The Magazine for Western Life JANUARY 2026
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35th Annual
Roswell Brangus Sale Saturday February 28, 2026
Females sell at 11am — Bulls sell at 1pm
Roswell Livestock Auction 900 N. Garden St. Roswell, NM Link to Online Bidding https://live-ag.com
50 Registered Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls 200 + Bred and Open Commercial Females
For a sale catalog or more information please contact: Bill Morrison at 575-760-7263
Floyd Brangus
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Lack-Morrison Brangus
Accommodations: Candlewood Suites
575-623-4300 4 Military Heights Drive Roswell, NM 88201 Mention the Roswell Brangus Sale for special rates!!
UBAR Brangus
Townsend Brangus
Brown Brothers Ranch
JANUARY 2026
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The Best of Both…
Hereford & Angus Bull Sale
Pérez Cattle Company
WORLD-CLASS GENETICS FOR THE SOUTHWEST
Offering functional, practical and profit-driven sons of these proven sires… 2
PCC Maverick 0183
RST Unique 1030
Hoffman High Road
February 24, 2026 | 1 PM (MT) At the Ranch—Nara Visa, New Mexico 180 Registered Hereford & Angus Bulls Yearling & 18-Month-Old Bulls
Scan or call for a catalog! 3 JANUARY 2026
PerezCattleCo.com 575-403-7971
Michael Pérez 575-403-7970 Kyle Pérez 575-403-7971 JANUARY 2026
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18 Gelbvieh
NEW MEXICO STOCKMAN P.O. Box 7127, Albuquerque, NM 87194 505-243-9515 Fax: 505-349-3060 E-mail: caren@aaalivestock.com
Official publication of ... n New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association nmcga20@gmail.com P.O. Box 850, Moriarty NM 87035 Office: 505.247.0584 , Fax: 505.842.1766 Physical Location: 809 First Street, Moriarty NM 87035 President, Bronson Corn n New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc. nmwgi@nmagriculture.org P.O. Box 850, Moriarty NM 87035 Office: 505.247.0584 , Fax: 505.842.1766 Physical Location 809 First Street, Moriarty NM 87035 President, Antonio Manzanares n New Mexico Federal Lands Council newmexicofederallandscouncil@gmail.com 3417 Avenida Charada NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 President, Ty Bays
EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Publisher: Caren Cowan Publisher Emeritus: Chuck Stocks Advertising Representatives: Chris Martinez Melinda Martinez Contributing Editors: Carol Wilson Callie Gnatkowski-Gibson Howard Hutchinson Lee Pitts
PRODUCTION Production Coordinator: Carol Pendleton Editorial & Advertising Design: Kristy Hinds
ADVERTISING SALES Chris Martinez at 505-243-9515 or chris@aaalivestock.com New Mexico Stockman
(USPS 381-580) is published monthly by Caren Cowan, P.O. Box 7127 Albuquerque, NM 87194 Subscription price: 1 year hard copy and digital access $50, Digital access $30 Single issue price $10, Directory price $30 Subscriptions are non-refundable and may be purchased at www.aaalivestock.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to New Mexico Stockman, P.O. Box 7127, Albuquerque, NM 87194. Periodicals Postage paid at Albuquerque, New Mexico, and additional mailing offices. Copyright© 2015 by New Mexico Stockman. Material may not be used without permission of the publisher. Deadline for editorial and advertising copy, changes and cancellations is the 10th of the month preceding publication. Advertising rates on request.
DEPARTMENTS 10 NMCGA President’s Message by Tom Paterson, NMCGA President
12 Just the Facts ... & Then Some by Caren Cowan, Publisher, New Mexico Stockman
16 New Mexico CowBelles Jingle Jangle 30 Food & Fodder by Deanna Dickinson McCall
36 News Update: New Mexico Plant, Allred’s Flax, Cultivated Meat Folding, Herrell, NMSU Range Sciences 40 Riding Herd by Lee Pitts
50 New Mexico Federal Lands News by Jerry Schickedanz
50 In Memoriam 56 New Mexico’s Old Times & Old Timers by Don Bullis
60 Sandhill Sheriffs and Shotgun Diplomacy 61 Marketplace 62 Seedstock Guide 66 Real Estate Guide 72 View from the Backside by Barry Denton
88 From The Arena by Julie Carter and Sage Faulkner
92 For the Love of Beef by Patty Waid
96 Advertisers’ Index
FEATURES 12 2025 New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association Scholarships 18 Champions Awarded in 10th American Gelbvieh Foundation Scale & Rail Contest & Steer Challenge 20 Charles Parks Named 2025 American Gelbvieh Association Commercial Producer of the Year 22 Ranching and Wildlife by Jim Knight, Extension Wildlife Specialist, Montana State University (retired)
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24 Stewards of the Land Ranchers on the Front Lines of Conservation by Christina Stone, fws.gov
32 Applications Open for 2026 TCEDC Regenerative Ranching Mentorship Program 34 NALF Releases Two New Indexes Along Two EPDs 38 New Mexico Releases State Climate Action Plan Charting Path to Net-Zero Emissions 42 Livestock Mineral Feeding Tips: Blocks vs. Loose Minerals by Brooke Loeffler, Redmond
44 Conservation Practices for New Mexico Ranches and Farms by New Mexico Soil & Water Conservation Association
46 Cobank Releases 2026 Year Ahead Report — Forces That Will Shape the US Rural Economy 52 New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association 2025 Awards 54 New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association 2025-2027 Leadership 58 Bill Bradley 59 Fair Market Value Source: Southern Ag Today
74 Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine Earns Full Accreditation 76 House Passes Historic Bipartisan NEPA Reform Legislation 78 Cowboy Hat Etiquette & the Superstitions that Come With It by Heidi Crnkovic, Associate Editor, AGDAYLY, 2025
84 “Who?” — The “Official” Music Video Available 86 Gosar’s ESA Amendment Passes House Committee 91 New Mexico High School Rodeo Association: Caydence Roberts by Julie Carter
