spring 2016 new mexico farm & ranch

• New Mexico Farm & Ranch Spring 2016

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW MEXICO FARM AND LIVESTOCK BUREAU®

Skarsgard Farms - Farm Fresh Delivered

Farmers Conserve Agricultural Water

State of State - NMSU’s College of ACES


NMF&LBPresident’s Column

New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau strives to represent all of agriculture in our state – large, small, crops, livestock, conventional and organic. We represent wine growers, ranchers, cotton and wool producers. We advocate for dairy families and alfalfa, wheat, chile and onion farmers. We support pecan, pistachio, peanut and apple growers. We are agriculture in New Mexico.

And New Mexicans love agriculture. From the open space and scenic vistas, to the boost in the arm agriculture provides to rural areas, our state’s citizens recognize the value of farms, ranches and dairies. In fact, as we all become more passionate foodies, New Mexico’s farmers, ranchers and dairy producers have benefitted significantly from the “Eat Local” movement.

A renewed interest in where and how food is grown has put a focus on some of our favorite items such as chile, pecans, beef and milk. As consumers look for locally grown products they find producers who are also neighbors. Shoppers begin to recognize the value of area agriculture, appreciate New Mexico’s long agricultural traditions, and develop a relationship with our state’s food producers.

In this issue you’ll find a story about one of Albuquerque’s leaders in the Eat Local movement, Skarsgard Farms. Mon-

te Skarsgard has combined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) model with a farmers’ market approach to create a unique hybrid that is growing by leaps and bounds. More about Skarsgard Farms can be found on page 10-11.

Speaking of growing, Nery Martinez is an organic grower in the northern part of the state who was recently recog-nized as the Young Organic Farmer of the Year, an award sponsored by the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau.

Considering that over 800 people attended the recent New Mex-ico Organic Farming Conference, it is safe to say there is a signifi-

cant interest in this method of agriculture. You can read his story on page 18.

We know that all farming depends on water. Studies have shown that while use of agricultural water is down, produc-tivity of agricultural goods is up. This demonstrates that farmers are doing a great job of conserving water. One of the ways they’re accomplishing this is through drip irriga-tion. Page 8 of this issue features a story on drip systems and how they’re being used to grow your favorite foods.

Finally, thank you for your membership. We appreciate your help in ensuring a successful future for agriculture in New Mexico.

“...our state’s citizens recognize the value of

farms, ranches and dairies.”

IDEAS AND ELBOW GREASE BY MICHAEL S. WHITE

New Ways to Connect with Food Producers


NMF&LBPresident’s Column

Farmers are blessed to get a front row seat each spring to fresh beginnings and new life. Each year we plant our crops and care for the animals and land we’ve been entrust-ed with, not just for ourselves but for those who will come after. Here in Washington, we take planting season just as seriously as we work to ensure farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to plant, care for and bring those crops to harvest.

Our team is con-

stantly scanning the policy field to move our issues forward. The political climate can change as quickly as the weather, but whether that brings challenge or opportunity, it’s all the more important for us to get ahead on the key issues affecting agriculture. And that’s just what we’re doing this spring.

AFBF already has taken the lead in tackling budget talks

that could threaten important farm bill programs. Some would like nothing more than to cut programs that have been carefully streamlined to fit today’s marketplace. We’re partnering with a variety of organizations and members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to guarantee the 2014 farm bill accomplishes its goals of supporting conservation, providing nutrition assistance and helping farmers manage through challenging economic times. Taken as a whole, it is about keeping healthful, affordable food on America’s dinner tables.

