by Rex Wilson
New Mexico Cattle Grower’s Association President’s Message
Dear Fellow Cattlemen,
At press time the 2013 Legislature was in the finishing weeks and there are still plenty of unresolved issues. I can tell you that the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) and all of agriculture had a huge presence in Santa Fe during Ag Fest week.
In a change from previous schedules, NMCGA held a Board dinner followed by a Legislative Breakfast. The turnout for both was overwhelming and speaks highly of the reputation our Association has built with legislators. The dinner was a business meeting that involved more than 100 members. At the breakfast we had nearly 30 representatives and senators join us.
Our members were present in the Roundhouse for two days and you can be assured they made a positive impression. Ag Fest was another big hit with more than 1,000 people attending the tremendous show case of everything our family small businesses produced for our state, our nation and the world.
I want to thank everyone who had a part in creating this huge success. While we only have a full time staff of two people, NMCGA officers and members are making a hand in Santa Fe protecting all of our rights. Nikki Hooser, Joe Culbertson and Alfredo Montoya are there on an almost daily basis to assist President Elect Jose Varela Lopez and Michelle Frost. Ernie Torrez keeps the road hot coming up to help and new face Julian R. Coriz from the Santa Domingo Pueblo is making a hand.
While water, taxes and property rights remain key issues for us in the Legislature, this has clearly been the year of the animal. The animal rights movement has introduced several bills directed at driving us from the land. We need to pay attention. While some of these measures appear harmless, they are merely fund raisers to support efforts like eliminating trapping and sport hunting. Jose will have a full rundown on everything next month.
As we transition Michelle into virtual employment over the next couple of months, we have added a new face to the staff in the form of Zach Riley. Zach comes to us from Congressman Steve Pearce’s staff so he is well schooled in many of the issues we are working on and is transitioning right into the state issues smoothly.
Our membership is continuing to grow and I want to thank the folks from Quay County for the membership event they are planning in late March in Tucumcari. There isn’t another county blessed with the corp of past presidents that hail from Quay. Past Presidents Phillip Bidegain, Bill Humphries, Don Hofman, Bob Frost and Phil H. Bidegain have come together to let their friends and neighbors know just how big the issues ranchers are facing and just how important NMCGA membership is.
Many of us have been blessed with moisture and the weatherman indicates that we may be in for a few more storms. Let’s pray he is right.
Watch for upcoming regional meetings in your area and please start planning to come to Albuquerque for the Joint Mid Year in mid June. If your neighbor isn’t an NMCGA member, please invite them to join and to join you at these events.
Rex Wilson, President