on the cover Cholo by Shannon Lawlor. “The closing of 2025 marks my 20th anniversary of being a full-time artist. Furnishing this milestone with a proper nod is a necessary one, as it represents hundreds of paintings, drawings, stories, people, miles, hard times, good times, shows, accolades, disappointments, hope and all of the beautiful things along the way. Thousands of hours honing my craft—and most importantly, my undying love for the horse and never weakening.” Shannon is deeply involved in the performance horse industy and has most recently been recognized with Best of Western Horseman Artist Runner Up Award. Original paintings & fine art prints by Shannon Lawlor contact: Shannon Lawlor Fine Art, 403.836.2284, www.shannonlawlor.com info@shannonlawlor.com, represented by Mountain Trails Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
NOT ALL
BULLS
equal ARE CREATED
BBULLS ULLS AVA AVAILABLE ILABLE PR PRIVATE IVATE TR TREATY EATY
400
Hereford, Angus, Charolais
Yearlings & 2 Year Olds Bill: 505-220-9909 Tom: 505-321-8808 billkingranch.com Moriarty, NM
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E D A M N A C AMERI
U A GR CH N RA NC
GRAU RANCH MANUFACTURING PLANTS — FROM 60 YEARS OF PRODUCTION 1. Longevity 2. Performance 3. Quality 4. Quality grade 5. Fertility 6. Show Quality 7. 60 Day Breeding Season 8. Acceptance — North America a. USA b. Canada c. Mexico 9. Any Environment, Altitude 10. Gentle — RANCHING SINCE 1907 — WESLEY GRAU • 575-760-7304 • WWW.GRAURANCH.COM
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Tom Paterson NMCGA President
Tom Paterson President Luna Dan Estrada President Elect Trementina Marshal Wilson Vice President at Large Mesilla Park Tracy Drummond SW Vice President Reserve Dave Kenneke NE Vice President Cimarron Jeff Decker SW Vice President Lovington Marjorie Lantana NE Vice President Tamara Hurt Secretary/Treasurer Deming Bronson Corn Immediate Past President Roswell
Dear New Mexico Cattle Growers, Happy New Year!
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025 is a wrap. Our 2025 Joint Stockmen’s Convention was outrageously successful. A record number of you attended. Thank you. As Cattle Growers has done since our founding in 1914, we’re moving on into 2026 with one eye on this year and the other on the years ahead. Our objective as we do so comes from our mission statement. In essence, it boils down to three key points: Providing you with quality educational opportunities that matter, actively lobbying on issues that affect us as we produce our livestock and in the rural communities where we live, and providing you with an opportunity to meet and develop relationships with other producers around the state. Your Executive Committee and Committee leadership for the next few years are both in place. The members of the Executive Committee (and the Committee each has agreed to chair or co-chair) include President-Elect Dan Estrada from Trementina (Legislative), Vice President at Large Marshal Wilson from Las Cruces (Animal Theft and Health), NE Region Vice President Dave Kenneke from Cimarron (Water), SE Region Vice President Jeff Decker from Lovington (Energy), SW Region Vice President Tracy Drummond from Reserve (Wildlife), NW Region Vice President Marjorie Lantana from Crownpoint (Cross Cultural) and Secretary/Treasurer Tamara Hurt from Deming (task force on revenue generation). Bronson Corn from Roswell (Finance) and Loren Patterson from Corona (Nominating) are our two immediate past presidents. In future letters, we will spotlight the work their committees are doing as well as that of our other committees. The principal issue we face as we enter 2026 is in the state legislature. Cattle Growers has worked diligently since the end of the 60-day session in 2025 to prepare for this 30-day session. We have seven initiatives that we are pressing with our allies. As we did in recent years, we will keep you updated on a weekly basis during the session about what they are and how they are developing. No doubt, there will be other matters in the budget and on the Governor’s Call List that we will study and develop positions on to support or oppose. The bright line for us as we do that legislative work is simple: Does it help (support) or hurt (oppose) our cattle producers or the rural communities in which we live? Stay tuned. The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association is actively engaged today with issues before the Congress, the Executive Branch, and the courts. We are actively engaged with the New Mexico Legislature and the Governor’s Administration. Working together, we can do what individually would be impossible. We move forward together as cattlemen and women, which is why I will close with these words in Spanish (Forward together, Cattlemen):
Adelante juntos, Ganaderos,
Loren Patterson Past President Corona Tom Paterson, President
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BRANGUS ANGUS RED ANGUS
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Tate Pruett , Manager 575-365-6356 Ray Karen Westall , Owner 575-361-2071
L o w B i r t h We i g h t Mo d e r a t e F r a me R a i s e d i n R o u g h Co u n t r y R e a d y t o Wo r
Ranch Location 1818 Arabela Road Arabela , NM JANUARY 2026
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JUST THE FACTS ... & THEN SOME by Caren Cowan, Publisher New Mexico Stockman
American 250
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he New Year is here, and it will be one of celebration for our country. Hopefully we can come together and be proud of what has been accomplished so far and work toward an even better country in the years to come. No matter our differences we still live in the greatest nation in the world. One notable event on my calendar is the celebration ranching to be held in conjunction with Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The rodeo runs from July 17 to the 26th. Another is the 4th of July celebration at Mount Rushmore. Hopefully we all can be part of one of more of the numerous celebrations across the country.