We also want farmers to have the security of knowing the seeds they’re planting this season, including those enhanced through biotechnology, will be available in the future. For more than two decades now, we’ve seen increased produc-tion, reduced pesticide use and restored soil with the help of improved seeds. But misleading biotech labeling initia-tives at the state level continue to threaten these vital tools. It’s time for Congress to put a stop to this confusion and protect the freedom of all Americans to choose safe and

affordable food. Of course, not all

spring “planting” at AFBF is in the policy

field. Some of the most important work we do is in con-necting farmers and ranchers from across the country and helping them develop as leaders in their businesses and communities. This spring, we’re expanding our new Patriot Project, which pairs military veterans just getting started in agriculture with experienced farmers who provide guidance and insight along the way. We can think of no better way to thank our heroes than by helping them succeed as they return home and take up farming and ranching. It’s our hope that the program will build meaningful relationships that last a lifetime.

As American farmers and ranchers, we approach every

spring with hope and faith that the seeds we sow will fall on good ground and yield a fruitful crop. Like our members across the country, we at Farm

“We sow the desires of our farmers and

ranchers every day.”

AFBFPresident’s Column

BEYOND THE FENCEROWS BY ZIPPY DUVALL

Sowing Seeds for a Future Harvest

Continued on page 16


State of State - NMSU’s College of AcesDr. Jim Libbin, Interim Dean

New Mexico State University is New Mexico’s first and largest Land-Grant institution, formed in 1888 as New Mexi-co’s entry under the Morrill Act of 1862. The Morrill Land Grant Act established a system for “the endowment, support, and maintenance of at least one college where the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, in such manner as the legislatures of the States may respectively prescribe, in order to promote the liberal and prac-tical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life.” As a result, a system of colleges was established for people who were not among the wealthy elite to afford a college education and to teach practical subjects for people everywhere in the U.S. ACES has demonstrated the application of this principle through the lives of many citizens of New Mexico.

While not the largest college on the NMSU campus when measuring undergraduate or graduate student numbers, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences remains one of the most vibrant and diverse (in virtually every definition of the word – culturally, ethnically, geographically, and broad subject matter strengths) of any of the six academic colleges. ACES boasts about 1,350 undergraduate students and 200 graduate students among our eight academic departments and 22 undergraduate majors, 10 master’s degree programs, and six doctoral programs. Our students come from every county in New Mexico, all of our surrounding states (including those in Mexico), many of the 50 U.S. states and several foreign countries. Our newest programs include a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology and a Master of Agriculture degree with an emphasis in Animal Science, and we are critical players in a Doctor of Economic Develop-ment degree as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Water Science and Management.

When the Agricultural Experiment Station (Hatch Act of 1887) and the Cooperative Extension Service (Smith-Lever Act of 1914) components are added, ACES moves from one of the smallest to the largest college at NMSU in terms of re-search grants and contracts, faculty, office locations, and contacts with constituents. Last year, CES faculty and staff talked with about 700,000 people through 4-H, agriculture and family and consumer science programs.

Research programs remain focused on the food, crop and livestock production, human and animal nutrition, water resources, high-value crop varieties and production systems, crop protection, and wildlife ecology issues that regularly face New Mexicans. The college is active in many regional research projects and has added an international development specialist to help us broaden our reach in a consistent and sustainable manner across the globe. Like most situations, when we go to teach in international situations, the teachers learn more than the students. We can then apply those lessons to real problems in New Mexico; they give us new insight into the cultural and geographical differences in the world that impact New Mexico.

Teaching, research, and Extension programs make ACES a unique and healthy college that works directly with state and federal agencies, most notably the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and the U.S. De-partment of Agriculture, to help address the concerns of all New Mexico’s citizens and find solutions to nat-ural resource, food, environmental, plant, and animal issues across our state, our country and the world.


Can We Lease Your Land for Our Solar Farms?

Do You Have Large Power Lines on Your Land? Lease to Us Today!

This depicits 3 phase power,notice the 3 conductors on the top of the power pole.

Large Power Lines on Your Property?? Lease Us Your Land!

