N.M. Cattle Growers´ Assn President´s Letter

Hello,

I have been attending regional meetings around the state and have been enjoying making new acquaintances and seeing long-time friends. We all have the same concerns no matter what part of the state we work in - dry conditions, price of cattle, and what will be the next dilemma we must face.

Derby win inspiration to us all

A New Mexico owned and trained horse won the Kentucky Derby last month. In the midst of torrents of depressing news cascading onto us daily - even hourly - a little-known horse and his connections proved once again that in the United States of America the regular folks can win.

From Surviving to Thriving was the theme of the eighth Women in Agriculture Leadership Conference (WALC), held recently in Ruidoso. Over 90 women from across New Mexico`s agricultural industry came together to discuss current issues, network, and honor outstanding women in the group.

USDA gets an earful at first NAIS listening meeting

About 100 people attended the kickoff meeting for the U.S. Department of Agriculture`s multi-city listening tour on the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania yesterday, with an overwhelming majority of them voicing strong opposition to the program.

Kali Benson of Rio Rancho, N.M. received her degree in animal science with an emphasis on equine management. She plans to work in the Ag Industry, particularly with horses and continue her art interest. Kali was a member of the Livestock Judging Team, the Horse Judging Team and served as President of the Horsemen%u2019s Association.

Mary Skeen: Sheepman of the Year

by Glenda Price

Awise man once said, "A beautiful woman is one I notice when she enters a room. A charming woman is one who notices me. Seldom do we see a woman who is both beautiful and charming." Mary Skeen is one of those rare treasures. At age 2-1/2 she won a baby`s show at the Princess Theater in Roswell. At age 82 her beauty has not diminished.

New Mexico Beef Council Bullhorn

"From Surviving to Thriving" was the theme of this year`s Women in Agriculture Leadership Conference, held mid-April at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso.

Ruidoso set for summer meetings

Sunday, June 28, 2009 All Events At The Inn Of The Mountain Gods 12:00 noon . . . . Registration Opens 12:00 p.m. . . . . Bud Eppers and Les Davis Memorial Golf Tournament, Inn of the Mountain Gods Golf Course 1:30 p.m. . . . . . Beef Ambassador Contest 6:00 p.m. . . . . .Welcome Reception / Apache Tee Patio

NEW MEXICO Federal Lands News

by Mike Casabonne

Over the last month the Obama administration has been making appointments and nominations to key positions in the Departments of Agriculture and Interior. There have been some surprises even to those who thought they had an inside track on who would be filling key positions on environmental policy.

Jingle Jangle

Happy Father`s Day: The New Mexico CowBelles will announce the "Man of the Year" at the mid-year meeting in Ruidoso. Local CowBelle groups throughout the state may nominate one man from their area for the Man of the Year.

Implications of the Big Hatchet Mountain Wilderness Prospect

by RICHARD E. HAYS & STEPHEN L. WILMETH

The view from Big Hatchet Peak at night is something to behold. At least 125 miles of isolation and "big lonesome" dominate and reduce all civilized things across the vast radius of this vista. To the south is Mexico. Pin points of lights from villages and widely scattered ranches can be seen.

Rabies, a growing concern across New Mexico

With the discovery of several rabid wild animals across New Mexico this spring, livestock owners need to be especially observant in the coming months. Commonly found in wild animals like foxes, skunks and bats, rabies can easily spread to production livestock.

On the Federal Side

In late April we had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. as the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) made their annual trek to the nation`s Capitol to work on protecting the interests of livestock producers. We were pleased that we were able to visit each of the five New Mexico Congressional Delegation offices, with four out of the five members making time to see us personally