Wolves in the North The Taos County Sheriff requested assistance from the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish in educating his citizens and what to do and what not to do with gray wolves crossing the Colorado state line into his county on December 22. The Colorado wolves are gray wolves and are fully endangered and protected. As of December 31, he received no response. He posted his request on Facebook that day. The measure to remove gray wolves from the endangered species list passed the US House of Representatives on December 19. It must now pass the Senate.
Another Screwworm Confirmation A New World Screwworm case was identified on December 27 in a six-day-old calf in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, approximately 197 miles from the US-Mexico border. This is the first reported case in Tamaulipas and the northernmost active detection so far.
Yet another gift from the US Postal Service
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in the New Mexico Stockman. Call: 505/243-9515. 12 JANUARY 2026
Scholarships
No, we are not getting another postage increase — at least not yet. However, the Post Cowpuncher Coffee Scholarship Office will no longer postmark mail on the date it was entered into the system. Instead, MADDIE KENYON – $1,000 they will mark the date that the mail begins Maddie Kenyon is a fifth-generation processing. rancher with a passion for words, people, and That begs the question, why aren’t they purpose. Whether she is doing vaccines at on the same date? Relying on the Post Office branding, tutoring junior high agriculture, is not an enviable position to be in as a mag- or editing headlines, she believes in showing azine and newspaper publisher. up with integrity and using every opportuI know we all have a story, but my favorite nity to make a difference. Maddie is a in the last several months has been trying to published author for both the Eastern New get a certified return receipt requested enve- Mexico News and the National FFA Organilope across Albuquerque. I have known for zation, where she uses her voice to tell real some time that Albuquerque mail goes stories that reflect the heart of rural life and through Phoenix. I just didn’t know EVERY the future of agriculture. As a Near Peer piece of mail has to go there even if it is just Tutor at her high school, she has had the going across town. opportunity to educate youth of all different I mailed the envelope on September 2nd. backgrounds about the heart of agriculture. A few weeks later it occurred to me that I had As someone deeply rooted in the ag indusnot received the return receipt. try and equally passionate about the future I found the tracking information and of agriculture, she’s learned how powerful it determined that the package was sitting in is to speak up, write boldly, and lead with Phoenix. I immediately recreated the docu- conviction. Maddie’s experiences in FFA, ments I was trying to send to the Department 4-H, and student leadership have taught her of Taxation & Revenue and sent them from that service isn’t about a title, it’s about another postal location. I also worked my taking responsibility for the spaces you walk way through that Department to find an into and the people you represent. email address I could send the documents to. Maddie wants to be more than just part The email generated a call from the of the next generation; she wants to help Department saying the letter I was respond- shape it. Her goal is to advocate for agriculing to was a misunderstanding. That was a ture with honesty, empathy, and a voice that good thing, of course. makes people lean in. At the end of the day, The September package came back to me she’s here to be a light of integrity for the from Phoenix in mid-December. For the agriculture industry. record, mail from the east side of the state goes to Lubbock. A check was mailed to us Purina Mills Scholarship from Roswell. It showed up about three JAYDA GOODSON – $1,000 weeks later… with a Lubbock post Jayda Goodson serves as the 2025-2026 mark. New Mexico State FFA President and is a proud Aggie at New Mexico State University. She has a deep passion for agriculture and enjoys riding horses, working on her family’s cattle operation, and showing livestock. Grateful for the many opportunities she’s experienced within the agricultural industry, Jayda hopes to continue giving back to the community that has shaped her. She is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Economics D V E RT I S E and Agricultural Business, with the goal of making a lasting impact in the future of agriculture. NEALEIGH BURROW – $1,000 Nealeigh Burrow, is a sophomore at South Plains College majoring in Animal Science and Agricultural Communications. She is
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SCHOLARHIPS << cont from page 12 and Agricultural Communications. She is originally from Elida, New Mexico, and currently is a member of the South Plains College Livestock Judging Team as well as the Vice President of the South Plains College Block and Bridle Club. After completing her time at South Plains, she plans to transfer to either Texas Tech University or Texas A&M University to continue her judging career and pursue a degree in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Agricultural Policy. Nealeigh’s ultimate goal is to attend law school and become an agricultural lawyer so she can advocate for the agricultural industry that made her into who she is today.
