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Jingle Jangle

by Beverly Butler and Members.

Greetings CowBelles,

This month I want to share with you some of the details of my time in Hawaii for the Region VI Meeting. While not what I was expecting it was a wonderful experience and I am glad to have been there. We had a number of speakers who told us about ranching in Hawaii and saw lots of pictures which demonstrated how they do things, but a chance to see it first-hand never materialized. I am sure that family ranching takes place in the state of Hawaii, but what we saw were big, corporate, tourist based ranches. That being said, I learned a lot that I either did not know or had never thought about.

I learned that Hawaii is currently facing the same predicament that many of us are facing, a drought. Feeding is out of the question due to the cost of shipping in the feed and they don’t have the same ability to send cattle to other pasture or to market because they are on an island. When we talk about shipping cattle we mean loading them on a truck. They literally mean “shipping”. Ranchers in Hawaii use three ways to ship their cattle to the mainland: by ship, referred to as a “floating feed yard,” by “cowtainers” loaded on cargo ships, or on a 747 airplane. The only drawback with air shipment is that they are currently limited to one load a week, thus limiting the number of cattle that can be shipped by air. While all three ways interested me, perhaps the most unusual was the “cowtainer”. These are typical 40-foot ocean-going containers that have been converted to double-decker livestock containers that can hold up to 30,000 pounds. Stock tenders care for and feed the calves on the ship and water comes from the ship’s water supply. These cowtainers are owned by the Hawaiian cattle industry, not the shipping industry. Since these containers are only 52 inches tall Hawaiian ranchers don’t want big calves, a very different mindset from most mainland ranchers. During my time in Hawaii I realized that all ranchers face difficulties, but they all love what they do and find ways to cope with them.

By far the most bizarre thing I came across during my time in Hawaii was reading the paper at the airport the morning I left. The headline was about “mystery deer” and caught my attention. As I read I learned that when the deer showed up for the first time on the Big Island of Hawaii residents wondered how they got there. The island is about 30 miles southeast of Maui, where deer are plentiful. Yes, deer can swim but not very far. Hawaiian wildlife authorities think someone dropped a few from a helicopter on the northern tip of the island. Tracks along the southern coast indicate deer were “pushed” into the ocean from a boat and forced to swim ashore.

Whether they arrived by air or sea, wildlife management want to eradicate them to avoid the destruction seen on other islands where they ate through vineyards, avocado farms and forests where endangered species live. The deer population in Hawaii has no natural predators – except for humans.

People had reported seeing the deer on the Big Island for a while, but it wasn’t until a motion-sensor camera captured a photo of one that their presence was confirmed. In Maui, deer have caused $1 million in damage during the past two years for farmers, ranchers, and resorts. They have spent half that amount during the same time trying to eradicate the animals.

It seems to me that everyone in agriculture fights the same battles, they just have different twists. We’re all in this together and need to support each other. So when you are spending time with friends and family this summer enjoying a good burger or a juicy steak remember those who work hard to make that possible, and pray for rain.

                          – Beverly Butler, NMCB President

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

  • June – Beef Promotion Month Beef for Father’s Day
  • July 24-28 – Cattle Industry Summer Convention & ANCW Meeting, Denver
  • August 1 – State Fair Manpower $ and Ins. due to State Treasurer
  • September 12-23 – N.M. State Fair Booth
  • September 15 – Deadline for Membership Award
  • September 25 – Executive Board Meeting, Clayton
  • September 26 – 5 States Meeting, Clayton, New Mexico
  • October 1 – Membership Drive begins