We Will Up to Pay $1000/Acre/Year – 20 to 40 Yr. Lease We Require Large Tracts of Land (Over 125 Acres) w/ 3Phase Power for Our Solar Farms

Large Land Tracts Needed – Land Cannot be in Flood Zone – Must Not Be Wetlands

Long Term Land Leases Needed-(20 – 40 Year Leases – Up to $1000/Acre/Year)

CALL (828)-817-5400

Visit our website at www.InnovativeSolarFarms.com Email Us – [email protected]


OUR

BENEFITS

A $500 private offer for membersOffer available through 4/1/17. Eligible models subject to change without notice.

This offer available with all other offers, excluding discounted pricing (military, employee, dealership employee and supplier pric-ing). Only customers who have been active members of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 30 days will be eligible to receive a certificate. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registered service

marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used herein under license by General Motors. Certificates do expire.

Program subject to change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

RETRIEVE YOUR PERSONAL CODE AT FBADVANTAGE.COM

TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL

CHOICE HOTELS Go to choicehotels.com to view

participating hotels.

AVISFrom premium SUV's to smart cars, we have the vehicle that fits your needs for up to 25% off. Go to avis.com to view

our fleet and find #WhatDrivesYou.

WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUPUp to 20% off the

“Best Available Rate” at participating locations

ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CARWith the largest fleet in North America

and a great selection of vehicles. We’ll Pick You Up®

Visit enterprise.com

ON THE FARM

POLARIS Members will receive a

manufacturer’s incentive discount of$200-$300

Visit farmbureauadvantage.comfor details and certificate

ANIMAL MORTALITY INSURANCELivestock shown at 4-H and FFA events by

active club and chapter members is eligible! For more information, call (800)843-9413 ext.

3

MERCHANDISE

SEARSWe make it easy to purchase

the latest appliances for your home!

Find products at sears.comEmail product/model numbers

for a quote. Offer NOT valid in store

GRAINGER Members can save up to 30% off the cata-log prices on more than one million products.

Count on Grainger to provide the supplies you need to get the job done!

WILD AT WORKRegister for FREE at wildatwork.com.

Disneyland - Universal Studios - Knott’s Berry FarmGrand Canyon Railway and more!!


OUR

BENEFITS

A $500 private offer for membersOffer available through 4/1/17. Eligible models subject to change without notice.

This offer available with all other offers, excluding discounted pricing (military, employee, dealership employee and supplier pric-ing). Only customers who have been active members of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 30 days will be eligible to receive a certificate. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registered service

marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used herein under license by General Motors. Certificates do expire.

Program subject to change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

RETRIEVE YOUR PERSONAL CODE AT FBADVANTAGE.COM

TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL

CHOICE HOTELS Go to choicehotels.com to view

participating hotels.

AVISFrom premium SUV's to smart cars, we have the vehicle that fits your needs for up to 25% off. Go to avis.com to view

our fleet and find #WhatDrivesYou.

WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUPUp to 20% off the

“Best Available Rate” at participating locations

ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CARWith the largest fleet in North America

and a great selection of vehicles. We’ll Pick You Up®

Visit enterprise.com

ON THE FARM

POLARIS Members will receive a

manufacturer’s incentive discount of$200-$300

Visit farmbureauadvantage.comfor details and certificate

ANIMAL MORTALITY INSURANCELivestock shown at 4-H and FFA events by

active club and chapter members is eligible! For more information, call (800)843-9413 ext.

3

MERCHANDISE

SEARSWe make it easy to purchase

the latest appliances for your home!

Find products at sears.comEmail product/model numbers

for a quote. Offer NOT valid in store

GRAINGER Members can save up to 30% off the cata-log prices on more than one million products.

Count on Grainger to provide the supplies you need to get the job done!

WILD AT WORKRegister for FREE at wildatwork.com.

Disneyland - Universal Studios - Knott’s Berry FarmGrand Canyon Railway and more!!

JUST A CLICK AWAY!Looking for a place to spend the night? Want to save money?