YCLC Scholarship CAYSIE WOOD – $500 Caysie is a freshman at Oklahoma State University, where she studies Animal Science with an emphasis in business. Her deep roots in the ranching industry have sparked appreciation for producers, and she intends to give back through a career in animal nutrition. Caysie is a member of the Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association as well as the
Horseman’s Association. Throughout high school, she was an active member of the Corona FFA chapter, where she gained numerous skills-such as leadership, communication, and professionalism-all of which continue to serve her at OSU. She was a member of National FFA’s third place Horse Evaluation Team and continues to judge with Oklahoma State’s Collegiate Equine Evaluation Team. Additionally, Caysie has had the honor of being selected as a Bill Daniles Scholar for the class of 2025. Caysie aspires to bring positive development to the agriculture production industry, and is dedicated to accomplishing this goal.
Allied Industries Committee Scholarship GRADY MOSS – $500 Grady Moss is a senior at Hagerman High School. He currently serves as a state FFA officer and stays active in just about everything from 4-H to varsity basketball. If there’s a club, a game, or a meeting, chances are he is there, probably running a little late, but always ready to jump in and help. Grady plans to attend college and major in Agricultural Business, with the goal of one day becoming a business owner in an
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Industry that he is passionate about. He is driven by leadership, agriculture, and the challenge of turning hard work into opportunity (and maybe a paycheck). Fueled by sweet tea, bad puns, and ambition, Grady is a part-time problem solver and full-time snack enthusiast who believes that hard work (and a good sense of humor) can take you just about anywhere.
Depot Farm and Ranch Agency Heritage Scholarships MIA AMEZCUA– $2,500 Mia Amezcua is a senior at Hobbs High School graduating next spring with her High School Diploma and an associate’s degree from New Mexico Junior College. She has received the honors of “Student of the Year”, JF Maddox Foundation Scholar, Academic Letter, and member of the National Honor Society. She participates in dance, dairy showing, 4-H shooting sports, livestock judging, and dairy judging. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a Pediatric Surgical Oncologist. JAYDA GOODSON– $2,500 Jayda Goodson serves as the 2025-2026 New Mexico State FFA President and is a proud Aggie at New Mexico State University. She has a deep passion for agriculture and enjoys riding horses, working on her family’s cattle operation, and showing livestock. Grateful for the many opportunities she’s experienced within the agricultural industry, Jayda hopes to continue giving back to the community that has shaped her. She is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business, with the goal of making a lasting impact in the future of agriculture. CAYDEN DIAMOND– $500 Cayden Diamond is a senior at Hot Springs High School where she is the class president and the president of her FFA chapter. She is a decorated competitor in public speaking contests winning events at the Arizona National Livestock Show, NM State Fair, Southern NM State Fair, Eastern NM State Fair, 4-H events, and FFA events. She is also a varsity Tennis player. Cayden plans to be a Broadcast Journalist aiming to be a trustworthy voice for agriculture in the media.
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Producing rugged, deep sided, thick made, easy doing, range ready bulls like this sire. Annual Bull Sale March 30, 2026 Selling 50 plus Hereford Bulls both Horned & Polled.
d l r o W l a e R ford Cattle Here
e s n e s n o No N
Range Raised, Time Tested for 82 years and counting. The quality goes in before the brand goes on.
Barbara Copeland Cliff & Pat Copeland 575.633.2800 – home 575.403.8123 – Cliff cell 15 JANUARY 2026
Matt Copeland 580.336.8284 – Matt cell Alyssa Copeland – 731.499.3356 c3copeland@plateautel.net
www.copelandherefords.com JANUARY 2026
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animal ANIMAL & & range RANGE sS CC iI eE nN CC eE sS
JINGLE JANGLE
The TheDepartment DepartmentofofAnimal Animal&&Range RangeSciences Sciencesisispart partofofthe the College CollegeofofAgricultural, Agricultural,Consumer Consumer&&Environmental EnvironmentalSciences Sciences
– Misti Orr, President, New Mexico CowBelles (2026)
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Students can major in Animal or Rangeland Resources and are provided with the very best of “hands on” academic instruction by our faculty. Fully equipped labs allow students access to cutting-edge research in: LIVESTOCK NUTRITION / GENETICS / PHYSIOLOGY / ENDOCRINOLOGY / MEAT SCIENCE / WOOL / TOXICOLOGY / WATERSHED & RANGELAND ECOLOGY / WEED & BRUSH CONTROL / PLANT SYSTEMATICS / GRAZING MANAGEMENT
The Department also offers pre-veterinary studies – our graduates have a high acceptance rate into veterinary medicine programs. We offer graduate degrees at the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy levels. The M.S. or Ph.D. in Animal Science can emphasize nutrition or physiology, and offers a Ph.D. in Range Science to study range management, range ecology and watershed management.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO OPERATES
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hope everyone had an amazing holiday spent with family and loved ones! Wow—what an incredible convention the New Mexico Cattle Growers put on last month! This event would not have been possible without our amazing sponsors and the New Mexico Beef Council, especially for the unforgettable hot air balloon. Thank you all for the time, effort, and dedication you put into making these events such a success. Hello, I’m Misti Orr, your incoming New Mexico CowBelles President for 2026, and I couldn’t be more excited for the year ahead. I’m looking forward to traveling with my team, seeing all the great things we do, and working alongside so many incredible people. For those who may not know me, I’m from Alamogordo, New Mexico, in Otero County. I have a wonderful husband, Sean, and three children (ages 28, 26, and 10). I come from a long-time ranching family—the Lees—who have been ranching on the Otero Mesa since 1912. I’m proud to be the fifth generation. Even though I don’t live on the ranch, I’ve always loved the ranching lifestyle, the lessons it teaches, and the many memories it has given me. I know where my beef comes from and how hard our ranching families work every single day. This year, I want to focus on getting back into the schools and truly “bridging the gap” between older and younger generations— learning from one another, keeping this industry alive, and reaching more people wherever we go. I’m looking forward to attending ANCW and Santa Fe in the coming months, and I can’t wait to meet many of you along the way. Thank you again to everyone who made this convention so special—I’m excited for what’s ahead. God bless our country, our ranching families, and our communities.