Powderhorn   members met on Wednesday, June 6 at the Fort Sumner Church of Christ for a meeting and preparation for the Barbecue during Old Fort Days. Beverly Overton, Karen Cortese and Dorie Tucker were the committee in charge of this event. We worked at the Church of Christ because we were unable to get into the cafeteria until after one o’clock. President Joan Key called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. Old Business brought a report that 150 honor students and parents enjoyed beef burgers on the 21st of May. This annual event is sponsored by the Woman’s Club and Rotary and Powderhorn furnishes the beef each year. The CowBelle Mid-Year meeting will be on Monday, June 25 at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. There will be a registration fee of $10 and $25 for the Ladies Luncheon which needs to be sent to Lynn Greene by June 19. This is a joint event this year with the Cattle Growers’, Farm Bureau and CowBelles all meeting at the same time. Joan Key and Karen Kelling plan to attend and will take the Man of the Year Plaque. Other members are encouraged to go. The July meeting will be a Family Fun event at the home of Karen Kelling on July 14, a Saturday. Members need to RSVP the number planning to attend. Joan Key will coordinate by phone and email in order to facilitate a varied meal. The group will hear Wesley Grau after lunch. Plans are in the works to have a permanent banner made to use to advertise the barbecue. This was Beverly Overton’s suggestion and it was voted to allow it. Powderhorn welcomed a new member, Aspen Achen. A delicious luncheon was provided to the workers by Sondra Jack and Dorothy Vaughan, after which we moved to the cafeteria to continue preparations. The barbecue, held on Saturday was a big success, feeding about 411 adults and 65 children. This is our one money making event held each year and allows us to fund our beef promotion and education projects and scholarships. Our thanks and appreciation go to all those who worked and helped us with a successful meal. Dorothy Vaughan.

Otero CowBelles held their June 9 meeting at Sunset Run Restaurant. There were 17 members and one guest, Kelly Knight of the local extension office. Before the meeting ended, Kelly Knight joined Otero CowBelles. We are so lucky that we are getting new, younger ladies joining our organization. The publicity in the newspaper concerning “Kids, Kows and More” was great and the new brand station was particularly good. About 617 children attended the event. President Rupe was directed to proceed with the BEEF raffle at the fair in partnership with Lowe’s Grocery store. Estelle Bond gave a glowing report on her trip to Region VI in Hawaii. Pres. Rupe told us that the Otero CowBelles now have their own page on Facebook, check it out. Kelly Knight gave a presentation about the many different areas where the extension service provides assistance, i.e. 4-H, Master Gardeners, Extension Clubs, (Diabetic diet) Cooking Classes, and other resources. Otero CowBelles are getting the BEEF message out in every venue possible. June 9 they entered a float in the Weed, NM Reunion/Centennial Parade. Minor mishaps made necessary changes in the configuration of the float, but being resourceful and persistent, we carried on. Even with a very strong wind, the ladies, dressed in vintage costumes, held onto their hats and waved to the crowd of over 300 people. Riding on the float were Yvonne Oliver, Tena Beanblossom, Linda and Spud Mitchum, Diana Martwick with her husband Wolf and son Eric, and Barbara Wagner. Jim Wagner provided the float. The banners on either side of the float read “Otero CowBelles Love Lean Beef” and were designed by Pres. Debi W. Rupe. Whereever you go, remember “good publicity” never hurts the cause! Submitted by Barbara Wagner, Secretary.

