Mexico border cattle crossing. The 2023 NMCB theme is B E E F, Believe, Encourage, Educate for the Future. Cattle Drive for Hunger: The winner of the beef raffle has contacted the grocer. Rachel will ask if the store can consider providing beef for next year’s raffle. Beef Raffle: Sale of 702 tickets: Members sold $759 and $383 in tickets sold at the bazaar. The net after expenses was $842.25. It was suggested improving members’ contact with the public via facebook. It was noted that collection points be moved, to increase exposure to the public. Cookbooks: Rachel will show Trina how to order from NMCB. Kidz n Kows: The Ag Literacy planning group changed the name to Ag Explorer. It will include dairy, beef and many other features. Jaime to present information at a future meeting.

2023 Yearbook: Updates based on records of Treasurer. In addition to member email addresses, it contains committee assignments, Local meeting, fair and state meeting dates. All members not in attendance are mailed a Yearbook. Addition will include phone numbers for legislators, and Wrangler and Jingle Jangle emails. Scholarships: Committee to review application following meeting. Ag Fest: February 16th. CowBelles’ booth, agricultural products, literature, product demonstrations for the benefit of legislators. Health Fairs: April. District Workshops: Rachel plans to attend Southern in Alamogordo Feb. 25th. Trina Davis may attend Northern in Abiquiu March 25th. Next regular meeting is February 23, 2023. Other Business: Deanna Trujillo spearheaded gifts for Rachel, who is retiring from post of President after 12 years. Gifts presented: rocking chair from Cracker Barrel with a plaque of appreciation, a Pendleton blanket embroidered with a message of thanks, and cash to support a trip to Inn of the Mountain Gods resort. Photos posted on Facebook. The meeting adjourned. Submitted by Diane Hudgensl

Yucca CowBelles met at Central Valley Electric in Artesia January 31. Joan Kincaid, opened the meeting and served as hostess serving delicious homemade millionaires. Riki Lopez led the pledge and Trisha Monk led the Creed. There were eight in attendance. Joan gave a report on the Annual CowBelles Meeting. Congratulating the new State Officers President Vonda Frost and Secretary Tanya Yaste of Yucca. Donations of Baby Shampoo and regular Shampoo brought for Grammy’s House in Artesia. Tina Kincaid gave a report on concerning upcoming legislation in Santa Fe on Gun Rights and Water Rights issues. Information was shared about two movies “NonCompliant” and “NonCompliant II The Sheriff” by constitutional Attorney KrisAnne Hall, and

Melissa Gonzales

an invitation to view them online extended. Go to Krisannehall.com . Trisha spoke regarding local Ag Science Centers’ challenges, the possible restructuring, a need for advisory board members from Chavez, Eddy and Lea counties, and for PhD candidates experienced in Hydrology. The group was honored to have and enjoyed hearing from guest speaker 2023 Cattleman of the Year Darrell Brown and his wife Michelle. The next meeting will be Feb. 28, 2023 at CVE in Artesia.

Tina Kincaid, Secretary

Powderhorn Cattlewomen met at the Daily Grind in Fort Sumner with six present and one guest, Sarah Gutierrez, in attendance. Prayer, Pledge, and Creed were recited. The minutes of January 12th were read and approved. Discussion regarding House bill 4, Voting Bill. Members need to call. Reminder to attend the NMCB Zoom meeting at 6 p.m. Sandy will be at Ag Fest Feb. 25th and will provide report at the next meeting. Kelsey talked about the Scholarship that is increased to $750 with three recipients. Ann requested that a newspaper article be written and placed in the Santa Rosa paper and Fort Sumner Paper talking about the scholarship. To include what the group does in the community and how group appreciates the community’s support of efforts. Kelsey delivered everything to the Hartley House. They were pleased with what was sent. The Cattlewomen welcomed Sarah Gutierrez to the meeting. Meeting adjourned 11:34 a.m. The group had lunch and then braved the snow to get home.

Mary McClain, Secretary

The Frisco Cowbelles met at the Glenwood Community Center on January 16 at 6:30 p.m. All officers and many members in attendance. Discussion of upcoming events including Ranch Days, the Catron County Fair, 4th of July BBQ and Dance, and many more. Additionally, discussion of the NMCB Cowbelles District Meeting and issues pertaining to the “Wilderness Watch” topic. The Frisco Cowbelles are honored to have two scholarship recipients this year. Both are attending college and are doing great.

The group is looking forward to having a productive and event filled year in our community. Submitted by Denise Howard

Chamiza CowBelles - The February meeting was held at Johnny B’s restaurant on February 2, 2023 and called to order at 12:05 p.m. There were eight members and one guest present. The minutes and invocation/ creed presented by Kimmy Molsbee. The minutes approved as read. As there were complications with the website, unable to have a treasurer’s report. Discussion of a

booth at the High Steaks Jackpot, however, no one available. NM CowBelles Southern District Meeting in Alamogordo on February 25. The group decided several were going and to pay for lodging. Discussion to change price of ½ - beef raffle tickets from $1 to $5, or sell $1 raffle tickets for a meat basket and the ½ beef raffle tickets for $5. With only eight members present, decision to send an email out for further discussion. The decision to change prices tabled until the next meeting. The next meeting set for March 2,

NM CowBelles Offer $2000 in Scholarships

This year the NM CowBelles will be awarding four $500 scholarships in memory of Pat Nowlin, the first president of their organization, to two graduating high school seniors and two college upperclassmen or adults returning to college to obtain their degree. Applicants must be a paid member of the NM CowBelles, a junior age member or a child/ grandchild of a NM CowBelle in order to apply.

Scholarship applications must also include:

1) The NM CowBelle Local Verification Form signed by the local CowBelle presidentand secretary who have chosen to sponsor the applicant.

2) Applicant’s photo.

3) High school transcript, home school

at Johnny B’s Restaurant at 12 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m. Submitted by Kimmy Molsbee

New Mexico CowBelles: Thank you to all who have submitted their news to Jingle Jangle. Please send minutes and/or newsletters to Jingle Jangle, Janet Witte, 1860 Foxboro Ct., Las Cruces, NM 88007 or email: janetwitte@msn.com by the 14th of every month.

record of courses, or an official transcript of the college or trade school the applicant last attended.

Applications and rules may be obtained from the scholarship chair, a NM CowBelle local, on the NM CowBelle website at https://www.newmexicocowbelles.org/ or the NM CowBelle FaceBook page at www. facebook.com/NewMexicoCowBelles Scholarship applications and attachments must be received no later than April 15, 2023.

Scholarship applications must be submitted to Shelly Hathorn, the NM CowBelle Scholarship Chair, via mail at the address below or by email to: shporter@ nmsu.edu. Contact the chair at 575/4477447 with questions regarding the scholarship applications or to make a donation to the memorial scholarship fund.

Shelly Hathorn

NM CowBelle Scholarship Chair

112 Scottsdale Drive, Clovis, NM 88101

BE SET IN YOUR WAYS OR SET ON IMPROVING THEM.

There’s no escaping change. Especially when you’re trying to keep pace with a growing nation. So when the time comes to buy new equipment, purchase land or expand your operation, Ag New Mexico Farm Credit will be there. We give rural New Mexico access to the financial support it needs to never stop growing.

Composites Simplify Reproductive Management

Composite breeds like LimFlex provide hybrid vigor in a straightbred system

by Burt Rutherford

What’s the big deal with these composite bulls, anyway? And why should I use them in my cow herd?

Those are two very valid questions, says Dr. Bob Weaber, a geneticist and head of Kansas State University’s Eastern Kansas Research and Extension Centers. For the answers, he says to look at the female side of the equation.

Why? Because that’s where composite bulls help commercial cow-calf producers realize the benefits of heterosis without the headaches of a more complex crossbreeding program. “Heterosis is just the little extra boost in performance we get above the average of the straightbred parents’ expected performance,” he says. “It’s the little icing on the cake, if you will.”

That icing may be more than just a little. “We get our biggest boost in performance due to heterosis in lowly heritable traits like cow longevity and fertility,” he says. And given today’s cost in developing replacement heifers, cow longevity is more important now than ever before.

Indeed, cow longevity and fertility are two of the most important economic traits in a commercial cow herd. Without question. That’s because you can’t sell a calf that’s never born. And the longer a cow stays in the herd, the more her calves return economic

value to the rancher.

Typical crossbreeding programs, however, can be complicated and difficult to implement, especially if you want to realize genetic improvement by retaining heifers. That’s why Weaber thinks incorporating composite

genetics like Lim-Flex into a breeding program is a good fit. Lim-Flex composites can have 25%- 75% Limousin genetics with the remainder being Registered Angus or Registered Red Angus.

“It’s very easy to implement and they (the

bulls) come with the crossbreeding system already built in,” he says. “The commercial producer doesn’t have to do anything extra in terms of breeding pastures or identifying replacement heifers by breed of their sire. It’s as simple as straight breeding.”

Composite bulls also allow cattlemen to benefit from breed complementarity when the breeds selected possess complementary traits like Limousin and Angus do. Coupled with heterosis, it adds even more to a commercial herd’s economic potential. “So, producers can expect a 13 to 15 percent improvement in weaning weight per cow exposed using a Lim-Flex breeding program, for example,” he says.

Real World Results

That’s what commercial cow-calf producers across the country have found. Shane Whiting and his two sons run around 1000 commercial cows in northeast Utah near Roosevelt—all Lim-Flex, bulls and cows

HAYHOOK Lim Flex

alike. His operation is testimony to how Limousin genetics have changed and improved over the years.

“Docility and calving ease are the two number-one things for a commercial rancher,” he says. “And the docility of the Lim-Flex is really great. But calving ease is top of the line. She has to be able to produce a calf without a lot of problems.”

Beyond that, he appreciates the longevity and fertility of his cows. “We run all our cows until they turn 12 years of age,” he says, adding that they have a 60-day breeding and calving season. “And our conception rate with Lim-Flex cattle has run 95-96 percent consecutively for up to 20 years now.”

That’s notable because he doesn’t coddle his cattle. “We’re grass farmers,” he says, and that’s what his cattle get by on.

He also appreciates that his cows have a moderate frame size, yet they milk well. “We

have better longevity and we have a better bag,” he says. “These hold up.”

Then there’s payday. Whiting has carcass data on thousands of head beginning in 2014. That year, his calves came down the rail grading 94 percent Choice and Prime. “Now we’re at 97 percent and they (the feedyard) think we have peaked out.”

Looking at data from the Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, helps explain why Whiting’s Lim-Flex cows perform well on a diet largely of grass and grass hay. According to the research, Limousin-sired heifers had lower feed intake (3.25 lbs./head/day) than Angus, Weaber says. The Limousin heifers also had lower body weight gain, about 0.3 lb./head/day.

“There was no statistical difference in feed efficiency yet lower intake. That’s likely tied to the expected lower mature weights on these females,” Weaber says. Citing other research, Weaber points out that Limousin females had the lowest mature cow weight among 10 breeds, with weights corrected for breed effect and contrasted to Angus.

Hitting Home Runs in the Southeast

Will Hargett owns a small sale barn in Ayden, North Carolina, in the eastern part of the state. “We handle quite a few cattle that are in less than load lots,” he says, with calves coming from cow herds ranging from 20 to around 100 head.

A number of years ago, he marketed some Lim-Flex calves. “We sold them to a gentleman in the western part of North Carolina who backgrounded and finished them,” Hargett says. “About a year later, he called me back and said, ‘We’ve been in the business for three generations and that last set of calves we bought out of your barn really showed us something.’”

Hargett is always on the lookout for ways to help his customers improve. He did a little research and decided he would help place some Lim-Flex bulls with area cow-calf producers.

“We’ve had a great experience with LimFlex bulls in recent years with what I would consider to be fairly average commercial cows, and just get outstanding calves coming off these cows,” he says. “And we’ve had a lot of good response from the people buying these calves.”

Several of his customers retain their heifers. Bred back to Lim-Flex bulls, “They’re not throwing anything with bad temperament issues. They’re easy to handle, they’re good milkers, they’re good mothers and are producing fantastic calves.”

To that end, he says the Lim-Flex genetics

are busting some age-old myths. “I was very impressed with the myth-busting left over from the late 90s and early 2000s where, in this part of the country, Limousin had a reputation of being a little too framey, not very good milkers and not very good temperament in some cases,” he says.

“And it just couldn’t be any different today. They’re thick, they have great carcass quality and the females are heavy milkers. And they’re easy to handle. It’s just a totally different animal. So, it’s been quite a surprise over the years.”

Drought Insurance

“We’ve been tested pretty hard as far as weather the last handful of years,” says Shane Anderson. “Mostly drought and feeding a lot of poor-quality roughages. And they seem to be holding up.”

Anderson, a cow-calf producer from Towner, North Dakota, says that over the years he’s used Lim-Flex genetics, he sees more consistency in the conformation and disposition of the cattle. “I’ve had a lot of confidence in the Lim-Flex females as far as calving ease and the vigor of the calves when they get up and get going. They’re really a herd that doesn’t require a lot of attention in the spring. And that’s a big seller for me.”

He’ll come back with Lim-Flex bulls on his replacement heifers. “I’m getting some thickness in the calves, some muscle. So, on the steer side, these percentage Lim-Flex cattle are producing some thick-made feeder calves,” he says. “I’m happy with the selection I’m finding in the Lim-Flex breed as far as bulls that hit my maternal needs as well as ones that hit the benchmark as far as the feeder calves and the performance I expect from them.”

What’s more, he’s impressed with the longevity of Lim-Flex females. Because of ongoing drought, he culled pretty deep, but says there are still some females in his herd that are producing at 12-13 years old, “bringing in a decent calf and they’re still running out with the middle-age cows. They’re condition holds up well and they’re still bringing a calf in.”

When the time does come to rotate the old cows out of the herd, their condition and ability to yield adds value at the sale barn, he says. “I still want some salvage value and you know what? Even at 12, 13 years of age, they sell just as they would if they were five, six, seven years old. They look good.”      ▫

Walking Spear Land & Cattle

LIMOUSIN & LIM-FLEX CATTLE

Cory, Pam & Chad DiPeso Roswell, NM

Chad: 520/678-9178

Cory: 520/508-6757

ROSWELL LIVESTOCK AUCTION SALES, INC.

& ROSWELL LIVESTOCK AUCTION TRUCKING, INC.

900 North Garden · P.O. Box 2041

Roswell, New Mexico 88201

575/622-5580

www.roswelllivestockauction.com

CATTLE SALES: MONDAYS HORSE SALES

BENNY WOOTON CELL 575/626-4754

SMILEY WOOTON CELL 575/626-6253

Producers hauling cattle to Roswell Livestock New Mexico Receiving Stations need to call our toll-free number for a Transportation Permit number before leaving home. The Hauling Permit number 1-800-748-1541 is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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

Roswell livestock Auction Receiving stAtions

LORDSBURG, NM

20 Bar Livestock Highway #90 at NM #3 – East side of highway. Receiving cattle for transport 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month. Truck leaves Lordsburg on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (MST) Smiley Wooton, 575/622-5580 office, 575/6266253 cell.

PECOS, TX

Jason Heritage is now receiving cattle every Sunday. For information to unload contact Jason Heritage 575/8409544 or Smiley Wooton 575/626-6253. NO PRIOR PERMITS REQUIRED. Trucks leave Sunday at 4:00 p.m. (CST)

VAN HORN, TX

800 West 2nd, 5 blocks west of Courthouse. Bob Kinford, 432/284-1553. Trucks leave 1st & 3rd Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (CST)

MORIARTY, NM

Two blocks east and one block south of Tillery Chevrolet. Smiley Wooton 575/622-5580 office, 575/626-6253 mobile. Trucks leave Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (MST)

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. Michael Taylor 575/418-7398. Trucks leave Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (MST)

by Melissa Sue Sorrells, meatingplace.com

Consumers not Looking to Reduce Meat Intake: Purdue Research

While consumers are spending significantly more for food than they did last year, the desire to cut back on meat intake has not increased, according to a new survey conducted by Purdue University.

The second annual Consumer Food Insight Report, released by the university’s Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability, found that on average, food prices have risen about 19 percent from a year ago. However, meat purchases have not fallen in kind.

“People are generally knowledgeable about the actions needed to improve health and want to pursue them,” Purdue agricultural economics professor Jayson Lusk wrote in a statement about the report. “However, they don’t necessarily want to give up on taste and indulgences. For example, eating less meat is low on the list of priorities of most Americans.”

Instead, the survey found that consumers are interested in eating more fruits and vegetables and less sugar as a means of improving health. The only idea consumers liked less than cutting back on meat was “growing your own food.”

Purdue experts conducted and evaluated the survey, which included 1,200 consumers across the U.S.

Philippines Bans Beef from the Netherlands, Poultry Products from Turkey

by Jordeene B. Lagare, Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily banned the importation of cattle and related products from The Netherlands and poultry products from Turkey. This is due to the reported outbreak of mad cow disease in The Netherlands and of avian influenza in Turkey.

The ban covers live animals, meat and meat by-products derived from cattle, as well as domestic and wild birds and their products from the countries covered.

“This order shall take effect immediately and shall remain enforced unless revoked in writing. All orders inconsistent herewith are deemed revoked,” the orders issued separately read.

With the ban in place, the DA immediately suspended the processing, evaluation of applications and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import clearance for the said products.

All meat shipments coming from The Netherlands that are in transit/loaded/accepted unto port prior to the issuance of this order will be allowed, provided the products were slaughtered or produced on or before January 1.

In the case of poultry products coming from Turkey, those in transit/loaded/accepted unto port before the imposition of the ban will be allowed entry into the country as long as these were slaugh-

tered or produced on or before January 17.

The DA will carry out a more rigorous inspection on all arrivals of meat and meat by-products, as well as domestic and wild birds and their products in all major ports of entry.

Earlier, The Netherlands’ chief veterinary officer reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) an outbreak of mad cow disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) affecting domestic cattle last February.

Also, authorities from Turkey informed the WOAH there was an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 in Asagihilal, Afyon which hit domestic birds.

“The recent cases of BSE, commonly known as mad cow disease, in The Netherlands as reported to the WOAH may pose a risk to consumers due to BSE’s assumed link with the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in humans,” the DA said. “There is a need to prevent the entry of HPAI virus to protect the health of the local poultry population,” it added.       ▫

Brazil to Halt Beef Exports to China After Mad Cow Disease Case

Source: Reuters

Brazil’s beef exports to China will be halted starting February 23, 2023 after a case of mad cow disease was confirmed in the northern state of Para, the country’s agriculture and livestock ministry said.