Four on-campus animal facilities house: beeF CaTTle/horses/swine/sheep
• The Chihuahuan Desert Rangeland Research Center (The College Ranch) – 64,000 acre ranch just outside of Las Cruces • The Corona Range & Livestock Research Center – 28,000 acre ranch & facilities in Corona, NM • Student organizations, including a Block & Bridle Club, Pre-Vet Club, Range Club, Horsemen’s Association, Therapeutic Riding Club, & Judging Teams • Clayton Research Center hosts research on shipping protocols, particularly evaluating the health and performance of newly received cattle, and nutrition and management from feedlot to slaughter
Dr. John Campbell hallford––575-646-6180 575-646-2515 Dr. Shanna Ivey––575/646-6180 575-646-2515 /• Dr. Dr. Dennis John Campbell http://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/anrs/ http://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/anrs
OWAISSA’S
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YEARS! Sunday, February 15, 2026 2–4pm CST Methodist Fellowship Hall 301 E. Walnut Texline, Texas Cards may be sent to Owaissa at: P.O. Box 458, Clayton, New Mexico 88415 For More Information, call Kodie at 575.207.7879
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GENETICS THAT MATTER
Bar T Bar Ranches
ANNUAL BULL SALE
Utilize the most proven database in the industry for traits that go directly to your bottom line and give you a marketing advantage.
Saturday, April 11 1:00 p.m. PDT Winslow, Arizona
Selling 200 Bulls 100 Balancer 40 Balancer x SimAngus 40 Southern Balancer 25 Angus & High% Angus 70 Calving Ease Specialists 150 Blacks • 50 Reds
OWNERS Bob & Judy Prosser (928) 380-5149 SEEDSTOCK HERD MANAGER Kristin Hovey (970) 485-0974
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Bulls out of the most proven range cow herd in the Southwest.
Bar T Bar Ranches info@bartbar.com • www.bartbar.com
JANUARY 2026
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Champions Awarded in 10th American Gelbvieh Foundation Scale & Rail Contest & Steer Challenge
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he results are in, and champions have been awarded in the 2025 American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) Scale and Rail Contest and Steer Challenge. The contest harvested 87 head from nine participants, awarding $3,500 total in cash prizes and 22 banners sponsored by the AGF. The steers had an excellent overall performance with an average daily gain of 3.94 pounds per head per day and a dry matter feed conversion of 6.2:1. The AGF extends a special thank you to Kinsley Feeders of Kinsley, Kansas, and Derek Martin for hosting and supporting the contest. The steers were harvested at National Beef in Dodge City, Kansas, and sold on the USPB grid. Thank you to Stuart Jarvis for donating the USPB delivery rights. The steers had an overall hot carcass weight of 1,018 pounds and an $89.83 net live premium per head. The AGF continues to help advance the Gelbvieh breed through its support of
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research and development. For this reason, the AGF continues its Scale and Rail Contest and Steer Challenge. These two projects provide the information and funds necessary to generate data sets to advance Gelbvieh carcass merit. Together, these projects will solidify carcass merit within the Gelbvieh breed and place the cattle in a more competitive position in the beef industry through providing supplementary carcass data on Gelbvieh-influenced genetics. In addition to the data collected and the knowledge gained from these projects, the money raised will help to further develop more accurate tools for ranchers when selecting Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics.
Scale & Rail Contest Results The Scale and Rail Contest awards $1,500 in cash prizes and 16 banners to outstanding participants in both the Gelbvieh and Balancer divisions.
