NMS March 24

Hey

Preston

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, Bronson Corn

n New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc. nmwgi@nmagriculture.org

P.O. Box 850, Moriarty NM 87035

Office: 505.247.0584 , Fax: 505.842.1766

Physical Location

809 First Street, Moriarty NM 87035 President, Antonio Manzanares

n New Mexico Federal Lands Council newmexicofederallandscouncil@gmail.com

3417 Avenida Charada NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 President, Ty Bays

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING

Publisher: Caren Cowan

Publisher Emeritus: Chuck Stocks

Advertising Representatives: Chris Martinez

Melinda Martinez

Contributing Editors: Carol Wilson Callie Gnatkowski-Gibson

Howard Hutchinson Lee Pitts

PRODUCTION

Production Coordinator: Carol Pendleton

Editorial & Advertising Design: Kristy Hinds

ADVERTISING SALES

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

New Mexico Stockman (USPS 381-580)

is published monthly by Caren Cowan, P.O. Box 7127 Albuquerque, NM 87194

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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.

MARCH 2024

30

31

Nick Pope, Contributor

40

Source: North American Limousin Foundation

41 NY Attorney General Sues World’s Largest

Source: Fox News

42 Farmers & Ranchers: Stewards of the Land Source: Protect The Harvest

46 Incorporating the Santa Gertrudis Breed into Crossbreeding Strategies by Dr. Matthew Garcia, TCU Ranch Management

52 Really? The End of Democracy As We Know It? by Karen Budd Falen

54 Who Do Elected Representatives Think They’re Representing by Tom DeWeese, American Policy Center

64 Cost-Conscious Consumers and Production Changes are Influencing Global Beef Trade Source: Rabobank

78 Classroom Cattlemen by Macy McCall Downs

81 Passage of Meat Inspection Act Will Grant New Authority to New Mexico Livestock Board

83 Spring 2024 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Schedule (Southwest)

88 New Mexico Rodeo Association –Lance Tolbert, President by Julie Carter

90 Eleck Stone: High School Rodeo Competitor by Julie Carter

Sunrise is another great pasture painting from Gary Morton. For more about this and other works by Gary contact him at garymortonart.com

Morton began cowboying on different ranches as a teen and ultimately became wagon boss on the historic Bell Ranch in New Mexico. The life of cowboying makes Gary more than familiar with his subjects.

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Tom Spindle: (505)321-8808

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Tom Paterson NMCGA President- Elect

Bronson Corn President Roswell

Tom Paterson President-Elect Luna

Dave Kenneke NW Vice President Cimarron

Jeff Decker SE Vice President Lovington

Roy Farr SW Vice President Datil

Cliff Copeland NE Vice President Nara Visa

Becky King-Spindle Vice President at Large Moriarty

Shacey Sullivan Secretary/Treasurer Peralta

Loren Patterson Immediate Past President Corona

Randell Major Past President

Dear Cattle Growers,

The 2024 30-day legislative session is in the books. NMCGA started this session with six legislative priorities. We tracked and testified on other bills, but we focused on those six because we thought they could have a considerable, direct impact on our livestock industry and the rural communities in which we live. Here’s their status:

(1) State Meat Inspection Program: Good news. SB 37 passed both houses. We’re one step closer to having a state meat inspection program in New Mexico.

(2) Compensation to livestock producers for damages from Mexican wolves: Also, good news. There’s money in the final budget. It’s not nearly as much as needed, but it’s a start.

(3) “Clean” Transportation Fuels (Tax): Not good news. HB 41 passed. It authorizes the Environmental Improvement Board to enact rules to reduce the use of the gas and diesel that rural New Mexico depends on. Estimates are for gas and diesel prices to increase by between $0.40 and $0.80 per gallon.

(4) Paid Family Medical Leave: Good news. SB 3 failed. We worked with a coalition on a less radical alternative that the majority tabled from consideration in favor of SB 3. We’ll see it again.

(5) Firearm bills: We saw mixed results here. As an informed ally told us, the “Progressives’” firearms bills are part of an on-going, relentless push to blame firearms for legislators’ refusal to deal with the real problems, primarily mental health. HB 129 passed. It imposes a 7-day waiting period (down from an original 14) to buy firearms in New Mexico. Progressives did not get two across the finish line: HB 127 (prohibiting citizens under 21 from buying or possessing semi or automatic firearms to protect themselves, their families, or their livestock) or HB 137 (prohibiting the purchase or possession of a firearm with a magazine or detachable magazine with more than ten rounds).

(6) Legacy Fund: We need to wait for a 60-day session to work to restrict use of revenues from the Conservation Legacy Fund to buy agricultural land out of production. The government has a poor track record undertaking the on-the-ground land stewardship that private landowners are known for.

We’re collecting voting records. Please review them on these and other issues that affect rural New Mexico. Is your legislator representing your interests? The primary election is on June 4. Vote!

A special word of thanks to our Cattle Grower team in the Roundhouse and to many of you for the encouragement and support you provided during this session. Many thanks.

Sinceramente,

Tom Paterson

Tom Paterson, President-Elect

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JUST THE FACTS ... & THEN SOME

by Caren Cowan, Publisher New Mexico Stockman

What’s Montana’s Big Attraction to New Mexico?

More specifically, why do Montana politicians feel the need to team up with New Mexico politicians?

First it was Montana’s US Senator Steve Daines, who serves as chairman of the National Republican Senate Committee, who broke ranks with his party on the US Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Committee with a vote to try and take precious water from Southwestern New Mexico ranchers and farmers via the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act.

Just this one fact should put fear in landowners and land stewards. The act will allow designation of stretches of river no more than three feet long to grab as much land as possible.

What would possess the Chairman of the National Republican Senate Committee Chairman, whose job is to get Republicans elected, to team up with a Democrat up for re-election the following year?

What’s Chairman Daines saying to the Republican senatorial candidate now running against that anti-private property rights Democrat?

Now we have the PLPHA

The Public Lands in Public Hands Act, sponsored by one of Montana’s two members of the US House of Representatives, is teaming up with one of New Mexico’s three members.

Congressman Ryan Zinke, former Secretary of the Interior, and Congressman Gabe Vasquez filed the bill in late February.

The purpose of the PLPHA is to require federal entities to receive congressional approval before public lands can be sold. There are some exceptions, including small tracts. But the bill goes well beyond federally owned lands reaching also into state, county or local government lands.

The approval applies to lands that are accessible to the public or are contiguous with publicly accessible lands or land owned by state, county or local governments and can be accessed through a public right-ofway, waterway or trail system.

It is interesting to note that, according to KRQE TV, Albuquerque’s CBS Affiliate, New Mexico Ranks 10th in the nation for land owned by the federal government (the Bureau of Land Management - BLM, the US Forest Service - USFS, the US Fish & Wildlife Services - FWS and the Department of Defense - DOD).

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) admits that these figures understate total federal land ownership, since they do not include lands administered by other federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Reclamation and the Department of Energy.

It is estimated that more than half of the lands in New Mexico are controlled by federal or state government. Montana boasts over 30 million acres of state and federal lands, nearly one third of the state’s more than 94 million acres.

Other CRS information stated the BLM was formed in 1946 by combining two existing agencies. One was the Grazing Service (first known as the DOI Grazing Division), established in 1934 to administer grazing on public rangelands. The other was the General Land Office, which had been created in 1812 to oversee disposal of the federal lands. The BLM currently administers 244.4 million acres, more federal lands in the United States than any other agency. BLM lands are heavily concentrated (more than 99 percent) in the 11 contiguous western states and Alaska.

The FS is the oldest of the four federal land management agencies. It was established in the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1905 and is charged with conducting forestry research, providing assistance to non federal forest owners, and managing the National Forest System (NFS). Today, the FS administers 192.9 million acres of land in the United States, predominantly in the West.

It is ironic that a former Secretary of the Interior wants to countermand an original purpose of the agency — disposing of federal lands.

OOPS…

Last month we congratulated Justin Johnson for his great work against the monuments being proposed in Luna County. We should have been congratulating Russell Johnson. Sorry Russell!      ▫

In 2022 Jayde Martinez won the Santa Fe County NMCGA Heritage Buckle contest. She was recommended by Jacinda Price who was president of the Cowbelles 2021-22. The Prices live and work on Bonanza Ranch. Jayde’s father recently took over a huge grazing lease in the Santa Fe Forest. This is a young family making ranching work. She has a sister Aspen. The girls are multi talented and have done some movie work too.

Allied Industry Mentorship (AIM) Internship Applications are OPEN!

ew Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) Allied Industry Committee will be hosting college interns at the upcoming 2024 NMCGA MidYear Meeting in Ruidoso, NM. “The Allied Industry Mentorship program allows students to build relationships with industry partners and cattlemen across the state,” said President Bronson Corn, Roswell. “We know, as a young person, it can be hard to know what career field you may want to be in. We hope to give students a chance to learn from multiple sectors of the agriculture industry through one single internship.” Interns will have the opportunity to shadow NMCGA Leadership and Allied Industry Partners. Having an internship gives students an experience in the career field they want to pursue, as well as giving them the face-toface time with peers and industry leaders. Looking back on her internship, 2023 Joint Stockmen Convention AIM intern Rayleigh Carter said, “My time serving as an AIM intern has already proven to be beneficial during my academic and professional pursuits. I will always be grateful for the industry leaders and issues I was presented with during the internship.”

NMCGA is working with Allied Industry Partners on this program that will offer businesses the opportunity to bring new ideas and energy into the workplace, discover talent, and potentially build a pipeline for future full-time employees. There are over 15 different agriculture related sectors represented in the trade show. “The AIM internship is not only a phenomenal opportunity for college students, but it is also a great opportunity for our industry leaders to meet and influence the next generation of agriculturists,” states Kristin Drake, NMCGA Allied Industry Committee Chair. Applications are due May 1, 2024.

For further information, please contact the NMCGA office at (505) 247-0584.      ▫

Senior

Sire still producing at 9 years old. Look for his offspring for sale Spring 2024

Grassroots Efforts

Last month wrapped up a fast and furious Legislative Session in Santa Fe. There was good and bad that came out of it. Not easy to look at both sides of the coin, but that’s what we do in agriculture.

But what always impresses me about our industry is the boots on the ground who attend Interim Committee Meetings before session, who are at the Roundhouse during session meeting with legislators and testifying at committee hearings, and those boots that stay at home and pick up the phone to let our legislators know how a particular bill will impact our industry.

All of this reminds me of a phrase we should be familiar with: grassroots efforts. Grassroots efforts are defined or described as a type of movement or campaign that attempts to mobilize individuals to take some action to influence an outcome, often of a political nature (according to brittannica. com). This session we saw a great grassroots effort by our CowBelles!

You answered the calls to action to contact your legislators, and encouraged your neighbors to do the same. We thanked those who support us, and asked others who normally don’t to reconsider their positions and do the

same. To say the least, I am very proud of the efforts of our organization! But we are part of a larger grassroots movement that encompassed our partner organizations across the state, and all of those efforts combined made a difference, whether the votes on the bills reflected it or not.

We collectively let our elected representatives know that we are watching and paying attention to what they were up to in Santa Fe. That, quite frankly, speaks volumes.

So as we move forward post session, don’t stop listening, learning, and letting your Representative or Senator know how their actions in Santa Fe affect you and our industry. Continue to advocate and educate about the beef industry. That is, after all, what we are charged with through both our Mission and Vision Statements.

As I sign off, I’m looking forward to hosting the ANCW Region VI Meeting in Las Cruces next month. We have a full agenda of great things to share, and I am excited to showcase New Mexico to our fellow cattlewomen from the western states. See you there!

Blessings and a wet spring to you all,

– Michelle Greeman NMCB President

Yucca CowBelles & Wool Growers met January 23, 2024, in Artesia, with 16 members and one guest in attendance. Meeting was called to order by President Joan Kincaid. The pledge of Allegiance led and CowBelle Creed read. The minutes were read and approved. Treasurer Tricia Monk gave the Treasurer’s report. Correspondence shared. Michelle Brown reported on the first Tree Lighting ceremony in Pinon where over 100 people were in attendance. Everyone agreed the Christmas Party at the Hope Community Center was the best one ever. Vonda Frost gave the report on the State meeting in which seven past presidents were in attendance where the new logo was decided on. Vonda shared info the April Region VI meeting in Las Cruces at the Convention Center April 11-13, 2024. Beef Council is the main sponsor. All can enjoy a tour of the new Feed Mill and Meat Lab and learn about the Virtual Hunting Project. Registration is $140. Earlene Ellet reported on the breakfast for State Legislators hosted by the Farm Bureau, who are champions for Ranchers and Farmers. Jim Townsend, Candy Ezzell and Jimmy Mason attended. She said that Road Conditions, 2nd amendment rights and gun control were a priority in the discussion, along with health care. The 4-day School week was also discussed and had strong support. Only two schools are behind, and all others are ahead under the shortened school week. A vote for making name tags to wear at special events passed unanimously. Vonda Frost and Mary Kay McCollum are on the committee to get these done. A discussion about the NM Stockman Magazine and Caren Cowan will ensure that CowBelles continue to receive it. The group decided to make a donation to help cover the expense of the continued subscriptions. Vonda Frost is the new Editor of The Wrangler. Ag Day will be May 1st at Park Jr. High School in Artesia. Melinda Jackson is Chair of this Committee. Artesia Quilters Guild Annual Quilt Show is February 1st through March 1st at the Historical Museum and Arts Center in Artesia. The group will plan to attend after the meeting February 27th. Meeting adjourned. Vonda Frost presented a program for Ag in the Classroom, teaching the value of eating Beef and the 3 essential nutrients from Beef. Key rings were made with the colored beads letter beads representing Zinc, Iron and Protein on a Hamburger Bubble Popper and a paper Fortune “Beef” Teller game for the students to play asking questions about the three nutrients in beef. –Respectfully submitted, Tina Kincaid Secretary

Mesilla Valley CowBelles met February 2, 2024. Pat Nowlin scholarship entries due April 15. Gretchen’s email is changing. Fita, Alicia and Mary Esther did a great job for Ag in the Classroom presenting to help students better understand why cattle production in NM is important in January. They prepared “Stew for a Few” and read Dr. Seuss’ “Steak for Supper”. It is the intention for this presentation to be a pilot training for NMCB. More to follow on this topic. Also discussed were plans for Cowboy Days at the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum March 1-3, 2023. Mesilla Valley CowBelles will present the “Hamburger” on March 1 for the school day. –Submitted by Janet Witte

The Powderhorn CattleWomen met in the home of Joan Key with Brenda Copeland as co-hostess on February 8, 2024 with seven members present and four visitors. President Ann called the meeting to order and led in the Invocation, Pledge, and Creed. Visitors Tandra Boardman, Joyce Boardman, Heather McConnell, and Jennifer Mulkey welcomed. Minutes read and approved. Treasurers report accepted as presented. Ann read a thank you from LuAnn Cortese for the Christmas gift bag. An invitation to ANCW meeting in Las Cruces April 11th & 13th. Registration is $140. She also read the letter that was sent to the NM Beef Council requesting funds for the BBQ meat. Mary reported that she had received 7 sets of dues and Ann added another set that had been outstanding. Sarah Fitzgerald sent word that she would be joining. Ann has reserved the cafeteria for Old Fort Days. Hopefully soon for the yearbook. It was decided to pay Ann’s way to the ANCW meeting in Las Cruces. The March meeting will be at the Baptist Fellowship Hall in Fort Sumner, with Ann and Mary Gay as hostesses. Meeting adjourned at 11:10 am The group enjoyed lunch and then a program by Heather McConnell about Tai Chi. –Mary McClain Sec

Frisco Cowbelles’ February meeting had correspondence from NMCB President, Michelle Greeman, with information on NM State CowBelle scholarships and on the ANCW Region VI meeting April 11-13 in Las Cruces at the Convention Center. The scholarship committee met with Reserve High School seniors and the meeting went well. Deadline is April 8, 2024. The committee suggested sending cards of encouragement throughout the year to the recipients. Still looking in to sign holders and pricing some tables and chairs to use for events. Dates for McKeen Ranch AgXplorer Days will be April

23 and 24, 2024. Frisco Cowbelles will do lunch. More details to be worked out in March. The meeting was adjourned. –Submitted by Margie Mckeen. From the January meeting: Frisco Cowbelles started the year by going over the 2024 proposed budget and planned activities for the year. The budget was read and approved. The Aldo Leopold Wilderness is celebrating 100 years. USFS is planning a celebration. Discussion if Frisco CowBelles wanted to participate. The group is looking into getting new sign holders to use for promoting the various activities. The existing holders for signs need to be replaced. The scholarship committee was set up with Denise Howard, Martha Stewart and Salli Mason. Plans made to go over the application and get the information to the students at the Reserve school. The date for the Barbecue, Art Auction and Dance is set for Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Glenwood Park. Amy Robertson will contact the band. Meeting was adjourned.

New Mexico CowBelles: Thank you to all who have submitted their news to Jingle Jangle. As a reminder, 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. Have a great year!      ▫

Using AntiSuckling Devices to Wean Beef Calves

Revised by Craig Gifford,

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University

Author:

Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Department of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources, New Mexico State University.

Using anti-suckling devices in the weaning process of calves is appealing because it facilitates a relatively lowstress weaning approach. Anti-suckling devices work by preventing calves from nursing while allowing the calf and cow to remain together. The most common form of anti-suckling device is a flap that attaches to the nostrils of the calf so that the calf cannot get the teat into its mouth to nurse (Figure 1). These devices prevent calves from suckling but still allow them to graze and drink.