The suspension is part of an animal health pact previously agreed between China and Brazil and is expected to be temporary. It is a blow to Brazilian farmers, as China is the main destination for Brazil’s beef exports.

“All measures are being taken immediately at each stage of the investigation and the matter is being handled with total transparency to guarantee Brazilian and global consumers the recognized quality of our meat,” said Minister Carlos Favaro.

A case of the disease, formally called

bovine spongiform encephalitis, was confirmed earlier by Para’s agricultural defense agency.

“The symptomatology indicates that it is the atypical form of the disease, which appears spontaneously in nature, causing no risk of dissemination to the herd and to humans,” the agency said in a statement.

The sick animal was on a property with 160 head of cattle in the southeast of the state. The site has been inspected and preventively interdicted, the agency added.

Samples were sent to the World Organization for Animal Health lab in Alberta, Canada, to confirm whether it was the classic form of the disease or its “atypical” version.

In 2021, two cases of the disease triggered a suspension in beef exports to China that lasted more than three months.

No. 47 Stumbled — No. 48 Soared

Why New Mexico has languished and Arizona has thrived

by D. Dowd Muska, Southwest Public Policy Institute

In mid-February the Grand Canyon State celebrated 111 years in the union. But a month and eight days before the State of Arizona entered the Republic, its neighbor to the east put its own star on Old Glory. The Territory of New Mexico became the 47th state, the Territory of Arizona the 48th. Both are dry and sunny. Both share long borders with a foreign nation. Both have some truly magisterial scenery.

But that’s where the similarities end.

As difficult as it may be to believe, in 1912, New Mexico had more residents than Arizona. The 1910 census put the popula-

tions at 327,301 and 204,354. By the first few decades of the 21st century, things had changed, bigtime. In 2020, there were 7,151,502 Arizonans, compared to just 2,117,522 New Mexicans. The former’s growth rate had exceeded the latter’s by a factor of 5.4.

The states’ divergent fortunes stem largely from the complicated nexus of culture and policy that not even the keenest researchers can quantify to a precise degree. But over decades, the admixture’s impacts can be measured. Simply put, Arizona bet its future on the private sector, while the Land of Enchantment chose to become a ward of Washington.

And as even Lee Reynis, a left-wing professor at the University of New Mexico once put it: “If the federal government is so good, how come we’re so poor?”

Mean and median wages are slightly higher in Arizona, and while a cheaper cost of living in New Mexico narrows the gap, the disparity in labor force participation makes for a dramatic overall difference. The median household in Arizona enjoys an income advantage of 32.5 percent.

Factor in New Mexico’s horrific social pathologies — e.g., severe violent and property crime, sky-high illegitimacy, rampant

substance abuse, the worst dropout rate in the nation, political corruption driven by nine decades of one-party rule — and the two states’ courses diverge even more starkly.

Arizona is not paradise, of course. The state is hardly crime-free, for example. But there are solid reasons why it’s a national leader in both natural increase and in-migration. Spending restraint (for 2019, $9,146 in state and local expenditures per capita, versus New Mexico’s $12,285) allows for a noticeably lighter tax burden.

This year, the Grand Canyon State will impose the lowest flat-rate levy on personal income in the nation. A right-to-work law (adopted as quickly as D.C. permitted) attracts significant domestic and international investment. And parents have a strong justification to beat a path to Arizona — last year, it enhanced its already-impressive record on education freedom by becoming “the first state to embrace universal school choice.”

William A. Pile, appointed governor of New Mexico in 1869, lamented: “The key to the utter want of enterprise in our Territory can be found in its entire dependency on government patronage ever since its annexation to the United States.”

The minister, congressman, Union Army

general, and Indiana native spent less than two years in the Land of Enchantment, but he understood that relying on “government expenditures as our source of wealth” was a mistake.

Arizona’s leaders understood it, too. And in sharp contrast to their counterparts in New Mexico, they made the desert bloom with opportunity.

In a 2016 analysis, Duquesne University’s Matt E. Ryan studied 50 years of the two states’ economic data. He concluded:

Arizona’s economy relied more upon market activity, whereby New Mexico had a larger reliance on the public sector … As expected, areas that rely on markets grow faster and generate wealthier areas over time, and the Arizona/New Mexico

dynamic is the perfect example. From a beginning ratio of 1.45-to-1, the Arizona economy, relative to New Mexico, grew to over three times the size of its neighbor in less than 50 years. By comparison, if New Mexico had experienced the growth that Arizona had, and vice versa, over the same time span, the New Mexico economy would be nearly 50 percent larger than the Arizona economy. Small differences in growth rates have staggering results over the long run, and indeed, modest differences in an economy’s reliance on the private sector generate marked discrepancies in an economy’s level of wealth and a society’s level of well-being.

The results point to the immediate policy prescription of minimizing the foot-

print of the public sector on any state’s economic activity — even if only marginally. Reducing public outlays, minimizing tax burdens and cutting regulation all play a direct role in shifting the focus away from the public sector and into private sector. By doing so, states’ economies can grow faster and … residents can more quickly reap the benefits of increased wealth. ▫

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

Governing Against All Odds in the 1850s

New Mexico Territorial government did not make an auspicious beginning in the 1850s. The first four governors, appointed by Presidents Fillmore, Pierce, and Buchanan, were James S. Calhoun, William Carr Lane, David Meriwether, and Abraham Rencher. They faced formidable challenges and were obliged to function with few resources and little support from Washington.1 These were men who had been successful in life before they reached New

Mexico: two of them were lawyers, one a medical doctor, and one an army colonel. Among them they had held numerous elected offices at the local, state and national levels.

Problems with the nomadic, and hostile, Indian tribes were at top of their lists. The fact that, with but a few periods of respite, Indian raiding, and counter-raiding, had been going on since the Spanish arrived in the late 16th century, didn’t make the matter less important to New Mexicans in the middle 19th century. Many American citizens, who had been Mexican citizens only a few years before, favored American rule because they hoped that the newcomers would do a better job of dealing with the hostiles than had the earlier Spanish and Mexican governments. They didn’t, of course. Conflict between civil and military leaders, who both believed they had the upper-hand in dealing with Indians, also created difficulties. While governors had more implied political power, military commanders controlled the most important commodity in the territory: money.2

There was unhappiness among those New Mexicans who had favored statehood over territorial status. And too, there were those citizens who vehemently opposed any form of American rule, and they were not reluc-

tant to make their feelings known. The early governors were well aware that New Mexico’s first civil executive, Charles Bent, who had been appointed by General Stephen Watts Kearney in 1846, was murdered by Mexican nationalists and Taos Indians only a few years earlier (January 19, 1847).

Changes in the criminal justice system, from the Spanish and Mexican to the American, also required some attention. Under the former, criminal penalties generally included various forms of corporal punishment, exile, labor on public works, fines and/or confiscation of property.3 Under the latter system, incarceration was the normal punishment for criminal acts, and that required the construction and maintenance of prisons; both of which required money.

Population characteristics were a problem, too. The 1850 census reported that New Mexico (which included what is now Arizona and part of southern Colorado) had a population of about 61,500. Historian Ralph Emerson Twitchell estimated that of that number, only about 1,000 were “American born.” It must be noted, too, that Indians were not counted in the census but some sources estimated that 7,000 Pueblo and Hopi people lived in New Mexico by 1851. Ten years later, the territorial population was

approaching 94,000, or an increase of about 50 percent. Many newcomers were Anglos who migrated from the east, or Texas, and their makeup was far from monolithic. Those who settled in the northern part of the territory, generally around Taos, Santa Fe and Albuquerque, were largely there by way of Missouri and opposed to slavery and supported the Union. Those who settled in southern New Mexico, generally from the Mesilla Valley and west to Tucson, tended to be Texans, or otherwise southerners, who supported slavery and the Confederacy by early in the 1860s.

The arrival in New Mexico of Catholic Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy in 1850 further confused matters within the political power structure as well as the religious community.

John Greiner, New Mexico’s first territorial secretary, probably best described the situation:

“Everybody and everything in this … country [New Mexico] appears at cross purposes. In the first place the civil and military authorities are at war. Colonel [Edwin Vose] Sumner refuses to acknowledge the right of the Governor to send Indian agents with him to the Indian country—and will not afford the proper facilities for them to go—and the

governor refuses to send them. The governor and secretary of the Territory cannot hitch horses. The American residents are at war with the governor, while the Mexican population sides with him. Even the missionaries are at logger-heads. The Baptist preacher… is at war with the Methodist …and ‘wicewersa.’ [sic]”4

John S. Calhoun did not aspire to the gubernatorial appointment. His wishes notwithstanding, President Millard Fillmore appointed him New Mexico’s first territorial governor in 1851. His troubles began almost immediately.

Calhoun was obliged to operate a government which had no money in the territorial coffers and little authority. After six months in office, he wrote to Washington:

“Without a dollar in our territorial treasury, without munitions of war, without authority to call out our militia, without the cooperation of the military authorities of this territory, and with numberless complaints and calls for protection, do you not perceive I must be sadly embarrassed and disquieted?” 5

Calhoun left New Mexico in May of 1852 and died along the trail to Missouri on July 12. He was interred at Kansas City.

Endnotes

1 Three other men—John Greiner, William S. Messervy and William W. H. Davis—held the office of governor on an interim basis for a short time, and one other, Col. Edwin Vose Sumner, claimed to be “in charge of the Executive Office” for a short time in 1852. Calhoun, Lane, Meriwether, and Rencher were the presidential appointees.

2 Military expenditures for the construction of forts, the purchase of supplies and equipment, and the employment of civilians were the greatest economic factors in the early territorial years.

3 Marc Simmons, Spanish Government in New Mexico.

4 Quoted from Ralph Emerson Twitchell, Leading Facts of New Mexican History.

5 Quoted from Twitchell, as above. Several historians refer to this letter, but none cite details concerning to whom, specifically, it was written. It is not to be found in the New Mexico Archives.

Note: A book by Sherry Robinson published in 2021, James Silas Calhoun, is an excellent source.      ▫

Vanishing

Habitats

for

Wildlife Greatly Exaggerated in Push for ‘Biodiversity,’ Biden’s ’30 by 30’ Land Grab

by Rob Gordon, Daily Signal

Decades-long mantras about “vanishing habitat” and ever-growing threats to wildlife have long been used to justify locking up more land through federal ownership or other restrictive measures.

The perfect example is the Biden administration’s proposal to conserve 30 percent of the nation by 2030—aka “30 by 30.” Exactly what the administration envisions is ambiguous, as it hasn’t defined words like “conserve” and “protect,” although insiders at the Department of the Interior say the 30 percent language is being incorporated into many Interior Department documents.

At an event leading up to the U.N. conference on climate change in Egypt in November, Monica Medina, the assistant secretary of State for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, spoke at one of the staggering number of “side events.”

There, her new additional title was men-

tioned, special envoy for biodiversity and water resources. By glitch or otherwise, a video’s audio of Medina’s remarks cuts out for almost the first minute. After it returns, she states, “… not only do we need 30 percent, but one of the other speakers mentioned we need 30 percent to 50 percent.”

“So, by aiming for 30 percent, we’re already aiming at the least ambitious target we can, and it seems like it’s challenging for us to reach. So, if I had one key message first, it’s that 30 percent is on the low end of what we need.”

She goes on to say, “We have this upcoming [Conference of the Parties] on biodiversity where hopefully we will adopt that [30 percent] as our North Star.”

That Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity took place in December in Montreal. The draft framework states the purpose of the gathering was “ … to catalyze, enable and galvanize urgent and transformative action by governments, subnational and local governments, and with the involvement of all of society … .”

According to one report, some 18,000 participants convened at the China-chaired conference to hash out the particulars of this “transformative action,” crafting four goals and 23 framework targets. One of the several underlying draft decision documents calls

for adoption of “national biodiversity strategies and action plans” to be used as “policy and/or legal instruments and to mainstream them (or elements thereof) with broader strategies and plans, such as national sustainable development plans … .”

The United States, however, does not need “30 by 30” or any other “transformations” to save its biodiversity.

As detailed in a special report from The Heritage Foundation, government—federal, state, and local—already owns more than one-third of the nation’s land mass. Federal lands account for the majority of it, about 27 percent of the nation. All government lands in the U.S. combined constitute an area larger than India. Land trusts and other nongovernmental organizations own an additional 20 million square miles (about the combined area of Maryland and Vermont).

If that’s not enough, federal regulatory powers under the Endangered Species Act and over wetlands under the Clean Water Act are applicable to hundreds of millions of acres.

As the vast majority of us live in urban or suburban areas, land that is developed to one degree or another is mostly what we see.

Consequently, it’s hard to envision, based on government satellite data, that developed land only constitutes 5.3 percent of the 48

contiguous states and more than half of that is “developed open space.”

Add intensively managed agriculture— crops, hay, and pasture—and that figure rises to under 30 percent, leaving more than 70 percent for forest, scrub, grasslands, wetlands, and other such generally natural land covers.

Separate federal data shows that for Hawaii, 88 percent of land is in generally natural land covers, while for Alaska, it is more than 99 percent.

Contrary to what you might hear, the U.S. is not experiencing a dramatic loss of habitat at the national level. In fact, in the decade and a half between 2001 and 2016, developed land increased by only about 0.3 percent in the lower 48 states.

Take for example this, according to the U.S. Forest Service: “Since the beginning of the past century, the size of this [forest area] inventory has been relatively stable, and the forests it represents remain largely intact.

“This stability is in spite of a nearly threefold increase in population over the same period and is in marked contrast with many countries, where wide-scale deforestation remains a pressing concern,” it continued.

Similarly, Natural Resources Conservation Service data show a large decline in crop and pasture land, from 552 million acres in 1982 to 489 million acres in 2017. Unsurprisingly, this is in large part because agriculture has become increasing efficient.

These government data points do not square with claims that habitat across the country is disappearing at an alarming rate. Consequently, it’s understandable that similar warnings about the general demise of the nation’s wildlife dependent upon this habitat are also inconsistent with much of what one hears.

Just before and after 1900, many species were dramatically depleted. Often, animals were targeted for eradication or were being hunted faster than they could replenish their populations, and the numbers of those animals plummeted and their ranges often contracted.

Today, however, many have recovered, often dramatically. Among them are the pronghorn, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mule and white-tailed deer, musk ox, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, otter, fisher, beaver, trumpeter and tundra swans, many species of geese, turkey, osprey, merlin, and redtailed, red-shouldered, and Cooper’s hawks. There are many more.

There are many reasons for this good news, but one of the most significant is that the unlimited harvest and widespread shooting to eliminate animals once considered

threats or competitors to people, domesticated species or crops, or to other “desirable” wild species came to an end, and they have since rebounded.

There is a lot of good news regarding habitat and biodiversity in the U.S. Given the vastness of the nation, it’s difficult for many people—who live in that small fraction of the country that is urban or suburban—to reconcile this reality with the relentless mantras they hear about everything disappearing.

Reality, however, does not justify efforts to enact additional special designations upon, and expanded regulation of, private lands or efforts to enlarge the already

massive and unmanageable government land holdings.

The enormous federal real estate portfolio is already plagued by chronic maintenance backlogs. We don’t need more federally “conserved” and “protected” land or any more “transformations” forced by Washington. What we really need is to protect the nation’s unencumbered private property.

Rob Gordon writes on natural resources issues and has served as subcommittee staff director for the House Committee on Natural Resources, as senior adviser to the director of the U.S. Geological Survey, as deputy assistant secretary for policy and environmental management at the Department of the Interior, and on Virginia’s Board of Conservation and Recreation.      ▫

FWS Proposes New Rule for Take Permits Under the Endangered Species Act

Conservationists claim the new rule combines policies in a way that fails to require permanent conservation measures and allows participants to back out of the agreement at any point.

by Alanna Madden, Courthouse News

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed a new rule in early February to revise regulations regarding survival and incidental take permits under the Endangered Species Act.

The announcement received mixed reactions by midafternoon, with the Interior Department stating the rule strengthened voluntary conservation opportunities, while conservationists claimed it streamlined the process for companies to harm vulnerable species.

According to FWS’s proposed enhancement of survival and incidental take permits,

the overall purpose of its revisions are intended to reduce costs and time associated with negotiating and developing applications for take permits — where “take” is broadly defined as “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect or to attempt to engage in any such conduct,” according to NOAA Fisheries.

However, the revisions themselves include clarifying the appropriate use of permits and the agency’s authority to issue permits for non-listed species without including listed species. The revisions also include simplifying requirements for permits by combining safe harbor agreements and candidate conservation agreements with assurances — or voluntary landowner agreements — into one agreement type.

“The purpose of the proposed regulatory revisions is to improve the implementation of the conservation programs under ESA section 10(a) and to increase voluntary participation,” wrote Christine Schuldheisz, public affairs specialist for FWS, in an email with CNS.

Schuldheisz further explained that the agency plans to achieve this goal by simplifying processes and concepts that are often the sources of confusion and delay.

“The proposed rule would not signifi-

Cattlemens Livestock

cantly change the way we currently implement the section 10 program or expand the reach of species protections,” Schuldheisz added. “To the extent the revisions relate to the documents required to support a permit application, they clarify the requirements for those documents but do not impose additional requirements that would result in significantly increased costs to small entities.”

When asked how the proposed rule change would benefit threatened or endangered species, Schuldheisz gave reference to the Interior’s press release earlier Wednesday, which stated: “ESA section 10 permits have long been used to encourage candidate conservation agreements with assurances and safe harbor agreements, which are voluntary landowner agreements designed to benefit candidates or listed species, respectively.

“They have also been used to permit the take of listed species incidental to private development activities. ESA Section 10 permits allow for a variety of activities, some of which can benefit endangered species through innovation.”

But contrary to the Interior’s point, the

Pepper Beef Steaks with ChileCilantro Butter

35 Minutes

4 Servings

8 Ingredients

Ingredients:

4 3/4 inch thick Sirloin Tip Center Steaks

1/3 cup country Dijon-style mustard

2 tablespoons peppercorns

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/4 cup butter

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon garlic

2 anaheim peppers

Preparation: Step 1

Combine mustard, peppercorns and cumin in small bowl. Remove and reserve 1/2 for brushing. Spread remaining mustard mixture on both sides of beef Sirloin Tip Center Steaks. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 1 hour.

Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) claims the new rule combines two policies into one that “fails to require permanent conservation measures and allows participants to back out of the agreement at any point.”

“This lackluster rule is like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic,” said Stephanie Kurose, a senior policy specialist for the CBD, in a statement. “The Service missed a huge opportunity to make meaningful progress to recover our most vulnerable animals and plants. With time running out, we can’t afford more of the status quo.”

The CBD explained that the proposed rule fails to include “strong monitoring and accountability requirements,” which would help FWS determine when species have been harmed at a greater level than authorized or have experienced a significant species-level population decline. Additionally, the Center claimed such changes wouldn’t limit the time it takes to develop these plans, which often take more than a decade due to insufficient resources.

Even so, Schuldheisz explained that by making the clarifications the agency did,

Step 2

Combine butter, cilantro and garlic in small bowl. Set aside.

Step 3

Place steaks and peppers on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill 8 to 11 minutes) until steaks are medium rare (145°F) doneness and peppers are blackened, turning occasionally and brushing steaks with reserved mustard mixture during the last 4 minutes. (Do not overcook.)

Step 4

Remove blackened peppers; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Remove skin, stems and seeds. Chop peppers and stir 1/2 into butter mixture. Top each steak with 1 teaspoon butter mixture. Sprinkle with remaining chopped peppers. Serve with remaining butter.

Nutrition information per serving: 278 Calories; 9 Calories from fat; 1g Total Fat ) 108 mg Cholesterol; 581 mg Sodium; 9 g Total Carbohydrate; 37 g Protein; 5.5 mg Iron; 5 mg NE Niacin; 0.6 mg Vitamin B6; 3.7 mcg Vitamin B12; 9.2 mg Zinc. This recipe is an excellent source of Protein, Iron, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Zinc.

FWS would improve the implementation of its conservation programs under the Endangered Species Act and increase its voluntary participation.

In explaining the difference between the agency’s take permits, for example, Schuldheisz wrote, “An enhancement of survival permits authorizing the take of covered species, above the baseline condition, when the primary purpose of the associated conservation agreement is to implement beneficial actions that address threats to the covered species, establish new wild populations, or otherwise benefit the covered species.”

In contrast, Schuldheisz explained incidental take permits authorize take that is incidental to otherwise lawful activities, such as resource extraction, commercial and residential development and energy development.

“The conservation actions in the associated conservation plan minimize and mitigate the impacts of the authorized take,” Schuldheisz wrote.

FWS’s announcement comes a day after a magistrate judge sided with the agency’s decision to permit a gas and oil company to cause “take” on threatened polar bears and Pacific walruses in northern Alaska.

We Know Agriculture...

Please call Colten Grau to arrange a visit. He’s working hard for our ag community and he’s eager to go to work for you!

Give us a chance to compete for your land and operating loans!

—Colten Grau, Assistant Vice President

“I’ll work hard for your business. Customer success is my top priority.”

linkedin.com/american-heritage-bank-nm facebook.com/americanheritagebanknm

www.ahbnm.com

Mac Langford, President/CCO

“LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR AG LOAN!”

Gordon Morris, Chairman of the Board/EVP

Colten Grau, Assistant Vice President

by Lee Pitts

The Dictionary of Junk

If you’re a reader of classified ads like myself, you know there’s some confusion as to what we should call the sale of the debris left over from living our lives. What is the difference, for example, between a yard sale and a barn sale? I’ll attempt to answer that question, and many more, about what you should expect next time you go looking for the junk you don’t need and will never use.

Garage Sale – This is what what happens when the husband finally cleans out the

garage after years of nagging. Since none of the man’s stuff qualifies as junk that means everything that’s for sale will belong to the wife or kids. Mostly it’s Tupperware without lids, kid’s clothes that have been handed down two times too many, broken Roseville pottery, 1954 World Book Encyclopedias and napkins for a wedding reception that ended in divorce years ago. The garage sale is seen as a quick way to generate some income to keep the lights on and the family fed in a cash-flow emergency. But beware, some entrepreneurial types buy stuff at other garage sales and sell it at their own after marking it up 300 percent. I know one guy who actually tells people at his weekly garage sales that if they didn’t find what they were looking for, he could order it for them.

Rummage Sale – This is a garage sale on steroids for churches and PTA’s. The organizations and churches ask their members to bring any unwanted items and on a Saturday all the junk is offered to the general public. Except... if there’s anything good some church member will grab it long before the general public ever sees it. I know one atheist antique dealer who joined the Methodist church just to get first crack at their rummage! That’s why the only things left are year-old calendars, clothes with broken

zippers, ancient computers and printers, jigsaw puzzles with pieces missing, Danielle Steele and John Grisham paperbacks, TimeLife books and Pyrex nesting bowl sets that are missing the blue bowl. (Why is it always the small blue bowl?)

Yard Sale – These are nothing more than drive-by garage sales where people can look at the junk while creeping by in their cars at five miles per hour. The problem is the driver often forgets they’re driving. These sales are good if you need a mangled Chevy pickup bumper from 1970, particle board furniture or an old couch that’s missing a cushion or two. They’re also good for avoiding sales tax because no one charges it. Once I really scored when I bought a 100-piece ball cap collection. Since most of the caps were the kind with webbing, which I hate, I use the caps as oil strainers and throw them away when clogged. I also bought what I think is the largest ballpoint pen collection in the world featuring pens that advertise constipation drugs that I think belonged to a gastroenterologist.

Barn Sale – These should really be called “Rust Sales” because everything is covered in it. People go to these because they’ve heard about “barn find” Ferraris worth two million bucks and Snap On toolboxes filled with hundred dollar wrenches. Mostly what you’ll find are certified pre-used bolts and rusty nails. Lots and lots of rusty nails, because no one has pounded a nail since pneumatic nailguns were invented. You’ll also find pallets of one gallon paint cans that are one fourth full of mustard yellow or pea-soup-colored paint. Here’s some good advice: never buy a rattle can of paint at a barn sale and always plug in those old Craftsman drills to see if they work.

Estate Sale – These are far-and-away the best junk for the money but be advised, there’s an entire subset of dealers who scan Craigslist for these sales, get up at two thirty in the morning to be first in line, and then buy up all the good stuff to sell in their booth at an antique mall. Also, because the words “estate sale” attracts buyers like bars do drunks, often times you’ll see garage or yard sales advertised as “estate sales”. But remember, to be a true estate sale someone had to die.

Estate sales are unbeatable for acquiring junk to sell at your own estate sale when you croak.      ▫

Select Sires Inc. Announces Low Carbon Technologies

Select Sires Inc. announces the creation of Low Carbon Technologies, LLC, as part of its farmer-owned cooperative. Low Carbon Technologies will serve beef and dairy farmers who are looking to document, verify and improve their operation’s carbon footprint and overall sustainability.

“Our farmers are looking for ways to both prove and improve how they are producing food sustainably. Through Low Carbon Technologies, we intend to be their partner in increasing the value of environmental stewardship to their operations,” said David Thorbahn, president and CEO, Select Sires Inc.

As part of its launch, Low Carbon Technologies is acquiring Low Carbon Beef, LLC (LCB). This cattle certification company enables beef farmers and ranchers to add value to cattle that are raised with less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. LCB is a USDA Process Verified Program (PVP) service provider and has the distinction of being the first PVP for calculating the GHG emissions for the beef production life cycle.

Colin Beal, Ph.D., founder of Low Carbon Beef, has been named CEO of Low Carbon Technologies and Chief Sustainability Officer at Select Sires Inc.

“LCB’s certification programs enable farmers and ranchers to earn premiums for reducing carbon emissions of their operation,” said Beal. “We are excited to develop Low Carbon Technologies with Select Sires given Select Sires’ long history of helping beef and dairy producers enhance productivity and profitability.”

Low Carbon Technologies’ science-based certification programs utilize a comprehen-

sive life cycle assessment (LCA) to determine certification scores for candidate cattle based on management practices and cattle performance. The criteria in the current program span the “four F” categories of feed, fuel, fertilizer and cattle function to determine the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of the cattle being evaluated.

Low Carbon Technologies will certify cattle regardless of the source of genetics. Longer term, the enterprise intends to expand sustainability assessments to other agriculture goods.

“Every day, farmers are taking action to be more sustainable,” said Beal. “Farmers and

ranchers who produce cattle efficiently and with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the packers or processors who participate, deserve a premium for their efforts to improve the carbon footprint of beef products. Low Carbon Technologies provides third-party certifications that retailers, restaurant operators, and consumers need to make informed choices about their beef.”

GOP Introduces Bill to Exclude Ag from SEC Climate Rules

Source: High Plains Journal

Congressman Frank Lucas (R-OK), who serves on the House Committee and Financial Services and is a former chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, along with U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Mike Braun (R-IN), reintroduced legislation to protect family farmers and ranchers from burdensome

greenhouse gas emissions reporting rules proposed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Protect Farmers from the SEC Act would exempt family farmers and ranchers from being included in the indirect GHG reporting requirements, ensuring they would not be required to track and disclose granular on-farm data regarding individual operations and day-to-day activities in order to stay compliant with the companies that purchase their products.

“America’s family farmers and ranchers face many challenges in the marketplace as they work to produce more commodities while using fewer resources. The SEC’s efforts to use financial regulation to implement a climate agenda would hinder the ability of American farmers and ranchers to compete in global markets and creating onerous compliance requirements for operations with few or no employees,” Lucas said. “Nevertheless, federal securities laws already require publicly traded companies to disclose material risks to investors; the SEC’s ill-advised climate disclosure rule undermines the materiality standard for environmental policy purposes.”

“All it takes is a basic understanding of how agriculture works to see how misguided

animal & range sCienCes

ANIMAL & RANGE SCIENCES

The Department of Animal & Range Sciences is part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

The Department of Animal & Range Sciences is part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

Four on-campus animal facilities house:

beeF CaTTle/horses/swine/sheep

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:

LIVESTOCKNUTRITION / GENETICS / PHYSIOLOGY / ENDOCRINOLOGY / MEATSCIENCE / WOOL / TOXICOLOGY / WATERSHED & RANGELANDECOLOGY / WEED & BRUSHCONTROL / PLANTSYSTEMATICS / GRAZINGMANAGEMENT

The Department also offers pre-veterinary studies –our graduates have a high acceptance rate into veterinary medicine programs. We offer graduate degrees at the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy levels. The M.S. or Ph.D. in Animal Science can emphasize nutrition or physiology, and offers a Ph.D. in Range Science to study range management, range ecology and watershed management.

DEPARTMENT ALSO OPERATES

• 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 THE

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

http://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/anrs

this proposal is—particularly when it comes to the so-called ‘value chain’ rules. The SEC can claim compliance will fall to the publicly traded corporations the SEC oversees, but the reality is it will be up to America’s family farmers and ranchers who will have to keep up with an unprecedented amount of unnecessary paperwork,” Boozman said. “Our farmers and ranchers are struggling with record high input costs, supply chain bottlenecks, labor shortages, drought and other natural disasters. Yet, the administration, with its never-ending focus on climate change, wants to bury them with reams of paperwork as well.”

In March 2022, the SEC proposed a rule, “The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors” (climate disclosure rule), that would require publicly traded companies to disclose GHG emissions from operations a company owns or controls; from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heat or cooling that is consumed by company operations; and, if material, indirect GHG emissions that occur in the upstream and downstream activities of a registrant’s entire value chain.

The value chain reporting component of this proposal would place a reporting burden on the farmers and ranchers that provide raw products to the value-chain, and would inundate small, family-owned farms with costly compliance requirements.

The Protect Farmers from the SEC Act is backed by leading agriculture organizations including the American Farm Bureau, National Pork Producers Council, National Cotton Council, USA Rice, American Soybean Association, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and the National Potato Council.

Lucas introduced the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act in the 117th Congress, alongside Ranking Member Boozman who introduced the Senate companion.

Dr. Shanna Ivey – 575-646-2515 • Dr. John Campbell – 575-646-6180

NMBC HOSTS ACF-NM

On Thursday, February 9, 2023, the New Mexico Chapter of the American Culinary Federation held their monthly meeting at the New Mexico Beef Council office. Professionals representing various aspects of the food service industry were represented; culinary instructors, food distributors, restauranteurs, food truck owners, caterers. Also attending were instructors from the ProStart® High School Culinary Arts program as well as college level students from the Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute. Guests were served beef appetizers which included Beef Wellington Bites, Spicy Steak and Avocado Bruschetta and Beef & Cheese Sliders as well as red velvet mini cupcakes and, of course, Cow themed Cookies!! To access the

BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE OFFERS TRAINING

IN NW NEW MEXICO

recipes for the beef appetizers, please go to www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com.

The Beef program consisted of a beef rib fabrication demonstration provided by Tom Bertelle, NMBC Meat Specialist and a presentation from Kate Shulz, RD, LD, LMNT entitled “Beef Nutrition Foundation & Facts for Foodservice.” Dina Chacon-Reitzel, NMBC Director, discussed current beef prices and shared the latest research trends on beef for the foodservice sector. Attendees were provided tote bags with valuable beef information and recipes upon leaving.

The New Mexico Beef Council has been a long-time member of ACF-NM and is considered a valued partner in their efforts to educate future culinarians and the public about beef and its role within the foodservice industry. 

The New Mexico Beef Council recently partnered with the Navajo Sustainable Agriculture Project (NSAP), a New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service initiative, to provide Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification Training for producers from San Juan and McKinley Counties, along with students from Navajo Tech University (NTU). The January 16th event was held at NTU in Crownpoint, N.M. with John Wenzel, DVM, NMSU Extension Veterinarian, providing the training.

23 attendees participated with 14 producers completing testing and successfully obtaining NM BQA Certification. NM Beef Council sponsored lunch with Marjorie Lantana, NMBC Secretary, and Sonja Jo Serna, NMBC Contractor (BQA), attending to strengthen producer communication, address questions and provide educational materials.

To learn more about the NM BQA Certification program, upcoming trainings and CEU opportunities, go to bqa.nmsu.edu. The BQA program has been supported with Beef Checkoff dollars from inception and additional Council Assessment funds for New Mexico BQA programs. 

Dr. Wenzel helps ranchers achieve their BQA Certification

Navajo beef producers learn improved beef production practices.

NSAP thanked NMBC for sponsoring the beef luncheon.

Food Service Professionals enjoy Beef appetizers while learning about beef trends.

Tom Bertelle shows attendees various cuts from a beef tenderloin.

NMBC’s dietician, Kate Shulz, explains the nutrition differences between Grain-finished and Grassfinished Beef.

Tom demonstrates a rib primal fabrication while Dina ChaconReitzel shares the latest on beef trends.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH

6-8

Annual Meat Conference (AMC) in Dallas unites large and small grocery retailers, packers, processors and meat industry organizations to experience educational sessions and networking

16

Rotunda Dinner with Legislators and Ag partners in Santa Fe

APRIL

3-6

NMSU HRTM Classes, NMSU School of Hotel Restaurant Tourism Management, Las Cruces

21-22

NM Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics “Future of Food” Spring Conference

26

NMBC Meeting at NMBC Office, Albuquerque

MAY

10-12

Four Corners Stockman & Stewardship Conference (NMSU/ NCBA/NMBC), McGee Park, Farmington

23-25

WALC Conference, Sheraton Uptown, Albuquerque

24-25

U.S. Meat Export Federation, Minneapolis, MN

Nancy Phelps is a familiar face in the ranching industry and chances are pretty good that if you’re reading this, you probably know Nancy. Nancy’s parents both had their roots in agriculture, so it wasn’t a surprise when Nancy married a third generation rancher, Edwin “Bud” Phelps. Bud is a self-taught saddle maker and a self-professed cowboy. Nancy and Bud have a son, Porter, and a grandson, Patrick, who attends Wyotech Technical Institute in Laramie, W.Y. The Phelps ran Herefords exclusively on a Colorado ranch until the early 1990s when they starting putting Angus bulls on the cows. The couple ended up buying a ranch in Winston, N.M. where they have worked and lived the past 25 years. Nancy comments on her family’s ranch, “It gets harder and harder to make ends meet because the cost of production continues to rise. Our cost for feed, fuel and other related expenses are increasing at a rate greater than inflation.” Despite the challenges, Nancy is bullish on ranching in New Mexico, “We continue to search for answers to continue to live the type of life we have chosen, and love.” Her favorite beef dish? Prime rib roast, but she loves a good filet too. 

CHECKOFF

SPONSORS RACE AT DAYTONA 500

Start your engines – it’s the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.300 (BIWFD.300). For the third year the Beef Checkoff sponsored a race during the Daytona 500 weekend last month. The NASCAR audience closely matches the ideal target audience for beef consumers. This year’s race included a sweepstakes to win a Pit Boss grill and prize pack. Additionally the Social Media team created special posts for the race and Satellite Media Tour featuring Chef Ryan Clark highlighting great beef tailgate recipes live from the Daytona International Speedway. The New Mexico Beef Council chose to help sponsor this race as this partnership has proven to be lucrative in creating additional beef sales. 

DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dina Chacon-Reitzel 505-841-9407

CHAIRPERSON Cole Gardner (Producer) 575-910-8952

DIRECTORS

VICECHAIRPERSON

Dan Bell (Producer) 575-799-0763

SECRETARY

Marjorie Lantana (Producer) 505-860-5859

NMBC DIRECTORS:

Sarah Fitzgerald (Feeder) 830-739-3450

John Heckendorn (Purebred Producer) 505-379-8212

Jim Hill (Feeder) 575-993-9950

Nancy Phelps, (Producer) 575-740-0957

Kimberly Stone (Producer) 202-812-0219

Joel Van Dam (Dairy Representative) 575-714-3244

BEEF BOARD DIRECTOR

Boe Lopez (Feeder) 505-469-9055

FEDERATION DIRECTOR Cole Gardner (Producer) 575-910-8952

USMEF DIRECTOR

Kenneth McKenzie (Producer) 575-760-3260

Nancy Phelps

The Checkoff-sponsored race provides an excellent opportunity for e-commerce which is one of the reasons the NMBC provides additional funding for this initiative.

by Jim Olson

Value of Gold & Guns

There is an old saying which goes something like this, “A good pistol is always worth an ounce of gold.” Having heard that many times in the past, and in reviewing articles written over time, this author decided to revisit the subject from a slightly different angle.

