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Jingle Jangle

So I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is – if you’re trying to reach your congressman about an issue, research shows it only takes 30 mentions of a particular topic for them legislator to pay attention. The bad news is – many of us are going to need to learn a new method of communication.

A new report, conducted by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) shows how lawmakers and voters interact on social media. And it is fascinating how responsive congressmen are to facebook posts and tweets. The survey shows “…that a relatively few number of constituents can get through to their members of congress on social media, possibly influencing lawmakers’ decision-making. Eighty percent of staff surveyed said 30 or fewer responses to their social media posts are enough to get the office to ‘pay attention.” Thirty responses. That’s one CowBelle local deciding to target their attention on the Endangered Species Act, or the dietary guidelines, or new animal antibiotic regulations. Imagine the impact your group can have when it takes just 30 responses to garner a lawmaker’s attention!

But, as mentioned above, there’s a catch, it has to be via social media. “The authenticity of a tweet or Facebook post, whether by a citizen or lawmaker, has the inescapable power to change minds,” said Bradford Fitch, President and CEO of CMF and co-author of the report.

Here are some key findings:

  • 70 percent of the respondents agreed that “social media have made Members/Senators more accountable to constituents;”
  • 76 percent agreed that “social media enabled us to have more meaningful interactions with constituents;”
  • 63 percent agreed that “in the next five years more constituent communications will come in via social media than email, phone and other means.”

As you can see social media has a big impact! We’re going to need to learn some new tricks, but fortunately we’ll have a great teacher. Lauren Schlothauer, our New Mexico Beef Ambassador, who also won on the national stage, is going to present a Social Media 101 course at our Annual Meeting on Friday, December 4 at 4:00.  She’s going to show us how that smartphone we’re carrying around in our purses can be a tool of influence, beyond belief.  So join us to learn how you can use social media to start “Making a Difference!”

– Dalene Hodnett, President, New Mexico CowBelles. 575/649-0917. dalene.hodnett@gmail.com

On September 23, 2015, the 41st annual 5 States Round-up was hosted by Lariat CowBelles at the Clayton Air Park in Clayton. The theme of this year’s program was Meat . . . the Future.  Gift sponsors were Farmer’s and Stockmen’s Bank and FNB NM Bank. New Mexico CowBelles, Espe’s/Three West, Gladstone Mercantile, Mary’s Flowers and Gifts, Stanley Home Products and Clubhouse Designs. The first presentation was “Mom’s Day on the Farm” by Jo Stanko, ANCW Nutrition and Health Sub-Committee Co-Chair from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Mom’s Day on the Farm tours are funded by Beef Check-Off. These are nationwide and are held on ten ranches or farms within one hour of a large city. The tours are geared toward the Millennials.  The day features a ranch tour with education on nutrition, animal welfare and land issues by guest speakers from the state Beef Council. Participants are shown 6 cuts of beef and given information on food safety. There is a beef cooking demonstration featuring grilled beef with lunch afterward. Ranch families telling their stories have the most impact on changing the attitude of the consumer. Giving tours does change attitudes. Recruiting Millennials is done by the CowBelle/Cattlewomen locals groups. The six steps to giving a tour are 1) choose your target audience; 2) know what you are going to do; 3) choose a time frame that is comfortable for the audience; 4) transportation – provided by tour or by audience driving themselves; 5) set up recurring tour dates; 6) anticipate audience questions and have appropriate responses ready. A matrix for setting up a tour can be obtained from Jo Stanko. The second presentation was “Step Away From the Nuggets – Please Drive Through” by Tana Garnett and her sons, Hayden and Hunter. The boys gave a demonstration of children cooking Crescent Philly Cheese Steaks. Tana has a kid’s cookbook for New Mexico CowBelles, with illustrations by Wheeler Hughes, which will be available in December. The third presentation was “Beef – Does the Protein” by Jo Stanko.  Part of each Beef Check-Off dollar goes to valid and unbiased research on beef nutrition. Handouts for this presentation are available for download from the Colorado Beef Council. Importers of beef to the US have to pay Check-Off dollars also. Beef dollars in the US are down about 33 percent due to smaller herds and drought conditions.  Studies have found beef fats are equivalent to olive oil. The BOLD diet with 3 oz of beef per day has the same low level of cholesterol as the DASH diet that is primarily vegetarian. The key is the 3 oz-serving size of beef. Beef is nutrient dense. All proteins are not equal. Beef is a complete protein. Red meat helps the body utilize iron and zinc. With the trend toward vegetarianism it is important to know that humans are omnivores, requiring meat and plant foods. Beef keeps you fuller longer. It has amino acids and essential nutrients. Beef is important for all ages and during pregnancy. Older adults need more good proteins to maintain muscle and strength.  Nutrition teaching should start when children are in tweens. When teaching or advocating beef as protein do not make it the only meat or the consumer thinks the education is biased. The afternoon presentation was “Incorporating Technology to Improve Management at Reproduction” by Marcy Ward, Ph.D, NMSU Extension Livestock Specialist. The public wants the cattle industry to go back 20 years and not use technology. Cow numbers are at an all time low, but are slowly rising. Genetics have been improved in cattle through breeding to increase productivity with fewer animals. Less than 20 percent of beef producers use pregnancy diagnosis. There is a 79 percent increase in conception rate with synchronized conception. Ultrasound detects pregnancy in the first 17 – 21 days.  Genomics consists of parentage, disease, sex, EPDs, and heritability of traits. Genomics reduces the risk of purchase. Respectfully submitted by, Marianne Rose, New Mexico CowBelles Historian