Two-Stage Weaning

Two-stage weaning strategies are lowstress methods that mimic “natural” weaning by dividing the process of weaning from milk and the physical separation of calves and cows into two stages (Figure 2). The two-

calf’s nostrils, and then the calf is allowed to stay with its mother for a period of 4 to 14 days. During the first stage, the calf is weaned from milk but has social contact with its mother. In the second stage, the anti-suckling nose flap is removed and the calf is separated from its mother.

Anti-Suckling Device Vs. Traditional Weaning

Research conducted in Canada, Montana, and Virginia demonstrated that calves weaned in two stages using anti-suckling devices exhibit less stress behavior during weaning than conventionally weaned calves. In fact, conventionally weaned calves were observed to vocalize (bawl) 20 times more often than calves weaned in two stages with anti-suckling devices when separated from cows at the same time. Calves weaned with anti-suckling devices walked about 15 percent more while nursing was prevented in the first stage, but after separation from their dams, conventionally weaned calves took approximately twice as many steps as calves weaned in two stages.

During the period when anti-suckling devices were in place, calves generally gained less weight than if they were allowed to nurse, and when compared to their abruptly weaned counterparts they remained lighter or equal in body weight at 50 days post-weaning. This may indicate that weight gain differences stemming from decreased gain during the period when anti-suckling devices were in place may not have been fully compensated for by 50 days post-weaning (Figure 3).

stage process reduces the acuteness of weaning stress. The most commonly used two-stage weaning methods are fence-line weaning and the use of anti-suckling devices. When fence-line weaning, calves are separated by a single fence but allowed social contact with their mothers during the first stage. Alternatively, when an anti-suckling device is used, the nose flap is placed in the

that timing of vaccination relative to using the anti-suckling device is important. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the optimal vaccination program to utilize in conjunction with anti-suckling devices.

Anti-Suckling Device vs. Fence-Line Weaning

Researchers in Virginia compared conventional weaning, fence-line weaning, and two-stage weaning with anti-suckling devices. Their results also suggest that weaning in two stages with anti-suckling devices reduced signs of behavioral stress when compared with abrupt weaning.

However, fence-line weaning yielded a similar reduction in stress behavior. Although fence-line weaning resulted in over five-fold more vocalizations during the first week after remote physical separation, the fence-line weaning method yielded improved weight gain.

The authors suggested that this difference

It should be noted that calves receiving an anti-suckling device for 28 days prior to weaning displayed reduced antibody responses to vaccination near the time of separation from the dam. It is unclear how anti-suckling devices could impact subsequent antibody production, but it is likely

may be due to residual sensitivity in the calves’ noses that caused reduced feed intake in calves weaned with anti-suckling devices. However, this effect was not evident in the

Figure 1. An example of a calf with an anti-suckling device in place during stage one (prohibited from suckling but not separated from dam) of the two-stage weaning process.

Photo by Guido Gerding | Wikimedia Commons

Figure 2. Example of the two-stage weaning process using anti-suckling devices.

Figure 3. Average daily gain of calves weaned by conventional abrupt separation (control) or in two stages with nursing prevented with an anti-suckling device for 5 days before separation (adapted from Haley et al., 2005).

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Canadian and Montana studies comparing anti-suckling devices and traditional abrupt weaning. Additionally, since the Virginia researchers only measured weight gain for the first seven days post-weaning, no comparisons of long-term weight gain between fence-line weaning and weaning with anti-suckling devices were made.

Considerations

Ї Anti-suckling devices can be placed on calves at the same time pre-weaning vaccines are administered (approximately two weeks before weaning).

Ї To avoid potential irritation and performance suppression, make sure

no ridges are present on the part of the device that could irritate the calf’s nose.

Ї Retention rate is reported to be about 95 percent. Calves weighing less than 425 lb are more likely to lose the anti-suckling device.

Ї Anti-suckling devices cost approximately $2.00 each and can be reused.

Weaning in two stages by placing anti-suckling devices in calves’ noses 4 to 7 days before remote separation of cow and calf can reduce exhibition of stress behaviors (walking, vocalization) when compared to conventional weaning. Weaning with anti-suckling devices and fence-line weaning yield similar reductions in stress behavior; however, fence-line weaned calves may exhibit a post-weaning performance

advantage.

New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association Graduate Scholarship Now Open

May 1, 2024 is the deadline to apply for the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Committee (YCLC) $1000 Graduate Scholarship.

“Our hope is that we can assist our graduate students to get through school and build their future here in New Mexico,” said Bronson Corn, NMCGA President, Roswell. “The next generation is our future, so NMCGA is proud to be a part of supporting them along the way!”

Applicants must be New Mexico residents, have a background in beef cattle

production, and pursuing a postgraduate degree. Financial need will be considered but is not a prerequisite. Preference will be given to NMCGA members and their families.

“Graduate school is not easy. We are proud to alleviate some of the financial stresses of education through this scholarship,” said President Corn. “We encourage all interested students to apply.”

Applications must be received in the NMCGA office by May 1, 2024. They should be sent to: New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association, Attention: Gradu-

ate Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 850, Moriarty, NM 87035. The scholarship will be awarded June 10, 2024, at the NMCGA Mid -Year meeting in Ruidoso, NM.

The NMCGA has represented the ranchers in New Mexico and the West since 1914 and has members in 32 of the state’s counties as well as some 18 other states. The Association participates in venues necessary to protect beef producers and private property rights including litigation, state and federal legislation, and regulatory affairs.

For more information, or to become a member of NMCGA, please visit www. nmagriculture.org.      ▫

ROSWELL LIVESTOCK

900 North Garden · P.O. Box 2041 Roswell, New Mexico 88201

575-622-5580

www.roswelllivestockauction.com

CATTLE SALES: MONDAYS • HORSE SALES

BENNY WOOTON CELL 575-626-4754

SMILEY WOOTON CELL 575-626-6253

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

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

Roswell livestock Auction Receiving stAtions

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

LORDSBURG,

NM

20 Bar Livestock Highway #90 at NM #3 – East side of highway. Receiving cattle for transport 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month. Smiley Wooton, 575-622-5580 office, 575626-6253 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. Receiving cattle every Sunday.

VAN HORN, TX

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

MORIARTY, NM

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

SAN ANTONIO, NM

River Cattle Co. Nine miles east of San Antonio on U.S. 380. Receiving cattle for transport 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month. Michael Taylor 575-418-7398.

NEW RECEIVING STATION ANTHONY, NM

923 Cox Farm Road, Anthony, NM 88021. Receiving Cattle 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month. Call in advance for details & consignments. Smiley Wooton 575-626-6253 office 575-6225580. Genea Caldwell – 575-543-5736

Bradley started the weekend

Friday afternoon with an educational presentation by Dr. Justin Sexten with Zoetis Precision Animal Health group. His presentation about the importance of data collection and testing of your cow herd for economically important traits was well received by those present.

Saturday was a day of rain showers, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of the bidders from a dozen states. When the final gavel fell, 197 Angus bulls sold for an average of $6688. Top selling bull was Lot 15 that sold for $20000. Lots 7 and 26 Sold for $19000, Lot 11 for $15000 and Lot 14 for $14500 all to repeat Texas buyers.

The Charolais offering had 115 bulls that averaged $5142. Top Lot was Lot 200 selling for $13000 with Lot 199 selling for $10000 and Lot 274 for $9500 all to repeat Texas buyers.

Forty-two Bred Angus heifers sold to buyers in Texas and Kansas for an average of $3468. 31 open Angus heifers sold to buyers in Texas and Mississippi for an average of $2107.

In total, cattle went to 12 states from Florida to Idaho and Bradley 3 Ranch enjoyed an exciting day with repeat and new buyers enjoying the fruits of their 65 years in the seedstock business.    ▫

Bringing Broadband to NMSU & Surrounding Counties Pilot at ASC Farmington.

(Supported by National Telecommunications and Information Administration [NTIA] grant)

The agricultural research and science centers located strategically around the state find themselves limited in broadband accessibility, with some areas not even supporting a strong cell signal. This limits the types of research that can be done in the area. It also limits the technology that can

be used to support the local community.

To this end, New Mexico State University (NMSU) ACES IT, AES, and the Director of Instruction & Research Support teamed up with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program Team, Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth). The Farmington Agricultural Science Center (ASC) is a flagship location for bringing broadband to farming practices in support of the Navajo Nation.

To support research in Precision Agriculture, NMSU ACES IT introduced a network of infrastructure across acres of farmland at the ASC Farmington research center. The aim is to provide internet access, powered by solar panels, to remote locations across the center that have poor to no cell phone access.

Students and researchers will power and connect IoT devices, like sensors, microcontrollers, and other instruments, to stations scattered across the farmland and supported by this network infrastructure. Each station includes a telescopic mast for safely mounting IoT devices at heights above 25ft, ethernet and Wi-Fi connection to the internet, renewable power sources with support for

Power-Over-Ethernet (POE+), programmable 4K Infrared security cameras, and lockable, NEMA-rated enclosures to house IoT devices for researchers and students safely.

ACES IT staff traveled from the main campus in November 2023 to work with ASC Farmington personnel to assemble the trailers. Support was provided by the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry IT staff, who provided additional expertise and a bucket truck to help modify the ASC Farmington telecommunications tower, located adjacent to the main office building. We thank the NTIA for their support of this pilot project.     ▫

Silverspot Butterfly Receives Protections Under Endangered Species Act

In early February the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced a final rule to list a subspecies of silverspot butterfly (Speyeria nokomis nokomis) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. This action follows a public comment period on the draft rule and the completion of a peer-reviewed Species Status Assessment. While the silverspot butterfly is not in immediate danger of extinction, the best available scientific information indicates that it is likely in danger of extinction in the foreseeable future.

Although there are various types of “silverspot” butterflies, this particular subspecies is documented in ten populations across southwestern Colorado, eastern Utah, and northern New Mexico, at elevations ranging from 5,200 to 8,300 feet. A relatively large butterfly with up to a 3-inch wingspan,

silverspot butterflies are known for distinctive silvery-white spots on the underside of their wings. On their upper side, females have a cream or light-yellow coloring with brown or black, and males have a bright orange upper side.

The silverspot requires moist, open meadows with vegetation for shelter. Herbaceous plants are also crucial as nectar sources, which provide energy to adults for mating and flying. This butterfly has an annual life cycle and lays eggs on, or immediately next to, the bog violet (Viola nephrophylla/V. sororia var. affinis) that the larvae feed on exclusively.

The eggs hatch approximately two weeks after being laid in September, and the larvae immediately drink or absorb water before going dormant until May. When the bog violets flower in May, the larvae feed on them exclusively through July. They then form a chrysalis and metamorphize into adult butterflies, living for about 45 days to lay their eggs in September.

The FWS completed a comprehensive, peer-reviewed SSA to gather the best scientific and commercial data available and evaluated the threats to this subspecies. Threats facing the silverspot butterfly include future effects from climate change

in combination with habitat loss and fragmentation, incompatible livestock grazing, human alteration of natural hydrology, and genetic isolation.

The FWS is not designating critical habitat for this species due to the increased threat of collection and trade for rare butterflies.

With the rule to list this species as threatened, the Service has also developed an accompanying 4(d) rule. This rule tailors the conservation of the species with balanced land management to allow continued acceptable land uses.

The rule states that incidental take from the following activities is exempt if the activities are done in a manner compatible with conserving the silverspot butterfly and bog violet: livestock grazing, haying or mowing, prescribed burning, brush control, noxious weed control, fence or structural maintenance, and maintenance to existing utility transmission corridors.

Forest Service’s Latest Analysis Sheds More Light on True Threats to Mature and Old Growth Forests

by Nick Smith, Healthy Forests Healthy Communities

“Never let the truth stand in the way of a good story.” - Mark Twain

This comes to mind when considering the reaction by anti-forestry groups (and some in the news media) to the Biden Administration’s new old growth policy.

“Joe Biden’s administration recently announced a new proposal aimed at banning logging in old-growth forests, a move meant to protect millions of trees that play a key role in fighting the climate crisis,” proclaims The Guardian

“Mature and old-growth forests are an essential component of a broader climate-crisis solution — but only if we protect them from logging,” according to Wild

Earth Guardians.

“Protecting our old-growth trees from logging is an important first step to ensure these giants continue to store vast amounts of carbon, but other older forests also need protection,” says the Center for Biological Diversity.

Just two days before the public comment period closed on the Forest Service’s “Notice of Intent” on Old Growth Forests, the government released its “analysis of threats” to mature and old growth forests on federal lands.

The analysis confirmed previous reports that wildfire, insects and disease, not logging, posed the most significant threat to older forests. Since 2000, wildfires resulted in a decrease of an estimated 2.57 million acres of mature and 712,000 acres of old-growth forests on National Forest System (NFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Insects and disease caused a decrease of 1.86 million acres of mature and 182,000 acres of old growth.

Severe wildfires continue to pose much more of a threat than chainsaws. That’s because 70 to 80 percent of mature and old growth forests are at “high exposure” to wildfire-caused mortality according to the analysis.

As for logging, the analysis found that 2.1 million acres of mature forests and 400,000 acres of old growth experienced “tree-cutting effects.” Yet on 92 percent of these acres, the tree cutting treatments were found to improve or maintain conditions for these forests, including improvements to wildfire resiliency.

Does the timber industry pose a serious threat to mature and old growth forests, as anti-forestry groups proclaim? No. The analysis found almost half of inventoried mature and old growth forests are in firesheds where wood processing capacity is low, but current threats including severe wildfire are high.

The report suggests the lack of loggers, sawmills, truckers and others in these areas “may struggle to practice active management to reduce such threats” to these older trees.

The report closes by stating the “environment of the predicted future, and not that of the past, should guide policy considerations related to mature and old-growth management.”

Sustaining and increasing mature and old growth forests for the future will likely require more chainsaws to reduce the primary threat of wildfire, yet anti-forestry groups don’t want to let the truth stand in the way of a good story.      ▫

All the New Mexico Legislators Who are Retiring

by Piñon Post, New Mexico, News, Politics

Many familiar faces in the New Mexico Legislature are calling it quits. Some are retiring for good, and some are choosing to run for the state Senate. Here are all the New Mexico legislators who will not be seeking reelection to their current posts:

Republican Sen. Ron Griggs (Alamogordo). Griggs, who was first appointed to the Senate beginning on December 11, 2012, has decided not to seek reelection after previously serving as mayor of Alamogordo.

Democrat Sen. Nancy Rodriguez (Santa Fe). Rodriguez, also first elected in 1996, is retiring from her current role after serving in various capacities, notably on the Senate Finance Committee. Two prominent Santa Fe figures have declared their intentions to enter the Democrat primary for this seat.

Linda Trujillo, a Democrat, former New Mexico House of Representatives member, and Anna Hansen, a Democrat Santa Fe County Commissioner, are the early entrants

into the race, as the Santa Fe New Mexican first reported.

Republican Rep. Jim Townsend (Artesia). Townsend, the former House Minority Leader, has decided to retire from the House of Representatives, where he has served since 2015. He is running for the Senate in the seat vacated by Sen. Griggs.

Democrat Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino (Albuquerque). Ortiz y Pino, first elected in 2004, currently serves as the chairman of the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee.

Republican Sen. Cliff Pirtle Pirtle, who was first elected in 2012, has decided to retire.

Democrat Sen. Bill Tallman (Albuquerque). Tallman, who was first elected in 2016, is calling it quits. He previously served as the deputy city manager of Santa Fe.

Republican Rep. Candy Spence Ezzell (Roswell). Ezzell, who was first elected to the House in 2004, is running for the state Senate seat vacated by outgoing Sen. Pirtle.

Democrat Sen. Brenda McKenna (Albuquerque). First-term Sen. McKenna has not sought a second term in the Senate.

Republican Rep. Bill Rehm (Albuquerque). Rehm, who has served in the House since 2007, has decided to retire.

Democrat Rep. Anthony Allison (Fruit-

land). Allison, a moderate Democrat, has chosen not to seek reelection to the House of Representatives. He was first elected in 2018 and will complete his third term in the chamber.

Republican Sen. Stephen Neville (Aztec). Neville, who has served in the Senate since 2005, is retiring.

Democrat Rep. Natalie Figueroa (Albuquerque). Figueroa, who was first elected in 2018, will be retiring to run for the Senate seat vacated by Sen. Tallman.

Republican Sen. Gregg Schmedes (Tijeras). Schmedes, who has served in the Legislature since 2019, is retiring after his current term.

Democrat Rep. Gail Chasey (Albuquerque). Chasey, first elected in 1996, is one of the longest-tenured lawmakers in the House of Representatives and currently serves as the Democrat floor leader.

Republican Sen. Mark Moores (Albuquerque). Moores, who has served in the Senate since 2013, is retiring.      ▫

Major American Financial Institutions

Withdraw From Global Climate Investment Org in Blow to Green Agenda

by Nick Pope, Contributor Daily Caller News Foundation

Several of the largest asset managers in the U.S. are withdrawing from a major coalition of companies focused on advancing green investment strategies and climate-sensitive corporate management.

JPMorgan Asset Management (JPMAM) and State Street Global Advisors will not be renewing membership in Climate Action 100+, a coalition of investors and asset managers with a combined $68 trillion under management that pushes corporations to reduce emissions and adopt climate risk disclosure practices, according to Financial Times.