Looking back over the last 150 years or so, the saying has remained true part of the time. However, there were also discrepancies in the price of an ounce of gold and a good pistol (even a good Colt pistol, as was commonly used as the benchmark). At times the spread was fairly substantial. But when reviewing the collectible versions of each,

namely a Colt Single Action Army pistol and a $20 Gold Double Eagle (both of late 1800s vintage), they seemed more closely related. Our focus in this article will be on the antique $20 Gold Double Eagle and Colt Single Action Army pistol because they are of greater interest to collectors.

In 1873, an ounce of gold was worth $20.67 (as set fourth by Congress under the Fourth Coinage Act). At that time, the dollar was officially put on the Gold Standard by President Grant (replacing silver) and this remained the case until 1971 (when President Nixon took the dollar off the Gold Standard).

Coincidentally, in 1873 when the Colt Single Action Army came out, it cost roughly a $20 Gold Double Eagle to purchase one ($17.50 to be exact, but with accessories, it could easily come to $20). And if you look over random times in history between then and now, you will see a close correlation in

THOMPSON RANCH

the value of the $20 gold coin and the Colt pistol.

Colt Single Action Army pistols (often referred to as the gun that won the West) are among the most desirable revolvers to collect and are highly sought after. The same can be said about the $20 Gold Double Eagle. Even though the value of the coin is closely tied to the price of an ounce of gold on the open market, they also possess what is know as numismatic value (which means they are more valuable than their weight in gold because of collectibility).

At the time of this writing, an average condition $20 Gold Double Eagle will sell for around the low $2000 range. Which is closely correlated to the value of a Colt pistol of average condition from the same era. Of course, there are exceptions. There are certain coins which sell for many times that amount, just as there are certain pistols which will sell for many times that amount (and poor examples can go for less). But in general, the average gold coin and average Colt pistol are still worth approximately the same amount of money to collectors. That being around $2000 each, with finer and more rare examples going up from there.

Is this just a coincidence? While the actual price of an ounce of gold and a brand new pistol often vary from each other over time, in the collectors world, the price of a $20 Gold Double Eagle and a Colt Single Action Army (of the late 1800s time period) have remained closely correlated (when researching random time periods). Coincidence or not, it is an interesting fact. And it is good news to people who collect as a potential investment.

While the purpose of this article is definitely not to give financial advice, it is

ANGUS BULLS AND HEIFERS REGISTERED & COMMERCIAL

Colt Single Action Army-made 1876 $20 Gold Double Eagle-made 1897

interesting to note that at pretty much any time in the past, if you invested in a $20 Gold Double Eagle, or what would now be considered an antique Colt pistol, overtime the investment would drastically outperform the U.S Dollar. Meaning that owning some gold coins or Colt pistols leaves you better off financially than just saving money. According to statistics readily available online,

between the early 1900s to now, the U.S. dollar has lost more than 96 percent of its purchasing power it once had, largely due to inflation. For example, 2022 metrics show that $1 in 1913 would equate to over $30.00 in purchasing power today.

What does the purchasing power of a dollar mean? Simply put, it is how far your money goes when purchasing goods or services. You see, it really doesn’t matter how much money you have—as it does how far it

goes when you spend it. In 1913 the Federal Reserve Act created the Federal Reserve bank and back then, it took just under $4, to be worth about the same as a $100 bill today. Another way to look at it is, if you had $100 back then, it would be like having over $3000 in today’s money when going out to buy something.

So back to our point that a $20 Gold Double Eagle or a Colt Pistol, as a collectible investment, was better than keeping it in US dollars, had you spent $20 on either of those items back in 1913 and sold them today, you would have over $2000. While if you had a $20 bill back then and just saved it, you would still have $20, but would have lost 96% of your purchasing power between then and now. Even assuming you had put it in an interest bearing savings account, you would still have less than $200 today (assuming a 2 percent average rate over 100 years).

Not that we are telling you to go out and invest in $20 gold coins or Colt pistols, but facts are facts and these are interesting ones. There is another old saying which comes to mind, “God, gold, and guns is what made America great.” Whether you agree with the statement or not, it is a hard argument to overturn without making up alternative facts and using opinion. And historically gold and guns have definitely outperformed US Dollars when it comes to beating inflation. Why have the two collectibles remained so closely correlated though? Perhaps it is because both are considered to be desirable to collectors at about the same rate.

Happy Collecting!      ▫

Peel: Beef Herd Will Not Expand in 2023

by Meatingplace Editors

Drought-accelerated herd liquidation over the past two years has made the beef cow herd the smallest in 61 years. With continuing drought conditions, it is uncertain when but it is certain that there will strong interest in rebuilding the herd whenever conditions permit. Leaving aside the question of more drought, what is possible in 2023 given current availability of replacement heifers?

The number of beef replacement heifers on January 1, 2023 was 5.16 million head, down 5.8 percent year over year. This follows a 5.5 percent year over year decrease in 2022. Beef replacement heifers represented 17.9 percent of the beef cow herd on January 1, the lowest proportion of beef replacement heifers since 2012. Beef replacement heifers average 18.4 percent of the beef cow herd, and during the last herd expansion, beef replacements reached a cyclical peak level of 21.0 percent of the beef cow herd. The reported inventory of beef replacement

heifers includes bred heifers and heifer calves in development for breeding.

For the past 23 years, USDA-NASS has provided a total number of the beef replacement heifers that will calve in the current year. These bred heifers typically make up about 61 percent of the total beef replacements. The number of bred heifers on January 1, 2023 was 3.17 million head, 61.4 percent of the total beef replacement heifers. The number of bred heifers on January 1 was down 5.1 percent year over year and was the lowest beef bred heifer total since 2011. This follows a 4.8 percent year over decrease in bred heifers in 2021.

Subtracting the number of beef bred heifers from the total beef replacement heifer inventory leaves the number of heifer calves in development to be bred this year. This calculated total of replacement heifer calves for 2023 was 1.995 million head, the lowest in the data series. This total was down 6.9 percent year over year and follows a 6.1

percent year over year decline in 2022. These beef replacement heifer calves are assumed to have been retained from last year’s calf crop and will become bred heifers next year.

The number of beef replacement heifer calves each year is not enough to account for the total inventory of bred heifers the following year. Over the past 20 years, the number of beef replacement heifer calves represents 63.8 percent of the bred heifers the following year. This means that extra heifers were bred during the year that were not reported as replacement heifers on January 1.

These extra heifers are assumed to come out of the inventory of other heifers. For example, on January 1, 2023, the inventory of bred beef heifers was 3.17 million head, made up of replacement heifer calves from last year (2.14 million head) and another 1.03 million head of extra heifers bred out of the inventory of other heifers from last year. This calculated total 1.03 million head of extra heifers bred is the lowest total in the data back to 2001. The calculated number of extra heifers bred decreased 12.1 percent year over year in 2021 and decreased another 1.8 percent in 2022.

The decreased number of beef replacement heifer calves and extra beef heifers bred in 2021 and 2022 helps explain increased heifer slaughter the past two years. Heifers diverted from breeding to feeding contributed to the 4.0 percent year over year increase in 2021 and the 4.8 percent year over year increase in 2022 in heifer slaughter. All of which contributes to the limited number of replacement heifers available in 2023.

The numbers suggest that beef cow herd expansion is not possible in 2023. The available number of bred heifers, combined with a decrease in beef cow slaughter in excess of 20 percent lower year over year, might make it possible to hold the beef cow herd steady this year. A low level of additional herd liquidation is more likely. More likely in 2023 is increased retention of heifer calves and breeding of yearling heifers that will fuel herd expansion beginning in 2024. If that happens, both beef cow and heifer slaughter will decrease sharply in 2023.

EPA to Study Water Pollution Tied to Livestock Farms

by Marc Heller, E & E News

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said it will study water pollution generated by large livestock farms, a potential first step toward tighter regulations on how industrial agriculture manages animal waste.

Officials announced the study as part of a biennial review of water pollution regulations required by the Clean Water Act. The review, called “Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15,” touches on wastewater discharges across many industries, and the study of big livestock farms comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the organization Food & Water Watch.

In a report finalized January 20, the environmental agency said any proposal to revise the regulations — which could take several years — requires the type of updated information the study would provide. That could

include changes in the livestock industry since the last major update in 2008, as well as advances in technology and farm practices to reduce manure runoff, EPA said.

“Understanding the nature and frequency of discharges is critical to understanding the extent to which potential revision of the effluent limitations guidelines (ELG) could yield significant pollutant reductions,” EPA said.

Livestock agriculture groups point to improvements in the design of manure management systems — which include outdoor lagoons, tanks and equipment to inject liquefied manure into fields to reduce direct runoff into streams. Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) big enough to fall under EPA regulation — generally with hundreds or even thousands of animals — are also required to have pollution permits and nutrient management plans.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association was supportive of the effluent limitations guidelines study in a statement from its chief counsel, Mary-Thomas Hart.

“Collecting further information will enable EPA to make an informed and reasoned decision on whether to revise the CAFO ELGs,” Hart said. “We appreciate that EPA is not choosing to unnecessarily rush its regulatory process.”

And while technology such as the use of membranes to filter manure is unfolding, that method isn’t widely used in the poultry industry, for instance, the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association and other groups told EPA in response to a preliminary report on the

effluent guidelines in 2021, in which the groups asked for an extended comment period.

Should updates come along, the groups said, EPA will need a more accurate accounting of the facilities that are covered, since some of the categories referenced in that report could include “restaurants, specialty sausage manufacturing and delicatessen and sandwich shops.”

In that preliminary report, EPA also cited regional shifts in where big livestock farms are located, as well as the general trend toward fewer but larger farms.

A study is also likely to run into the complications of the “Waters of the U.S.” regulations that attempt to define waterways subject to the Clean Water Act. The agency said its first step is to assess the extent to which CAFOs discharge into such waters.

Beyond that, the agency said, “EPA’s data about discharges of pollutants from CAFOs is sparse; indeed, its preliminary analysis was only able to analyze monitoring data from sixteen reporting CAFOs. EPA intends to gather information about discharges from the production area to appropriately characterize whether manure, litter, and process wastewater flows off land application areas.”

A Food & Water Watch lawyer, Emily Miller, said regulators should consider additional limits, such as nationally restricting spreading manure on frozen fields — a practice already restricted in some states — as well as basing nutrient management plans on preventing pollution, rather than maximizing crop yields through manure spreading.

In addition, she said, manure lagoons are often designed to handle outdated standards for floods, such as withstanding 24-hour rain events that occur every 25 years according to the National Weather Service. Some of those standards are based on weather records from the early 1960s, Miller said.

“They are ancient by today’s standards,” Miller said.

While the study’s emphasis is on water pollution, EPA said it would also examine the financial condition of the agriculture industry “to the extent possible.” The Clean Water Act requires that updates to effluent guidelines be economically achievable as well as technologically available, the agency said.      ▫

300 acres or more relatively level, clean farm or pastureland with a large transmission line crossing?

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THROUGH YOUR

H.C. Neel Named

Santa Gertrudis Breeders Int'l Executive Director

Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI) announces HC Neel as its executive director effective January 3, 2023. As executive director, Neel will provide leadership for the association’s staff and members while leading one of the beef industry’s fastest growing purebred beef associations.

“We are excited to have HC at SGBI’s helm,” says SGBI President Gene Kubecka. “His experience raising, showing and judging cattle, along with his breed association experience make him an excellent fit for SGBI. Most importantly, his vision for enhancing our breed’s relevance in the beef industry cannot be understated.”

Neel has deep roots in the cattle business and South Texas/Gulf Coast ranching. He grew up on a large-scale cow-calf ranch north of Refugio, Texas, where he and his family have been actively involved in showing and raising cattle.

“My entire life has been dedicated to the cattle industry, specifically in South Texas. I have a strong passion for that way of life and perhaps an even stronger passion for Bos indicus cattle and the value they provide to the industry,” Neel says.

“The opportunity to work with a breed and association with such rich history and prominence in an area I’ve always called home is one I am incredibly grateful for and do not take lightly.”

Before joining SGBI, Neel served as director of association services for the American Brahman Breeders Association where he was intensely involved in research and breed

improvement initiatives, performance programs, genetic progress and association management.

He strives to utilize his passion and experience in the beef cattle and ranching industries to influence positive change that benefits cattle breeders at all levels of the production chain.

For Santa Gertrudis breeders, Neel says the future presents a world of opportunity, especially with the increasing popularity and demand of red-hided cattle across the United States.

“Santa Gertrudis offers a way for cattle raisers to incorporate superior adaptability and heterosis with a hide color that becomes more desirable by the day,” he says.

“SGBI has done tremendous work in marketing these facts and identifying partners to help capitalize on the value of red-hided cattle. I think this opens tremendous opportunities for the breed to expand and increase our own piece of the market share across the United States.”

Neel’s involvement in the beef industry also includes serving as an officer and committee member with varying organizations such as the Texas Purebred Cattle Alliance and the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

A member of nationally competitive livestock judging teams at Blinn College and Texas A&M University, Neel also serves as a professional livestock judge at local, state and national levels.

The Neel family resides in Goliad, Texas, where they own and operate a small cow herd that focuses on the production of show cattle for 4-H and FFA youth across the state.

“I look forward to the incredible opportunity to work with Santa Gertrudis producers

and continue to promote and progress the breed as a leading force in the Bos indicus and beef cattle industries,” he says.

Project Update

Utilizing the Santa Gertrudis Breed as a Model for Critically Evaluating Heterosis in Intermountain West Beef Systems

Dr. Matthew Garcia

Utah State University Beef Specialist

When I was approached to write an update on the SGBI and Utah State University heterosis collaboration, I was somewhat surprised that this collaboration is now going into its fifth year! The original intent of this project was to reintroduce an evidence based heterosis project to the industry as well as identify or dispel any concerns that there may have been in using the Santa Gertrudis (SG) breed in a crossbreeding program. Since the inception of this project we have seen dramatic increases in weaning weights, efficiency in the feedlot and increases in carcass quality and composition. In this article I will briefly describe some of the projects and results in which Santa Gertrudis are being utilized.

Feedlot, Implant and Mineral Studies:

One of the original intentions of this study was to evaluate how Santa Gertrudis influenced cattle to perform in the feedlot. In year two we found that Santa Gertrudis cattle were using 13 percent less feed to get to finishing than their Angus (AN) influenced counterparts. I’m happy to say that we have finished two more groups of steers and

that number has remained the same. As a result of these feeding trials it was decided that Santa Gertrudis cattle would also be involved in an implant study in which cattle received no implant, one implant, two implants. Results of the implant study revealed that there was no significant difference in gain between SG and AN that were implanted and no significant difference in non-implanted steers. Furthermore, there was almost an $80 economic incentive to implanting versus not implanting SG steers. A second study is currently being completed that looks at multiple implant effects on feedlot performance and carcass quality.

Carcass Studies:

Another major objective of this study was to evaluate how SG influenced steers would compare in regards to carcass quality and composition. We have currently collected carcass data on two years of steers and the results are promising. There was no discernable difference in marbling scores between AN and SG steers. However, AN steers marbling scores seem to be more affected by implanting than SG steers and SG steers have averaged a 2.5 YG while AN steers have an average YG of 3.2. We are currently feeding another group and expect additional data this summer.

Disposition and environmental compatibility evaluation:

One of the initial concerns with Utah producers dealt with incorporating Bos Indicus genetics and the subsequent effects on temperament and the ability to deal with harsh northern Utah winters. When evaluating temperament, every trial that has been conducted has measured exit velocity out of the chute. Santa Gertrudis steers and AN steers have shown no significant difference in exit velocity and there have been no temperament issues noted by researchers or the farm crew. When evaluating environmental compatibility, there have been no issues calving or keeping calves alive when calving in February. Since the inception of the project there have been six SG calves lost during calving season, but none was due to temperature acclimation.

Cow Longevity and Performance:

While this part of the project is still in its infancy, female longevity was a major issue that the project wanted to address. The idea was that by incorporating SG genetics into the herd, that we could potentially get more compatible genetic predisposition in a forage

continued on page 53 >>

variable production environment and subsequently increased longevity due to the Brahman influence of the SG breed. At the present time, USU is still in the building phase of our SG female herd base. Currently, we have a group of F1’s that are three year olds that are currently calving for the second time and a larger group of 2 year olds that are calving for the first time. As we go forward we will continue to incorporate F1 SG influenced heifers into the base herd. Unfortunately, due to drought and loss of leases last year the USU herd was slightly reduced. However, our ultimate goal is to have 50-60 high quality F1 females in the herd that we can track for an extended period of time to evaluate environmental compatibility, cow effect on calf performance and longevity.

Producer buy in and incorporation of Santa Gertrudis Genetics:

When this project began there were possibly one or two individuals using SG genetics in Utah. There was once again a producer concerned about incorporating SG genetics into their herds. As such a concerted effort was made to incorporate research findings of this project into extension programs statewide and regionally. To date this project has been presented in 16 counties and nine zoom presentations at the regional or national level. As a result there has been a significant increase in the number of SG bulls being brought into Utah and the number of producers incorporating SG genetics into their herds.

Summary:

The collaborative efforts of USU and SGBI have been very beneficial and productive. Not only have the collaborating agencies benefitted, but producers in this region have also benefited by being re-introduced to heterosis and the benefits that SG cattle can bring to their operations. The current collaboration has addressed concerns producers had by producing and presenting scientific and empirical evidence of the benefits of incorporating SG genetics into a breeding

program in the intermountain west. As such we hope to continue our collaboration to generate more evidence of SG benefits in a cow calf operation, feedlot, carcass characteristics and female longevity. Utah State

University has already made a breeding plan to use SG genetics again this year and due to the benefits to production and research, we can envision using SG genetics well into the future.      ▫

Feeding Monensin to Beef Cows Decreases Intake but Increases Efficiency

by Paul Beck, Oklahoma State University State Extension Beef Cattle Nutrition Specialist, Cow-Calf Corner

This year we are all searching for alternatives that can get our cows through the winter on the least feed and hay, without decreasing the long-term productivity of the herd. Even in “normal” years, feed and pasture is close to 70 percent of variable

costs and 50 percent of total costs of maintaining a cowherd.

Economic research has shown that high profit producers had 39 percent lower feed and pasture cost than low profit producers. So, practices that decrease feed costs without affecting productivity have potential to improve profitability.

Ionophores are a class of antibiotics that shift rumen microbial populations to increase energetic efficiency and reduce production of waste molecules such as methane.

The ionophore monensin was approved for used in replacement beef and dairy heifers in 1983 and for beef cows in 1988, but there does not appear to be widespread adoption of its use in the cow-calf industry.