The Powderhorn Cattlewomen met October 13, 2015 at the DeBaca County Extension Office. Business included the procedure for reimbursing speakers at monthly meetings, changing the yearly meeting schedule to include an August rather than a July meeting, and electing a nominating committee for 2016 officers. The meeting was adjourned for lunch and a program on slow cooking/multi-cookers by Quay County Extension Agent Brenda Bishop. Submitted by Kelsey McCollum

Pinon CowBelle meeting, September 30, 2015. Members met at Martha’s Generation 2 Restaurant for a dinner meeting, which President Tootie Clavel thought would be a way to thank everyone for their hard work during the annual dinner for the county fair. There were nine members and one guest present. Tootie again thanked everyone for the work each committee and members did and then reviewed the ingredient amounts purchased and used. The group will participate in the Health Fair Oct. 15 in Mosquero by the HC Health Council using the beef by product poster and hand outs. The CowBelles will serve a dinner on Saturday, October 24 at the Brock ranch for $15 per plate to 20 to 25 people. Members discussed menus. Members were reminded that it is time for dues to be paid – $20 and sent to Darlene.  Officers will be elected at the October meeting. Tootie reminded members that Pinon wil be hosting the District workshop for area locals in April 2016. The NMCB annual meeting will be in December. Tootie will prepare the president’s report to be sent in for this meeting. Members thanked Dolores for the delicious meal! There was no further business, meeting adjourned by Tootie. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Shaw

Chuckwagon CowBelle minutes, october 13, 2015. The meeting was held at the First Baptist Church in Mountainair.  There were 12 members and one guest in attendance. The bucket was passed around and $75 was collected for Horses for Heroes. Speaker, Laura Bittner, Extension Home Economist, Valencia County Director. Her subject was on Prescription Drug Misuse, Abuse and Prevention. Some of the facts include:

  • Prescription drug overdoses kill more people than motor vehicle crashes.
  • Deaths from prescription painkillers have reached epidemic levels in the past decade.
  • Every county in New Mexico is higher in drug overdose deaths than the U.S. average.
  • Per CDC, in 2013, New Mexico was the 2nd highest state in the country at 23.8 deaths per 100,000 people.
  • More New Mexico women die from prescription drug overdose than overdoses from illegal drugs.
  • Most elderly individuals cannot easily tolerate the recommended adult doses of most medications.

Points to remember:

  • Take medications as they have been prescribed by doctor.
  • This includes not forgetting or doubling up if dose forgotten.
  • Be sure to read any warnings on the bottle and in the information packet included with the medication.

For old, unused drug take-back (return), go to NM Department of Public Safety; 6301 Indian School NE, Suite 301; Albuquerque, NM from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. After the presentation, the group shared their recent life experiences. There were joys, concerns, and general updates concerning what all had been doing in the past month.  Members continue to pray for several members, spouses and other family members and friends. The minutes of the September 8 meeting were read. Vera Gibson moved and Cindy Robison seconded; the minutes were approved as amended. Vera Gibson gave the treasurer’s report. There were no bills to present. The nominating committee has presented the following slate of officers: President: Lyn Greene; Vice President: Cookie Conant; Secretary: Welda Grider; Treasurer: Tommie Aber. Nominations may still be made from the floor. Chuckwagon dues of $35 are now due. ANCW will bill everybody separately. The (estimated) mileage and hours are due to Carolyn Chance by November 10. Next month’s meeting will be November 10 (not 11 as stated in our books) at the Christian Center in Mountainair. It will be a potluck and the speaker will be Zack Riley, NM Farm Bureau Area Director. December’s meeting will be December 8 at 5:30 p.m. at Pete’s Restaurant in Belen. Spouses, friends, and potential new members are welcome. Afterwards, the group can enjoy the Bugg Christmas Lights at the Harvey House across the street from Pete’s.  Please let Carolyn know by December 7 how many will be attending. A few hostesses and meeting places are still needed for 2016.  Please check with Carolyn or Cookie if you are interested or have some ideas. Respectfully submitted, Rebecca (Bec) Campbell, acting secretary.

New Mexico CowBelles: Thank you to all who have submitted their news to Jingle Jangle. Please send minutes and/or newsletters by the 15th of each month to Jingle Jangle, Janet Witte, 1860 Foxboro Ct., Las Cruces, NM 88007 or email:
janetwitte@msn.com