Climate Action 100+ and Ceres — a green shareholder activist group that co-founded the coalition — are currently under investigation by the House Judiciary Committee, which is alleging that the coalition’s advancement of progressive Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) policies may constitute non-competitive activity in violation of U.S. antitrust law.

JPMAM has about $3.1 trillion under management, according to Financial News, while State Street controls about $3.7 trillion in assets under management as of September 2023. Both firms joined Climate Action 100+ in 2020, and BlackRock is now the only topfive asset management company remaining as a member of Climate Action 100+.

“The decisions by JPMorgan and State Street are big wins for freedom and the American economy, and we hope more financial institutions follow suit in abandoning collusive ESG actions,” House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan wrote of the withdrawals in a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter.

JPMAM has built up a team of about 40 professionals who specialize in sustainable investing, providing it the ability to pursue its own climate-oriented strategies, a JPMAM spokesperson told Financial News.

“Given these strengths and the evolution of its own stewardship capabilities, JPMAM has determined that it will no longer participate in Climate Action 100+ engagements,” the spokesperson told Financial News.

JPMAM and State Street are the latest major Western firms to drop out of climate-oriented corporate initiatives. Vanguard, another massive asset manager, withdrew from the Net Zero Asset Management initiative in 2022, while major insurers including Lloyd’s of London, Allianz and Axa all pulled out of the Net-Zero Insurance Alliance in 2023, according to Reuters.

“After careful review, State Street Global Advisors has concluded the enhanced Climate Action 100+ Phase 2 requirements for signatories will not be consistent with our independent approach to proxy voting and portfolio company engagement,” a spokesperson for State Street told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “As a result, we have decided to withdraw from Climate Action 100+.”

Climate Action 100+ does not comment on the circumstances surrounding individual departures from its ranks, a spokesperson told the DCNF.

JPMAM did not respond immediately to a request for comment.      ▫

NMSU’S DR. WENZEL RECEIVES NATIONAL BQA AWARD

ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 1, 2024) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, announced the winners of the 2024 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards, sponsored by Cargill. The National BQA Awards, funded in part by the Beef Checkoff, annually recognize outstanding educators, beef and dairy producers, and marketers.

“These winners are committed to incorporating BQA principles into their day-to-day operations,” said Josh White, senior executive director of producer education and sustainability at NCBA. “Their dedication to animal care and continuous improvements results in high-quality beef for consumers.”

When New Mexico brought BQA to the state in the early 1990s, Dr. John Wenzel, DVM, then in private practice, stepped up to teach producers the principles and management techniques to improve beef quality and safety. He traveled thousands of miles on his own dime to conduct BQA training sessions for hundreds of beef producers throughout the state. Currently the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service DVM, Dr. Wenzel trains producers on how to provide the safest and most wholesome beef products possible. The end goal is building consumer confidence which is also the main focus of the BQA education program. His decades of service to his

profession, community, state, college and universities along with noted success of numerous programs, contributes to his reputation as a professional influencer and quality educator in this industry.

Award winners are selected by a committee comprised of BQA certified representatives from universities, state beef councils, sponsors and affiliated groups, who assess nominations based on their demonstrated commitment to BQA practices, their service as leaders in the beef industry and their dedication to promoting the BQA message to grow consumer confidence.

TENDER LOVING BEEF CUTS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

Dr. Wenzel was nominated for this prestigious national award by Dina Reitzel, Executive Director of the New Mexico Beef Council; Shanna Ivey, PhD, Department Head and Professor, Animal and Range Sciences and Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources, New Mexico State University; and Loren Patterson, President of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association. He was honored on the national stage and a reception was sponsored for Dr. Wenzel by the New Mexico Beef Council and hosted at the NMSU Animal Sciences booth at the 2024 Cattlecon Cattle Industry convention trade show in Orlando last month. Congratulations Dr. Wenzel! 

Tom Bertelle, New Mexico Beef Council’s Center of the Plate Specialist, gave a cutting demonstration to El Pinto Chef and kitchen staff in February. Tom helped the restaurant prepare for their Valentine’s Day Menu which featured eightounce Filet Mignon entrees. As Tom fabricated, he explained, “An entire beef tenderloin roast is a large cut that’s extremely versatile and can be used in many delicious meals.” El Pinto staff learned that the filet mignon is cut from the tip of the beef tenderloin, and is a delicate and tender area of the loin primal. We’re not sure if the diners enjoyed their Valentines as much as they enjoyed their filets!

From Left to right: Rolando Flores, ACES Dean, NMSU; Marjorie Lantana, NMBC Director; Dina Reitzel, NMBC Executive Director; Dr. John Wenzel, NCBA BQA Educator of the Year; Dolly Wenzel; Shanna Ivey, ACES Department Head, NMSU; Sarah Fitzgerald, NMBC Director; Nancy Phelps; NMBC Director, Boe Lopez, NMBC Director

Dr. John Wenzel conducts chute-side BQA training.

NMBC’s Tom Bertelle and El Pinto’s Chef Vince prepare beef filets

Tom guides chef Vince from El Pinto on cutting a whole tenderloin

HIGHLIGHTS FROM BEEF CHECKOFFFUNDED MARKETING

• Our new national advertising campaign, “Together We Bring More”, launched last May and in the first 8 months has achieved the highest results in at least the last 5 years with an average view rate of 70%, which is 20% over our success benchmark.

• The “Together We Bring More” Raised & Grown spots are off the charts with one of them having a 78% view rate.

• This year our “Together We Bring More” holiday spot outperformed last year’s Tony Romo-featured spots.

• Recent E-commerce campaign results showed that for every $1 of paid advertising, $34 of beef was sold.

• November was a record month for BQA certifications with more than 5500 certifications.

• An earned media effort with Pitmaster Erica Blaire Roby on the Today Show resulted in 96 total stories with a potential audience over 1 billion people

• Technical Research had 35 placements in scientific journals, just in Q1.

• …and much more. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH 2024

March 12

ProStart Invitational, Sweeney Center

Santa Fe

March 23

NMSU Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism Management

Chef’s Artist’s Dinner Albuquerque

APRIL 2024

April 11-13

ANCW Region VI Annual Conference

Las Cruces

April 12

BEEF DAY at ANCW Conference

Las Cruces

April 18

NMCGA NE NM BQA Training

LEARN ABOUT BEEF!

Tom Bertelle, NMBC Beef Specialist, and Patty Waid, NMBC Education Specialist, coordinated a beef presentation at a West Mesa High School ProStart Culinary Class in January. Tom’s beef fabrication demonstration for the students included showing various beef cuts that come from the loin primal. Tom and Patty talked about menu concepts and the versatility of beef when working with foodservice restaurants and institutions and their customers. Tom prepared the cuts of beef and demonstrated the preparation and assembly of a beef kabob, and a different cut of beef for grilled fajitas which the students then sampled. Patty discussed how beef fits into a healthy lifestyle and shared how ranching families care for their land and animals. By introducing beef through a “Gate to Plate” concept, students were able to understand the beef supply chain all the way to foodservice businesses and retail meat cases.

At the end of the class, students were asked to fill out an evaluation form. One student’s evaluation summed it up perfectly... “Great job on the presentation, very well put together. Now I am hungry for beef and headed to Wendy’s to buy a hamburger!”

The New Mexico Beef Council is proud to continue its support of ProStart culinary curriculums in high schools throughout our state through its Beef Grant Program. ProStart instructors who include beef as part of their culinary education may qualify for this grant. The NMBC also provides resources to support beef education in the classroom. 

2023-2024

DIRECTORS

HONG KONG EVENT PROMOTES AMERICAN BARBECUE AND CELEBRATES FOODSERVICE

DIRECTORS:

CHAIRPERSON

Cole Gardner (Producer)

575-910-8952

VICE CHAIRPERSON

Kimberly Stone (Producer) 202-812-0219

SECRETARY

Marjorie Lantana (Producer) 505-860-5859

The 14th edition of the Great American Texas Barbecue attracted 850 chefs, merchandisers, restaurant owners, distributors and U.S. suppliers, who turned out to sample American barbecue, reconnect with industry partners, and learn new menu ideas and concepts. Brisket, ribs and sausages were expertly cooked and smoked while new items such as the Steamship Round were featured. This event is supported by the Checkoff and is presented by the United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF) 

NMBC DIRECTORS:

Joe Chavez (Feeder) 505-486-3228

Sarah Fitzgerald (Feeder) 830-739-3450

Belinda Lavender (Purebred Producer) 505-714-3094

Justin Knight (Producer) 505-490-3455

Nancy Phelps, (Producer) 575-740-0957

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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dina Chacon-Reitzel 505-841-9407

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

Chefs sample American BBQ at Hong Kong event.

Tom Bertelle and Patty Waid present to the West Mesa HS ProStart class.

$RANCH

• All sale bulls’ averages rank in top 13%.

• Mothers calve every year in 45 days or they are gone.

• All sale bulls’ averages rank in top13% for Fertility.

• All sale bulls’ averages rank in in 10% for Teat and Udder.

$Profit

• All sale bulls’ averages rank in top 8% .

• Balanced trait selection for Life Cycle Efficiency, moderate size, post weaning growth, carcass merit and low PAP.

$Feeder

• All sale bulls’ averages rank in top 13%.

• Feed Efficiency Testing since 2010.

• Ever y bull feed efficiency tested.

by Deanna Dickinson McCall

Jalapeno Bread

When we lived on the remote ranch in northeastern Nevada, I made bread about every other day. I usually made a form of Sheepherders bread since that was fast and easy, I could change the dough

easily to sweet rolls or whatever I wanted by adding eggs and milk and adjusting the sugar.

We were over 60 miles to a store-bought loaf of bread (a brick of bread is what it often was since that country is so dry). When my kids went to their grandparent’s house in town they thought cheap white sandwich loaf was a real treat. They about wore my folk’s toaster out.

We raised our kids on that ranch that was so remote it had no electricity. We were on that place for 22 years. Our water came from a windmill on the hill that used gravity flow to get to the house and supply us with about a double pencil stream of water in the faucets.

Hooper Cattle ompany

18

We eventually got a submersible and generator so we could pump water and keep the holding tank full when the wind didn’t blow.

We had propane appliances consisting of a 1913 cooking range, hot water heater and a couple of old Servel refrigerators and propane lights in the kitchen, dining and living rooms. Needless to say, everyday life wasn’t full of conveniences, especially in the kitchen.

I learned a lot about cooking and substitutions and how to stretch food when you couldn’t get to town. I learned having fresh homemade breads or rolls can make a meal a whole lot more desirable.

I found this recipe and tweaked it a bit to make it simpler to put together. I now have a KitchenAid mixer and am learning how to mix dough with it after decades of hand kneading and mixing. I used to add either green chile or jalapenos and chunks of cheddar cheese to my old standby recipe for a change.

But I wanted something with a chewier texture and less sweet than my usual recipe. This recipe uses grated cheese which makes it a lot easier to work in, and this bread is like a good French bread in texture and is wonderful with a bowl of stew or beans. It is also great toasted with a pat of real butter melting on it. It has become one of my favorite breads.

JALAPENO CHEESE BREAD

Ingredients

1½ cups very warm water

2 tsp instant yeast

1 tsp sugar

4 cups flour

2 tsp salt

2-3 jalapeños thinly sliced (you can also chop some of the peppers finely which is what I did) The amount of jalapeños you add depends on how spicy you like your food.

2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

Place sugar and salt in the warm water, let cool til it feels lukewarm on your wrist

Add yeast, let sit about 15 minutes til foamy

Add the flour, mixing in until all absorbed, knead til smooth

Knead in the jalapenos and cheese

Form into a ball, dust with flour and cover with damp towel to rise for an hour in the bowl

On a floured board punch down, form into a ball, dust lightly again with flour and place back into bowl for another 30 to 45 minutes

Place Dutch oven and its lid in oven, preheat oven to 350

When temp has been reached, carefully place dough into hot Dutch oven, put the lid on and bake for 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake for 15 minutes, until crusty brown.

Let cool at least 30 minutes before slicing or bread will become gummy inside

Steve

Steve

2

2

by Lee Pitts

Look BIG!

For years we’ve been told by wolf-loving bureaucrats that wolves don’t attack people. So why did the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) publish a pamphlet prior to the reintroduction of wolves into Colorado on the best ways to avoid being attacked and eaten by the lovable creatures?

Some of the suggestions on how to avoid being assaulted include:

Ї CPW advises that when in wolf country make lots of noise so as to not surprise the wildlife. We’d recommend playing on your phone something really irritating and off-putting that might scare the wolves away. I’d advise a compilation of rap music, Paris Hilton’s debut album, the Greatest Hits of Crazy Al Yankovic, or you

screaming at the top of your lungs. Of course the possibility also exists that all the caterwauling might actually attract wildlife, allowing them to zero in on your position and attack you just to turn down the volume, so to speak.

Ї Another recommendation from CWP is when you discover that 10 pair of scary yellow eyes are observing you is to “look big”. Of course CPW doesn’t give any ideas on how you are to add 200 pounds or grow six inches in three seconds but I have a few suggestions. I think every hiker or camper should wear six air bags so that when you hit a panic button your body balloons up so you look like a twelve foot tall Michelin Tire Man. On the other hand, you know what dogs like to do to tires and the possibility exists that wolves might do the same.

Ї When you realize that one or more wolves are sizing you up and counting calories, under no circumstances should you turn tail and run which might trigger what CPW calls a “chase response.” Instead you should keep eye contact with the wolf and back away as fast as your legs will carry you. Who knows, next time Colorado hosts an Olympic Games running backwards

might be added to the list of Track and Field events.

Ї While Colorado Parks and Wildlife didn’t say so I think you should always go hiking or hunting with a partner who can’t run as fast as you can. Also, when your partner isn’t looking, spray all his or her clothes with a mist of A1 Steak Sauce or Worcestershire sauce.

Ї CPW also recommends that you carry a big stick, although I don’t know what you’re supposed to do with it. Maybe you could try hiding behind it.

Ї Your pets can also play a role in avoiding a wolf attack. CPW says you should never leave your pets alone. I agree and I think you should hold them tightly. That way when the wolf attacks you can sacrifice your pet by throwing it at the wolf and while they’re chowing down on your pooch you should be doing the running backwards thing we mentioned earlier.

Ї CPW advises that your should keep something between you and the wolf. I’d suggest it be a nine millimeter bullet. If you’re a wolf lover you might also try showing the wolf your I LOVE WOLVES button.

Ї CPW recommends that if you are attacked by wolves, something that will never happen of course, you should fight back and remain standing if you can. CPW says a wolf’s underbelly and face are sensitive areas that can be a good place to strike. I’d suggest using a sharp twelve inch blade. Of course, that means you’ll spend the next 20 years incarcerated with rapists and murderers for killing an endangered species. In dealing with your fellow convicts we’d advise using the same tactics you would use when dealing with a wolf: never turn your back on them and look big. REAL BIG.

Ї Finally, CPW says that if you are attacked, something that could never happen (wink, wink), you should blow on your emergency whistle that you should carry with you at all times if you live in Colorado. This won’t help you any but it will help the CPW officials in confirming that a wolf may have attacked a human. Later it will help biologists when they are attaching radio collars to wolves. If one of the wolves whistles Yankee Doodle Dandy when it breathes in and out that wolf was the one that probably killed you and therefore should be relocated to another state.      ▫

Composites Simplify Reproductive Management

Source: North American Limousin Foundation

What’s the big deal with composite bulls? And why should I use them?

Two good questions, says Dr. Bob Weaber, a geneticist and head of Kansas State University’s Eastern Kansas Research and Extension Centers. For answers, he says look at the cowherd.

That’s where composite bulls help commercial cow-calf producers realize the benefits of heterosis without the headaches of a traditional crossbreeding program. “They (the bulls) come with the crossbreeding system already built in,” he says, using LimFlex an example. Lim-Flex composites can have 25 percent to 75 percent Limousin genetics with the remainder being Registered Angus or Registered Red Angus.

“We get our biggest boost in performance due to heterosis in lowly heritable traits like cow longevity and fertility,’ he says. Given today’s cost in developing replacement heifers, cow longevity is more important now than ever before.

Composite bulls also provide creed complementarity — that’s when the breed combination possesses 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 un weaning weight per cow exposed using Lim-Flex breeding program, for example,” he says.

Real World Results

Shane Whiting and his two sons run around 1,000 commercial cows in northeast Utah near Roosevelt — all Lim-Flex, bulls and cows alike.

“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. “

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.”

He also appreciates that his cows have a moderate frame size, yet milk well. “We have better longevity, and we have a better bag,’ he says. “These hold up.”

Whiting has carcass data on thousands of head beginning in 2014. That year, his LimFlex calves came down the rail grading 94 percent Choice and Prime. “Now we’re at 97 percent.”

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. “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 South East

Will Hargett owns a 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 cow herds ranging from 20 to around 100 head.

A number of years ago, he marketed some Lim-Flex calves to a producer who backgrounded and finished them. “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 did a little research and decided he would help lace Lim-Flex bulls with area cow-calf producers. “We’ve had a great experience with Lim-Flex bulls in recent years with what I would consider to be fairly average commercial cows, and just get out-standing calves coming off the cows,” he says.” And we had a lot of good response from the people buying theses calves.”

Several of his customers retain their heifers. To that end, he says the Lim-Flex genetics are busting some age-old myths. Bred back to the 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.”

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 (his Lim-Flex cows) 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 confirmation 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 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 drought, he has culled deep, but says there are still some females in his herd that are producing at 12 to 13 years old.