The approval for feeding monensin to beef cows indicates that monensin should be

& ECKEL

fed continuously at a rate of 50 to 200 mg/ head/day in a minimum of 1 pound of medicated feed/head/day and is not to be self-fed.

A team of researchers led by Dr. David Lalman from Oklahoma State University compiled the results of 26 experiments from 21 publications evaluating the effects of monensin supplementation on performance and reproduction of mature beef cows. This was published in the journal Translational Animal Science last summer and is freely available at https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/ txac086.

Key findings for mature cows were:

Ї Bodyweight and body condition score changes were not affected by feeding monensin.

Ї Monensin significantly decreased forage intake by 7.8 percent.

Ї Milk production was increased by 5.4 percent in a small data set of experiments.

Ї Monensin also decreased the days to estrus post-calving by 18 days and increased the number of cows showing estrus before breeding by 19 percent.

Ї Calculated energetics from feed intake and performance data show feeding monensin increases dietary energy by 4.7 percent.

This supports using monensin to help push thin cattle to start cycling before breeding that would otherwise be late breeders or open.

In current conditions, with limiting

forage resources and high feed costs the 8 percent reduction in feed intake by mature cows is a major consideration in using monensin while supplementing cows this winter.

The combination of reduced feed intake, increased milk production, and earlier estrus activity has the potential to have long-term positive impacts on cowherd efficiency.

We will look at the results from the analysis of including monensin in diets for developing replacement heifers in a future article.

*ANGUS *POLLED HEREFORD *HORNED HEREFORD

Selling 6 of our Best Bulls at the NM Angus Sale, March 6, Roswell

Beef Cow Herd to Shrink for Years to Come

by Lee Schulz, BEEF

Have you ever contemplated what many nursery rhymes and other well-known stories have in common? The Three Little Pigs, Three Blind Mice, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the Three Musketeers, the Three Wise Men, the Three Stooges. The rule of three is a storytelling principle that suggests people better understand concepts, situations and ideas in groups of three. Three is the smallest number required to make a

The power of three also works in other arenas. In physics, Isaac Newton has three laws of motion. In screenwriting, there’s the three-act structure. In basketball, the NBA has always had “big threes,” such as Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor; Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman; LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade; and so on.

The cattle business also has threes. If you’re interested in current and near-term supplies of slaughter cattle and beef production, the big three to watch are:

Ї number of cattle on feed

Ї placements of cattle into feedlots that are intended to eventually go to

slaughter

Ї marketings or shipments of cattle out of feedlots to slaughter

If you’re interested in gauging longer-term future supplies of slaughter cattle and beef production, the big three are:

Ї beef cow numbers

Ї heifers for beef cow replacement

Ї calf crop

Replacement heifers are genetic building blocks for the cow herd. Producers hope that a replacement heifer will become a fertile cow that produces a calf, annually, for a long time. Producers make many management steps and decisions in the process of selecting and growing replacement heifers. Each heifer must pass several “production tests” to remain on track and, hopefully, become a member of the cow herd.

Selection at weaning, development from weaning to first breeding, evaluation after first breeding and calving season, and establishment of successful rebreeding are the production tests each heifer must pass. Heifers not meeting production targets are typically culled at any point in the process.

Where can you get the data? Each January and July, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service asks a sample of cattle producers to voluntarily provide inventory numbers. The January survey is the larger of the two surveys. Estimates are made for all states.

Fewer calves mean less beef coming

The calf crop includes beef and dairy calves. NASS estimated the 2022 U.S. calf crop at 34.465 million head, down 2.0 percent from 2021. Some of this “decline” is due to NASS revising the 2021 calf crop up by 80,500 head, or 0.2 percent, in the latest report.

Calves born during the first half of 2022 were estimated at 25.3 million head, down 1.6 percent from the first half of 2021. Calves born during the second half of 2022 were estimated at 9.165 million head, down 3.2 percent from the second half of 2021. The smaller calf crop implies fewer cattle will come to market in late 2023 and 2024.

While beef cattle inventories are declining, dairy cattle numbers are stable. That means dairy calves will make up a greater share of calf crops in the coming years. In 2014, dairy calves totaled nearly 26 percent of the net (adjusted for veal slaughter) calf crop, a recent record. Dairy’s share will continue rising, and proportionally more dairy calves will impact cattle markets for at least

continued on page 58 >>

Cattle numbers vulnerable to weather

Cow‐calf producers depend more directly on weather than any other livestock sector. Several years of persistent drought in key cattle-producing areas of the West and Great Plains have impacted range and pasture conditions and devastated hay production. The December 1, 2022, national hay supply was down a sharp 9 percent from December 1, 2021, and the lowest December 1 hay stock on record dating back to 1973. Extreme changes in supplies occurred in the Southern Plains, but reached into Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa.

Cow culling cuts herd

The 28.918 million-head U.S. beef cow inventory on January 1 was down 3.6 percent from January 1, 2022. That was the largest year-over-year percentage drop in the beef cow herd since 1985 to 1986. Numbers tumbled as the industry culled 13.3 percent of the national herd in 2022. This culling rate was the highest ever in the history of the data going back to 1986.

The U.S. beef cow herd is the smallest since 1962. The 2023 beef cow herd is also already 38,500 head smaller than on January

1, 2014, which was the bottom of the last cattle inventory cycle.

Several top beef cow states continued to liquidate beef herds due to drought, high input costs and high cull-cow values. Which factor drove liquidation most varies among operations. Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska and South Dakota accounted for 537,000 head of the total 1,065,200-head decrease in U.S. beef cows.

Fourteen states had more beef cows on January 1 than on January 1, 2022, but additions only totaled 38,800 head. That’s smaller than the 45,000-head beef cow drop in Iowa alone. The largest increases were 6,000 beef cows in Alabama and 5,000 beef cows in Pennsylvania.

Replacements must pass tests

A heifer for beef cow replacement is a

heifer that has been selected to be bred and placed in the beef herd. For NASS survey classification purposes, those heifers weigh 500 pounds or more on January 1. Beef replacement heifers as of this January 1, at 5.164 million head, were down 5.8 percent from a year earlier. NASS also asked, “How many of these beef cow replacement heifers are expected to calve during 2023?” Of the 5.164 million beef replacement heifers, 3.169 million head, or 61.4 percent, are expected to calve this year. That is the highest percentage since 2018.

Understand biological time lag

In 2022, 73.4 percent of all calves in the U.S. were born from January 1 through June 30. A heifer calf born in spring 2022 would have been weaned in the fall. If she was selected to be a cow herd replacement, she

will be bred this summer. She will calve for the first time in spring 2024. She will wean her first calf in fall 2024. If her calf is intended for the slaughter market, it must still be finished and harvested before it adds to beef production. This won’t occur until the summer or fall of 2025.

Some suggest meaningful progress in rebuilding the nation’s beef cow herd may not materialize until 2025. During the early stages of beef herd expansion, marketings will actually decline as producers hold more heifers for breeding. Even more time will pass before a larger breeding herd can send more calves to market.

Another rule of three is using three successive words to express a central idea. Examples include: life, liberty and the

pursuit of happiness; the good, the bad and the ugly; blood, sweat and tears. One could argue these describe cattle production at times. The hope for this year is another hen-

The Climate Crusaders are Coming for Electric Cars too

A new report makes clear the ultimate goal: tiny, uncomfortable apartments and bicycles for all .

by Allysia Finley, Wall Street Journal Opinion

Replacing all gasoline-powered cars with electric vehicles won’t be enough to prevent the world from overheating. So people will have to give up their cars. That’s the alarming conclusion of a new report from the University of California, Davis and “a network of academics and policy experts” called the Climate and Community Project.

The report offers an honest look at the vast personal, environmental and economic sacrifices needed to meet the left’s net-zero climate goals. Progressives’ dirty little secret is that everyone will have to make do with much less—fewer cars, smaller houses and yards, and a significantly lower standard of living.

Problem No. 1: Electric-vehicle batteries require loads of minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, which must be extracted from the ground like fossil fuels. “If today’s demand for EVs is projected to 2050, the lithium requirements of the US EV market alone would require triple the amount of lithium currently produced for the entire global market,” the report notes.

Unlike fossil fuels, these minerals are mostly found in undeveloped areas that have abundant natural fauna and are often inhabited by indigenous people. “Large-scale mining entails social and environmental harm, in many cases irreversibly damaging landscapes without the consent of affected communities,” the report says. Mining can be done safely, but in poor countries it often isn’t.

Problem No. 2: Mining requires huge amounts of energy and water, and the process of refining minerals requires even more. According to the report, mining accounts for 4 percent to 7 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions. Auto makers have made a priority of manufacturing electric pick-up trucks and SUVs because drivers

diatris: moisture, moisture, moisture.

Lee Schulz is an Extension ag economist with Iowa State University. ▫

like them, but they require much bigger batteries and more minerals.

More mining to make more EVs will increase CO2 emissions. It will also destroy tropical forests and deserts that currently suck CO2 out of the atmosphere, the report says.

Problem No. 3: “Producing EVs and building and maintaining roads, highways, and parking lots are energy- and emissions-intensive processes with high levels of embodied carbon,” the report says. “Electrification of the US transportation system will massively increase the demand for electricity while the transition to a decarbonized electricity grid is still underway.”

The report concludes that the auto sector’s “current dominant strategy,” which involves replacing gasoline-powered vehicles with EVs without decreasing car ownership and use, “is likely incompatible” with climate activists’ goal to keep the planet from warming by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius compared with preindustrial times. Instead, the report recommends government policies that promote walking, cycling and mass transit.

Governments, the report says, could reduce “financial subsidies for private vehicles,” such as on-street and free parking. They could also impose charges on pickup trucks and SUVs (including electric ones) and build more bike lanes. Urbanites who suspect the expansion of bike lanes in their cities is intended to force people to stop driving aren’t wrong.

But what about suburbanites who need cars to get around? Reducing “car dependency” will require “densifying low-density suburbs while allowing more people to live in existing high-density urban spaces,” the report says. Translation: Force more people to live in shoe-box apartments in cities by making suburbs denser and less appealing.

All this may sound crazy, but it isn’t a fringe view on the left. A Natural Resources Defense Council report last year on lithium mining also concluded that the government needs “to reduce long-term dependency on single-passenger vehicles.” The Inflation Reduction Act included billions of dollars to promote bicycling and so-called livable neighborhoods.

Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill, citing its budget cost, but he said he supported “approaches to incentivize a transition from vehicles to more sustainable transportation.” Eliminating cars—not only gasoline-powered ones—is the left’s ultimate goal. This is why progressives have mobilized against nearly every mineral mining project in the U.S.

The looming shortage of minerals will cause prices for EVs—the only cars Americans will be allowed to buy if Mr. Newsom and his green friends have their way—to rise inexorably. Soon Americans may not be able to afford to buy a car even with a government

subsidy. Then they will have no choice but to use mass transit or dust off their old 10-speed bike.

Note, too, that there won’t be nearly enough minerals to make the massive batteries necessary to back up an electric grid powered by unreliable wind and solar. So Americans will have to consume less energy— for instance, by setting their thermostats to 80 in summer and 65 in winter—and pay more for it.

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by Craig Gifford, PhD, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, New Mexico State University

Artificial Intelligence & What it Might Mean

Since November, 2022, a new artificial intelligence platform has taken the internet by storm. ChatGPT (openai. com) is a “trained model which interacts in a conversational way” to answer questions posed by users. The technology can write programs, generate art, and infinite other applications.

This new model is easy to use and can synthesize responses from millions of internet sources. Interestingly, the conversational platform doesn’t simply copy and relay information, but rather searches, interprets, and writes a response. In other words, the program takes large amounts of data and computing techniques to make predictions and string words together in a meaningful way.

The long-term potential benefits are truly mind boggling and it appears we are on the cusp of something transformational in how

we interact with technology. From custom programming to digital art and precision agriculture, the possibilities are truly endless.

However, with any new technology, there are also limitations and potential pitfalls. Since artificial intelligence relies on the body of work on the internet, it begs the question: how does the new platform handle controversial or unproven topics?

Agricultural production practices and impacts are often misrepresented by those with anti-agricultural agendas and echoed by mass media. An example of this is beef’s impact on global greenhouse gas emissions which is often cited at 14.5 percent or more.

The reality is that the hard working ranchers in the United States produce approximately 20 percent of the world’s beef and only contribute about 0.4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Because many of the false narratives are

frequently regurgitated by a seemingly endless number of main press news sources, this article explores how artificial intelligence may impact the dialogue surrounding controversial topics related to agriculture and compare that with a noncontroversial topic that is much more grounded in fact.

The first part of the article will demonstrate the responses ChatGPT generates when asked various questions about artificial meat and environmental impacts of beef production.

The second article (see April 2023 Stockman) will demonstrate ChatGPT’s ability to describe cold stress in beef cattle. Some editing was done for the latter to make the article easier to read, but ChatGPT’s writing is designated in italics throughout. The questions that were used to generate the article about cold stress are listed at the end.

Overall, ChatGPT synthesized reasonable recommendations and dialogue when discussing cold stress in beef cattle. This indicates that it does well with fact-based and noncontroversial information. When challenged with some of the questions relating to current affairs in beef production, the narrative seems to default more towards the anti-agriculture messaging.

At times, the program appeared to con-

tradict itself and almost always followed a positive statement regarding the beef industry with a “however” followed by a negative statement. Interestingly fact-based and noncontroversial topics rarely if ever generated a “however” followed by negative comment. ChatGPT developers acknowledge that the program will fill “gaps” with information that may or may not be true, and currently there are no methods, other than the user, to check the accuracy of the responses generated by ChatGPT.

Inevitably ChatGPT or similar programs will be heavily utilized in the not-too-distant future. As demonstrated below, increased use of these programs may pose a risk to exacerbate spreading of false or misleading information as it relates to agriculture production. On the other hand, ChatGPT’s ability to synthesize useful fact-based information is quite impressive. At least in the short-term, artificial intelligence will still rely on human interpretation and quality control but may be a mechanism to quickly spread misinformation.

Agriculture producers, industry, and academia should monitor this new technology and how agriculture messages are being relayed. Though this article only explored ChatGPT’s ability to discuss agriculturally important topics, it is equally clear that these new artificial intelligence tools are significant advancements in our ability to utilize and interact with technology to improve agriculture in a variety of ways.

CHATGPT’S RESPONSES TO CURRENT AFFAIRS

Question/Statement: It is possible alternative meat could have more harmful environmental impacts than traditional meat.

Response: It is possible that alternative meat products could have more harmful environmental impacts than traditional meat, depending on the specific production methods used. For example, if the alternative meat is produced using intensive industrial methods, it could lead to similar environmental problems as traditional industrial agriculture, such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. Additionally, the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and other inputs such as pesticides and herbicides could also have negative environmental impacts. However, it is worth noting that alternative meat products made from plantbased ingredients and produced using sustainable methods could have a lower environmental impact than traditional meat.

Question/Statement: What about com-

pared to sustainable meat production?

Response: Alternative meat products produced using sustainable methods, such as plant-based meat made from non-GMO ingredients grown on regenerative farms, could have a lower environmental impact than traditional sustainable meat production. For example, traditional sustainable meat production still requires the use of land, water and other resources to raise and feed animals. Additionally, even sustainable farming methodologies will generate some greenhouse gases emissions. On the other hand, plant-based meat products require less land, water, and energy to produce and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is worth noting that alternative meat production methods are still being developed and studied, and more research is needed to fully understand the environmental impact of alternative meat products in comparison to sustainable meat production.

Question/Statement: Most of the land used for cattle production cannot be used to grow crops and is largely not used for anything else.

Response: It is true that much of the land used for cattle production is not suitable for crop cultivation, and may not be used for any

other purpose. This land is often characterized as rangeland, grassland, or pastureland, and is typically found in regions with low precipitation or poor soil quality. While these areas may not be suitable for crop production, they can support grazing animals such as cattle. However, the use of this land for cattle production can have negative environmental impacts, such as soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, overgrazing and poor land management practices can lead to desertification, making the land even less productive.

Question/Statement: Grazing cattle on rangelands can also be beneficial.

Response: Grazing cattle on rangelands can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment. When managed properly, grazing can help maintain the health of rangeland ecosystems by promoting biodiversity and preventing the encroachment of invasive plant species. Grazing can also help control wildfire risk and improve soil health by stimulating the growth of beneficial plant species and reducing the build-up of dead plant material.

However, when not managed properly, grazing can lead to overgrazing, which can cause soil erosion, loss of vegetation, and

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declines in biodiversity. It can also lead to desertification, a process where an area becomes progressively drier and less able to support plant and animal life.

In summary, properly managed grazing can be beneficial for rangelands, but it is important to ensure that the number of animals grazing on a given area is appropriate for the carrying capacity of the land, and that grazing is rotated among different areas to prevent overgrazing.

Question/Statement:

Eating beef is bad.

Response: Eating beef can have negative impacts on health and the environment. Beef is high in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke if consumed in excess. It is also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation. Beef is a significant source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and the production of beef requires large amounts of land, water, and other resources. Additionally, the clearing of forests for beef production contributes to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.

However, it is worth noting that the impact of beef production can vary depending on the specific farming practices used. For example, grass-fed beef, which is produced using regenerative farming practices, can have a lower environmental impact than conventionally produced beef and may also be healthier as it has a better ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.

It is important to consider the environmental and health effects of the foods we eat and make informed choices that align with our values and goals.

See Part 2 in the April 2023 Stockman.      ▫

VIEW FROM THE BACKSIDE

by Barry Denton

Government Horseshoeing

As a professional farrier for over 46 years, my biggest fear has come to pass. The United States Government is telling farriers and trainers on the nation’s horse racing tracks how horses should be shod.

This is truly the worst attack on an individual’s freedom that I have seen in the livestock business so far. Even the courts aren’t certain that it is constitutional. Perhaps you don’t think it’s your problem?

Just wait another ten years when HISA is expanded and comes out to inspect ol’Pards horseshoeing job before you can go on the big gather. Farriers, horse trainers, and veterinarians are expected to comply with new horseshoeing rules set forth by the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority known as HISA. The Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act was passed by Congress and signed into law in 2020 by President Trump.

In my opinion, it was the biggest mistake of his presidency. Stop and think a moment about who else this alleged “authority” effects. Horseshoe manufacturers, horseshoe tool manufacturers, jockeys, grooms, horse track designers, and builders, etc. have to get up in the morning and comply with HISA. Rather than complying, tell them to stuff it.