Use the FB Benefits App to map hotels near you that offera member discount. Download by searching for “ FB Benefits ”

FOLLOW US ON...Please scan the desired QR code to follow/like us on your favorite social media platform.

JUST FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS:1) Download a QR code reader app from Google play or App Store.

2) Open the QR code reader on your phone3) Hold your camera over the QR code so that it’s clearly

visible within your smartphone’s screen. If performed correctly,the phone automatically scans the code.

Well done!


Water for

tomorroW

By Dalene Hodnett

Agriculture is a vital part of our state’s economy and a treasured part of its history and cultural tradition. That’s why New Mexico’s farmers are doing everything they can to conserve water, the lifeblood of their liveli-hood. One method of water conservation is subsurface drip irrigation, or SDI systems. In drip irrigation, water is applied directly to the plant’s roots through a series of black plastic lines or drip tape buried more than a foot deep. Emitters put the water at the root zone, avoiding evaporation which can rob a crop of the water it needs. Water savings are realized since the rest of the field is left dry thereby using the least amount of water possi-ble.

Don Hartman, who farms 450 acres in Luna County, was one of the earliest adopters of SDI in Southern New Mexico. “For me the biggest saving is in labor. Rather than hiring someone to irrigate each farm, I can do it through my laptop because the software allows me to monitor the system from anywhere.”

Another advantage to drip systems is that inputs such as fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides can be directly

A wheat field in the Mesilla Valley irrigated with SDI. Notice the absence of furrows, sprinklers or borders for flood irrigation. Pho-to courtesy of Willie Joe Koenig.

Below, Don Hartman checks the SDI system he uses for growing chile, onions and sorghum. Photo courtesy of Cheryl Hartman.


May June July August October November

1st Achievement Award

and Excellence in Ag

Award Due

1st FFA Discussion meet

applications due

2nd Collegiate

Discussion meet applications due

15th

YFR Discussion meet applications

due

Summer Conference 15-17

Ruidoso, NM

*YFR Social ------- Zip Line -------

*YFR Track

*Silent Auction

*Cake Walk

*YFR/Collegiate Discussion meet

Ag True Tour With Legislators

25-26 Clovis, NM

Annual Meeting 18-19

Sheraton Uptown ABQ NM

*YFR Annual

Meeting

*Volunteer Roadrunner Food Bank

*Fundraiser for AG

in the Class

*FFA Discussion meet

Kick off Harvest For All

Discussion Meet Training TBA

Discussion Meet

Training TBA

YFR Events 2016

Interested in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Program? Come join us! Contact Joel at [email protected]

applied, rather than having to percolate through the soil or drifting due to winds. Better weed management and decreased input cost is a significant benefit to farmers. One issue with SDI is that the drippers get clogged, especially if surface water (from a river) is being used. Farmers must employ a series of filters to prevent sand and debris from infiltrating the system. Additionally, because the surface isn’t watered with the drip irrigation method, there is a certain degree of salting that occurs.

However, the biggest drawback to an SDI system is the installation cost. Varying from $500 to $2,000 an acre, costs depend on the acreage being irrigated, the size of pump and filters needed, and the quality of the materials. Some question the longevity of SDI systems but Hartman says he has been using the same system for 13 years. New Mexico State University’s Stephanie Walker, the Cooperative Extension Service vegetable specialist, says the initial outlay can be recouped fairly quickly due to increased production. “Yield can be substantially increased in a well-run system” says Walker. Farmers generally see at least a 25% increase in yield, and by eliminating furrows they can increase their planting area allowing them to cultivate more plants.

Help with installation costs is available. Matt Wiseman, a District Conservationist with the National Resource Conservation Service for Deming, Lordsburg, and Silver City reminds farmers that “NRCS provides America’s farmers and ranchers with financial and technical assistance to voluntarily put conservation on the ground, not only helping the environment but agricultural operations too.”