When it’s time to cull the old cows, their condition and 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 if they would if they were five, six, seven years old. They look good.”      ▫

NY Attorney General Sues World’s Largest Beef Producer Over Methane Emissions, Climate Commitments

Source: Fox News

New York Attorney General Letitia

James is suing JBS USA, the world’s largest producer of beef, over the company’s emissions and for “greenwashing” by allegedly misleading the public about its environmental impact.

In an announcement, James noted that beef production has the largest greenhouse gas footprint of any major food commodity and that animal agriculture accounts for 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. According to James, JBS USA’s various netzero pledges for 2030 and 2040 are therefore misleading and “not feasible” given the scope of its worldwide beef production operations.

“As families continue to face the daily impacts of the climate crisis, they are willing to spend more of their hard-earned money on products from brands that are better for

the environment,” James said in a statement. “When companies falsely advertise their commitment to sustainability, they are misleading consumers and endangering our planet.”

“JBS USA’s greenwashing exploits the pocketbooks of everyday Americans and the promise of a healthy planet for future generations,” she added. “My office will always ensure that companies do not abuse the environment and the trust of hardworking consumers for profit.”

The lawsuit was applauded by state Democrats and national climate advocacy organizations like Earthjustice, Mighty Earth, Friends of the Earth US, Citizens Campaign for the Environment and Stand. earth.

“JBS repeatedly claims that it will reach net zero by 2040. This claim was found to be misleading and yet JBS continues to assert it,” said Peter Lehner, an attorney at Earthjustice. “While it is critical for every company to reduce its climate change impact, JBS would need to implement enormous operational changes to achieve this goal. However, JBS is doing very little and is not taking anywhere close to the steps that would be required.”      ▫

HAYHOOK Lim Flex

Farmers & Ranchers Stewards of the Land

Source: Protect The Harvest

Sustainability and good environmental stewardship are hot-button issues in today’s popular culture. It seems those who use “sustainability” most tend to present it like they invented the idea. Meanwhile, they ignore the masters of sustainability in our society: those involved in agriculture.

The industry-wide practices in agriculture have significant positive environmental impacts and are not being acknowledged. In many cases, these industries are being criticized for not being “sustainable” when nothing could be further from the truth.

Farming and Ranching Are Tied to the Earth

need to set the record straight on the irreplaceable role of agriculture in a sustainable future.

Stewardship is Essential for Future Generations

By its very nature, farming must go hand in hand with environmental stewardship. It takes hundreds of years for nature to create a single inch of topsoil. Therefore, farmers need to ensure that they take the utmost care of the land because it cannot be easily replaced.

Topsoil is delicate, and to continually support a healthy crop it must be properly maintained. With 98 percent of farms being family-owned, most farmers desire to see their land, natural resources, water, and knowledge passed on to future generations.

Fortunately, there are many ways farmers can help safeguard their soil and these sustainable practices are used industry-wide.

Working with the Land and Scientists

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Farming and ranching are inherently tied to the earth. This makes our agriculturalists and producers some of the foremost, oldest stewards of the land. Rural communities understand this as well – with over 70 percent citing environmental issues as very important according to a Duke Nicholas Institute survey. For generations, they have been recycling, upcycling, and reinventing all to grow more food in a sustainable way.

A Combination of Science and Practical Experience

In recent years, agriculture has used more science and data to stretch those horizons even further while building on the lessons of the past. Unfortunately, the understanding and appreciation of the longstanding sustainability story of our farmers and ranchers has been lost. Miscommunication and false information in our media is rampant and we

Many farmers and ranchers work hand in hand with agronomists each season. They use lab analysis to get a clear picture of their land’s soil health and its nutrients. The agronomist uses this information to give accurate recommendations on what tools and practices they can use to enrich and maintain the soil.

Natural Resources Conservation Service – The Dust Bowl is In the Past

In response to the great Dust Bowl that plagued approximately 100,000,000 acres of the U.S., the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – then the Soil Conservation Service – was established as a permanent agency of the Department of Agriculture.

Like so many other sciences, agronomy has come a long way. Sadly, some of the worst erosion in U.S. agriculture happened during the 1950s and 1970s. It was estimated that some regions experienced a loss of 20 metric tons, nearly 10 tons per acre, of topsoil each

year. Since then the situation has improved greatly and starting in 1982 wind and water erosion on cropland has decreased by over 43 percent.

To this day this agency continues to educate farmers, ranchers, and landowners by administering programs and regulations that help preserve these valuable resources.

This is necessary not only to prevent another national tragedy but to also help farmers and ranchers do better business. Every landowner knows that taking better care of the land means a better bottom line for agriculturalists.

The Role of Grazing in Soil Quality and Wildlife Habitat

Proper grazing techniques help enhance soil quality by natural fertilization and promote more growth of healthy, younger vegetation. Grasslands can also sequester carbon and provide habitats for wildlife. In fact, one study found that land managed with strategic grazing produced 50 percent more invertebrates than those that did not. A similar effect was seen with habitat availability for mammals.

Protecting our Water

Did you know that approximately 587.76 million gallons of recycled water are used each day in American agriculture?

Water management has always been a primary concern in agriculture as it is a requirement when raising animals and vegetation. Grasslands managed with grazing can also promote conservation of this resource by increasing absorption, decreasing runoff, and building drought resistance.

When it comes to growing crops, farmers have many advanced irrigation technologies at their disposal to carefully evaluate and

measure water distribution. To be even more conservation savvy, many growers also use recycled water for their irrigation practices.

Additionally, farm ponds, waterways and streams can also help promote wildlife habitats and healthier ecosystems. Many crop farmers use conservation buffers to protect these.

More with Less is the Key to Farm and Ranch Families Bottom Line

Agricultural efficiency is something most people don’t consider when biting into a steak or eating a fresh salad. Our farmers and ranchers can raise crops and manage livestock in ways that reduce the use of precious resources in a big way.

Today it takes 75 percent fewer resources to produce the same amount of chicken than it did over 50 years ago. It now takes 65 percent less water and 90 percent less land for each gallon of milk produced compared to over 75 years ago. These new efficiencies make it possible to feed more people than before using fewer resources which is a big win for everyone.

When it comes to reusing and recycling, livestock farmers and ranchers are experts. Finding creative ways to do this not only helps the planet, but it also saves money and

energy on the farm.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Each farm or ranch is unique, but you will find common threads of the principles of sustainability at each to reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink.

Fertilizers and other substances farmers use to protect crops and help them grow are very expensive. Reducing the amount of inorganic and organic fertilizer used is one way farmers cut back on expenses. Livestock producers have an especially unique advantage. Three of the primary crop nutrients – nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus – are found in animal manures.

Some farms have been able to reduce the amount of manure applied to fields with tools like manure or anaerobic digesters that concentrate nutrients with minimal waste. These types of digester systems can take the methane gas from manure processing and turns it into power sources like electricity and fuel.

If you visit a farm you may also notice how many items farmers recycle by using them in different ways. Farmers and ranchers rethink daily to find ways to become more efficient and have less waste; more waste equals more time and money that

could have been used for improving efficiency.

Upcycling

Upcycling on farms and ranches is accomplished by using byproducts from other industries. A surprising 40 percent of feed ingredients used for livestock are in fact byproducts from other industries that would otherwise be wasted.

An example of this is feeding cattle distillers grains from breweries, carrot tops, orange peels, and even almond hulls, all of which are edible and nutritious to cattle when mixed in the correct proportions with their feed.

With the right processing equipment, livestock producers can even recycle and reuse old bedding for their animals. Sand has become a very popular bedding choice for

many dairies, in part because it can be cleaned with recycled wastewater water, dried and then put back in the barn.

Other common recycled items you might see on farms and ranches include things like tires, plastic containers, bailing twine, and wood pallets.

Farmers Are Trusted, So Where is the Misinformation Coming From?

It is no longer hidden that there are wealthy special interest non-governmental groups (NGOs) working to change our way of life. These groups want to change how animals are perceived and end animal agriculture and state their stances publicly.

There are also groups claiming to focus on the environment and their latest push is to “re-wild” significant portions of our country which includes making the land

Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Applications Now Available

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is accepting applications for its 2024-2025 Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Grants through April 5, 2024. These grants are available to not-forprofit organizations and federal, state and local government agencies. Entities can apply for up to $20,000 per project.

Recipients may use grant funds for projects that enhance recreational use of side-by-sides, ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles on public lands. Projects promoting OHV safety or mitigating impacts from OHV use also qualify. Law enforcement agencies are eligible for special grant funds up to $15,000 to conduct OHV patrols, control paved road use of OHVs and enforce the provisions of the OHV Act (66-3-1001 through 66-31021 NMSA).

Previous grants have funded the purchasing of the necessary equipment to clear and maintain the redeveloped Elephant Rock Trail in the Carson National Forest. Other projects have provided for the purchase and lease of snow-grooming equipment that is utilized to maintain the multi-use trail leading up to Greenie Peak near the Village of Red River, the South Central Mountain Resource Conservation Council and Development Council, Inc. in coordination with the Lincoln National

Forest, have used their OHV grant award to construct two motorized trailheads that allow for greater access to the Hale Lake Recreation Area of the Lincoln National Forest.

Last year’s recipients include Region II Emergency Medical services, New Mexico Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance, Red Rock Motorsports Club in Gallup, Red River Off-Road Coalition, City of Deming, Village of Los Lunas, the Town of Red River and more. Special law enforcement grants have in the past funded approximately 450 hours of dedicated OHV patrols by agencies around the state.

Culvert RepairOHV Grants are funded by user-generated revenues from OHV registrations, collected in the state’s Trail Safety Fund and administered by the department. No General Fund monies are used for OHV grants.

Grant application forms and information can be downloaded from the Department’s OHV program website. Completed applications must be emailed no later than Friday, April 5, 2024 to the OHV Program manager at DGFOHVMGR@dgf.nm.gov. For further information, please contact the OHV program manager, Desi Ortiz, by phone at 505-321-0858 or via email at DGFOHVMGR@dgf.nm.gov.

inaccessible to humans. These animal and environmental extremist NGOs are interconnected and openly share staff projects, lawsuits, jointly write legislation and regulations.

These groups have used the internet and the production of documentaries to push their agenda forward. As many have now realized, the internet has been a breeding ground for misinformation where it can spread quickly.

With very few people knowing farmers and ranchers in real life, it’s a rarity to get information straight from the source. This is why we are tirelessly working to set the record straight and correct the misinformation that is spreading like wildfire.

The truth is that sustainability isn’t a new concept in agriculture. Sustainability is woven into our food system and is continually improving. It is part of the day-to-day operation and management of farms and ranches.

Here are some of the common misconceptions and the real truths:

False Claim: Farming is Inherently Bad for the Environment

Facts: The fact is, all human activity has an impact on the climate, and all societies are contributing to global emissions. Agriculture is providing a necessary end-product for people: food. What makes agriculture an especially unique industry is that proper practices mitigate climate impact and also improve it with carbon sequestration. The report from the United Nations FAO, “Livestock’s Long Shadow,” which is frequently referred to as the definitive source for agriculture impact has been debunked and the FAO was forced to retract it. Unfortunately, groups who have an agenda to push have ignored this significant fact and continue to use it. Agriculture only provides a small percentage and animal agriculture specifi-

cally is less than four percent.

As previously mentioned, other ways farming can give Mother Nature a helping hand include restoring wildlife habitats, improving soil health and reducing erosion.

False Claim: Livestock and Meat Do More Harm than Good

Facts: The environmental impact of raising livestock is greatly misrepresented by those with an ulterior agenda, therefore, it is misunderstood by the public. In the U.S., only 4.2 percent of all greenhouse gases GHGs are related to livestock production. Practices like strategic grazing and manure management go hand in hand with other environmentally-friendly farm and ranch practices.

Large livestock operations are required to have a comprehensive nutrient management

plan or CNMP, for handling, storing and applying their manure. The required guidelines are overseen by NRCS and is the responsibility of the farmer to update and maintain.

Besides providing nutrient-dense and delicious food products, animals also provide materials for countless byproducts for many other industries. Researchers are always working on new ways to get even more out of byproducts from the production process, even using emissions like ammonia and methane.

False Claim: Pesticides, Herbicides, and Antibiotics are Regularly Abused

Facts: There are numerous guidelines and practices that farmers follow when applying any sort of pesticides or herbicides to their land. More efficient use of these

products also saves money and makes the cost of production much more economic.

False Claim: Antibiotics are Overused in Agriculture

Facts: Antibiotics are expensive to purchase and administer. They are highly regulated so they are only used as directed to help prevent antibiotic resistance and wastage. All farmers and ranchers must also follow good stewardship practices regarding how medical products are stored and disposed of to keep people, animals and the environment safe. ▫

41stAnnual NMSU

Cattle Sale & Horse Expo & Sale

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

•  We will be offering 13 yearling Angus bulls that boast some of the lowest birth weigh EPDs in the industry along with some of the highest $EN

•  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.

•  Sale will be hosted by Integrity Livestock Sales ( www.integritylivestocksales.com ) on April 10, 2024.

• 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

•  One 2-year-old Filly, Seven 2-year-old Geldings, One 2-year-old Stallion, two broodmares with foals on their side, and one 7-year-old old riding mare

•  Horse Sale preview 10:30am to 12:00pm

•  Horse Sale will start at 1:00pm

•  Check out NMSU Horse Farm Facebook for updates

Cattle viewing: ejs@nmsu.edu

Angus: Eric Scholljegerdes

ejs@nmsu.edu

Incorporating the Santa Gertrudis Breed into Crossbreeding Strategies

by Dr. Matthew Garcia, Director TCU Ranch Management

Approximately seven years ago I was approached by SGBI (Santa Gertrudis Breeders International) to collaborate on a crossbreeding project in northern Utah. While that relationship may seem a little odd being that northern Utah can be classified as winter tundra and the Santa Gertrudis is 3/8 Brahman the relationships began to make sense. As many herds in the United States, Utah had become a predominantly Angus based beef cattle herd.

While Angus cattle are very good cattle, there are some environments that they are not optimal for and the fact that as an industry we had become more one breed dominant, we were leaving a lot of performance from hybrid vigor on the table. Specifically, we were starting to see replacement heifers being culled much earlier in the production system.

This was not only a concern from a production standpoint, but from an economic standpoint these heifers had not even hit break even. Essentially, these heifers/cows were having minimal production, genetic and economic impact on the herd. The Brahman background had the potential to change some of the longevity issues we were facing as well as possibly making our replacements more resilient in some challenging environments, the extremely climate variable intermountain west.

When this project actually generated its first calf crop, the main thing we wanted to test was how were these calves going to perform/survive when they were calved in February in northern Utah. When the calves hit the ground, temperatures for the next 12 days never got above 20 degrees. Every calf not only survived but thrived.

This actually made sense as these calves being born to Angus mothers (50 percent) were only 19 percent Brahman (31 percent Shorthorn). While this was great that the calves survived, the next test was going to see how they performed. These calves not only had higher weaning weights, but they also had better yield grades then Angus sired calves, quality grades that were no different, and did it using approximately 13 percent less feed to get to finish weight.

While the performance of the calves entering the feedlot and their subsequent

final carcass quality and composition traits were impressive, we still needed to test whether these calves, specifically the heifers were going to be able to incorporate themselves into the beef herd to be quality contributors from both an economic and production standpoint.

As we all know, when incorporating heifers into a beef herd it takes many years to determine whether that heifer is going to become a productive cow. Heifers from this study were incorporated every year and every year they bred up. Five groups of Santa

Gertrudis replacement heifers have now been incorporated into the Utah State University beef herd and they have bred up, calved unassisted and rebred in a timely manner. This is even more impressive being that Utah has been in a severe drought since 2019.

As of now these crossbred cows are showing that they are resilient and meeting the original hypothesis that they would be productive and resilient. However, we may be a few years away from really determining their longevity. It is also important to note that when this project started there was one producer in Utah actively utilizing Santa Gertrudis genetics. Currently, there are over 11 producers utilizing Santa Gertrudis bulls and their genetics in herds across Utah.

Santa Gertrudis Cattle

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; Joint Stockmen’s Convention Preview; Angus, Brangus, Red Angus

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. 2

Benefits of Hybrid Vigor and the Santa Gertrudis Breed

Some of the most important benefits have already been stated in the previous paragraphs. However, the advantages of the Santa Gertrudis breed to maximize hybrid vigor (heterosis) cannot be understated. With the majority of our herds having an Angus base, utilizing the Santa Gertrudis breed creates an instant three breed cross, which has a high level of retained hybrid vigor.

In an even more optimal situation, if a producer is utilizing black baldie calves and then crosses over with a Santa Gertrudis bull they have an instant four breed cross (Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn and Brahman) which has even higher levels of retained hybrid vigor. Essentially, a producer can produce a high performing three or four breed cross with minimal management alteration. Due to the Shorthorn component of the Santa Gertrudis breed and the minimal amount of Shorthorn genetics in the US beef herd, it is very easy to achieve 100 percent F1 hybrid vigor (as long as those cows don’t have Brahman influence as well).

The other question I usually get is “what about the Brahman influence”? Remember, the Santa Gertrudis is only 3/8 Brahman. So, if you cross a Santa Gertrudis bull on Angus based calves, those calves are only going to be 19 percent Brahman, not even quarter bloods. I would even argue that 90 percent of those calves will have no identifying

continued on page 50 >>

Red

Brahman characteristics, but plenty of the traits that we all respect from the Brahman breed (i.e., longevity, heat tolerance, environmental resilience).