One of HISA’s first rules is: The Racetrack Safety Program prohibits traction devices on forelimb and hindlimb horseshoes during racing and training on grass or synthetic racing tracks. Traction devices include, but are not limited to rims, toe grabs, bends, jar caulks, stickers, traction nails and/or mud nails.

This rule is supposed to be applied carte blanche at every racing track in the country. Now how stupid is that? The racing surface at Santa Anita in California is harder and faster than any racing surface in Kentucky or Florida. If you are

shoeing horses running on a muddy track at The Fairgrounds in New Orleans a traction device may just save a wreck from happening.

Horsemen that work with these animals everyday should be making these calls, not some government entity that makes one rule for all involved. HISA has a nine-member board and only one member is a farrier. If farriers want to know who the sell out farrier is, it is Patrick Reilly, who is Chief of Farrier Services at New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania.

I suspect he has shod lots of race horses on several race tracks across the United States in order to tell over 30, 000 race track farriers how race horses at every track ought to be shod. Number one, if Mr. Reilly agreed to be on this board, he evidently has no regard for something in America called freedom.

Incidentally, there is no transparency within HISA. No one knows who or how much they are being paid or by whom. You can find out any other government employee’s salary, but not HISA?

It looks to me like Lisa Lazarus the CEO of HISA spent 10 years with the National Football League. Just speculating, but isn’t that a “woke” organization? Do we need that in the horse racing industry?

The good news is according to Blood Horse Magazine on November 18, 2022: “Holding that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is not subordinate to the Federal Trade Commission, the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals declared its enabling legislation unconstitutional.”

Of course, there will be more appeals by HISA and there are a number of other lawsuits against HISA that are pending from Horseman’s Associations and states racing authorities.

We have had horse racing in America since before the American Revolution. Yes, horse racing has its problems like any other sport, but those problems need to be solved by horsemen, not government.

It’s incumbent to remember Ronald Reagan’s famous quote, “The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

RANCH FOOD & FODDER

by Deanna Dickson McCall

It seems March is a month of extremes. I was born in March. My husband jokes and says that pretty much explains my personality. It can be cold, snowy and windy, making us wonder if winter will ever end. It can also gift us with a beautiful spring day with soft breezes, puffy clouds and green beginning to show. The first flowers begin to appear, and it seems the whole world is preparing or experiencing birth, from birds building nests to heavy cows waddling around. I’ve always loved watching lambs frolic and wondered how on those mother cows keep their babies so clean and shiny.

It is a time of newborns in the house, on the floor of a pickup or under heat lamps. A time of bottles, colostrum and various packets and animal biologics littering the kitchen counter. Hours spent trying to teach an animal how to nurse. Mud and manure on the floor, and hats, boots, scarves draped everywhere. The scent of wet hay and manure has probably taken over your utility room by now. The months of wet wool and assorted animal feeds with everything else that gets tracked in has reached its peak in permeating the air.

Springtime means we put in long cold days and nights. A cow rarely needs help

calving on an idyllic Walt Disney type spring day when the birds are chirping. It is far more likely to be in the middle of a spring blizzard in the middle of the night. From dragging fields and preparing ditches to feeding and assisting with births, it can be an exhausting time. It is a time of improvising and substituting as well. No one knows how to improvise more than farmers and ranchers. Due to necessity and long distances, we learn how to make things work with we have.

The recipe below is an example of improvising. You can put this together and then go outside and work for hours while it simmers in a Dutch oven or a crockpot. You can use any leftover cooked meat, just chop it up. It can be leftover meat you threw in the freezer figuring you could use it for something someday. Or you can omit the meat. The beans and other ingredients make this a pretty hearty soup. Use what you have, it will still be good and welcome on a cold night.

RANCH SOUP

Ingredients:

2 TBS olive oil

1 onion chopped

½ cup bacon ends, chopped Leftover cooked chopped meat (lamb, beef , even chicken)

½ to 1/3 cup chopped cabbage

1 finely chopped carrot

1 rib of celery chopped

3 cloves garlic minced

1 chopped bell or sweet pepper

1 cup of tomatos, frozen, fresh or canned

2 cups of beef broth

2 cups of water

1 TBS Italian seasoning

1 tsp dried sweet basil

Black pepper

Pasta or rice pinch of red pepper flakes

1 can of kidney beans

Directions:

Sauté the onion, bacon, cabbage, carrot and celery in olive oil

When the cabbage and onion become soft add the garlic, pepper and tomatoes and let cook for a few minutes.

Then add the broth, water, meat, and seasonings. Add a handful of rice or pasta.

You can continue cooking in a Dutch oven or pour into a crockpot at this point. The longer it cooks the better it is. Add water as needed.

A few minutes before serving add 1 can of beans, I usually use kidney beans. Add ¼ cup of dry grated Parmesan cheese. More cheese can be added at the table.

Serve this with bread and salad for a great meal.

After RecordBreaking Year, 2023 Brings Uncertainty for the Beef Industry

According to a new report from Rabobank, 2022 was a year to remember for the global beef industry, with record retail and farmgate prices in many regions due to strong consumer demand and limited supplies. Brazil also achieved record export volumes and returns thanks to growing Chinese demand. However, con-

sumer sentiment softened in late 2022, leading to weaker beef prices in early 2023.

Total beef production is forecast to be steady in the first quarter of 2023, with a 5 percent lift in Australian and 2 percent increase in Brazilian production, almost enough to offset declines in the US, EU, and New Zealand. The global supply through 2023 is expected to become more limited as US production dips. Cattle prices across most regions have continued their downward trend, with the notable exception being the US, where more limited supplies are providing price support.

“Consumer sentiment weakened in late 2022, leading to a softening in beef pricing that has flowed through into early 2023,” says Angus Gidley-Baird, Senior Analyst –

Animal Protein at Rabobank. “While the supply of beef should remain favorable for prices, consumer confidence will continue to be a key factor in determining beef returns.”

China’s reopening and US supply contraction bring opportunities

China will be a key focal point in 2023, as the country emerges from Covid lockdowns amid a slowing economic environment. The lifting of Covid restrictions is expected to lead to a rebound in household consumption, including a potential increase in beef consumption. Chinese demand for beef will pick up in the second half of the year, boosting global beef prices.

The contraction of US production is another focal point. “The beef cow inven-

2023 Horse Sale and Open House

AQHA Stallion sired by Palo Duro Cat (full brother to Sophisticated Cat), out of an own daughter of Docs Oak.

tory has dropped to the lowest point since 1962, and feedyard inventories are showing a decline,” says Gidley-Baird. “This is expected to cause a redistribution of global beef supplies and an overall tightening of the market.”

The Brazilian beef supply is expected to be even higher this year, with China remaining Brazil’s the main export destination, though average import prices in 2023 will likely drop due to the increase in volumes. China was a top-three US beef export destination in 2022, but growth in export volumes slowed throughout the year. As US supplies decline and prices increase, the US will face continued headwinds into China over the medium-term.

“The decline in US volumes should

support increased trade from Australia,” explains Gidley-Baird. “Australia’s volumes will likely lift as prices ease, further supported by the potential increase in demand for chilled products with the growth in China’s retail beef sales. Meanwhile, an increase in retail sales via e-commerce and growth in the prepared dish market will provide opportunities for New Zealand exporters to capture more value.”      ▫

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

40th

Cattle Sale & Horse Expo & Sale

BULLS FOR SALE APRIL 11, 2023

•  Recent drought has caused a significant reduction in animal numbers across NMSU ranches

•  We will be offering 14 yearling Angus bulls that boast some of the lowest birth weigh EPDs in the industry along with some of the highest $EN

•  An offering of Brangus and Brahman bulls with strong desert adapted genetics will be available

•  More detailed animal data and pictures will be posted on Department website and Facebook as it becomes available

•  Cattle are available to view in the pens next to the Bull barn off of Knox St and Stewart St.

•  On-line Sale will be hosted by Integrity Livestock Sales

HORSE SALE and OPEN HOUSE: April 29, 2023

• Open house starts at 9:00AM NMSU Horse Center, 400 W. Union, Mesilla Park, NM

— Opportunity to visit with Equine program faculty and students and check out educational facilities, stallions, and learn more about our horse program

•  3 - 2yr Fillies, 4 - 2yr Geldings, 2 - 2yr Stallions, 1 yearling stallion, and 1 Broodmare with 2023 foal

•  Horse Sale preview 10:30AM to 12:00PM

•  Online Horse Sale will start at 1:00PM to 4:00PM Conducted by Integrity Livestock Auctions (see Department webpage for more information)

FOR CATTLE INFO CONTACT

Cattle viewing: ejs@nmsu.edu

Angus: Eric Scholljegerdes 575-646-1750 ejs@nmsu.edu

Brangus and Brahman: Andrew Cox 520-210-1338

FOR UPDATES

aces.nmsu.edu/academics/anrs

Hageman Seeks to End “Eco-Grief” Counseling Program for Distraught FWS Employees

by Mark Heinz, Outdoors Reporter, Cowboy State Daily

Acounseling program for federal wildlife employees supposedly suffering from “eco-grief” isn’t just a sham, its part of a wider campaign of “wokeism” bent on destroying the energy economy, Wyoming Republican Congresswoman Harriet Hageman claimed.

During a speech in the U.S. House chamber, she called the counseling program available to some U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) employees “another instance of the insanity of wokeism.”

She said it’s being foisted by “an elitist cabal of ecowarriors who are paid to destroy the very standard of living that allows them to focus on made-up crises, rather than focus on the jobs they are paid for doing.”

She was referencing four-hour seminars

offered to USFWS employees in the agency’s southwest region, to help them cope with the effects of eco-grief – or anxiety caused by the perception of an existential environmental crisis. The southwest region includes Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.

In Wyoming and throughout the West, the FWS has a strong presence. Among other things, it’s the lead agency in charge of managing grizzly bears, which remain under federal Endangered Species Act protection in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The agency also manages Mexican wolves in New Mexico and Arizona, lesser prairie chickens in New Mexico, Texas and other states. The list of species is too numerous to capture here.

APA Says Eco-Grief Is Real

Despite Hageman’s scathing dismissal, the American Psychological Association (APA) says that “eco-grief,” “eco-anxiety” and similar mental maladies are real conditions that are affecting increasing numbers of people in the face of climate change and environmental destruction.

“More than two-thirds (68 percent) of the adults APA surveyed said they had ‘at least a little ‘eco-anxiety,’ or anxiety or worry about climate change and its effects,” according to an APA report. “Nearly half (48 percent) of young adults ages 18 to 34 said they felt stress over climate change in their daily lives.”

Stealth Attack on Energy Sector

Hageman said the eco-grief counseling sessions might seem inconsequential. But she claimed they’re part of a wider pattern of the administration of President Joe Biden and others to undermine and ultimately destroy the fossil fuel economy upon which Wyoming and other states depend.

“Eco-grief is admittedly a smaller budget item than many other woke programs,” she said during her speech. “That, however, is no reason to ignore what it portends, or the real underlying agenda being pushed by this federal agency.”

Undermining the energy sector has driven up the costs of gasoline, natural gas for heating and other fossil fuel products, she said. That’s hurt Americans, particularly the poor, she said.

“I believe there truly is a special place in Hell for people who adopt policies that create energy poverty,” she said.

Get Rid Of

It, Hageman

Says Hageman said the eco-grief counseling program is a waste of time and taxpayer money and addressed USFWS employees directly toward the end of her speech.

“For our friends at the Fish and Wildlife Service, who may be watching this speech, you may want to take that eco grief seminar now, before we legislate it out of existence,” she said.      ▫

by Frank Dubois

with those feelings.” This was in a memo to the employees of the Southwest region, where the training is offered.

A spokesman for the agency says, ““This 4-hour workshop seeks to normalize the wide range of emotional responses that conservationists experience while empowering participants to act while taking care of themselves. The workshop is intended for those experiencing ecological grief and for those who wish to support them.”

Ecogrief, they say, is in a series of terms to describe stress. Other labels used are “climate grief” and “ecoanxiety”.

Ecogrief

This is almost beyond belief. The Washington Times is reporting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will provide “ecogrief” training to employees who are “struggling with a sense of trauma or loss as they witness a changing environment.”

The article says this class “will give staffers a chance to define what they mean by ecological grief, space to examine their emotional reactions and tools to grapple

The author even contacted the American Psychological Association which says, “it can manifest as a sense of being overwhelmed by the immensity of changes to the environment, or even a sense of ‘anticipated loss’ — essentially mourning what someone believes to be inevitable, particularly with climate change.”

So there you have it. These people are supposedly sitting in their offices and experiencing “ecogrief”, “climate grief” and “ecoanxiety”.

If you feel you must grieve, then do so

for:

—The ranching family that has to pack up and leave because a certain endangered plant is on their allotment.

—The ranching family that was tried twice for the same offense and labeled as terrorists

—The folks who worked in local timber mills that have been shut down

---The rural property owners who have seen their property and facilities burned to the ground as a result of federal policy and mismanagement.

That’s just a short list of the things that bring me grief. Call it ESAgrief, 30x30grief, NEPAanxiety, climatecrying or whatever you want, those are things that are worth grieving over.

Chickens

Looks like the lesser prairie is trying to flee the coop again, with the help of those poor folks suffering from ecogrief.

Four months ago those grieving folks in the US Fish & Wildlife Service recovered long enough to designate the lesser prairie chicken as threatened and endangered. How can it be both threatened and endangered? Because they designated two distinct

populations. A northern population in the Texas panhandle, Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado, which will be listed as threatened, and a southern distinct population in west Texas and New Mexico where the chicken will be classified as endangered.

The effective date for the designations was to be January 24, but those poor suffering souls have decided to extend that to March 27. Was this because of ecogrief? Nope, more likely it was because of a lawsuit.

The Western Livestock Journal reports the NCBA and other entities have filed suit to delay the listing. The NCBA says, “The science has proven repeatedly that healthy, diverse rangelands—like those cultivated by livestock grazing—are where the lesser prairie chicken thrives. There are numerous places where this listing goes seriously wrong and we are defending cattle producers against this overreaching, unscientific rule.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation has done an analysis that says the value of ag production in those states affected is “nearly $55 billion, or 15 percent of total U.S. production by value.” Now that is certainly enough to make you grieve.

Recall this is the Biden Administration’s initiative to protect 30 percent of the land and water across the entire globe. First proposed in 2020 by the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, it originally got 50 nations, including the US, to sign on to the program. By 2021 100 nations were participants. And by the end of 2022 190 nations had signed on. For Brian O’Donnell, the director of the Campaign for Nature, 30×30 should be considered a “floor not a ceiling.”

What does this mean for the U.S.? It would take an area twice the size of Texas to be set aside and protected. That definitely has me grieving again.

Until next time, be a nuisance to the devil and don’t forget to check that cinch.

Frank DuBois was the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003, is the author of a blog: The Westerner (www.thewesterner.blogspot.com) and is the founder of The DuBois Rodeo Scholarship and The DuBois Western Heritage Foundation ▫

TANK COATINGS ROOF COATINGS

Inc.

WHATLEY LONGHORNS

Registered Texas Longhorns – Selling/Leasing

• Started Show Calves

• Pasture Pets / Longhorn Steers

• Calving Ease Bulls • Longhorn Beef

— ALL CATTLE ARE HALTERBROKE & GENTLE —

Whatleylonghorns@outlook.com

www.Whatleylonghorns.com • FB Whatley Longhorns

Lynn & Sharon Whatley, Redrock, NM 88055 • 505/269-8199

www.olsoncattle.com

STEVE & GINGER OLSON (806) 676-3556

Steve@olsoncattle.com

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

David & Norma Brennand Piñon, NM 88344 575/687-2185

IDENTIFY YOUR CALVES USE PARENTAGE VERIFIED SIRES

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in the New Mexico Stockman. Call: 505/243-9515.

Skully Creek Ranch: 94 AU with 1,440 deeded acres, state and federal leases in Greenlee County approximately 40 miles northeast of Safford, Arizona. The ranch is located just over four miles off the paved highway along and lies along Skully Creek. The headquarters includes an adobe, two-story rustic ranch house overlooking the cottonwood lined Skully Creek Canyon with amazing views of Hells Peak in the distance. This is a real nice “off-gride” property with private, solar powered well. The deeded land location and physical features provide privacy and mountain views. Price: $1,600,000

Indian Springs Ranch: 52 AU with 1,480 deeded acres, BLM grazing lease in Cochise County approximately 14 miles northeast of San Simon, Arizona. The ranch is located just over 12 miles off the paved highway at the end of Indian Springs Road in the Peloncillo Mountains. Headquarters improvements include two ranch houses and horse corrals with shades. The ranch is very private and secluded with lots of water. Livestock water is provided by numerous springs and three private wells. The water wells are pumped via solar with water levels all less than 100’. Private land controls access to thousands of acres in the Peloncillo Wilderness. Price: $1,400,000

Hunt Valley Farm: West of St. Johns in Apache County, Arizona, includes 891 deeded acres in total with 210 acres currently irrigated via center-pivot sprinkler and gated pipe flood irrigation. Shallow wells on land-line electricity with room to expand the irrigated acreage. Currently used as a grow yard/heifer development facility with corral/bunk space for approx. 950 head. Buildings include a remodeled mobile home in good condition, farm office and large metal shop with commodity storage under roof. This is a nice production farm located directly off the paved highway situated at 5,400’ elevation. Price: $1,500,000

SOLD ESCROW

Buyers are looking for a ranch. If you have a ranch to sell, give me a call.