By: Dalene HoDnett

Do you love fresh vegetables but don’t have the time or space to maintain a garden? Monte Skarsgard has a solution for you – delivery of fresh, local foods, right to your door! A typical CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is where a farmer offers a certain number of “shares” to the public. Share buyers pledge to support their local farmer by paying for their subscription at the beginning of the growing season and in turn they receive a box of produce weekly throughout the growing season. This benefits both the farmer, since they are paid upfront, and the consumer who has an opportunity to know their farmer.

But at Skarsgard Farm you are not required to buy a share or be locked into weekly deliveries, you can just log on anytime, select a basket size appropriate to your family needs, and even specify which items you want. Deliver-ies are made as far as Las Cruces, Ruidoso, El Paso and Tucson. In operation since March of 2003, the Albuquer-que-based farm sources items from around the state and in Arizona to offer a variety of goods.

“We wanted our customers to have access to amazing growers and ranchers from our state,” says Monte. “But things like oranges will obviously not grow here so we work with partners in the Arizona area. We survey our customers

SKARSGARD FARMtHe farm in your neigHBoHooD


By: Dalene HoDnett

SKARSGARD FARMtHe farm in your neigHBoHooD

and get feedback from them on a weekly basis. We run our business like a spaghetti kitchen, throw ideas at our customers and see if they stick. If our people support the product by purchasing it, then we keep it. If they don’t buy it, then we ditch it and find the next cool product. We have built a great offering by letting the customers shape what we sell.”

The most rewarding part of being a farmer? Monte answers “By growing such healthy foods, we are able to changes lives. We see firsthand and hear stories of how peoples’ lives have changed for the better when they eat well. This is the most rewarding. It makes me smile to see folks fall in love with their food and by cutting out the middle man they get more bang for their buck.”

Monte sees the home delivery model with online order-ing increasing nationally. “With this increase in demand we will have to continue to increase our acreage, while growing our network of local and regional farmers. We have plans to expand throughout smaller communities

in New Mexico as well as Arizona. We’re always trying to find ways to get our food to more people. We receive many requests from communities who are trying to eat healthier. We want to get good food to as many people as we can. Lo-gistically, this is a challenge. But still fun.” You can find Skarsgard Farms online at skarsgardfarms.deliverybizpro.com


In MemoryDee J. Brown

Dee J. Brown, 82, died Thursday, February 25, 2016, in Friona, Texas. He was born August 4, 1933, near Texico, New Mexico to Dallas and Lucy Brown. He attended and graduated Texico schools as well as New Mexico A & M. After grad-uation he served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. Upon discharge from the service he returned to the family farm and farmed and ranched up until shortly before his death. He was active in the New Mexico Farm Bureau for many years as well as the National Peanut Board. Dee was also a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Texico and served as a treasurer, deacon and elder for many years as well as teaching the men’s Sunday morning Sunday School Class.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Evelyn and Beryl, and brother Alexander. He is survived by sisters Anita and Joann as well as his loving wife of 61 years Mary, sons Jeff, Terry (Sheri) of Arizona, Dwight (Susan) of Georgia, grandchildren Alexandra and Raleigh of Georgia, numerous nieces and nephews. He was buried at the National Veteran’s Cemetery in Santa Fe.

New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau WelcomesNew Marketing Coordinator

Francisco Hatay has been hired to coordinate marketing efforts for the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau. He was born in Bogota, Colombia on March 21, 1991. He graduated from Alamogordo High School in May 2010, and from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing in December 2015.

While at New Mexico State University, Francisco worked at the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), in the Academic Programs Office. In the three years that he worked there as a Student Aid, Francisco also managed to be a Consultant to the College of ACES Recruiter. As a Consultant, Francisco assisted with brainstorming ideas for recruitment materials, and in the design for recruiting sup-plies. Francisco also worked as the Advertising Art Director for the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Department for an event titled, “Welcome Home Aggies.”