To summarize, incorporating the Santa Gertrudis breed has many advantages when being utilized in crossbreeding systems. They have the potential to generate an instance 3 or 4 breed F1 crossbred calf which will have 100 percent hybrid vigor, but will not sacrifice performance or resilience as stated in the previous paragraphs.

While the instant 3 or 4 breed cross is an obvious advantage, the other major advantage that addresses many of our rangeland issues (longevity, heat tolerance, resilience)

through the incorporation of 19 percent Brahman genetics into our herds. Essentially, we get many of the advantages of the Brahman breed without becoming Bos indicus influences.

The modern Santa Gertrudis is not the breed that a lot of us remember from the 80’s and 90’s. The breed has evolved from a structural, carcass and performance perspective. I would challenge any producer to evaluate the production and economic benefits that they may be leaving on the table by not crossbreeding and then to evaluate if the Santa Gertrudis breed is something that might benefit their operation.      ▫

The End of Democracy As We Know It?

by Karen Budd Falen

The headlines are funny. The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a ruling that may pull back the administrative power of the unelected federal employees

and force that power into the hands of Congress.

But the pundits posit the end of America if decisions directly impacting the American citizens are left to the elected representatives we voted into office. As I recall from my government class at Big Piney High School, the purpose of elected officials was so they could make the laws.

Making laws was not the job of the bureaucracy.

The cases before the Supreme Court arose out of the federal agencies making regulations that “interpret” Congressional statutes. Currently, when Congress passes a law, it is so full of holes a Mac truck could drive through it.

In 1984, the Supreme Court held that in matters interpreting federal statutes, courts were to defer to the federal bureaucracy’s policy interpretations. It was called “Chevron deference” and while there are extremely limited circumstances when someone could challenge Chevron deference, in my experience the courts would just defer to the agency rather than letting other experts testify.

I cannot tell you the number of cases I have brought opposing a federal regulation that was going to adversely impact someone’s property rights and the government counsel would just claim “agency deference; ” end of the discussion.

Even if my expert was eminently qualified to offer an expert opinion, they would never be heard because the court would defer to the agency.

I am not saying that all federal agency regulations are wrong, but for government attorneys to not argue the substantive merits and just say the agency is right merely because it is the federal agency is not how our system should work. If after all the evidence is reviewed and the legal arguments are made, the agency is correct, so be it.

But to not even allow the American citizens to make an argument is wrong and I am thrilled that this Supreme Court is reconsidering Chevron deference.

You know, what else amazes me is that many environmental groups have lined up against the ability to challenge federal agency regulations and support “Chevron deference.” The Natural Resources Defense Council states that federal agencies should get to make “policy choices,” because “Congress is not equipped to micromanage the day-to-day operation of the legislation it passes.”

EarthJustice believes that “statutory decisions that require policy judgments [should be left] to politically accountable legislators and executive branch agencies.” There are approximately 4000 politically appointed

individuals who come in with any given President to manage 2.95 million federal government employees.

With that kind of ratio, rarely is the bureaucracy politically accountable. I am not saying all federal employees are politically motivated, but the math doesn’t add up.

And consider the whiplash that the American citizens have to go through every time there is a change from a liberal to a conservative President. You see it all the time.

The new person just revokes the old person’s rules and writes their own. I think either Congress stating exactly what policy choices it wants or the courts taking a much more active role in interpreting what the Congress has ordered is better than the stark changes from the Obama to the Trump to the Biden regulatory regime. In the real

world, we feel like a tennis ball at Wimbledon.

Leveling the playing field and giving litigants (whether representing the conservative or liberal view) a level playing field against the federal agencies is exactly what this Supreme Court should do. Forcing our elected representatives to pass clear legislation and setting the policy to implement that legislation is not the end of democracy–it is democracy.

P.S. And to my friends who are complaining that we don’t have a democracy but a republic, I know, and the point is still the same.      ▫

Who Do Elected Representatives Think They’re Representing?

by Tom DeWeese, American Policy Center

How is it possible that someone is talented and involved enough to run for political office and win the election –but once in office, has no clue of the origins or purpose behind the very policies they are forced to consider? Specifically, policies dealing with comprehensive planning, such as Smart Growth, 30x30 land issues, energy, and transportation, all of which affect day-today life in the community. These are the issues that every city council and county commission in the nation is now faced with imposing on the community.

Yet when citizens attend council meetings and seek to speak out in opposition, discussing how such policies are negatively affecting their property rights, small businesses, and their neighborhoods, they are often met by their elected council members staring at them, with arms folded, scowls on their faces, and gavels in hand, ready to stop their testimony.

Even worse, if opponents try to explain

that such policies are rooted in the global Agenda 2030, the Green New Deal or the Great Reset, now the officials really become agitated. You will get several different responses. A council member will say, “I have never heard of this before.” Another will chime in and say, “These policies are all local.” And then comes the final comment on the issue, “This is just how it’s done; everyone is doing it.”

A growing tactic by local and county governments is to hide behind the edicts of government-appointed boards. As I’ve worked across the country to stop the assault on private property and the farm industry, many elected officials have responded saying they oppose such plans, but there is nothing they can do because appointed utility boards oversee the issue. This was the case in Iowa and South Dakota as local residents fought to stop the enforcement of the Carbon Capture Pipelines in which private corporations were using appointed public utility boards to gain the power of eminent domain

to just take the land they wanted for this private corporate project.

The fact is appointed boards are created by elected officials, usually to be the workforce to carry out programs that they approved. These appointed boards represent no one. They do not have the right or the power to make policy. They certainly do not have the power to prevent elected officials from representing and protecting the wishes of their constituents.

The elected officials are the Boss of appointed boards! Any politician who uses the lame excuse that they have no authority to stop the actions of the appointed board has a different agenda. They want to avoid dealing with the very people who put them in office specifically to protect their rights. In short, they are cowards working against the people!

Where is the Republican Party? As insanity spews out of the Democrat Party, the long-time overseer of limited government, free enterprise and individual liberty has no response, no unified plan to counter the Democrats, and, indeed, seems confused rather than offended by the Socialist antics.

Auction Co., Inc.

For the election of 2023, the Virginia Republican Party’s official plan to win the statewide election to control the Legislature was to encourage Republican voters to sign up for mail-in ballots or to be sure to vote early rather than to wait and vote on election day. For the past three election cycles the Democrats have proven this ballot strategy to be the kingpin of ballot insecurity.

Democrats have the people in place to watch all of the early ballots as they arrive. This allows them to gain an early knowledge of how the vote is going and where they need to push for more ballots for their own candidates. The result of the Virginia election was no surprise to anyone knowledgeable in how the Democrats operate – the Republicans lost everything!

How could the leadership of the party not understand that they were falling right into the Democrat trap? Why won’t the Republican Party, nationwide, take up the fight to demand election day voting with paper ballots, as the means to assure election integrity? A great example of how effective this works is the recent Iowa Republican Caucus, where votes were all cast at the same time on paper ballots and the results were known

almost instantly. For over two hundred years this is how the United States conducted elections in a fair and honest process. Yet the Republican Party remains silent and complicit in assisting its own demise.

At the congressional level it gets even worse. A few years ago, as Republicans were faced with the most open and blatantly radical agenda yet proposed by the Democrats, they missed their greatest opportunity to go on the attack and expose the insanity of the real goals of the Global Left. The Green New Deal represents the largest step ever taken by the Socialists/Sustainablists forces that have been pushing Agenda 21 for over 30 years.

Introduced by one of the most radical members of Congress, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Republicans like Senate leader Mitch McConnell simply laughed, saying it was just too radical to be taken seriously. Then the laughing really started when the Republican-controlled Senate brought the Green New Deal up for a vote and the tally was 57-0. The Dems didn’t even vote for it themselves, went the joke. Such a silly, stupid little girl, they said with great hilarity!

Leaders of many establishment conservative organizations in Washington, DC laughed too.

Well, the fools are the Republicans, and some of those establishment Conservatives, as they failed to understand the determination of these forces behind that “silly little girl.” The Democrats set a trap and the Republicans marched right into it.

What really occurred is that the Socialist Democrats made a classic negotiating tactic. They came to the table and delivered the most radical, complete, all-inclusive agenda for the total take-down of the American Republic, our free enterprise system, our property rights, and our way of life.

The Republicans were completely unprepared for it. Since they have ignored the warnings of those of us who have led the fight against Agenda 21 for 30 years the Green New Deal sounded too nuts. Too far out. No one would fall for it. They laughed and dismissed it without a thought. The Senate vote showed them!

But, true to form for these elected officials who refuse to take the time to research and understand the true goal of such policy, the Republicans fell into the trap! For example, Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz announced that he was working on the Green REAL Deal! Said Gaetz, his bill would be more reasonable. The classic response.

In the Senate, Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander countered with his “Manhattan

Project for Clean Energy.” The difference from the Green New Deal? Almost nothing! Senator Lindsey Graham said “We owe it to the country to have an alternative to the Green New Deal.” He said he was frustrated because large parts of the Republican Party still resist the idea of climate change legislation.

Did any of these “leaders” ever take the time to study the roots of such legislation and read what the forces behind it say it’s all about? Sen. Graham and other faltering Republicans seem to not understand that any attempt to provide “an alternative to the

Green New Deal” actually serves to legitimize the dangerous, wrong-headed leftist environmental movement.

This is exactly what the Democrats were counting on. They made an outrageously radical proposal that moves the agenda miles down the road and then – to be more “reasonable” the stupid Republicans join right in with just a little smaller proposal. That’s how we lose our nation – by being “reasonable” to tyrants.

This is the tragedy that is taking place across the nation, at every level of government. Those elected to represent the people

We Know Agriculture...

Mac Langford, President/CCO

Gordon Morris, Chairman of the Board/EVP

Colten Grau, Vice President

don’t take the time to research and understand the true origins and purposes of the issues. They are surrounded by Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) that serve as the ground troops for the global forces.

The NGOs bring them the legislation, the talking points, and the grant money – all in a neat little package. And they apply pressure to ensure the officials support their agenda. Incredibly, the officials call the NGO’s stakeholders – like they are their constituents who elected them.

Meanwhile, except for a few, we aren’t there. They feel no pressure from us, no threat to their future. Is it any wonder why local citizens who do try to speak out, get the evil eye when they come to oppose those policies?

To change this situation before the nation is completely lost, Americans who oppose such policies must learn a very important

agenda and get on the offensive, demanding freedom in every government action at every level of government. We must learn to paint a clear picture as to what life in America will be like under our vision of freedom. Make your opponents responsible for their own policies. Put their names to them. Make them defend their plans.

In the founding documents of this nation, we were assured that the government didn’t grant us our rights – we are born with them. Our rights are not “Constitutional” rights. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights grant us nothing. You have those rights despite those documents. We are “endowed by our Creator,” Government’s job, according to our founders, is to protect what we have naturally.

In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson said that our liberty is “self-evident.” In today’s language that would

We now stand in the same place as our founders stood in 1776 when they took action to end the tyranny of a king who refused to address their grievances.

We the People created Congress and all other levels of government. Unlike a kingship, they work for us! They’re out of control because earlier generations allowed them to do so.

For too long, we haven’t been there to ensure they are listening to the people. But the forces who seek total control are there, and so elected representatives think they are representing them, not you and me.

Today’s freedom activists must organize effectively. That specifically requires action at the local level. The further government gets from the people, the more corrupt it becomes. Let’s organize to change that. Now is the time to prepare for this year’s vital election.

Do not accept ‘the defeatist attitude’ that we can’t win. Get involved. Don’t let your local Board of Elections cop out by saying the State legislature makes the rules, so there is nothing they can do. Organize to keep the pressure on them to make sure all is run fairly and legally. Volunteer to be election observers and ensure votes are counted legally and accurately, and don’t allow anyone to push you out. Forces which may want to do harm are less likely to do it if they

Tyranny ends when free people stand strong. That is our duty for this new

Palemon A. Martinez passed away peacefully at home on February 10, 2024, three weeks shy of his 92nd birthday.

Palemon was born in Arroyo Seco and at a young age decided he wanted to attend New Mexico State University to pursue his education in Agriculture which he did. A story many may remember is that his dad gave him the ultimatum of being a sheep herder or continuing his education.

After working for NMSU for over 30 years, he retired in 1987 and then transitioned to becoming a volunteer for his community of Arroyo Seco, Taos County and New Mexico on many issues related to agriculture, ranching, acequias and complex water issues facing the traditional communities of Northern New Mexico.

He was recognized throughout his career and beyond for his contributions to the people of New Mexico. In 2000, under President Bill Clinton he was appointed to the original Valles Caldera Trust Board of Trust-

ees. He was also appointed by Governor Bruce King to serve on the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission.

He had vast knowledge on many issues facing residents of New Mexico. He never compromised his commitment to the Acequias; always speaking his mind and from his heart. He also initiated the preservation and contributed to La Santisima Trinidad Catholic Church Arroyo Seco restoration project in his home village.

His love for northern New Mexico and ranching also led him to establish Valdez Land and Cattle LLC where he and family partners have grazed their cattle on public land to this day.

He has met many people throughout his life and they all have unique stories of their interactions with Palemon that define the character and poise that he maintained both professionally and as a volunteer of many causes.

Palemon is survived by his daughters

Marian Girmus (Ron), Lisa Garcia (Frank), granddaughters Erica Newman (RD), Marissa Garcia and great-grandchildren Kyla and Jesse along with sisters and brothers-in-law Flora (Faustin) Gonzales, Mercedes Lucero, Olivia Martinez, Arturo Valdez and Teresina Valdez and many loving nieces and nephews.

Milton G. Thomas, Ph.D., 58, Weesatche, Texas passed away on the February 15, 2024. Milton was born in Lubbock, Texas to Charles G. and Ruby Peggram Thomas on December 23,1965.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Dora Vasquez Thomas; sons, Joshua Glen Thomas and wife Crystal, Firestone, Colorado; John Flores and wife Caitlin’ Victoria; his father, Charles G. Thomas,Amarillo; sisters Donna Truitt, Tennessee; Julie Loudon, Australia; and one precious grandchild, Kamille Grace Flores, Victoria.

Dr. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science in 1988 in Animal Science and a Master of

Science in 1990 in Dairy Science-Reproductive Physiology, both from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He also earned a Ph.D. in 1994 in Reproductive Physiology from Texas A&M University. After completing his Ph.D. degree Dr. Thomas completed his post-doctoral research at the University of Missouri and the University of Texas Institute of Biotechnology-Center for Molecular Medicine.

Dr. Thomas spent 15 years in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences at New Mexico State University, NMSU, serving as the Gerald Thomas Chair in Food Production and Natural Resources.

He joined Colorado State University, CSU, in December 2011 as professor and John E. Rouse Chair of Beef Cattle Breeding and Genetics in the Department of Animal Sciences.

In 2022, Dr. Thomas returned to his alma mater at Texas A&M AgriLife beef cattle research program at the Beeville location.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840. Please designate the Dr. Milton Glen Thomas Memorial Scholarship in the memo line of the check. Online donations can also be made directly to this endowment at the following link: give.am/MiltonGlenThomasMemorial Scholarship

Con Englehorn, 83, Phoenix, Arizona, passed away February 2, 2024. Con was born in Yankton, South Dakota on December 14, 1940. In 1949 Con moved to Phoenix Arizona with his parents Vern & Margaret Englehorn. He graduated from the then “new” Camelback High School, then attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, graduating with a degree in Agricultural Economics. It was there that he met his wife Joy.

Con and Joy moved to Phoenix in 1963 and he went to work for Western Farm Management.

In 1983 Con established, with partners, Headquarters West Ltd. With Con as the broker HQW became a premiere real estate brokerage company specializing in ranches, farms, recreational, rural and transitional land in Arizona and the western region. Headquarters West continues to operate with offices in Arizona.

Con volunteered for an extensive list of organizations, always giving 100 percent. These included, but were not limited to: President of the Arizona Chapter of Appraisers, President of the National American Society Appraisal organization, Project

Central board member: an Arizona leadership program training leaders to serve rural communities. Valley of the Sun YMCA board member: specifically for the Sky Y Camp Board starting the successful horse program. Steppingstones board member a literacy program for underprivileged children. Arizona National Stock Show: 58 years of involvement, starting as an auction buyer & ring man to becoming the President of the show in 1998. He was involved in all aspects of the show from the rodeos to the scholarship programs, to watching his granddaughter ride the sheep in the Little Buckaroo Rodeo. UBS Agri Vest Farmland Fund board member: specializing in investment in farmland properties. City of Scottsdale appointed him to two terms on

the Preserve Commission McDowell Sonoran Conservancy: Volunteer for 30 years serving two terms as President. Con was active in the purchase of the land to preserve the open space. In retirement he was there daily, maintaining the trails he helped create and to ensure and retain the rich history of the ranches in the area.

Con lived life to the fullest, and was an avid backpacker. Adding to his many accomplishments, he, along with his two backpacking friends, are three of the known 15 people who have hiked the entire length of the Grand Canyon.

Often introduced as his “first wife” the “Joy of his life” is so blessed to be so loved by such a special man. Joy, his family, always came first in his fulfilled happy life.

“He was someone that never sought the spotlight. Always there to help. Con’s support was genuine and sincere, and was highly respected by everyone that knew him. His humor was unique and kind, his values honest and true. As a problem solver, Con was not distracted by the details, but maintained a vision of the big picture, focusing on the end result.”

– Grand Boice, former ANLS Executive Director

He leaves behind his wife, Joy, his son, Mat, wife, Sharry; daughter, Katy, husband, David; his brother, Scott, and the light of his life, granddaughter, Eva.