The Chuckwagon CowBelles met at the Shaffer Hotel in Mountainair, New Mexico on June 12, 2012 with 20 members and one handsome young Gavin present. Toni Barrow called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. The Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and CowBelle Creed were recited. Babbi Baker read the minutes from the May meeting. Cindy Robison moved to accept the minutes as read. Marilyn Mignery seconded the motion. Motion passed. Vera Gibson gave the Treasurer’s Report. The current balance is $ 2,970.55 with $160.54 in the Horses for Heroes account. Toni Barrow mentioned the insert ad in the Albuquerque Journal that several agricultural groups have joined together to finance. Marilyn Mignery moved to donate $50 to the insert cost. Elaine Aschbacher seconded the motion. Motion passed. Elaine Aschbacher made a trip to Roy, New Mexico for the 101st anniversary of the Baptist Church there. Bay Baker is home from school and said that she loves Sterling College. She’s been busy working on Web designs and staying in shape for Cross Country this fall. Nancy Brinkley has been enjoying the blooms of spring. She gathered lambs’ quarters and sautéed them with garlic, olive oil and salt. They were DELICIOUS! Toni Barrow just celebrated her 43rd wedding anniversary. She said she’s been taking a liquid called “Mangosteen” that has given her a great deal of relief from the pain in her hands. The website is www.genesispure.com. (Denise said that GNC stores may have it.) Carolyn Chance ventured to San Antonio, Texas for her granddaughter’s graduation from college. Melody Connell has been working and praying for rain. She brought her adorable grandson, Gavin, to the meeting. It’s always so promising to be around our young, polite “cowfolk.” What a blessing! Patsy Fitzgerald is busy feeding and getting ready for a family reunion. Vera Gibson has been staying very busy. Her brother is planning to be married soon and is a bit nervous about all the arrangements. Needless to say, Tripp is going to look stunning in his first-ever ring-bearer’s tuxedo! Lynn Greene went to the Mitchell Ranch for the Gate-to-Plate event. She then dashed off to Cleveland, Ohio with Fita Witte for a food show. She reported that the ANCW booth was large and impressive. Right now Phyllis Hawley is thankful for the fact that she doesn’t have any trees on her place. She’s praying for the folks who are being devastated by the wildfires in the Gila and in Ruidoso. Jo Ann Hill is staying busy with her kids musical adventures. One is playing piano and singing and the other two are playing guitar. Denise Immerwahr has been moving her mom to Arizona. We are continuing in prayer for Weldon McKinley. Marilyn Mignery worked at the All Indian Livestock Days booth. She said the seminars were very informative. She re-planted her petunias after a hail storm inundated the first bunch. Cindy Robison attended her niece’s wedding in Farmington. She enjoyed herself a great deal. She was also saddened though to lose a long-time friend. Toni said that Ruth and Mike Romero will be taking their grandsons on a cruise this summer. Anna Sanchez-Glenn is planning a trip to Colorado. Joyce Shaw is the happy recipient of a new front yard thanks to some good friends. She said that right in the middle is a lovely hand-built wishing well full of blooming flowers. Marion Shaw is amazed at what we are provided during a drought. She’s in awe of the cactus blooms and wildflowers this year. She said she gets a lot of peace from all that color. Venita Shaw has been remodeling the house and living out of boxes. Barbara Chung attended her son’s graduation from West Point. She also mentioned a fund-raiser for the Mountainair Schools on July 4 at the Dr. Saul Building. Toni thanked the ladies who worked at the booth during the Livestock Days. Marilyn Mignery reported that she has been in touch with Horses for Heroes and they have broken ground on the bunkhouse. It should be complete by November. Joyce Shaw announced the set-up of a booth in Mountainair this Saturday. Volunteers should arrive by about 11:00 a.m. Venita Shaw moved to donate $25 to the Pat Nowlin Scholarship Fund in memory of Pat Lambert. Carolyn Chance seconded the motion. Motion passed. Toni also informed the group that Manpower and Insurance dollars are due – $42 and $46.20, respectively. There was discussion about the Region VI meeting in Hawaii. Toni Barrow read thank you notes from Shacey Sullivan, Beverly Gabaldon and attendees from the Home Economics camp. She also reminded all about the brand napkin applications. Chuckwagon’s State Fair days are September 18 in the morning and September 19 in the evening. There was discussion about this. The Mid-year meeting will be on June 25 at 9:00 at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso. Toni mentioned the need for all of us to talk about our ranches and farms in public venues. Any photos we have of our families working cattle should be sent to dalenehodnett@nmfarmbureau.org. After lunch Toni Barrow reconvened the meeting at 12:58 p.m. Vera Gibson mentioned the Jr. Livestock Foundation event that will be held on July 21 in Albuquerque. There was discussion about the Facebook page that Bay is going to create. She will also work up a Blog for Chuckwagon. Phyllis said she has two lambs whose ears are bigger than their bodies! Cute! Toni then presented a packet called, “Are You Smarter than an Activist?” We then navigated through the packet which proved to be informative. Toni read a lovely piece called, “25 Things I Want My Ranch Kids To Know.” Marilyn Mignery detailed the July 10 meeting in Estancia. Here is the schedule: Meet at the Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. (stained glass window presentation); go to Allen Street Potters at 11:15 a.m. (pot-throwing demonstration); meet at the City Park at 12:30 for our business meeting and BYO sack lunch. (Allen Street Potters will remain open if anyone cares to go back after our meeting to make pottery purchases.) *Note: From Hwy. 41, turn west at the Blue Ribbon Bar and drive one block. The Methodist Church is on the southwest corner. Allen Street Potters is located at 606 Allen Street. The studio is in the alley. Bring your checkbooks! Alma’s work is wonderful! The park is located three blocks west of Hwy. 41 on West Highland. Respectfully submitted by Babbi Baker.

 

New Mexico CowBelles: Thank you to all who have submitted their news to “Jingle Jangle.”
Please send minutes and/or newsletters to:

Jingle Jangle, Janet Witte, 1860 Foxboro Ct., Las Cruces, NM  88007 or email: janetwitte@msn.com

 

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