During his time at New Mexico State University, Francisco was part of several organizations. In 2014, he joined Delta Sigma Pi, a professional fraternity organized to foster the study of business in universities. During his time in Delta Sigma Pi, he became the Vice President of Alumni Relations; a position that enabled him to bring together Delta Sigma Pi alumni and current members in social gatherings where alumni had the opportunity to share their field experience. During his last semester in college, Francisco became the Vice President of Communications for the American Marketing Association.

In his spare time Francisco enjoys exploring the New Mexico outdoors with his friends. One of his favorite activities is rock climbing, a hobby that helps him clear the mind and challenges him. In addition to rock climbing, Francisco enjoys photography, gardening, and playing the drums or guitar.


Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services M163 (3-16)

Super sure you have the right insurance in place?

Your Farm Bureau agent can help you uncover any new gaps in your coverage,

so you can be super sure you’re protected – ahead of time.

Don’t “woulda, coulda, shoulda” tomorrow when you can SuperCheck today.

AUTO • HOME • LIFE • ANNUITIES • FARM & RANCH • BUSINESS

Call your agent or visit

FBFS.com/GoSuperCheck

Make sure with a .

FBL160005 NewMexFnR_fp.indd 1 3/1/16 3:38 PM


New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau offers helping handthrough Goliath Relief Fund

This was a difficult winter for New Mexico’s farm, ranch and dairy families as a powerful storm caused death and devastation across the eastern portion of the state. “Goliath” brought 80 mile an hour winds and 18 inches of snow the day after Christmas, affecting cattle, sheep and dairy herds.

“Agricultural families stick together and help one another out in difficult times,” says Mike White, President of New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau. “There are families experiencing significant fi-nancial hardship as a result of the storm so we created a Cares fund.” New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau Cares offers monetary aid for agricultural families affected by the storm.

“Not only do farmers, ranchers and dairymen need to replace the animals that were lost to the storm, they also need to rebuild barns and fences that were demolished by the high winds,” says Chad Smith, NMF&LB CEO. “That makes it harder to pay for medical expenses or utility bills. We just want these folks to know that we’re there for them and we have resources to help.”

Individuals and county farm bureaus are contributing to the fund in an effort to support their neigh-bors. Donations are tax-deductible and 100 percent of proceeds go directly to help families impacted by Goliath. To support the Cares fund, checks can be made payable to NMF&LB and sent to 2220 N. Telshor, Las Cruces, NM 88011, attn.: Cares Relief Fund.

Agricultural families in need can complete the form on the adjacent page. Applications will be accept-ed until May 1st, monies will be distributed beginning June 1st.


New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau will be distributing monies from their Cares Relief Fund to assist farm, ranch and dairy families affected by Goliath. Funds are available to families who are in need of immediate financial assistance. The applications will be reviewed by a panel of NMSU Cooperative Extension Agents familiar with agriculture in New Mexico.

Name of Applicant:____________________________________________________________________

Street Address:_______________________________________________________________________

City:________________________Zip: __________County:_____________________________________

Cell phone:_______________________Email address:________________________________________

Describe the damage you experienced during Goliath:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How will relief funds be used?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature:___________________________________________________Date:_____________________

Mail to: NMF&LB 2220 N. Telshor Las Cruces, NM 88011 Attn: Goliath Relief Fund


“Remember, you are a big deal.” So stated American Farm Bureau National Woman’s Chair Sherry Saylor. As Ms. Saylor opened the 2016 AFBF Woman’s meeting, she spoke about the important role women play in agriculture. Today, one out of every seven farms is managed by a woman.

Last month, during International Woman’s Day, ag.senate.gov published that there are 969,672 female farmers in America—that’s

30% of all farmers! For over 20 years, the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau has had an active Woman’s Leadership Program (WLP). The role of the WLP is to “promote, protect and represent the business, economic, social and educational interests of farm and ranch families in New Mexico and to provide an opportunity for women to become actively involved and to assume leadership roles in the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau and the American Farm Bureau.”