A celebration is in the planning.

Donations can be made to:

• Arizona National Stock Show: 1826 W. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85007 or online

• McDowell Sonoran Conservancy: 15300 N. 90th St. #400, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 or online

Anne Conchetta Giampietro Kiehne, 93, Silver City, New Mexico passed peacefully at home February 22, 2024. Anne was born on September 28, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan to Pat J. Giampietro and Marguerite Mary Treadwell.

Anne is survived by her five children, Zeno Kiehne, Reserve, New Mexico; Zane

Kiehne (wife Tanya), Pecos, Texas; Travis Kiehne (wife Tammy), Magdalena, New Mexico; Clell Kiehne (wife Donna,)Silver City; and Tita Heinen (husband Bobby), Farmington, New Mexico. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, a great-great-granddaughter and numerous nephews and nieces.

During the depression, when Anne was one and a half years old her parents divorced. Anne’s mother and grandmother were both working as cooks and were unable to care for her. Anne was taken to a convent orphanage. The nuns were absolutely wonderful to Anne.

Approximately three years later, Anne’s mother took her out of the orphanage. Anne, her mother, now married to Stanley Radvillas, moved to Maine where Anne spent the rest of her childhood living on Islesboro Island with her mother, stepfather and younger brother Marden. They were among the Island’s few year-round residents. Islesboro Island is reached by ferry and is the location of many summer homes for the wealthy. Anne’s mother was a housekeeper and her stepfather was a caretaker, handyman and fisherman.

Anne always wanted a career in medicine. During high school and for a year after graduating, Anne worked as a waitress and sous

chef in order to earn enough money to pay for nursing school. In 1953, Anne graduated as a Registered Nurse from Maine General Hospital School of Nursing in Portland, Maine.

Immediately after graduation Anne, then 23 years old, along with a fellow graduate, Barbara Weeks, both wanting to travel and see the world, responded to a help wanted advertisement and accepted jobs in Reserve, New Mexico, thinking they’d work a couple years and return to Maine. Their bus left Portland on January 31, 1954. A few months after arriving in Reserve, Barbara Weeks married Eddie Atwood and a few months later Anne married Billy Kiehne.

Barbara and Anne never moved back to Maine and spent the remainder of their lives living in southwestern, New Mexico. Anne missed the ocean and fresh sea food but loved New Mexico, its food, its people, her family and the life she made in New Mexico.

Shortly after getting married, Anne’s nursing career was put on hold. Anne and Billy resided 32 miles southeast of Reserve on the Five Bar Ranch, in a home with a wood cook stove and no running water, electricity or telephone. A trip to town was a rare occasion to stock up on several months of groceries.

They started their family and when Zeno reached school age, they bought a house in Reserve and then spent summers and school breaks at the ranch. Although lacking in conveniences, Anne said these years spent at the ranch were some of her happiest.

In the 1970s Anne and Billy built a home a mile south of Reserve on their family farm. In the mid 1980s Reserve was without a doctor. Anne, wanting to make life better for those around her, attended the University of Arizona in Tucson and in 1985 became a certified adult / geriatric Nurse Practitioner. Anne then worked for Associated Home Health Care and then for the state until 1990 providing health care at the Catron County Medical Clinic in Reserve.

After retiring from the clinic, Anne and Billy moved to Silver City where they owned and operated the Road Runner Mobile Home Park for the rest of their lives.

Anne was a past president of Reserve Women’s Club, Member New Mexico Nurses Association, New Mexico Council Nurse Practitioners, and American Academy Nurse Practitioners.

Anne was a very kind and compassionate person; she loved helping people and regardless of the time of day she’d make house calls to provide medical care.

Anne had lots of affection and love for her children, her grandchildren, her nephews and nieces. She was very sociable and always happy to set another chair at the table or provide a bed for the many friends and guests her husband and children brought home.

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.

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

atherine McCarty, most historians agree, was born in Ireland; but if they agree to that assertion, it is about all they agree on concerning the mother of New Mexico’s most famous outlaw: Billy the Kid. She likely made her way to the United States, probably in the late 1840s. According to one historian, she lived in New York City’s 4th Ward, on the east side of Manhattan, when her first son, Joe, was born in 1854.

Billy the Kid’s Mother “A lady by

instinct and education”

Some sources indicate, however, that Joe was not born until 1862, and he claimed at one point that he was born in Indiana.

Her second son, William Henry, may have also been born in New York, perhaps in 1859. The boys may have been illegitimate, and, according to some historians, they may have been half-brothers. Much dispute surrounds Catherine McCarty and her offspring, some of it acrimonious.

Historian Dan L. Thrapp, for instance, reported that she was married—perhaps no

more than in a common-law way—to Patrick McCarty and he was the father of both of her sons; William Henry (Billy the Kid) being born at 210 Greene Street in New York City on September 17, 1859. Historians Richard Melzer and Robert Utley cite the date of birth as November 20, 1859, at 70 Allen Street, New York City. Pat Garrett in his biography, The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid, cites the birth date as November 23, 1859 (November 23, it should be noted, was the birthday of Garrett’s ghostwriter Marshall Ashmun “Ash” Upson). Historian Frederick Nolan, however, in an annotated edition of the same book, wrote “No unimpeachable documentary evidence has ever been located to support the assertion that Billy the Kid was born in New York City or that the year of his birth was 1859.”

Nolan also suggested that Billy may have been younger than 21 years when he was killed; perhaps as young as 19, which would make his birth year 1861. Historian Mark Lee Gardner quotes Billy as telling a census taker in 1880 that he was 25 years old at that time which would make his birth year as 1855. Billy once told a census taker that he was born in Missouri, as were both of his parents.

Historian Emerson Hough avoided the debate by flatly stating: “The true name of Billy the Kid was William H. Bonney, and he was born in New York City…. His father removed to Coffeyville, Kansas, on the border of the Indian Nations, in 1862, where soon after he died….”

Young Billy would have been three years old.

There are some problems with Hough’s version of things: most sources believe that Catherine did not leave New York until after the Civil War in 1865, and, besides that, Coffeyville, Kansas, was not founded until 1869.

There is some certainty that Catherine left New York after the closing of the Civil War and that she was suffering from tuberculosis at the time, which is why she moved west seeking a more healthful climate.

Different sources offer different versions of Catherine’s route west. One source suggests that she went first to Indiana, which would have been in the 1860s if indeed Joe was born there. Another reported that her travels took her on to Wichita, Kansas, in 1868 or 1869. Nolan reported that a Mrs.

1 Hrs 15 Mins

Time To Cook: 20 Servings: 8

Ingredients

2 lbs. Ground Beef

Grilled Jalapeño Cheddar Meatballs

Recipe

courtesy of: Jess Pryles, jesspryles.com

1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed

3/4 cup milk

3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced

8 oz. block of cheddar cheese, finely diced

1 Tbsp. paprika

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. Kosher salt

McCarty operated the City Laundry in Wichita, and he reproduced a news item dated March 15, 1871, as proof. Other sources refute entirely the assertion that she ever lived in Wichita.

Wherever else she had been, she reached Santa Fe in 1873 and married William H. “Uncle Billy” Antrim there on March 1, after having met him in Indianapolis, according to some writers. The newlyweds moved on to Silver City, New Mexico, with Joe and Henry, by May of the same year in hopes that her ill health would improve. Catherine’s tuberculosis worsened, however, and she died there in September of 1874.

As an aside, in 1947, a Silver City funeral home replaced her original wooden grave marker with a stone monument. Both misspelled her first name as “Katherine.”

In the early years of the 21st century, some historical revisionists made efforts to exhume her body so that DNA comparisons could be made with the alleged remains of Billy the Kid. They intended to prove that Sheriff Pat Garrett did not kill her son on July 14, 1881, at Fort Sumner. Citizens of Silver City prevented the molestation of Catherine’s body.

Ash Upson, who knew Catherine in Silver City, wrote of her, “She was evidently of Irish descent…. She was about medium height, straight, and graceful in form, with regular features, light blue eyes, and luxuriant golden hair. She was not a beauty, but what the world calls a fine-looking woman. She kept boarders in Silver City, and her charity and goodness of heart were proverbial…. In all her deportment she exhibited the unmistakable characteristics of a lady—a lady by instinct and education.”      ▫

Preparation

1. Step 1

Place the crushed tortilla chips in a large bowl, then add the milk and allow to soften the chips for about 10 minutes.

2. Step 2

After the mixture is soft and has absorbed all the milk, add the Ground Beef, jalapeño, cheese, paprika, garlic, and salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients, then scoop approximately ⅓ - ½ cup of the mixture and form a meatball, repeat until all the mixture has been formed into balls.

3. Step 3

Place the meatballs on a plate or tray and refrigerate them for 30 minutes to firm.

4. Step 4

Light a grill for two zone cooking. For charcoal: light coals and pile them all on one side, creating a hot and cool zone. For propane: light the very end burner on the left or right side, but no other burners. It’s recommended you place a piece of foil under the side without heat to catch any melting cheese for easy cleanup. The grill should be at MEDIUM temperature, about 350-375°F.

5. Step 5

Place the meatballs on the cool side of the

grill (away from the coals or the lit burner) and close the grill lid. Grill for about 25-35 minutes, or until they reach 165°F internal temperature on a meat thermometer.

6. Step 6

Remove the meatballs from the grill and allow to cool slightly before serving.

*Cooking Tip: Serve with Mexican rice, beans, or a side salad.

Nutrition information per serving (1 meatball or 1/20 of recipe): 160 Calories; 86 Calories from fat; 9.6 g Total Fat (4.4 g Saturated Fat; 3.5 g Monounsaturated Fat); 52.2 mg Cholesterol; 312.3 mg Sodium; 1.7 g Total Carbohydrate; 0.25 g Dietary Fiber; 16 g Protein; 1.5 mg Iron; 221.8 mg Potassium; 0.03 mg Thiamin; 0.1 mg Riboflavin; 5.3 mg Niacin (NE); 0.2 mg Vitamin B6; 1.4 mcg Vitamin B12; 3.5 mg Zinc; 13.1 mcg Selenium; 43.9 mg Choline. This recipe is an excellent source of Protein, Niacin, Vitamin B12, Selenium, and Zinc. It is a good source of Riboflavin and Vitamin B6.

Leadership in Quality Herefords

Cost-Conscious Consumers and Production Changes are Influencing Global Beef Trade

Source: Rabobank

According to a new Rabobank report, global beef demand is likely to remain steady in 2024 despite economic challenges and consumer shifts toward lower-priced proteins, but trade flows are shifting.

Consumers and the industry adapted to a tough economic environment in 2023

Across most markets, beef retail prices have risen since 2019, and the impact of inflation in 2022 and 2023 added to the cost of living, pressuring consumers’ budgets and changing spending patterns. With consumers trending toward cheaper options in 2023, foodservice and retail companies began promoting value-based propositions more frequently, some of which outperformed.

“While there was some channel shifting and movement to lower-priced options for beef, overall demand held up relatively well in 2023, supporting consumption levels,” states Angus Gidley-Baird, Senior Analyst –Animal Protein at Rabobank. Still, Rabobank expects GDP growth rates to slow and unemployment rates to rise in many countries in 2024. Rising unemployment suggests that upward pressure on wages should ease, and if inflation remains high, real wages should decline, putting more pressure on household income. “Questions about economic performance, income levels, costs, and the direction of monetary policy remain unanswered, but we expect overall beef demand to hold in 2024 and, therefore, consumption levels to remain steady,” notes Gidley-Baird.

Seasonal conditions continue to sway markets with weaker consumer demand

Despite the economic headwinds, Rabobank maintains a neutral outlook for global beef production, with increases in Australia and Brazil offsetting declines in Europe and the US. “Without strong demand pulling volume through the supply chain and bidding prices up, price setting falls back to

the producer end of the chain and, with it, increased exposure to seasonal conditions and producer sentiment,” explains Gidley-Baird. The strength of the economic outlook in different beef-consuming markets creates an interesting overlay to the global beef production situation and the balance of trade. “With limited or negative real wage growth expected in 2024, coupled with the higher cost environment, we believe global beef consumption will at best remain steady and possibly decline through 2024, with some notable regional variations,” says Gidley-Baird.

For those in the supply chain, this poses important questions around margins and trade. Can prices be maintained or pushed higher to make up for the loss of consumption, or do retail prices have to ease to encourage higher consumption? In a market where beef production growth is limited –the US for example – the consumer may be willing to tolerate higher prices at the expense of some consumption, i.e., maintaining demand. On the other hand, in a market with growing supply – such as Australia – lower prices may be needed to encourage consumption.

Supply and demand dynamics swing trade flows toward the US

China’s import demand should remain sluggish in 2024 – at least in the first half –and with demand strength and lower domestic supplies in the US market, beef trade is being diverted. “Brazil’s exports to the US in January 2024 were ahead of 2023, and Australian volumes were up 127% YOY. If China’s recovery is better than expected, global beef markets could become quite tight, fueling price rises,” notes Gidley-Baird.

Due to its reasonable economic outlook and lower domestic supplies, the US is likely to lead the beef price-setting market and draw increased volumes from Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. “But value will become the predominant theme across most markets in order to retain consumers faced with balancing the tighter economic conditions,” explains Gidley-Baird.      ▫

by Frank Dubois

Is

There a National

Monument in Your Future?

Here we go again.

National Monument issues on the national level and again right here in New Mexico.

Recall that Trump substantially reduced the size of several monuments in Utah. On December 4, 2017. He traveled to Utah, and in his remarks said:

As many of you know, past administrations have severely abused the purpose, spirit, and intent of a century-old law known as the Antiquities Act. This law requires that only the smallest necessary area be set aside for special protection as national monuments. Unfortunately, previous administrations have ignored the standard and used the law to lock up

hundreds of millions of acres of land and water under strict government control.

These abuses of the Antiquities Act give enormous power to faraway bureaucrats at the expense of the people who actually live here, work here, and make this place their home. This is where they raise their children. This is the place they love.

Your timeless bond with the outdoors should not be replaced with the whims of regulators thousands and thousands of miles away. They don’t know your land, and truly, they don’t care for your land like you do. (Applause). But from now on, that won’t matter. I’ve come to Utah to take a very historic action to reverse federal overreach and restore the rights of this land to your citizens.

On October 7, 2021 Biden reversed Trump’s action and put out a fact sheet stating:

As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s effort to better protect, conserve, and restore the lands and waters that sustain the health of communities and power our economy, President Biden will sign three proclamations restoring protections for Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and

Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monuments. By restoring these national monuments, which were significantly cut back during the previous administration, President Biden is fulfilling a key promise and upholding the longstanding principle that America’s national parks, monuments, and other protected areas are to be protected for all time and for all people.

The state of Utah sued, but lost in the lower court. It appears this will eventually wind up at the Supreme Court.

In their suit, among other claims. Utah says:

The President has abused his authority under 1906 Antiquities Act, which authorizes the president to protect historic landmarks, historic or prehistoric structures and to reserve parcels of land to protect those items. However, that power is limited to reserving only “the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management” of the qualifying items. Utah points out that the acreage in the two monuments under question comprise 3.23 million acres, which is “more than twice the number of total acres in the President’s home state of Delaware (1.53 million acres), more than four

times the number of total acres in Rhode Island (787,840 acres), and just smaller than Connecticut (3.55 million acres).”

Utah also claims the Act does not authorize the President to declare entire landscapes as national monuments.

The Supreme Court will have to answer those questions and in so doing impact the status of millions of acres in current national monuments and any further designations in the future.

New Mexico

A group is now proposing a new national monument in Luna County, New Mexico, comprising 245 thousand acres and to be called the Mimbres Peaks National Monument. It would include the Florida Mountains, Cooke’s Peak and the Tres Hermanas.

A kickoff or campaign meeting was held at the Rockhound State Park on December 6 of last year, Some of those speaking that day were reps from the The Friends of the Floridas, The Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks and was led by Las Cruces State Senator Carrie Hamblen who is also President of the Green Chamber of Commerce. This makes you wonder why they didn’t have a state senator from Luna County? We all know why.

The upshot is that none of the ranchers

or local legislators were invited to the event. Days later the ranchers did receive a letter advising them of the proposal. The letter was signed by officials with the Friends of the Floridas, the Friends of the Organ Mountains, and the New Mexico Wildlife Federation.

This whole situation has not set well with many of the Luna County residents.

A rancher, Eddie Mesa, says, “not one rancher in the community knew about this” and “the whole ranching community is against this.”

Russell Johnson, rancher and President of the Luna County Farm & Livestock Bureau, says that even if they don’t ban livestock grazing, “restrictions could become so burdensome that ranchers can’t make improvements and work on water, making it impossible to manage the land. If you can’t manage it, you can’t properly graze it.” Johnson also says, “As a fourth-generation rancher in Luna County, I feel that the knowledge of my ancestors who worked this land before me cannot be matched. My family has been running a successful ranching operation for over 100 years.”

State representative Luis Terrazas hits the nail on the head when he asks “why weren’t the local residents and elected officials invited to the announcement event?” He

provides his own answer with, “because they want to stop any opposition and create the illusion that there is overwhelming public support.”

Luna county and the city of Deming have passed resolutions opposing the proposed monument.

Next month I will bring you more on this proposal and a discussion on the process and other associated national monument issues.

