On the Road with Cattle Growers'

Representatives of New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association have traveled to Los Lunas, Las Cruces, Taos and numerous county fairs over the past month. Whether it be to recognize winners of the Heritage award, to attend educational field days, a facility groundbreaking or legislative interim committee meeting. NMCGA is making their way to your area soon. 

Loren Patterson, President-Elect and Legislative Committee Chairman of NMCGA addressed members of the Water and Natural Resources Committee in Taos on Friday, August 13th.  Patterson shared the history and mission of our association, as well as the economic impacts of agriculture and livestock production to New Mexico. 

“Sharing a panel discussion with those organizations which consider livestock production a detriment to the environment and wildlife is never easy but presenting the contributions our members make on a daily basis not only to the environment and wildlife but the State of New Mexico is,” said Patterson. 

Additional topics included the association’s concerns with takings imposed on producers by the Mexican Grey Wolf and the negative impacts awaiting the agriculture and energy industries due to proposed changes in the listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken.  The importance of The Jennings Law to agriculture and private property was discussed as well as the uneasiness felt by membership when Senate Bill 312 Game and Fish and Wildlife Changes was proposed during the 2021 legislative session. 

“We have to engage in conversations to secure a future seat at the table as changes are proposed,” said Patterson. 

On Wednesday, August 18th the New Mexico State University / Natural Resources Conservation Service Agricultural Science Center hosted the Los Lunas Field Day. NMCGA was a sponsor and set up a booth with merchandise and literature. The daylong event had almost 200 guests in attendance giving Taylor Riggins, NMCGA staff member, a great opportunity to share our mission and the importance of becoming a member. Attendees had a selection of vendors to visit with and enjoyed a trolley ride through the fields to learn from graduate students about their research projects. NMCGA encourages everyone to attend a Field Day near you. Please visit the NMSU field day schedule here: https://aces.nmsu.edu/aes/field-days.html

The New Mexico State University Board of Regents, Chancellor Dan Arvizu and College of ACES Dean Rolando Flores hosted the groundbreaking of the Agricultural Modernization and Educational Facilities site Thursday, August 19th on the NMSU campus. NMCGA Executive Director Shelleen Smith was in attendance to watch as shiny new shovels turned the soil, commemorating the initiation of construction. The Food Science, Security and Safety Facility will feature laboratories focused on food processing, dairy science, beer and wine making. The Biomedical Research Center will provide opportunity for NMSU to excel in the fields of cancer treatment, epidemiology and border health. Finally, the Animal Nutrition and Feed Manufacturing Facility will support the mission of ACES through education, research and outreach programs strengthening New Mexico’s agricultural and livestock industries. Funding for the project was approved by voters last fall, demonstrating a commitment to build expansively for the future. Demolition of existing buildings is complete and construction will begin immediately, with a planned 12 month timeline for completion. 

NMCGA has represented the beef industry in New Mexico and the West since 1914. With members in 32 of the state’s 33 counties as well as some 16 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.  You can visit or join the NMCGA online at www.nmagriculture.org.

Source: New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association