The WLP participates in several different food link and community events throughout the year. In January, over 23 participants

(men and woman) gathered at Smith’s in Albuquerque to help stock the pantry of the Ronald McDonald House. After the shopping was complete, participants delivered and unloaded items, and then enjoyed a private tour of the facility. The donation from the WLP helped feed over 1,300 people over a 6-7 month period. This contribution makes a tremendous impact for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

February 16th was the Agricultural Feed event at the Round House. WLP participated by purchasing tortillas and serving leg-

islators at the Round House. Several Agricultural groups get together to provide a meal made of food from New Mexico. This is a welcomed opportunity to interact with legislators on multiple topics, but specifically on the very source of the food which they were served.

WLP works with their counties to host food events on a local level. Every year Socorro County holds a local food link event. This year they, along with the local 4H and FFA, teamed up to purchase $1,200 worth of groceries. The food was donated to two non-profit organizations that distributed the food to the community. The groceries were transported via a tractor and trailer through town. Socorro County Farm Bureau Officers and Board of Directors participated in the event.

NM Farm and Livestock Bureau is New Mexico’s oldest and largest agriculture organization. We all strive to promote, protect and educate others on the importance of agriculture. The WLP has that task as well as provide leadership opportunities, support and promote agricultural education and encourage woman to be a partner in agricultural advocacy. We encourage you to participate and join your NM WLP. Remember, you are after all a big deal!

For more information on how to join the WLP, please contact your county WLP representative or call me at 505-690-5797.

Bureau are planting lots of seeds this spring. We sow the desires of our farmers and ranchers every day. Sowing seeds about agriculture and our beliefs requires determination and faithfulness. Let us pray that the seeds we sow fall on ears that hear—and are moved to act! (From the Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:9—“Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”)

We will nurture those seeds and pray for good growing conditions, so that we can harvest successful outcomes by the hun-

dredfold for all farmers and ranchers.

Beyond the Fencerows, continued from page 3

Women’s Leadership Program UpdateValerie Huerta, Program Coordinator


S P R I N G 2 0 1 6

June 22-24, 2016: Don’t miss your chance to attend this AGmazing conference. This year it will be in Phoenix, AZ, making it convenient and affordable to attend! You will be able to see how easy and important it is to incorporate agriculture into curriculum. The hardest part is choosing which workshop you want to attend because they are all so good! Visit naitcconference.usu.edu for all conference details.

Thank you to each County Farm & Livestock Bureau that is helping local teachers and volunteers get to the National AITC Conference. You are making a fantastic investment for your community!

About the Project: The Beeman is a wonderful book that uses rhyme and rich vocabulary to tell the story of a beekeeper and his grandson. It is through the eyes of the grandson that we learn the story of taking care of bees. The grandson describes the equipment, the beehive, the types of bees, jobs they do and the tasty honey that we enjoy.

This 45-minute presentation introduces students to one of our favorite pollinators- the bee. The Beeman is read by the presenter and followed by a simple hands-on science activity. Each classroom receives an educational resource packet just for participating! The packet includes: The Beeman book, Educator’s Guide with lessons, pollinator poster, Bee Ag Magazine, and Burpee Bee Garden seed packet.

It’s easy! Just e-mail a request to:[email protected]!

Sponsored By: Wells Fargo Bank & NM FFA

Visit: www.nmaitc.org for more great resources!

New Mexico Ag Literacy Project The National

Ag in the Classroom Conference Is Just

Around the Corner!


Nery MartinezYoung Organic Farmer of the Year

Nery Martinez, a native of Guatemala, was named as the Young Organic Farmer of the Year at the 2016 New Mexico Or-ganic Farming Conference. Sponsored by New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau and Fred Porter of Farm Bureau Finan-cial Services, the honoree received a $500 award. Mr. Martinez is the farm manager at Santa Cruz Farm & Greenhouses. He came to New Mexico in 2009 to visit his aunt in Espanola and never left. Starting as an intern, he is now in charge of seed selection, planting cover crops, designing irrigation systems and estimating production. He also manages the paper-work for the four acre farm. He enjoys teaching friends and WOOF’ers (Workers On Organic Farms) how to grow organic vegetables.