Champion Average Daily Gain Gelbvieh Steer Champion Carcass Value Gelbvieh Steer Tag: 093M Average Daily Gain: 4.78 pounds Carcass Value: $4,236 Quality Grade: USDA Choice Yield Grade: 3 Owned By: Garrett Dunn Sired By: GLM Hashtag# H11
Champion Average Daily Gain Balancer Steer Champion Carcass Value Balancer Steer Tag: 753 Average Daily Gain: 5.02 pounds Carcass Value: $4,356 Quality Grade: USDA Prime Yield Grade: 3 Owned By: Grund Beef Genetics Sired By: GRU Just N Time 714J
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35th ANNUAL
100 GELBVIEH, BALANCER, SIMMENTAL & SIM-ANGUS BULLS 20 SELECT HEIFERS
PAP TESTED - HIGH ALTITUDE CATTLE
Februar y 27, 2026 12:00 NOON
Montrose, Colorado
“Providing dependable genetics to commercial and purebred cattlemen for over 35 years.” Mark Covington (970) 209-1956 Dave Bowman (970) 323-6833 Justin Covington (970) 275-4189
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For online catalog and videos visit:
www.gelbviehbulls.net
JANUARY 2026
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CHAMPIONS<< cont from page 18 Champion Pen of Gelbvieh Steers Pen Value: $11,978 Pen Quality Grade: USDA Choice Pen Yield Grade: 2 Owned By: Garrett Dunn Sired By: GLM Hashtag# H11
Champion Pen of Balancer Steers Pen Value: $11,447 Pen Quality Grade: USDA Choice Pen Yield Grade: 4 Owned By: Flying H Genetics Sired By: FHG Flying H Mr 37D/ G.Fund 287K
Champion Average Daily Gain Steer Champion Carcass Steer Tag: 208M8 Average Daily Gain: 4.8 pounds Carcass Value: $4,110 Quality Grade: USDA Choice Yield Grade: 3 Owned By: Post Rock Cattle Company Sired By: JRI Probity 254D28 Congratulations to all the 2025 Scale and Rail Contest and Steer Challenge champions, and thank you to everyone who participated in the contest. To view complete results and learn more about the contest, visit https:// gelbvieh.org/foundation/projects.
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Steer Challenge Results Participants of the 2025 Steer Challenge were awarded $2,000 in cash prizes and six banners. All five participants – Boehler Gelbviehs, Flying H Genetics, Post Rock Cattle Company, Warner Beef Genetics, and Wilkinson Gelbvieh Ranch – each donated $1,000 to the AGF.
WILKINSON GELBVIEH RANCH At the ranch in Model, Colorado and online at DVAuction
GELBVIEH & BALANCER BULL SALE SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026 www.wilkinsongelbvieh.com
facebook.com/p/ Wilkinson-Gelbvieh-Ranch100063707096020
Bill, Nancy & Sydney Bill: (719) 680-0462 Sydney: (719) 680-7910 bnwbulls@gmail.com
DAVE & DAWN BOWMAN 55784 Holly Road Olathe, CO 81425 970-323-6833
www.bowkranch.com REGISTERED GELBVIEH CATTLE Reds • Blacks • BalanceR® FEMALES PRIVATE TREATY
“POT OF GOLD” BULL SALE Friday, February 27, 2026
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Charles Parks Named 2025 American Gelbvieh Association Commercial Producer of the Year
C
harles Parks, Ekalaka, Montana, was announced as the 2025 American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) Commercial Producer of the Year at the 55th Annual National Convention in December 2025, Nashville, Tennessee. Parks runs a ranch in eastern Montana that is home to more than 400 Gelbvieh-influenced mother cows. He exclusively runs Gelbvieh and Balancer® bulls in the operation and raises his own replacement heifers. The cows are expected to work for a living in the rough country southwest of Ekalaka. Feet and leg structure are critical in his bull selection, as well as a combination of above breed average calving ease and weaning weight EPDs. Phenotype and EPDs are key in his decision-making process. He has been a long-time buyer at the Black Hills Stock Show Gelbvieh and Balancer Sale and private treaty markets his feeder calves. He individually tags, vaccinates, castrates, and brands calves at one to two days of age, since it is difficult to find labor to handle the calves when they are older, as he runs the ranch with only his wife, Sandy. “Charles is a strong believer in the maternal strength and reproductive efficiency of the Gelbvieh female. He needs a cow that will mother a calf right away and breed back efficiently without a lot of extra supplementation,” explained Lori Maude, CJ&L Livestock. Parks actively serves on the local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) board of directors and has leveraged those programs to put in more than 40 miles of pipeline, which has improved the over forage use and helped distribute the cattle more efficiently over his property to improve pasture management.
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Great Selection of High Q
Now testing 280 bulls and heifers! Only the very best will be sold
Great Selection of High Quality Bulls and Heifers that Will F Date: Saturday, March 14th, 2026
Time: 1 pm MT Place: Tucumcari Bull Test Great Selection of High Quality Bulls and Heifers that Will Fit Your Program 6502 Quay Road Am.5 Tucumcari, NMand heifers! Now testing 280 bulls
Only thethat very best willBraunvieh, be sold Great Selection of High Quality Bulls and Heifers Will FitHereford, Your Program Angus, SimAngus, Simmental, Salers, Red Angus, Charolais, and Limflex breeds represented.