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 ▫

Real Es t a te

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Tel No. 505-843-7643 NMREL 13371 & 49570

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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 $345,000

BAR LAZY 7 RANCH, Colfax County, Moreno Valley 594.38 +/- deeded acres, accessed off blacktop between Eagle Nest and Angel Fire. Historic headquarters. Currently used as summer grazing, pond and trees accessed off

county road on rear of property as well. Presented “ASIS” New Survey, $4,000,000 $3,800,000

SPRINGER VIEW, 29.70 +/deeded acres. Large house being remodeled, shop, trees, old irrigation pond. All back off highway with great southern aspect. 311 Hwy 56, Colfax County. $209,000 $205,000

MAXWELL, 408.90 +/- Deeded Acres. 143.05 Irrigable Acres/ Shares with TL pivot covering approximately 80 acres, with balance dry land. Property has one water meter used for livestock, but could support a home as well. There are two troughs located in the middle of the property. Electricity for pivot is back toward the middle of the property as well. Property has highway frontage on NM 505 and Highline Rd, a County Rd. Back up to Maxwell Wildlife area. Colfax County, NM.$599,000

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

DOUBLE

R RANCH, NOGALES, AZ — 110 deeded, w/12,224 NF Grazing land, runs 380 yearlong, Great improvements, high rain area. Priced at $3,500,000

SOLD SOLD

TYLER RANCH/FARM — York Az, 544 deeded with 173 irrigated, along with 14,000 state and Blm lease land. 300 head mother cows yearlong. Priced @$2,300,000

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

Sam Hubbell, Qualifying Broker 520-609-2546

Buyers

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

SIDWELL FARM & RANCH REALTY, LLC

Tom Sidwell, Qualifying Broker 6237 State Highway 209, Tucumcari, NM 88401 • 575-403-6903 tom@sidwellfarmandranch.com • www.sidwellfarmandranch.com

James Sammons III

THE SAND CAMP RANCH

(PRICE REDUCED) The Sand Camp Ranch 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 2,380 +/- deeded acres, 6,074 NM State Lease Acres, 23,653 Federal BLM Lease Acres and 480 acres Uncontrolled, 32,107 +/- total acres (50.17 Sections). Grazing Capacity set by a Section 3 BLM grazing permit at 405 Animal Units Yearlong. The ranch is watered by five primary wells and an extensive pipeline system. This ranch is ready to go, no deferred maintenance. Price: $3,672,000. This one of the better ranches in the area. It is nicely improved and well-watered. You won’t find anything comparable for the price. Call or email for a brochure and an appointment to come take a look.

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

■ BERRENDA CREEK RANCH — 231 AYL, 51± section cattle ranch — Hillsboro, NM. 32,870± total acres, 120± deeded acres, 23,646± acres of BLM, 9104± acres of NM state land, 12 wells, 9 dirt tanks, 2 springs, 3 pastures, 165,000 gallons of water storage. Priced at $1,432,200

■ 1361 HWY 27, HILLSBORO, NM.–116 +/- total acres of which 64.65 +/acres are planted in Pecan Trees, 3 +/acres of BLM, the orchard is 18 years old, located at the original townsite of Lake Valley and was the stagecoach stop at Lake Valley, the home is 2,048 +/- sq ft w/3 bedrms, 2 bath, separate office & studio, barn w/loft & horse stalls, metal shop/barn w/attached shed row & arena, two wells Priced at $2,200,000

SOLD

■ 6535 HWY 377 NE, DEMING, NM –. Born Running Horse Breeding Facility is a, Fabulous Horse Facility that boosts of a 16 stall metal barn each w/runs, plus more outdoor stalls, pastures, horse walker, round pen, in-door lab w/horse racks & stalls, shop, metal barn w/ covered RV parking, lighted arena. The 2100 sq ft main site built 3 bdrm 2 bth, guest mft-home 2 bdrm 2 bth, 47 acres total w/ irrigation well, 21 acres

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

RANCHES/FARMS

*AUCTION* 472+/- Acre Organic

Apple Orchard offered in 5 Tracts

Tract 1 – 158+/- Acre with approximately 131 ac of trees, 24,075+/- s.f. of apple processing facilities, cold storage, retail center, two homes, & wells.

Tract 2 – Spacious 3 BR, 2 Bath residence on 1.7+/- Acre

Tract 3 – 6 6+/- Acre with approximately 59 acre of trees, and new well.

Tract 4 – 145 +/- Acre, with approximately 125 acre of trees, mfg home, and well.

Tract 5 – 100+/- Acre, with approximately 96 acre of trees and well.

Auction to be held April 4, 2024, Online and live. Don’t miss the opportunity to own all or part of this great property. Contact Paul Ramirez for auction details and Harry Owens for property details.

*NEW* Farm - Apache Grove, AZ – 335+/- total acres along the scenic Gila River. 120+/acres of decreed water rights. Pivot and pastures planted in Bermuda. Owner runs 150 head. One bedroom apartment over garage/office, 30’ x 150’steel barn, plus smaller steel barn, shop/feed room/tack room, excellent corrals, with squeeze chute, calf table and scale. Must see! $2.5M

*REDUCED*1883.45+/- Acres, McNeal, AZ – Frontier Roads. Good access, 2 registered wells, dirt tanks, fully fenced. Current owner runs 80+/- head seasonally $941,725 Reduced to $847,552 Call Paul Ramirez 520-241-3333.

150+/- Acre Farm, Willcox, AZ – 120 Acre full circle pivot with two wells. Ideal location for hay, pecans, pistachios, wine grape cultivation or other crops. Good water, productive soil. Convenient access to I-10. $525,000

*NEW* 305+/- Acres of Land on Ash Creek Pearce, AZ –Excellent potential for agricultural development, qualifies for organic farming, cleared of Mesquites in 2010, good prospect for pecans, wine grapes, corn, cotton, hay. FAA approved landing strip, two domestic wells, fenced and cross fenced. Ask about the solar options available with this property. $457,000

*SOLD* 98+/- Deeded Acre Farm, Bonita, AZ – Great farm in a picture-perfect setting! Two small pivots with 35 acres of water rights. 3 BR, 2 BA Shultz mfg home; 3-sided hay/machine shed, 1,560+/- s.f. shop, 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. Runs about 40 head of cattle. $750,000

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

www.scottlandcompany.com

■ PRICE REDUCED! YESO EAST RANCH – De Baca Co., NM - Hwy. 60 frontage. 6,307± deeded, 1,556± State Lease and 40± uncontrolled acres. Terrain is gently rolling with good grass and is divided into three pastures. Wildlife includes antelope, some mule deer, quail, etc. The ranch has good improvements (including home) convenient access and has been well managed.

■ UNION CO., NM – Just out of Clayton, NM, 2 sections +/- located on pvmt. complete with two ½ mile +/- sprinklers & irrigation wells w/an addtl. large feedyard & one section of land irrigated by four ¼ mile sprinklers & irrigation wells. Two sections or the feedyard w/irrigated section can be purchased together or separately.

■ VAUGHAN RIVER RANCH – 11,628.76 ac. +/- deeded - a scenic, live water ranch on the Pecos River south of Ft. Sumner, New Mexico. Excellent example of a southwestern cattle ranch with wildlife to boot all within minutes of the convenience of town. Call us to take a look!

HORSE PROPERTIES/LAND

SOLD

SOLD SOLD

*SOLD * ONLIN E AUCTION , Pearce, AZ - Four offerings located in the grasslands at the foot of the beautiful Dragoon Mountains. Sold prior to Auction Lot 1 featured stunning, custom 3 BD, 2 BA territorial style home on 5.5 +/-. Sold Prior to Auction Lots 3, and 4 included 3 vacant, 1+ acre land parcels for a total of 3+/- acres each. Sold at Auction Lot 2 – 3- 1+/- acre lots for a total of 3+/- acres.

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

■ UNION CO., NM – This 1,966 +/- acre ranch located just south of Clayton, New Mexico is in some of the most soughtafter grazing land in the Continental U.S.A. The ranch will be excellent for a yearling operation, with high quality grass, good fences and water.

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

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

■ 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.

■ GREER CO., OK – Choice 480 ac. tract of choice farmland located just south & east Mangum, OK. Please call for details!

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

■ CLAYTON, NM – 3 bdrm/2.5 bath really nice manufactured home w/ porches etc. located on 80 ac. with 2 almost new metal barns/shops/garages with automatic roll-up doors & water supplied from the City of Clayton.

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

■ CLAYTON, NM – a 16.75 ac. RV park located approximately 2 mi. south of Clayton on the east side of Hwy. 87 with 34 RV spaces, water supplied from the City of Clayton, a domestic well to provide water for a pond on the property with an office and men’s and women’s restrooms and showers. 44 acres may be purchased adjoining this property for additional development.

Brad DeSpain 520-429-2806 Paul Ramirez 520-241-3333

REDUCED! ! Double U Ranch in Tombstone, Arizona – The historic Double U Ranch located at the foothills of the scenic Dragoon Mountains near Tombstone, Arizona in Cochise County. The Double U Ranch consists of 6,315 contiguous acres of deeded land and a 2,320 acre Arizona State Land grazing lease. With incredibly beautiful views and vistas, this working cattle ranch has excellent feed, plentiful water and gentle terrain with good fences, roads and range improvements. The Double U is easy to manage resulting in a profitable operation on one of the largest contiguous deeded land parcels in the state of Arizona. Exterior fences are locked, limiting access and protecting the livestock operation while creating excellent mule deer and white tail deer habitat unspoiled by public impacts. In addition to other small game species, remarkably all three types of quail, (Gambel, Mearnes and Scaled) are plentiful on the ranch. Offered at $9.2 million, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a working cattle ranch on one of the largest remaining contiguous acres of private land in the rapidly growing State of Arizona.

SOLD! – FX Ranch in Dewey, Arizona – With a carrying capacity of 250 CYL, the FX offers an opportunity to raise quality cattle close to all amenities and near the desirable communities of Prescott and Sedona. The headquarters parcel consists of over 12 acres with a beautiful log home, a managers house, a barn and corrals. Located south of Dewey-Humboldt on Highway 69 the headquarters is approximately 20 miles from downtown Prescott and 40 miles from Sedona. The headquarters enjoys a four season, mild climate at 4500 feet in elevation. Cattle and brand included. $2,690,000

NEW LISTING! – Randall Ranch in Ash Fork, Arizona

– This well watered, working cattle ranch includes 85.88 deeded, non-contiguous acres, 5,749 leased acres from the State of Arizona and 12,000 acres of adverse grazing. The current owner operates a cow-calf operation. The ranch historically runs 250 mother cows producing high quality Angus calves with weaning weights between 500 to 550 pounds. Cattle available! $1,250,000

NEW LISTING! RK Ranch in Prescott, Arizona – The RK Ranch is a smaller working cattle ranch located approximately 25 miles north of Prescott, Arizona. The ranch is currently carrying 25 CYL. The RK Ranch encompasses approximately +/-6,736 total grazing acres supporting up to 45 CYL. With 110 deeded acres surrounded by USFS this little ranch is truly a gem of a gentleman’s ranch. Equipment and cattle included. $2,200,000

NEW LISTING! Broken D Horn Ranch in Prescott, Arizona – The Broken D Horn Ranch provides a unique turnkey opportunity to own a remarkable cattle ranch/beef business property nestled in the picturesque Williamson Valley, Arizona. This distinctive offering is the perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility. With 77 acres of deeded land including 50 acres irrigated pasture, state and private leases this ranch runs 130-180 cattle. Equipment and cattle included. $3,389,000

!Nat Ranch in 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. $2,400,000

REDUCED! Triangle C Ranch in Reserve, New Mexico

– This working cattle ranch is located east of Reserve, New Mexico in prime grazing lands. Carrying 625 CYL the 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. $4,895,000

REDUCED! Cottonwood Springs Ranch in 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 +/-250 CYL, the ranch is well improved with two homes, shop, corrals, interior and exterior fences, working cattle facilities and exceptional water improvements. $2,550,000

!Jack’s Canyon Ranch in 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

SOLD! Partridge Creek Ranch in Ash Fork, Arizona–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. $4,200,000

OUR

Keli Cox • 575-937-4616

Nick Cortese • 575-760-3818

Kelly Sparks • 575-760-9214

Rye Richardson • 575-430-0777

FALLON-CORTESE

R S

L AND ZE IN RANCH/FARM SALES TH E STATE OF NEW MEXICO. FROM START TO FINISH UYERS AND SELLERS!

FALLON-CORTESE L AND

WE SPECIALIZE IN RANCH/FARM SALES THROU GHOUT THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO. STAYING FROM START TO FINISH WITH BUYERS AND SELLERS!

WE SPECIALIZE IN RANCH/FARM SALES THROU GHOUT THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO. STAYING FROM START TO FINISH WITH BUYERS AND SELLERS!

FALLON-CORTESE L AND

L AND WE SPECIALIZE IN RANCH/FARM SALES TH ROU GHOUT TH E STATE OF NEW MEXICO. STAYING FROM START TO FINISH WITH BUYERS AND SELLERS!

575.355.2855

575.355.2855

75.355.2855

WE SPECIALIZE IN RANCH/FARM SALES THROU GHOUT THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO. STAYING FROM START TO FINISH WITH BUYERS AND SELLERS!

WWW.RANCHSELLER.COM

575.355.2855

WWW.RANCHSELLER.COM

WWW.RANCHSELLER.COM

Nick Cortese Kelly Sparks

WWW.RANCHSELLER.COM

575.760.3818

575.760.9214

575.355.2855

Jymmy Kay Cox • 512-921-8877

Donda Richardson • 575-937-1056

Jackie Higgins • 806-787-5814

Jenna Lawrence• 575-937-8849

Dixie Brown • 575-937-1049

WWW RANCHSELLER COM

WE OFFE R A PERSONAL TOUCH WITH PROFESSIONAL CARE

WE OFFE R A PERSONAL TOUCH WITH PROFESSIONAL CARE

WE O FFE R A PERSONAL TOUCH WITH PROFESSIONAL CARE.

WE O FFE R A PERSONAL TOUCH WITH PROFESSIONAL CARE.

WE OFFE R A PERSONAL TOUCH WITH PROFESSIONAL CARE

by Barry Denton

Western Intrusion

(The views expressed in this column are not necessarily those of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association or this publication.)

If you happen to be in the market for a home or ranch in the western United States and you are looking for a place with a little seclusion, don’t be taken in by your crafty real estate agent when they explain that the place you are looking at is surrounded by, or borders government land as a selling point.

In my area there is quite a bit of land under the jurisdiction of the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). What your real estate agent is leaving out, is that those two government entities do nothing to control the nuts coming out to use or abuse the land.

You end up buying this place because you figure the access to public land will be a good thing for horseback riding, running a few head of cows, hiking, fishing, etc. However, with the advent of the ATV every bit of government land is accessible to every city slicker and derelict in the world because the government does nothing to enforce their own rules of the land.

The only people that the government tries to control on the land are ranchers that have grazing permits. Those are the least harmful folks out there.

Not too many years ago you used to see federal law enforcement on the federal lands. I cannot tell you how many years it has been since a USFS agent pulled into the ranch and to ask if there were any issues that they needed to address, or what your concerns were.

Funny, but that was the norm for decades and now it has all stopped. Don’t tell me they can’t fund a few cops with all the money this present government sends to fight wars in other countries that have nothing to do with us.

When is this nonsense going to come to

an end? These townies are shooting up water tanks, wrecking windmills, tearing down buildings, destroying native grass with their doughnuts in the fields after a rain, ramming locked gates with trucks, shooting livestock, etc.

Since our ranch has been in the same place for years, we have seen a great deal of change and not for the better. Last fall I finally had to get the sheriff’s deputies here to remove two Phoenix guys camping on our private land less than a tenth of a mile from my home.

Where do people get the unmitigated gall to camp in someone’s yard? I still have their addresses, so I may have to travel to Phoenix, and pitch a tent in their yard one of these days.

The other one that gets me are the alleged target shooters. On their way to get to our area they have to pass two legitimate gun ranges that are set up beautifully to accommodate shooters.

I looked into the fees and one was about $20 a day to use and the other was $12. Instead, they like to come to the USFS land and shoot up their old TV sets, glass bottles, refrigerators, and anything else that they can litter the land with and leave behind.

Until USFS Law Enforcement is visible nothing will get done about it. When will that be? Do they even exist anymore? A few years ago we secured a special use permit to hold a group trail ride headquartered at our place riding out on some USFS trails.

You should have seen the list of rules we got for that. Yet, if you are not riding a horse, but you ride an ATV then you are not required to follow any rules.

To top it all off our last two wildfires here were started by shooters. Obviously the USFS was getting bored and wanted some fires to fight rather than police the shooters to begin with.

Our government used to stand for something, but no longer. Have dumb & dumber inherited America?      ▫

Classroom Cattlemen

These young ranchers traded tie strings for textbooks to expand their personal and professional opportunities.

by Macy McCall Downs

Be them simple and quick or heavy and complicated, life is full of decisions.

Perhaps the most important decisions young adults make surround their pursuit of higher education. Choosing the “whether,” “when,” “why” and “where” to go to college can be daunting for prospective students.

Leaving the family ranch, even for a few short years, is not an easy feat. Lane Clavel grew up on a fifth-generation cow-calf operation in Roy, New Mexico and felt nervous about departing from home to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

“I had a strong attachment to the ranch because I grew up there my whole life,” he said. “My grandparents lived 100 yards from me, so it was our little community there.”

Recent four-year university graduate

Kindal Smith echoed Clavel’s apprehensions.