Lifetime rancher who is familiar with federal land management policies

• 575-403-6903 tom@sidwellfarmandranch.com • www.sidwellfarmandranch.com

Editorial Calendar

JANUARY — Wildlife; Gelbvieh; Joint Stockmen’s Convention Results

FEBRUARY — Beefmasters; Texas Longhorns

MARCH — Limousin; Santa Gertrudis

APRIL — Dairy

MAY — News of the Day

JUNE — Sheepman of the Year

JULY — Directory of Agriculture

AUGUST — The Horse Industry

SEPTEMBER — Charolais; Fairs Across the Southwest

OCTOBER — Hereford; New Mexico State Fair Results

NOVEMBER — Cattleman of the Year; Angus; Brangus; Red Angus: 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

PIE TOWN, Goat Ranch Road Access, South of Wild Horse Ranch Subdivision. 20 acres $12,000, 40 acres $24,000. Beautiful views

DATIL, Herrington Canyon Road, Two 40 acre tracts. $24,000 each

CANADIAN RIVER, West of Ute Lake. Seven 40 acre (more or less) lots. Starting at $90,000

MILAGRO, 0000 Pecos Spur, Portrillo Creek Ranch Subdivision. 164 acres wide open space. Distant mountain views. Close to I-40. $94,000

SAN ANTONIO, 1496 State Road 1, 11 irrigated acres with adobe home, well and community water $305,000

SAN MARCIAL, Willow Springs Ranch, Winchester Road. 432 acres at the foothills of Chupadera Mountains $325,000

Paul Stout, Broker

575-760-5461 cell

575-456-2000 office

www.bigmesarealty.com

WANTED: Farms and Ranches — Broker has over 45 years experience working on and operating a family farm and has been a farm owner since 1988.

SERVING THE RANCHING INDUSTRY SINCE 1920

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

■ FLYING W MOUNTAIN RANCH: 345

AYL plus 5 horses located in the Cedar Mountains of Hachita, N.M. 39.60 +/sections, 25,347 +/- acres total, 1278 +/acres of deeded land, 3152 +/- acres of state land, 20,917 +/- acres of BLM, 3960 +/- acres of the allotment is within WSA, 4 miles of newer fence, over 55,000 gallons of water storage, 17 +/- miles of pipeline less than 20 years old, 3 wells plus 1 domestic well, (One well produces over 175 gpm). 4 pastures, 3 traps, 7 dirt tanks, house, barns, corrals, semi load & livestock scale. Priced at $2,900,000

■ PHILLIPS RANCH/COW SPRINGS

is a quality desert ranch with an excellent grass cover and above average improvements. Located in southern Chaves County east of the productive Pecos River Valley. The ranch is comprised of 2,598 +/- deeded acres, 6,717 NM State Lease Acres, 23,653 Federal BLM Lease Acres and 480 acres Uncontrolled, 36,448 total acres (52.26 Sections). Grazing Capacity set by a Section 3 BLM grazing permit at 408 Animal Units Yearlong. The ranch is watered by three wells and an extensive pipeline system. This ranch is ready to go, no deferred maintenance. Price: $3,870, 000. Call or email for a brochure and an appointment to come take a look.

THE SAND CAMP RANCH

EIGHT MILE DRAW LAND 740 ± Acres of unimproved native grassland located four miles west of Roswell in the Six Mile Hill area with frontage along U.S. Highway 70/380. This parcel is fenced on three sides and adjoins 120 acres of additional land that may be purchased. Great investment. $600 per acre.

Scott McNally, Qualifying Broker Bar M Real Estate, LLC

P.O. Box 428, Roswell, NM 88202 Office: 575-622-5867 Cell: 575-420-1237

Website: www.ranchesnm.com

LEASE is a 52 Section cattle ranch located west of Deming, N.M. Road sign income!!! 33,323± total acres comprising of 3,742± acres of deeded 11,243± of NM state land 15,114± of BLM, seven wells, ranch includes two homes, metal barn, metal shop, corrals, livestock scale, cattle chute & semi-load ramp. Priced at $3,100,000

■ CAMBRAY RANCH: 23 section cattle ranch, west of Las Cruces, NM. 14,973± total acres, 2994± acres of deeded land (with Highway 549 frontage), 7284± acres of state land, 3934± acres BLM, 781± acres of uncontrolled land. Headquarters has a custom built 3089 sq. ft. home built in 2008, 3 bedrooms, 2 and a half baths, and fireplace. 3 sets of corrals, five pastures. Roadside sign income. Priced at $2,225,000

NMREL 17843

O’NEILL LAND, llc

CAPULIN -SIERRA GRAND VIEW, Union County. NM. 520 +/- deeded acres with HQ 1.5 miles off highway, 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home with landscaped yard and volcanic rock walls, nice outbuildings, 3 registered wells including 1 registered as an irrigation well and an excellent solar well. Close proximity to Des Moines, NM. $898,000

DES MOINES, 336.58 +/- Deeded

Acres Union County NM – 3 bedroom

erty, including installed septic system, with private views of mountains. 40 irrigable acres and a domestic water meter installed. Great to put down home and bring horses. $249,000 $239,000

SPECIALIZING IN FARMS, RANCHES AND LUXURY HOMES

SOLD

2 bath home, 32ft X 30ft metal building on slab. 62 ft X 12 ft metal barn, one big pasture off highway. Mixture of open grass range and trees. Less than two miles to town. $575,000

MIAMI DREAM, 14.70 +/- deeded acres . Approx 1,583 sq ft 2 bedroom 1 bath home. Real country living with barn wood siding, porches, recent remodel for remote workspace. Irrigation and horse facilities, 57 Wampler St., Miami, NM $370,000

MAXWELL 45, Excellent irrigated pasture with utilities in back of prop-

BAR LAZY 7 RANCH, Colfax County, Moreno Valley 594.38 +/- deeded acres, accessed off blacktop between Eagle Nest and Angel Fire. Historic headquarters. Currently used as summer grazing, pond and trees accessed off county road on rear of property as well. Presented “ASIS” New Survey, $4,000,000 $3,800,000

CIMARRON BUSINESS, Frontage opportunity, house, big shop and office buildings, easy view off Hwy 64. Formerly known as “The Porch.” $295,000

SPRINGER VIEW, 29.70 +/deeded acres. Large house being remodeled, shop, trees, old irrigation pond. All back off highway with great southern aspect. 311 Hwy 56, Colfax County. $209,000

MORE HUSTLE, LESS HASSLE

NEW LISTING! – Nat Ranch – Winslow, Arizona – The Nat Ranch is a 450 CYL ranch located adjacent to I-40 near Winslow, Arizona. The Nat Ranch encompasses approximately +/-36,467 total grazing acres supporting 300 CYL. A well designed feedlot on the headquarters parcel allows the ranch to increase the carrying capacity to 450 CYL while finishing superior calves. The headquarters sits on 80 deeded acres with a good producing domestic well and has newer set of working corrals with a squeeze chute, scales, calf table, loading chute, and bunkhouse. There are also several working corrals throughout the ranch on both the state and private lease. Offered at $2,400,000

NEW LISTING! – Jack’s Canyon Ranch – Winslow, Arizona – The Jack’s Canyon Ranch is a 150 CYL ranch consisting of 32 Sections of checkerboard grazing encompassing +/- 300 Deeded acres w/ wells and dirt tanks, +/-9,000 State leased acres and private grazing lease with the City of Winslow. Offered at $1,200,000

NEW LISTING! Triangle C Ranch - Reserve, New Mexico

– **Great Opportunity** - Working cattle ranch located east of Reserve, New Mexico in prime grazing lands. This 625 CYL ranch is located in gentle, rolling grasslands consisting of 2,320 +/- deeded acres, a private lease and a 25,055 acre BLM grazing allotment. Many improvements including two homes, bunk house, hangar, air strip, large shops and working facilities. $5,750,000

NEW LISTING! Cottonwood Springs – Ranch Red Rock, New Mexico – The Cottonwood Springs is a beautiful, high desert working cattle ranch located approximately 28 miles north of Lordsburg, New Mexico in Grant County. With a carrying capacity of +/-350 CYL, the ranch consists of a total of 13,605 acres which includes a combination of 1,629+/- deeded acres, 5,839+/- state lease acres, 3,400+/acres of BLM allotments and a 2,737+/- acre U.S. Forest Service allotment. The ranch is well improved with two homes, shop, corrals, interior and exterior fences, working cattle facilities and exceptional water improvements.

$3,100,000

UNDER CONTRACT! Sliding Diamond, Kingman, AZ –

The Sliding Diamond Ranch is a working cattle ranch with good feed, excellent water and well-maintained improvements. +/- 15,680 acre state lease located in a checkerboard configuration providing an equal number of acres available for adverse grazing at no cost to the ranch. The state leased parcels are permitted for 231 CYL. With the adverse and an adjoining available private lease this ranch currently runs 460 CYL. The ranch is well watered with 11 wells and 28 natural springs. A must see!

$2,400,000

REDUCED! Sierra Azul Ranch – Hatch, NM. – The Sierra Azul Ranch is located in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. This nice little ranch has been in the same family for over 50 years. The ranch runs 50 CYL and 2 horses on two sections of state land with over four sections of BLM and 520 deeded acres. The deeded land includes a beautiful 160 acre inholding with water and solitude. Good little ranch with good water, great feed throughout the rolling hills and canyons. With locked access and land-owner hunt permits, the ranch presents an excellent Mule Deer hunting opportunity. Offered at $650,000

NEW LISTING! Partridge Creek Ranch, Ash Fork, AZ–85,000+\- acres of strong grazing allowing for 800 animal units year round. 420 acres of deeded land, 480 Arizona state lease, remainder secured by deeded grazing rights. Newly remodeled 4 bedroom/3 bath owners home with wrap around porches top and bottom, great horse facilities at headquarters. Adequate ranch improvements and system of dirt tanks with reliable drainage. Low overhead, large animal unit ranch. $4,000,000

! Baker Property – Deming, NM. – The historic Baker Property is located seven miles west of Deming, New Mexico north of I-10 and south of the prominent Black Mountain. This property consists of 2,666 +/- deeded acres. Full private access to every part of the ranch is made with ease due to its gentle terrain. This unique property lends itself to multiple uses with a unique setting for farming, an equine facility, and solar energy production. Close to the comforts of town, but secluded from town life. Offered at $1,999,500

www.scottlandcompany.com

RANCHES/FARMS

*NEW* 472+/- Ac Organic Apple Orchard, Willcox, AZ – Nicely improved HQ with 3 homes, workshops, and 24,075 +/- s.f. of processing facilities, including sorting, washing, cold storage buildings, retail space and truck scale. Over 400 acres planted to 10 different apple varieties and 10 acres of pears. 7 Irrigation wells, and 3 domestic wells. Property is being sold turnkey with all equipment. $8M Call Harry Owens or Nancy Belt

*NEW* 12.7+/- Irrigated Acres, Marana, AZ – Irrigated farmland in the heart of Marana, perfectly suited for development. Currently, planted in Alfalfa and at one time was planted to corn. Fields are fenced, flood irrigated from concrete ditches and gates from the Cortaro Irrigation District. Great location near Marana Stockyards for those interested in performance horse activities that involve livestock. $825,000

*PENDING* 98+/- Deeded Acre Farm, Bonita, AZ – Great little farm in a picture-perfect setting! Two small pivots with 35 acres of water rights. Nicely improved with a newer 3 BR, 2 BA Shultz doublewide mfg home; 3-sided hay/ machine shed, 1,560+/- s.f. shop with concrete floor and insulated ceiling, hay shed, Connex box, nice set of guardrail and steel corrals with crowding tub, squeeze and scale. 250 gpm irrigation well with 20 HP motor and 13,500+/- gallons of storage. Raise horses, finish out calves, small cow/calf operation or

PENDING

homestead. Runs about 40 head of cattle. $750,000

120 +/- Acres of Farm Ground, Willcox, AZ – Located NW of Willcox in a good groundwater area. 2 wells. Center pivot. $468,000 Call Harry

Owens

*SOLD* 200-300 Head Cattle Ranch, Marana, AZ – 112.8 +/Deeded ac; 150+/- ac of pasture, 3,700+/- ac of sub-lease, 14 +/ac of farm fields, HQ on State Land. 2nd mfg home on deeded. 2 sets of good steel pipe corrals $1.9M

*SOLD* 2,373+/- Acre Farm, Animas, NM – Custom 2560 +/s.f. home built in 2008. 20-Acre pivot, 40’ x 60’ shop, 40’ x 50’ hay barn, fruit trees, chicken coop, garden area. Pivot produced 9.5 tons/ ac of alfalfa in 2020. 300 gpm well. 5 pastures with water piped to 2 storage tanks and drinkers in all pastures. Historically has run 40 head of cattle yearlong. $1.3M

HORSE PROPERTIES/LAND

*SOLD* 5+/- Acre Country Estate, Dewey Humbolt, AZ –Charming 2 BR, 3 BA 2-story home. Beautiful, vaulted wood ceilings, loft, floor to ceiling windows in the great room with expansive valley views. Includes 2-car detached garage, 1,092+/- s.f. metal shop building, railroad car, small barn, fenced and cross fenced. Online Auction to start 12/1 and will end with a soft close on 12/10. Contact Paul Ramirez for details or check out our webpage coming soon.

*NEW* 0.14+/- Acre Building

Lot, Maricopa, AZ – A great opportunity to own a corner lot in the desirable community of Tortosa. Ideal for a small builder or buyer wishing to build their dream custom home. One of only two lots available in the area, the other lot is adjoining this one. Utilities to the lot, back block wall in place. $110,000

RANCH & FARM REAL ESTATE

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

■ PRICE REDUCED! CEDARVALE, NM – 7,113-acre ranch (5,152 ac. +/- Deeded – 1,961 ac. +/- State Lease) well fenced & watered w/good pens, new barn.

■ 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.

■ 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.

*SOLD* 40+/- Acre Last Stand

SOLD

Brad DeSpain 520-429-2806 Paul Ramirez 520-241-3333 Riding for the brand … is our time-honored tradition StockmensRealty.com I UCstockmensrealty.com *Each United Country Franchise office is independently owned and operated.

B&B Guest Ranch, Sonoita, AZ –An exceptional property in the grasslands of Sonoita, presently operating as a successful wedding & equestrian event venue. The Territorial, twostory 4 BR, 4.5 BA main home has 4,110 s.f., & custom features throughout. $1,675,000

■ 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.

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

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

*SOLD* 90+/- Acre HP Bar Ranch, Benson, AZ – Perfect gentlemen’s ranch or private get-away. Backs up to USFS for endless riding possibilities. Fully fenced for cattle. 2 BR, 1 BA home; garage; steel barn w/two horse stalls, tack room & large hay storage; corrals; workshop. Expansive views. $595,000

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

SOLD

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the 2023 New Mexico Horse Council Officers

Dr. Steve Komadina, President

Steve has been a horseman since age 10 even though he did not come from an Ag family. He started by working for free at Clark’s Riding Stable at Central and the Rio

Grande in Albuquerque. On weekends, his mom would drop him off at sunrise and pick him up at sunset. He cleaned saddles and picked up manure. They finally gave him riding lessons for his work. He loved horses and he finally got a horse for Christmas. He was one of the few boys in the State in the 1950s who rode English. For the next 70+ years he has been a horseman. He has been very active in the horse community wherever he lived and is a lifetime member of the New Mexico Horse Council.

Stacey Ennis, Vice President

Stacey is a proud lifelong resident of New Mexico and currently resides in Roswell. Professionally, she’s a Speech Language Pathologist, serving in the Birth to 3 population in Roswell and surrounding areas. The characteristics of my work that she enjoys the most are meeting new children, families and caregivers and providing them with coaching, advocacy and strategies to improve

their overall communication and relationships with each other. Currently, she is serving as the Joint District Commissioner of the Roswell Tumbleweed Pony Club.

continued on page 88 >>

AUCTIONEERS

www.jandjauction.com

575-485-2508

ONLINE EQUIPMENT AUCTION

March 23, 2023 @Noon

Items will be located in Spaceport America, T or C, NM

Featuring: Heavy Equipment, Trucks, Trailers, and much more.

Items are in T or C, NM. Loadout is March 24 & 25th ONLY.

UPCOMING AUCTION

Albuquerque Area Equipment Auction

April 15th, 2023 @ 8:30

Live Webcast at 507 Boundary Court SE

We are now accepting consingments for this auction. Contact one of our salesmen:

Patty was born and raised in Arizona, but has lived in New Mexico for over 40 years. She was the Horse Project Leader for a local 4-H club for over 10 years. Patty is a Life Member of the American Quarter Horse Association where she served on the AQHA Foundation Committee for 2 years and has also been a member of the Corrales Eques-

trian Advisory Commission for over 5 years. She is a Life Member of the New Mexico Horse Council. Patty believes the Council serves a vital role in representing the equestrians of New Mexico and their equines.

Chris Morgan, Board Member

Chris and his wife Tracy, along with four children, are residents of Edgewood, New Mexico. They own two horses, Banjo, a palomino and Tinkerbell, a Clydesdale rescued

in the New Mexico Stockman. Call: 505/243-9515.

from Colorado. Chris is a member of the New Mexico Air National Guard where he serves as Command Post Superintendent. Chris was raised in West Texas on his grandparent’s cattle ranch where they learned to ride horses and work cattle from an early age. He’s part of a committee that formed the East Mountain Rodeo Association and host the Estancia Valley Ranch Rodeo, a sanctioned Working Ranch Cowboy Association event. Chris has a passion for helping educate and assist in sharing equine experiences to New Mexicans and visitors alike.

Patty Carroll, Secretary/Treasurer

New Mexico Horse Council Foundation Scholarship

$500 awarded to a graduating New Mexico high school senior

The NM Horse Council Foundation Scholarship is awarded to a graduating NM high school senior upon acceptance and enrollment in a post-secondary educational program. Scholarship funds will be disbursed directly to the educational institution upon proof of enrollment.

The basis for selection includes: demonstration of academic excellence, demonstrated personal character and initiative, contribution to the horse community, demonstrated commitment to horses and others, demonstrated leadership and/or involvement with horses that

benefited others more than self, and writing skills. A sample evaluation rubric is available from the NMHC Foundation.

ELIGIBILITY

Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors in New Mexico.

For scholarship applications visit: www.nmhorsecouncil.org/scholarship

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Two Letters of Recommendation (letter from relative is unsuitable):

a. One from a teacher or school official

b. One from an adult horse person from the NM horse community

2. Certified copy of academic transcript

3. Statement identifying your academic achievements

4. Statement identifying your community activities and examples of leadership

5. One Essay – Discuss how your involvement with the horse community has benefited you and influenced your educational and life

goals. (200 – 300 words).

Scholarship winner will be required to provide a student identification number and proof of enrollment in post-secondary educational institution prior to distribution of award to the institution.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION April 1

Late or Incomplete Applications

Will Not Be Considered.

The selection rubric is available on request from Laura Burton, by email.

The scholarship recipient will be notified by a member of the NMHC Foundation board.

Notification of award will be provided to the winner’s high school prior to graduation.      ▫

Mexican Wolf Census Shows Continued Population Growth

by Michael Doyle, E&E News

The Mexican wolf population last year continued a remarkable surge in which the numbers of the federally protected species have now more than doubled since 2017, the US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) has announced.