Now testing 280 bulls and heifers! Now testing 280 bulls and heifers! Only the very best will be sold Only the very best will be sold
th, 2026 Date: Saturday, March 14th14 , 2026 Date: March Now testing 280Saturday, bulls and heifers! Time: 1pm pm MT Only the very 1 best will be sold Time: MT Place: Tucumcari Bull Test Place: Tucumcari Bull Test 6502 Quay Road Am.5 th , 2026 Date: Saturday, 6502 March 14 Quay Road Am.5 Tucumcari, NM Time: 1 pm MT NM Place: TucumcariTucumcari, Bull Test Angus, SimAngus, Simmental, Hereford, Braunvieh, Salers, 6502Red Quay Angus,Road Charolais,Am.5 and Limflex breeds represented. Tucumcari, NMSimmental, Hereford, Braunvieh, Salers, Angus, SimAngus,
For more information contact:th Date: Saturday, March 14 , 2026 Marcy Ward 575-644-3379 or maward@nmsu.edu. Time: 1 Orpm MT visit: https://tucbulltest.nmsu.edu/ Place: Tucumcari Bull Test Can't make Quay the sale?Road Also Available on… 6502 Am.5 Tucumcari, NM
uality Bulls and Heifers that Will Fit Your Program
For more information contact: Red Angus, Charolais, and Limflex breeds represented. Marcy Ward 575-644-3379 or maward@nmsu.edu. Angus, SimAngus, Simmental, Hereford, Braunvieh, Salers, OrFor visit: https://tucbulltest.nmsu.edu/ Red Angus, Charolais, and Limflex breeds represented. contact: more information
Marcy Ward For more information contact: Can't make the sale? Also Available on… 575-644-3379 or maward@nmsu.edu. Marcy Ward visit: https://tucbulltest.nmsu.edu/ 575-644-3379Or or maward@nmsu.edu. Or visit: https://tucbulltest.nmsu.edu/
Angus, SimAngus, Simmental, Hereford, Braunvieh, Salers, Red Angus, Charolais, and Limflex breeds represented. Efficiency Tested Performance Proven! For more information contact: Heritability to stretch Marcy your forage and grow your profits! Ward
575-644-3379 or maward@nmsu.edu. Or visit: https://tucbulltest.nmsu.edu/
Can't make the sale? Also Available on…
Efficiency Tested Performance Prove
Efficiency Tested Efficiency Tested Performance Proven!Perfo
Can't make sale?on… Also Available on… Can't make the sale? Alsothe Available
21 JANUARY 2026
JANUARY 2026
21
Ranching and Wildlife
by Jim Knight, Extension Wildlife Specialist, Montana State University (retired)
“W
ithout the contributions of private lands, wildlife numbers would be at a much lower number.” Many people do not realize that ranchers contribute major benefits to wildlife. Some of the benefits are purposefully done for wildlife, other benefits happen as a side effect of good range management. Ranchers consider the wildlife resource in all management decisions. They space the wires on fences for minimal disruption to wildlife. They leave windmills and electric wells pumping in pastures even when the livestock have been removed, just to provide water for wildlife. Wildlife biologists have found that the removal of coarse older grass stimulates the production of young grass and forbs, which are better for wildlife. The private land rancher provides the most important need for wildlife: habitat. Much of the critical winter wildlife habitat is on deeded lands, along with some of the
most important year-round habitat. Without the contributions of private lands, wildlife numbers would be at a much lower number. Besides, if the land presently being used for ranching were instead used for subdivisions, factories or cities, the wildlife habitat lost would be disastrous. There are many inconveniences and costs ranchers must put up with because of wildlife. Most ranchers are more than willing to do this, but the general public sometimes does not appreciate what the rancher must contend with. Most people realize that wildlife predators often pose a problem for ranchers when they kill sheep, cattle and horses. The ranchers expend a great deal of money to keep predators in check. The reduced numbers of predators also benefit deer, antelope, elk, small mammals and birds. Big game, such as elk, are damaging to fences. These large animals have a tendency to crush down the top wires of a fence when crossing it, resulting in a continuous repair bill for the rancher. Keep in mind the only source of revenue for most ranchers is from the sale of red meat produced from forage and water on the ranch. Beef, sheep and wildlife are all red meat produced from ranch land, so the
Leasing private land, improving public access.
forage and water used to produce wildlife is the same forage and water the rancher could use to produce income-generating livestock. Instead, the rancher shares his resources with the wildlife. We all owe the rancher a debt for his generosity. Ranch land is usually available for hunting and other forms of recreation. Sometimes this recreation is free and sometimes the rancher charges a fee for providing hunting opportunities. Regardless, the care and consideration provided to natural resources by ranchers is a valuable service. Ranchers keeping an eye on wildlife reduces poaching and makes detection of disease or other wildlife problems much more likely. The ultimate benefactor of ranchers caring for wildlife is the wildlife itself. Most ranchers are excellent stewards of all resources on the land, including wildlife. Ranchers who make their living caring for the land do more for wildlife resources than any other group of people.
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AUCTIONEERS 575-485-2508
www.jandjauction.com
What a Way to Finish Off the Year! 2014 Lots & 1812 Registered Bidders! Thank You to All of Our Customers For Making 2025 a Great Year! Let’s welcome 2026 with our first auction ... FEBRUARY 14 • ONLINE REGIONAL EQUIPMENT AUCTION Starts @ 9am • Lots located throughout New Mexico • Online Bidding ONLY
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W
MEXIC O
NE
NEW MEXICO GAME & FISH
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
GA
&
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Conserving New Mexico’s Wildlife for Future Generations ME
FI
22 JANUARY 2026
www.wildlife.dgf.nm.gov
●
888-248-6866
Contact One of Our Salesmen: Joe (575) 447-2508 Roland (505) 617-5345 Dave (505) 652-8832 John (505) 617-0799 Buddy (505) 900-4185 Check Out Our Website For More Info And Upcoming Auctions!
