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

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.

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.