The 241 documented Mexican wolves counted in Arizona and New Mexico mark the first time the population has exceeded 200 since the animals were reintroduced into the wild in 1998. The 2022 population estimate jumped from the minimum of 196 wolves in 2021 and added up to the seventh consecutive year of population growth.

“This milestone has been 25 years in the making,” Brady McGee, FWS Mexican Wolf Recovery Coordinator, said in a statement, adding that “in 2022, we recorded more packs, more breeding pairs, and a growing occupied range, proving we are on the path to recovery. “

The population is split between 136 wolves in New Mexico and 105 in Arizona.

Jim deVos, Arizona Game and Fish Department Mexican wolf coordinator, agreed that “recovery has accelerated at an amazing rate [as] by every possible measure, progress was made.”

DeVos cited, among other signs of progress, the fact that 31 breeding pairs produced 121 pups, of which 81 were documented to have survived to the time of the count.

The animal, considered a subspecies of the gray wolf, has been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1976 (Greenwire, August 25, 2017).

Last December, FWS finalized a species recovery plan following litigation and the receipt of some 48,000 public comments.

The final plan includes conducting education and outreach in local communities within occupied Mexican wolf range in the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area and other areas in order to improve hunter, rancher and public tolerance of wolves. The plan also calls for livestock conflict avoidance measures in hot spots of depredation activity to reduce depredation-related wolf removals. Examples include pasture rotations of livestock, fence repair and maintenance, and range riders.

S K A A R E R

B R A N G U S

The Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area spans portions of Arizona and New Mexico (Greenwire, June 29, 2017).

The wolf census takes place between November and April, when wolf recovery team members conduct ground and aerial surveys, using remote cameras, scat collection and visual observation.

A minimum of 59 packs were documented at the end of 2022: 40 in New Mexico and 19 in Arizona. A wolf pack is defined as two or more wolves that maintain an established home range. There were 109 collared wolves in the wild at the end of the year, which is 45 percent of the wild population.

In addition to the minimum wild population, there are approximately 380 Mexican wolves currently maintained in more than 60 facilities throughout the United States and Mexico through the Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan.

MAX BRYANT FRAZE was born October 2, 1939, at the family home in Dora, to the home of Zillah Florene (Ragland) and Ralph Benjamin Fraze, and died at his home at the edge of Portales, surrounded by his family on February 11, 2023.

Max grew up in Dora, and graduated from high school in 1958. While in school, he played basketball, baseball and ran track. He also was a member of FFA, showing steers, judging and doing a little bit of rodeoing.

Max attended Eastern New Mexico University for a year, but decided that was not the route he wanted to go.

For a time, he worked as a house mover in Albuquerque before being drafted into the US Army. At his basic training, he was rated “Expert” on the rifle range during the coldest winter on record at Ft. Carson, Colorado. Max served in Germany during his time of service, and because he was one of the few men able to type, he was assigned as a court reporter. Following his discharge, he returned to Portales, and on June 6, 1965, he was married to Sharon Savage.

He worked for New Mexico Gas Co. until 1969, when he went to work as a feed salesman for Moorman’s Livestock Feed Co. In 1971, they moved to the Clovis area and then when he was promoted to District Sales Manager in 1973, they moved to Grape Creek, Texas. He was promoted again in 1976 to the position of State Sales Manager, and at that time they moved to Roswell.

His district covered all of New Mexico, as well as part of Texas and Oklahoma, so in 1983, they moved to Clovis to be more centrally located. Max left Moorman’s in the early 1990’s and went to work for Positive Feed as a salesman.

In addition, he ran wheat cattle and worked for a time for his son, Wesley, on his son’s dairy. Shortly after Sharon’s death in 2008, he stopped working in sales, and devoted his time to breeding and selling race horses. As a matter of providence, one of the colts he bred, won a race on the very day that Max died.

On May 16, 2015, he was married to Marjorie Powers. Max was a lifelong member of the Baptist church, and for the past several years had attended the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Portales. He was a member of the New Mexico Horse Breeders Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, and

the Elks Club in Clovis.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie of their home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Wade and Julie Fraze, Portales and Wes and Wende Fraze, Hico, Texas; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren expected later this spring; his sister, Wilma Buzard, Portales; and his wife’s children, Bryce (Courtney) Powers, Amarillo, Texas; Jo Lynn Powers, Portales; and Marla (Scott) Schumacher, Manassas, Virginia.

JAMES (JIM) CHARLES WOODS passed away at the age of 98 on February 16, 2023 at the Farwell Care and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by family. Jim was born to Charlie G. and Lucy Moss Woods on July 8, 1924 in Grady, New Mexico.

Jim would often reminisce about his early years. He had memories of riding in the back of a horse drawn wagon with his brothers and sister to go shopping in Clovis. A trip to town would take two days. The family had to stop and camp out overnight in the Frio Draw.

He remembered walking home from Grady at night and seeing lanterns hanging outside of dugouts made of dirt and tumbleweeds. Throughout his life, he could recall most of the families who homesteaded on nearly every quarter section around his house.

By the age of 8, Jim could milk cows and churn butter faster than his mom and dad. By 14, Jim was a hand at driving tractors and operating all types of machinery. In high school, Jim worked for the largest farmer in Curry County and was made foreman over a harvesting crew of grown men.

Jim would often recall the highlight of his senior year in high school. His basketball team achieved a notable victory taking 4th at the state championship over all school divisions playing half-court style basketball.

Jim graduated high school in 1944, married Margie Hellen Queener on June 1, 1944, and in July of 1944 enlisted to serve in WWII. Jim was a member of the 96th Division, 381st Infantry, M Company 1st Platoon, 1st Squad. From July 1944 until the war was won, Jim fought on front lines, as a No. 1 Machine Gunner, taking the high ground, shouldering the machine gun to cover the troops advancing behind him.

After the war ended and treaties were

signed, Jim was honorably discharged in February 1946. When he came home from the war, Jim was interviewed and quoted as saying: “If you were going to get killed, you might as well get killed going forward. No use being killed sitting still.”

Jim exemplified all the qualities of our country’s “Greatest Generation.” Jim would often tell his family, “A lot of good men didn’t come home, so I tried to honor their memory by being the best I could.”

Despite his hard headed streak, Jim was liked and respected by his neighbors. Good fences make good neighbors and Jim built the best. The five-strand barb wire tamped wood post fence built by Jim was strong, true, and straight.

He had a calling—he was a farmer. “The Good Lord only made so much land, so I owed it to Him to take care of it.” It was often said, “No one could out work Jim Woods” and it remained true well into his 90s.

A work ethic and strength he passed on to his sons and grandchildren, who are all successful in their own right. Jim spent his life farming, ranching, and serving the community he loved. He served on the Grady School Board, Curry County Farm Service Agency Board and held many offices within the Grady United Methodist Church.

He was an active member of New Mexico Wheat Growers and the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. Jim would often say, and Margie would agree, that his greatest accomplishment was marrying her, his wife of 78 years. Together they lived a marriage of devotion, loving each other in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, until his final day.

Jim is survived by his wife, Margie, son Michael and wife Maureen, son Pat and wife Eva. He is also survived by his granddaughter Loralee (Mackenzie), and seven grandsons, Shannon (Stephanie), Toby, Charlie (Jen), Derek (Michele), Adam (Chelsa), Brandon (Haley), and Ryan (Ashlie) along with 12 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Grady Methodist Church, P.O. Box 21, Grady, NM 88120. Donations made in Jim’s honor will be used to help those in need.

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.

John M. Heckendorn, Vice President

1209 US Rt 66, Suite C, Moriarty, NM 87035-3422

Office: 505-832-5092 • Cell: 505-379-8212

www.cbcnm.bank

FOCUS

505 Southwestern Joins PRCA as National Partner

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association® (PRCA) is proud to announce that 505 Southwestern® has become a National Partner of the PRCA.

“505 Southwestern® is extremely proud to partner with the PRCA for the 2023 rodeo season,” said Sam Carson, President, 505 Southwestern®. “We share a common history with strong roots in the American West and fervently believe in the importance of supporting agriculture. We also both believe in keeping things exciting – whether that’s by adding some green chile to ordinary foods or watching a cowboy at a PRCA rodeo. Our brands bring people together through affordable and flavorful experiences and like most things – even the rodeo goes better with green chile!”

As part of the new agreement, 505 Southwestern® will become the Official Green Chile and Salsa of the PRCA’s Xtreme Bulls.

During the upcoming season, 505 Southwestern also will be activating the World’s Largest Green Chile Roaster in Reno, Nev., Salinas, Calif., and Pendleton, Ore.

“We are thrilled to have 505 Southwestern® join the PRCA as a national partner,” PRCA CEO Tom Glause said. “505 Southwestern® has strong ties to the American West and the PRCA promotes the western way of life, so this is a great fit.”

About 505 Southwestern®

505 Southwestern®, together with its family of brands and affiliates, is one of the leading premium green chile-based products companies in the country. The brand’s core lineup of shelf stable, premium New Mexico salsas, sauces, and flame-roasted green chile is the fastest growing of its kind in the USA and is currently sold from London to Los Angeles. The brand’s portfolio also includes queso as well as frozen stews and diced green chile. 505 Southwestern® has a commitment to giving back and formed the 505 Southwestern®-New Mexico True Scholars program in conjunction with the State of New Mexico to support a future generation of farmers through its scholarship program. The company is based near Denver with its manufacturing headquarters in New Mexico.     ▫

Jaclyn Ferrel

Receives WRCA Foundation

Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project Scholarship

Jaclyn Ferrel, Childress, Texas, is the kind of youngster we all aspire to be or raise.

Not only is she an excellent student and a respectful and hard-working young adult, but she has also faced adversity with a brave, unyielding faith in God. As such, she is the recipient of the 2022 WRCA Foundation/ Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project $7,500 scholarship.

The daughter of Tyrone and Audrey Ferrel, “Jackie” spent her early childhood moving every two to three years because her dad was in the Marine Corps, often gone on extended deployments. She says when she was in kindergarten, she truly learned what it means to make a difference when the Ferrel family adopted a boy from Ethiopa.

Then when Jackie was 11, Tyrone retired after 21 years in the service, and the Ferrel family—consisting of Jackie, her mom and dad, sister Anna and brother Micah— returned to the land Tyrone had been raised on in Hall County, Texas, near Childress. He joined his father in the cattle operation there, making Jackie part of the sixth generation to ranch on that family land.

Tyrone says although he felt his military service was important, it was also important to him to raise his three children as part of a working ranch family, just like he was. Jackie thrived in that environment, enjoying

working cattle horseback alongside her dad and grandfather.

Then at just 14 years old, Jackie was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Her entire freshman year of high school she was on dialysis, then received a kidney transplant her sophomore year. Although it was incredibly difficult, Jaclyn remained positive.

Her pastor at the First Baptist Church of Quitaque, Chris Tucker, says, “She has faced adversity with grace, strength and the faith of someone five times her age. I never heard her complain when she, in the eyes of most, had the right to. She had to make sacrifices teenagers should not have to make, but she then grew from circumstances that were beyond anyone’s control.”

Jackie says humbly, “I am thankful for my story because I feel God has given me a unique perspective on life through it, one that I can hopefully use to encourage others.”

Despite her illness, Jaclyn graduated from Valley High School with a 4.0 GPA. She participated in FFA, student council, yearbook and pep squad, while also playing varsity basketball and tennis and running varsity track and cross country.

Her leadership roles are many and include being freshman, junior and senior class president, ALA girls state member, and vice president of Valley FFA. Her faith is present in her activities as well as she was active in the First Baptist Church of Quitaque on the praise team and volunteered at the Crossview Christian Camp.

Her accomplishments are FFA Lone Star Degree recipient, Valley High School Homecoming Queen and Most Academic Girl, Spanish Scholastic Award, Academic All-District Basketball, UIL Regional Qualifier, Track and Field Regional Qualifier and National Honor Society Member.

She also volunteered at Tri County Meals, where she delivered meals to homebound

senior citizens as well as worked on special projects as needed.

The executive director of that program, Kay Calvert, says, “Jackie approached me to ask if there was anything she could help with as a volunteer for our program. She has been a hard worker and has a heart for giving to those less fortunate.”

She did all this while still working a parttime job at The Coffee Mill and Mercantile in Quitaque.

Jackie’s situation is unique and because of her dad’s military service, she is the perfect candidate for her scholarship to be funded through The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Foundation.

The mission of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project is “to help identify, support and implement the various needs of the men and women of America’s armed forces returning from service. We owe them an unpayable debt of gratitude. Our goal is to identify the best of the best, to not only be good stewards of donated dollars but to seek the best assistance available for our veterans. It is a critical mission that needs every American that enjoys the freedoms we share to participate.”

Jackie is currently a freshman at West Texas A&M University, majoring in agricultural communications. She says she is very thankful for this scholarship. Although her family has insurance, they still incur many prescription costs because of her kidney transplant. She has set a considerable goal of completing her degree without incurring any debt.

“It’s huge,” she says of winning this scholarship. “It means that I can focus on school and not have to worry about the financial aspect so much and take every opportunity that I can. Having less financial stress to manage will give me more freedom to push myself to the highest standard academically and afford me more time for leadership experience as I strive to grow as an individual in a way that will positively impact others.”

Jackie says she looks forward to a career where she can advocate for agriculture and the working ranch community.

“Many people in the United States today do not understand agriculture or its important role in our world,” Jackie says. “I want to have the ability to connect those people with the agricultural community.”

Jaclyn Ferrel Receives WRCA Foundation Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project Scholarship

SALE CATT LE GUARDS

Ovation Protégé Helmet Recall Notice February 2023

There has been an important fast track recall from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (UPSC) and English Riding Supply.

On February 9, 2023, English Riding Supply recalled about 55,000 Ovation Protégé equestrian helmets for failure to meet the impact requirements of ASTM F1163-15. These helmets pose a risk of injury to someone who falls while wearing the helmet.

This recall involves Ovation Protégé model equestrian helmets manufactured from December 2020 through December 2022 and sold in multiple colors and finishes. The Ovation Protégé is an equestrian helmet that is certified by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) to the ASTM F1163-15 standard. An SEI certification label, which includes the model name and date of manufacture, is located inside the helmets. “OV” is printed on the front of the helmets.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Ovation Protégé helmets and return them to the retailer they were purchased from or to any Ovation authorized dealer for a free replacement Ovation Deluxe Schooler helmet or contact English Riding Supply for a $60 refund.

The replacement helmet or refund will be provided upon return of the recalled helmet OR proof of destruction of the recalled helmet. (Consumers are not required to return the physical helmet to English Riding Supply.) To destroy recalled helmets, consumers should cut off the harness straps. Consumers should email a photo of the cut harness and a photo of the interior manufacturing label, clearly showing the manufacturing date and serial number, to helmets@englishridingsupply.com. The manufacturing label is located on the interior foam liner underneath the comfort liner, so consumers will need to remove the comfort liner to access the manufacturing label.

To learn how to destroy your helmet and receive a refund, or learn more about the recall, you can visit https://www.ovationriding.com/ProtegeRecall/      ▫

A Horse with Cow

by Bob Welch, Working Ranch Cowboys Association

On the surface, the phrase “That horse has cow” is strange. Of course, those in the cow horse world understand it means that a horse has a particular drive or talent for working with cows. It manifests itself in all kinds of ways—some love to chase cows and make great rope horses and others are taught to read, react, and influence a cow’s movement and make great cutting or reined cow horses. Some can do both—and more. In many ways, “cow sense” is horseman shorthand for intelligence.

For many cowboys today, a horse with cow is an expectation. In fact, sometimes a top hand might even be offended by a horse without any cow sense at all. The “cow sense” trait has been tirelessly bred over many generations to the point that it’s virtually a prerequisite for any horse to be called a ranch horse.

Of course, throughout history, there have always been horses with cow sense, but in the early days of the Open Range West, they were a true rarity.

If a horse was found to have an exceptional amount of cow and could work the herd, he was saved. The ranchers would ride a different horse and lead their cutting horse to the roundup grounds. In fact, many of the famous cutting horses of the Open Range days enjoyed long lives and even became children’s horses in their retirement because they were so meticulously cared for.

A very basic definition of the word “technology” is a tool that is used to solve a problem. In the same way the horse was a technological improvement for the Plains Indians for migration, hunting, and warfare, the cutting horse was a technological development for the cowman in the 1860s. A horse that could quickly and effectively sort up a marketable herd from the range gathers solved a problem.

What a feeling of discovery it must have been when a would-be cowman (who more than likely grew up on a Southern or Midwestern farm), who only knew a horse as a beast of burden or transport, felt a horse hook onto a cow for the first time! It’s a feeling we still experience today—and many find as useful and addicting as the original cowmen must have. What’s more, it’s a talent shown off every time the Working Ranch Cowboys Association sanctions an event. Whether it be in the sorting, branding, or roping events, a horse that will watch a cow will never go out of style.

JOHN & CATHY HECKENDORN, SARAH, CALEB, JOE & REBECCA ISBELL JOSHUA & MORGAN HECKENDORN

D-H

W-Z

Bunks Feed

Hobbs, NM

Jim Selman • 575-397-1228

Case & Co.

Tucumcari, NM

Luke Haller • 575-403-8566

Cowboy’s Corner

Lovington, NM

Wayne Banks • 575-396-5663

Creighton’s at The Fort Fort Sumner, NM

Garland Creighton • 575-760-6149

Creighton’s Town & Country

Portales, NM

Garland Creighton • 575-356-3665

Double D Animal Nutrition

Artesia, NM

Don Spearman • 575-302-9280

Guadalupe Mountain Farm, Ranch & Show Supplies

Carlsbad, NM

Amber Hughes • 575-988-3508

One Stop Feed, Inc.

Clovis, NM

Austin Hale • 575-762-3997

Purina Animal Nutrition

Eastern NM

Steve Swift • 575-760-3112

Purina Animal Nutrition

Western NM

Joram Robbs • 520-576-8011

Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply

Roswell, NM 575-622-9164

Williams Ranch Supply

Quemado, NM

Jimbo & Trisha Williams

505-238-4656

A part of Purina’s Sustained® Nutrition program, Wind and Rain® Storm® Cattle Mineral is built on research-proven intake consistency and unsurpassed weather resistance, making it the best option to support health and enhance reproduction and growth performance in your cattle.

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