“For me, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to college,” Smith said. “Honestly, I didn’t. I wanted to stay and help my family at the ranch because that’s what I love to do.”

Smith ultimately opted to study agricultural media and communication to learn skills that she could directly apply when returning to the ranch: marketing.

“I chose ag comm because I enjoy taking pictures, creating designs and doing social media to promote the ranch and other people’s ranches,” she said. “So I thought that would be very helpful, and it would be a never-ending job that I could do wherever and whenever I wanted.”

Though departing from your home comes with challenges, higher education provides innumerable opportunities for students to learn, achieve, and experience things that seemed unimaginable prior to beginning their college journeys.

Mia Encinias, a sixth-generation rancher from a closely connected family in Moriarty, New Mexico, found that venturing out beyond her family’s operation gave her a chance to encounter new people and practices while trying to establish her own identity independent from her family.

“New Mexico is a very small ag community and being able to come to another school, especially out of state, has been such a benefit,” Encinias said. “It’s cool for people to recognize my last name because my family is so important to me, but I also want to make a name for myself.”

To discover his passion and aspirations in agricultural law, Clavel needed to first take a college course on the subject.

He is pleased to have remained receptive and curious to determine his future career plans.

“I really enjoyed the class, learned a lot, and had fun,” Clavel said. “With the classes you take, you can experiment with what you enjoy and find a true passion.”

Back at home, daily tasks and functions of these family ranches resumed.

Clavel, Smith, and Encinias enjoy finding ways to offer their assistance, either by traveling home or working remotely.

For Encinias, giving back to her family means being creative in her contributions to the operation during her studies.

“My role has shifted to things I can do from my college town like marketing and advertising or phone calls and paperwork rather than the hands-on work,” she said.

Clavel and Smith both jumped at the

chance to travel home while at school.

“I went home almost every other weekend, if not every weekend, my first year of college,” Clavel said. “I enjoyed going back and working, and I just missed home sometimes during my first semester. I’m glad I did, and I continue to.”

At first glance, it may seem that raising cattle and completing class projects are vastly different, but there are many transferable skills between them.

Growing up on a ranch advanced Smith’s ability to understand concepts in the classroom because of her base familiarity with production subjects.

“Just listening to my grandpa and my dad talk about the numbers and weighing cattle helped me tremendously to succeed in my farm and ranch management class,” she said. “Having been around production agriculture, even when I didn’t know exactly how something applied to the class, I was better off because I had at least heard the word before.”

In alignment with her original goal, Smith returned to her family’s yearling operation in Logan, New Mexico following her December graduation, where she has since created a website for her family’s operation.

She is confident that her studies have increased her value on the ranch.

“I definitely learned things that I never thought I would use, but after coming back, I’ve noticed a big difference in understanding more about the process and the business side of ranching,” she said.

At the end of the day, the outcome of the college experience depends on each student’s individual effort. For Encinias, college has cultivated the interpersonal abilities that helped her create a network of contacts and friends to know for the rest of her life.

“I’ve met people from all over the country and have seen their different perspectives on the cattle industry,” she said. “College has been a place where I’ve found my people who click with me and have the same passions.”

These three New Mexico students chose to exit the ranch’s front gate, discovering their passions and igniting their ambitions for what lies ahead of them.

Whether their journey of higher education leads them home to the ranch or to pursue a path outside its fences, their strong roots in ranching have and will continue to guide their decisions far into the future.      ▫

• All seven of our bulls selling at the Tucumcari Feed Efficiency Test Bull Sale, March 9, are ranked in the top 40 in the Angus division out of over 100 bulls and are all gaining over 4 pounds a day on test.

• Our sale offering features an ET calf by of SAV Rainfall and out of the great SAV Madame Pride 9803 donor cow as well as a high index bull by Vermillion Spur B024 out of a KCF Bennett Fortress cow that’s on her way to being a Pathfinder.

• Plus easy calving sons of GAR HomeTown and Deer Valley WallStreet as well as Vermillion Spur B024 and Gardens Cache.

• Total A.I. & ET Program

2007 NE Colo Bull Test

High Indexing Angus Bull

2009 NE Colo Bull Test

Top Gaining Pen of Three Bulls

2017 Tucumcari Bull Test

Top Indexing Bull

2018 Tucumcari Bull Test Top Efficiency Bull

facebook.com/RiversideAngus

2nd High Indexing Bull at NMSU

Tucumcari Bull Test 2021

High Efficiency Bull 2020

NMSU Bull Test

Passage of Meat Inspection Act Will Grant New Authority to New Mexico Livestock Board

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is set to review a bipartisan-sponsored bill granting the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB) authority over meat and poultry inspections in the state. Inspections conducted and certifications issued by NMLB would be equivalent to or greater than those given by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Senate Bill 37 (SB 37), known as The Meat Inspection Act, received unanimous support from the New Mexico House of Representatives after receiving unanimous approval from the state Senate. The bill calls for the establishment of a comprehensive state meat and poultry inspection program administered through NMLB.

“This legislation plays a critical role in providing value-added agriculture opportunities in New Mexico and fresh local beef to our consumers across New Mexico,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte.

“The NMLB is very excited to be an integral part of potential agricultural and economic growth for the state of New Mexico,” said NMLB Executive Director Belinda Garland. “This agency proudly supports the livestock industry, and this is just one more service we will be able to provide to producers throughout the state.”

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s (NMDA) analysis of SB 37 suggests that new statutory authority over a state-level meat and poultry inspection program would enhance local meat industries and have a

positive effect on the state’s economy. Such a program would have the following positive impacts:

Ї Improves food safety;

Ї Enables timely inspections of livestock processed in-state;

Ї Increases the statewide efficiency of inspections and ensure access to inspectors conveniently located throughout the state;

Ї Gives grocery retailers and food service distributors a wider variety of local meat purchasing options and;

Ї Provides access to locally-grown and processed food to schools, senior centers, food banks, etc.;

Ї Benefits small to mid-size producers interested in direct sales for public consumption.

Inspectors with USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) currently handling meat inspections in New Mexico only conduct a limited number of inspections annually, which leads many of the state’s ranchers to ship livestock out-of-state for

processing. Doing so results in extra costs to producers and higher prices for consumers.

Once the state-level program is certified by FSIS and fully operational, all meat and poultry certified by state inspectors and processed in-state will be sold in New Mexico, therefore enabling New Mexico’s rural ranchers to work directly with New Mexico’s supermarkets, restaurants and institutional buyers to bring high-quality, certified meat and poultry to consumers at lower costs.

Currently, 29 states have their own meat and/or poultry inspection programs which must be certified by FSIS and meet or exceed the standards and requirements of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Federal Poultry Products Inspection Act and the Federal Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978.

“We are humbled by the overwhelming bipartisan support received during the 2024 legislative session,” said Garland. “The NMLB wants to thank Governor Lujan Grisham for allowing SB 37 to be presented, all the state senators and representatives who supported and voted unanimously in favor of the bill, and all the organizations and individuals who stood by us through many long hours to see it sent for final passage. This is truly legislation that will benefit all the people.”      ▫

Grand Canyon Region University of Arizona

3/2/2024 - 3/2/2024

Sam Garcia (520)456-7804

Tucson, AZ

Central Arizona College #1 3/9/2024 - 3/9/2024

Joe Moody (520)431-1335

Casa Grande, AZ

Central Arizona College #2

3/10/2024 - 3/10/2024

Joe Moody (520)431-1335

Casa Grande, AZ

Cochise College #2 3/16/2024 - 3/17/2024

Lynn Smith

(520)678-6702

Fort Huachaca, AZ

New Mexico State University #2 4/19/2024 - 4/21/2024

Brice Baggarley (509)834-8741

Las Cruces, NM

Grand Canyon Regional 4/27/2024 - 4/28/2024

Joe Moody (520)431-1335

Payson, AZ

Southwest Region Ranger College 3/21/2024 - 3/23/2024

Llew Rust (918)320-9612

Sweetwater, TX

Western Texas College 4/4/2024 - 4/6/2024

Greg Rhodes (325)207-1219

Snyder, TX

Howard County Junior College 4/11/2024 - 4/13/2024

Justin Jenkins (432)213-5506

Big Spring, TX

Tarleton State University 4/18/2024 - 4/20/2024

Mark Eakin (325)207-1219

Stephenville, TX

The North American Limousin Foundation

is Excited to Welcome Brooklyn Thompson to the Team as the NALF Media and Activities Assistant

Brooklyn Thompson is a mother, wife and livestock producer. She is also a lover of Casey Donahew music, traveling and spending time with her family.

Thompson’s story began on a small family owned and operated farm in Lathrop, Mo., where she raised livestock alongside her parents and three sisters. Since she was a little girl she has had a passion for livestock, agriculture, photography, and writing.

Brooklyn started a hobby photography business in 2012, graduated high school in 2016, attended college at Iowa State University (2017-19) and graduated from Kansas

State University in 2020 where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Communications and Journalism. After graduating, she moved to Maryville, Mo. where she now raises show lambs with her husband, Adam and their son, Brue.

Thompson is a hardworking woman and likes to look at her glass half-full. She sees potential in everyone and everything and loves working with others. She is excited to be in a working environment that will challenge her mind to grow. “I’m not afraid to wear many hats, do the work that others won’t and do my best at making sure all jobs

are done the right way the first time.”

“I am beyond excited to begin this adventure at the North American Limousin Foundation as the Media and Activities Assistant! I’m excited to grow and expand my strengths and abilities as a working woman and mother in agriculture at NALF,” Thompson stated upon accepting the position.

“My hope is that Brooklyn and I will create a media department that is second to none as we continue to improve the breed and set standards for the beef industry. I am excited to have Brooklyn join our team,” states Mallory Blunier, NALF Director of Media and Activities.

Brooklyn’s first official day with NALF will be March 11, 2024.      ▫

Rodeo Roundup

Tolbert, President

by Julie Carter

Practically cutting his rodeo teeth on the New Mexico Rodeo Association (NMRA), President Lance Tolbert has been a member since 1989. It was his senior year in high school, and he’d just returned from the National High School Rodeo Finals in Pueblo, Colo. “There were several of us that all joined NMRA that year,” he recalls.

“I’ve served as the NMRA team roping and steer wrestling director, vice-president and president,” Lance says of his time with the association. He first term as president was 2014 to 18, served a partial term when he finished a term for the then president and then came back in 2020 for another 4-year term. “This is my last year,” he said. “It’s time to let someone else take the reins.”

Although he had been a bareback rider in high school, as well as a steer wrestler and team roper with many buckles and rodeo wins since, his proudest moment was when

he won the NMRA Steer Wrestling title in 2010. “I was runner-up in the steer wrestling for at least 10 years, behind guys like Rusty Hamilton, Bill Claunch, and Russell Armenta,” he said.

“We’re still all friends.” Lance said some of his other most memorable highlights as a member of NMRA was winning some of the bigger rodeos like Gallup and Durango.

According to Lance, NMRA was making some good progress in recovering from a downturn as an association when Covid hit in 2020 and shut it all down. “That has been the biggest challenge since I started. It didn’t just

hurt our association, but it hurt all of them. Building back has been a rough road and we’re just now starting to see some progress.

animal & range sCienCes

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

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.

Dr. John Campbell –575/646-6180

THE 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

/ Dr. Dennis hallford –575-646-2515

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

“Rodeo has changed and we’ve had to make some adjustments to change with it to keep it viable. We’ve had to find ways to keep the payout worth competing for in a time when expenses are out the roof from what they were six years ago. That bale of hay I used to buy for $7 is now $13.”

All photos courtesy of Julie Carter

Lance & Donna Tolbert

Lance Tolbert

Lance entered his last NMRA rodeo in 2018. “I was still competing in 2017, won a couple buckles and it seemed like it was going to be all right. But by the spring of 2018, my knees had gotten so bad I couldn’t get up the stairs. I entered the Membership Drive Rodeo and that was the last. I knew I could still ‘fall’ off my horse onto a steer, but after that it was going to be a wreck.”

Giving much credit to his wife Donna for anything he accomplished as NMRA president, Lance said she has always been his main support. “I couldn’t have done it without her,” he said. During different periods, Donna served as the state secretary, the entry secretary as well as the Incentive Barrel Racing Director. “The highlight of being president has been trying to restructure, regroup and grow the NMRA and work with all the people involved.

“I love working with Jana (Muncy), Janice (Aragon) and Amber (Gillreath) and all the directors. A lot of the directors we’ve had on board throughout the years have all been friends of mine. Many of them came on the board just basically because I asked them to. Just great people working their tails off.”

Lance and Donna raised two daughters, Jessica and Bryonna, while living in the Los Lunas area. Donna owned and operated a therapeutic riding center. Two years ago, they moved to a country home north of Mountainair. Lance has been a welder and pipe fitter for 27 years and continues his two-decade long employment with Yearout Mechanical in Albuquerque.

The NMRA will host the 2024 Kick Off Rodeo May 3-4 in Truth or Consequences, NM “I’m really glad to see T or C back on board with us,” said Lance. “It’s good for NMRA and it’s good for T or C.”      ▫

FCanadian, Texas 79014

Contact:

Gray

Pampa, Texas 79065

We’re proud to see such a strong

Lance Tolbert steer wrestling

Rodeo Roundup

Stone: High School Rodeo Competitor

by Julie Carter

He came late to the sport of rodeo, but he has never been behind the curve when it came to other physical endeavors, a work ethic or making time count. Capitan, N. Mex. cowboy Eleck Stone is finishing out his senior year with the same gusto for rodeo that he lives life.

This tall, lanky cowboy jumped into high school rodeo just last year. The more time he spent hanging out with his family at the NMHS and JH rodeos, he came to the conclusion, “I’m there anyway, I may as well be

roping calves.” Growing up on a working cattle ranch with his dad, Troy, who had rodeoed and a younger brother, Bryce, who was currently rodeoing, the concept wasn’t at all foreign to him, it just wasn’t on his radar at the time. He’d roped in the pasture and drug calves to the fire at branding, just

never stepped off to tie one down with a stop watch running.

Diagnosed at age six with Cystic Fibrosis, a dire disorder that damages your lungs, digestive tract and other organs, Eleck’s life path was set on building up his physical endurance and finding ways to manage dayto-day. “It’s much easier now than when I was little,” he said. “It was very hard at first, but when I started doing more things that made me stronger, it got much more manageable. I’m extremely fortunate to be where I am today.”

“He’d been diagnosed with CF for about two months,” his mother Kimberly recalls. “He saw me crying and said, ‘Mama, you don’t have to cry because when I go to heaven, I won’t have CF.’ This is how he lives his life. He may have CF, but CF doesn’t have him. That day he taught me what true faith in Jesus is.”

Eleck became absorbed in playing youth football followed by the high school version with the Capitan Tigers. He took up shooting his shotgun competitively, qualifying for USA Shooting Nationals in 2021 and 2022. He also shoots individually with Sierra Blanca Shooters, Ruidoso, competing in regional and state competitions. He has competed with the NMHRA in Shotgun since his freshman year.

When he decided to take up Tie Down Roping, he and his solid old gray gelding, Juan, put in some daily arena roping practice, lots of dummy roping, help from his dad, neighbor Bret Acuna, and friend Connor Hall. His junior year saw him getting his first qualified times and a real taste for the sport.

Eleck Stone

All photos courtesy of Julie Carter

Eleck has added Steer Wrestling to his Shot Gun and Tie Roping entries for the spring high school rodeos. He likes the physically challenging aspect to the event. For now, he’s practicing on a steer saver, but he also drives regularly to Las Cruces to practice with the doggers on the NMSU rodeo team.

A forever history buff, his family’s military history is a point of pride for Eleck. When he was eight, he was granted a two-day visit with the elite soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Eleck said that visit and the men he met had a lifetime impact on him.

Eleck is quick to give special credit to his mentors, his grandfather Preston Stone and his dad. “Pop taught me lessons about the world, a broader understanding about life, especially dealing with my health. My dad has taught me about being a Christian father and leader of the family. Both of them for sure taught me how to work.”

That trait was put to the test recently when Troy and Bryce were injured in a ranch accident. Kimberly said, “He helped his Pop take care of everything on the ranch, working sunup to sundown and then doing his schoolwork. He requires more sleep than most, but he never complained or asked for help.”

Eleck plans to enroll at NMSU next fall to pursue an ag business degree. He also hopes to be part of the NMSU rodeo team, too.      ▫

Eleck Stone calf roping

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THEY’RE BETTER BECAUSE THEIR SIRES & GRANDSIRES ARE GRAU RANCH

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Here’s wHat some of our customers are saying about grau rancH bred bulls...

Mike Harriet, Datil, NM

“We kept our weaned calves a few months after weaning and sold them weighing 800 +lbs. They kept on growing. We couldn’t even get our other calves to weigh much over 600lbs as yearlings!”

Lance Bussard, Lipscomb TX

“I knew Grau bulls were making a difference all these years, but I didn’t know how much. So this year I weighed the Charolais calves separately and they weighed 99 lbs on average more than the other calves. We probably wouldn’t still be ranching if it wasn’t for the Grau Ranch bulls.”

Irvin Boyd, Eunice, NM

Said the first bull he bought from Grau Ranch was the best bull he’s ever owned.

These kinds of calves weigh more and bring more money than the others.

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

Dickinson Implement Co. Tucumcari, NM

Dwight Haller, 575-461-2740

Double D Animal Nutrition Artesia, NM

Don Spearman • 575-302-9280

Lincoln County Mercantile Capitan, NM

Rance Rogers, 575-354-4260

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