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NM Cowbelles Jingle Jangle

Have you bought duct tape lately? You had many more decisions to make than strength and length. There is now a dazzling array of patterns and colors! Who knew duct tape could be so exciting? It’s amazing how a tape company has expanded their market by becoming a significant player in the arts and crafts world.  They adapted and took advantage of an opportunity. New Mexico CowBelles have a chance to do the same thing by taking advantage of an awesome opportunity offered by American National Cattle Women.

As some of you may know by now, members of the Beef Ambassador committee decided to eliminate the program during the American National Cattle Women meeting this past July. According to Katie Carruth, ANCW Executive Director, it was increasingly difficult to find a sponsor for a program that “only” reached five people.  You and I know that the program’s reach was far greater than that, but donors were unconvinced. Winners of this year’s contest will continue the traditional activities undertaken by ambassadors, but they will be the final cohort.

The Beef Ambassador contest is being replaced by a training program offered to college students called the Collegiate Young Producer Development Program.  It consists of three main tenants: Engagement, Education and Growth of ANCW.  Prospective participants must be 18-24 years old, be an ANCW or NCBA member, and write an essay describing their interest in the agricultural industry.

Participants will gain experience in social media, leadership, mentorship, business etiquette and communication and leadership skills. They will also receive media training, will participate in legislative activities, and will tour various industry operations including a feedlot, dairy, processing facility, food distribution plant and biotechnical lab. At the conclusion of the year, five finalist will be chosen during a Collegiate Roundtable and each will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship.

The Beef Ambassador Program has been wonderful for New Mexico. We’ve sent some amazing contestants who have gone on to have a big impact in terms of spreading the good word about agriculture. Now it’s time to take advantage of a new opportunity. In the meantime, thank you to Shelly Hathorn for the wonderful job you did coordinating our state’s program. You’ve certainly been “Making a Difference” for New Mexico’s BEEF community.

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

The Powderhorn Cattlewomen met June 9 for the annual Old Fort Days BBQ prep and abbreviated business meeting. Last minute details for the BBQ were ironed out as well as silverware wrapped, cole slaw made, and onions chopped. The BBQ serves as the main fundraiser for the group, raising funds for local college scholarships. It is also a beef promotion for the large crowds that attend the Old Fort Days celebration. After final counts were made, over 400 adults and 50 children were served on Saturday, June 13. Submitted by Kelsey McCollum, Secretary

Chamiza CowBelles met for the July meeting with President Gloria Petersen presiding in the atrium of the Elephant Butte Inn with seven members and two guests present. Discussion was held regarding bank accounts due to imposed service charges and charges for deposit slips. It was decided to move accounts to White Sands Federal Credit Union. Gloria and Dolores will make the necessary changes because both sign on accounts.  A thank you note from Ramon Carrillo was passed around for all to read. Ramon was the recipient of the scholarship this year. Notation was made that the check written last October to pay for raffle beef has still not been cashed. Gloria has been in contact with Jessica Smith, the county extension agent in Socorro, regarding the emergency housing of pets in natural disasters, fires, etc. The presentation will be August 7 at 10 a.m.; the group will leave TorC no later than 8:30 a.m. in order to be in Socorro by 10 a.m. This field trip will be in lieu of August meeting. Gloria also mentioned a gentleman named Bill Brody who is in charge of the All American Beef Battalion which provides steak dinners for servicemen and servicewomen.  It was suggested we support this organization as well as donating to the local American Legion who send beef jerky to the troops.  No definite decision was made at this time. The county fair booth has never really had a theme. Gloria presented a chart which shows the many products made from cows, other than meat. Discussion was held on the possibility of displaying these uses in our fair booth. Final decisions will need to be made at the September meeting. Beef tickets were given out to those present. Meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m. Submitted by Cathy Pierce

The Frisco CowBelles held their June meeting on the 15th.  The group finalized plans for the Fourth of July Barbecue/Auction/Dance. The Barbecue/Auction/Dance was successful. There was a good turn out for dinner and the bidding went well. Then everyone had a good time at the dance. A great big thank you goes out to everyone who helped make this event a success! Respectfully submitted by Martha A. Stewart, Reporter for Frisco CowBelles

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  the 14th of each month.