Pictured from left to right, Mike White, NMF&LB President; Joanie Quinn, Organic Commodity Advisor for NMDA;Nery Martinez; Benjie Segovia, NMF&LB Regional Director; Fred Porter, Farm Bureau Financial Services and Chad Smith, NMF&LB CEO.

Free Succession Planning WorkshopDeBaca County Farm & Livestock Bureau and their Young Farmers & Ranchers would like

to invite you to a “Succession Planning” program with Cristy Carbon-Gaul, Attorney at Law. It will be held on Monday, April 18 at the Methodist Church Fellowship hall in Ft. Sumner.

Dinner will begin at 6pm and the program will start at 6:30pm. Open to the public. Please RSVP for dinner to Katie Reagan [email protected] or 505-459-6159. See you there!


GRAINGER.COM® | 1.800.GRAINGER

Everything you need, when you need it. Get it. Got it. Good.

Grainger has over 1 million products that benefit Farm Bureau members. We can save you time and money by offering everything you need in one place. Whether you use our site,

our catalog, our app or a branch: get what you need, however you need it with Grainger.

© 2013 W.W. Grainger, Inc. W-UMMO101_01

W-UMMO101_01 AFB Ad_Full Page.indd 1 7/3/13 10:41 AM


ISSN 0028-61922220 N. TELSHOR BLVD. • LAS CRUCES,

NM 88011575.532.4700 • FAX: 575.532.4710

PUBLISHER:New Mexico Farm and Livestock BureauNew Mexico Farm & Ranch is published monthly. Yearly subscription is $24.00. New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau

members receive a complimentarysubscription with yearly dues.

U.S. Postage PAID, bulk rate, PERMIT #31, Las Cruces, NM 88001. FORWARDING/RE-TURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED, ADDRESS

CORRECTION REQUESTED.

OFFICERSMichael White

President, Dexter

Craig Ogden1st Vice President, Loving

Larry Reagan2nd Vice President, Ft. Sumner

Chad SmithChief Executive Officer

BOARD OF DIRECTORSBud Deerman, La Mesa

Jim Ellett, HopeDuane Frost, Claunch

Anita Hand, DatilGary Hathorn, Flora VistaLeon Hemann, McDonald

Jay Hill, Mesilla ParkGeorge Jackson, LordsburgJohn Jackson, Lake Arthur

Janet Jarratt, Los LunasDeena Kinman, ElidaMatt Lansford, ClovisBoe Lopez, Springer

Danielle Lowry, AlbuquerqueDonald Martinez, El RitoTommy Ortiz, Las Vegas

Troy Sauble, MaxwellPaula Sichler, San Antonio

John Sweetser, DemingTom Wilton, Ft. Sumner

REGIONAL DIRECTORSJoel Alderete, Roswell

Valerie Huerta, Santa CruzZach Riley, Albuquerque

Benjie Segovia, Las Cruces

Cheryl ButterfieldNorthern Director, Ag in the Classroom

Traci CurrySouthern Director, Ag in the Classroom

Francisco HatayMarketing Coordinator

Dalene HodnettDirector of Communications

and Media Relations

Carmen MaciasComptroller

Theresa WidnerDirector of Membership Services

Anita Hand, ChairWomen’s Leadership Committee

Danielle Lowry, Chair Young Farmer & Rancher Committee

Non-profit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLas Cruces, N.M.Permit No.2093

P.O. Box 20004Las Cruces, NM 88004-9004

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NEW MEXICO FARM & LIVESTOCK BUREAUSince 1917 . . . a Leader in New Mexico

spring 2016 new mexico farm & ranch

Documents