by Rex Wilson
New Mexico Cattle Grower’s Association President’s Message
Dear Fellow Cattlemen,
We have suffered many losses in our ranks over the past several weeks. Our thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to all their loved ones and friends.
One of those losses hit close to home for me. NMCGA Past President and 2005 Cattleman of the Year, Jimmy R. Bason, left us the week that our country celebrates its independence. Jimmy and his compadres like Charlie Lee, Bob Jones, Dick Manning, Tom Linebery, Bud Eppers, Peter Mocho and others have left a pretty large whole to fill and a strong model to follow.
Jimmy’s first question to me was “Do you tie on hard and fast or do you dally?” That led to the explanation about commitment and that if you are going to be active in NMCGA are you going to stay involved through the tough times or will you let your dally go when the wreck begins? Jimmy had strong character and never backed away from anything that he believed in. Jimmy tied on. He expects the same from the rest of us.
Later when trying to avoid going to a meeting due to things that needed to be done at the ranch he would ask “what makes your cows more important than mine?” He always had a unique perspective to the issues and he wasn’t shy about sharing them.
As we pause to say farewell to our friend, mentor and leader let’s remember particular times that Jimmy made a significant impressions on our lives. Those that had the privilege of being at his ranch will remember fondly Jimmy’s favorite places on the ranch like the spring that you could not drive to. I am honored to be on the list that he shared that special place with.
The bottom line is that Jimmy and others trained us well. They cut the train. Now it is more than ever our responsibility to pick up where they left off, honoring their memory by ensuring that we keep our values, our ranches and our country alive and well.
Thankfully some parts of the state have had good rains and that is encouraging. I had hoped by the writing of this letter we could say the rains had blessed us all but unfortunately that is not the case yet.
Times are still tough and it calls for tough decisions. Only those of us in the business know how emotional and heart breaking it is to load on a truck a lifetime of investment and generations of genetics and wonder why it hurts so bad and still know we have done all we can do.
We had a highly successful summer meeting and it was great to be among friends. Thanks to all who participated.
Let’s celebrate with those that have had rain. Let’s encourage those that haven’t.
NMCGA membership continues growing. Let’s celebrate that as well.
Stay tied on!!!
Rex Wilson