Howdy Folks,
I wish all a very Merry Christmas season. I want to thank all the staff, sponsors, speakers, donors, and attendees for another successful annual Stockmen’s Convention. I hope everyone went away with a revitalized spirit of determination for success in our families, industry, state, and nation…

We still need to keep a watchful vigilance over the happenings of our government. With a lame duck attitude in both state and national arenas, there is no telling what might slip under the radar. Our state departments, boards, and commissions are trying to make changes before the new regime takes over. The Cap and Trade regulations should not have been approved since the national government hasn’t moved on it. The NM Wildlife Federation is trying its best, in my opinion, to sway the NM Game Commission in actions that would take private property rights away from ranchers in New Mexico. If you can be present at the Game Commission meeting December 9 in Clovis, it would be appreciated.

I feel comfortable knowing Brian Moore is on Governor-elect Martinez’ transition team. I know Brian is doing a good job and will advise the Martinez-Sanchez team to the best of his ability. His understanding of the legislature and the contacts he has there is a huge asset. I hope we all in the agricultural community can make an impact in the Martinez era.

I know we will be bombarded with issues on tax, water, eminent domain, insurance, renewable energy, depredation, animal protection, and whatever else that may come down the pike at legislature this year. As always, we need bill readers, people who can attend the legislature, and any other type of support one can give in this sixty-day session. Any help would be appreciated.

Again, I wish you the merriest of Christmases. Everyone in the United States, whatever their beliefs may be, should be thankful to our forefathers. It was their wisdom, and a belief in Jesus, that formed this nation.

“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.”– Patrick Henry

May God Bless Us All,
Bert Ancell

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,whose confidence is in him.”
— Jeremiah 17:7 NLT

“How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few his precepts!
O! ‘tis easier to keep holidays than commandments.”
— Benjamin Franklin