JANUARY 2026
23
Stewards of the Land
a simple life, but the reality is there is a lot to support grass growth. However, as with more to ranching. It requires big-picture most things, nature needs balance, and good vision and attention to what most would grazing practices increase ecosystem resilconsider even the smallest detail: grass. ience and soil health. Grasslands are one of the world’s most For thousands of years, herds of bison, elk, critical ecosystems, providing habitat for deer, and pronghorn roamed the lands that resident and migrant birds and mammals, now stretch from Alberta, Canada, to Texas, protecting against drought, flooding, and as far east as Illinois, and as far west as Calwildfire, as well as reducing the amount of ifornia and Oregon. These herds enjoyed carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. While miles upon miles of pristine grasslands with forests and oceans command the world’s “hardly a bush to disrupt the vast prairie”, attention for their capacity to reduce carbon, according to nineteenth-century pioneer and grasslands are the unsung champions of sheepman George Kendall. Now, we are still carbon reduction. learning just how important those animals The root system of native grasses is sur- were for keeping the prairies healthy. by Christina Stone / fws.gov prisingly deep, some reaching as far as six Those herds have since disappeared and, very morning, ranchers across the feet in depth. This allows for the storage of today, we need to use a more hands-on country are up and moving before most carbon deep underground, which is one way approach to land management. When grassof us have even had our morning coffee. we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide lands are not managed, they can start to To them, it’s more than a job. It’s a promise in the atmosphere. decay and the grass loses its nutritional value. to protect and care for the land, a promise Underneath these ecosystems, critical This reduces its value for both cattle and often passed down from generation to gen- natural processes are taking place without grassland-dependent wildlife. As the grass eration. Being stewards of our lands is fanfare or recognition, all under the careful gets tall and falls over in autumn, it creates challenging yet vitally important, and their watch of dedicated conservation stewards: a layer of dead grass the next spring called efforts play a critical role in supporting our ranchers. thatch. This becomes an impenetrable wall c om mu n it ie s , e c onomy, a nd t he that new grass can’t get past — but heartier Grazing Helps Grass Grow environment. plants, such as invasive grasses and woody When considering the day-to-day life of Negative perceptions about grazing prac- species like weeds, trees, and shrubs, can. As living on the land, most of us probably tices often focus on the risks of over-grazing, the thatch becomes more and more dense, picture idyllic images often seen in movies, which can strip the land of nutrients needed less water gets into the soil, leading to increased runoff and degradation of soil health, making it even harder for grass to grow. Over time, the grassland is overtaken by woody species, many of which are invasive, and the native grasses are pushed out of the ecosystem. This invasion completely transforms the ecosystem and eliminates critical Wildlife & Range Management Consulting habitat for native plants, animals, and invertebrates.
Ranchers on the Front Lines of Conservation
E
Charles E. Dixon,
PhD ■ Monitoring wildlife and/or rangeland health.
Certified: Wildlife Biologist Fmr. Professional in Rangeland Management ■ Assess/compare properties for wildlife potential before purchase. Range Management Consultant ■ Provide options for wildlife habitat or rangeland improvement. P.O. Box 416 – Alto, NM 88312 ■ Evaluation of hunting and/or fishing enterprises.
■ Assess land for prescribed fire and plan the process. 575/808-1221
wildlifeplus@gmail.com ■ Conduct Endangered Species surveys and report preparation.
■ Assess Wildlife Damage and provide strategies for minimization. ■ Provide expertise for court cases involving rangeland and habitat damage.
Wildlife & Range Management Consulting Consulting Wildlife & Range Management
Charles E.Charles Dixon,E. PhDDixon, PhD Certified: Wildlife Biologist Certified: Wildlife Biologist Fmr. Professional in Professional Rangeland Management Fmr. in Rangeland Management Range Management RangeConsultant Management Consultant Box 416NM – Alto, NM 416 88312 P.O. Box – Alto, NM 88312 P.O. BoxP.O. 416, Alto, 88312 • 575/808-1221 575/808-1221 575/808-1221 wildlifeplus@gmail.com wildlifeplus@gmail.com wildlifeplus@gmail.com
24 JANUARY 2026
Conserving grasslands is crucial for the conservation of many imperiled species. As we’ve come to understand the importance of grasslands, conservation agencies and partners have committed to removing trees and invasive plants to restore our native prairies.
The Importance of ‘Hoof Action’ While machines can help keep grassland ecosystems healthy, one of the most economical ways to manage grass is by returning to nature: with animals. As grazing animals move over the land, their hooves leave divots in the ground where seeds and water can fall. The herd then packs down those seeds and water, and the animals’ waste fertilizes them, eventually giving rise to the next generation
continued on page 26 >>
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JANUARY 2026
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STEWARDS << cont from page 24 of grass. This is known as “hoof action.” Hoof action plays other roles in managing grasslands, too. The divots left by hooves turn into tiny pools supporting invertebrates, tadpoles, and all sorts of organisms. Many of them play a larger role in other ecological chains. For example, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service discovered that grazing practices helped sustain an endangered species. When the Wyoming toad was discovered in Laramie, Wyoming, biologists found that the tadpoles had been living in the small pools left behind by cattle. When the cattle were removed from the land, biologists observed several effects, including the loss of this key habitat for tadpoles. Additionally, biologists discovered the herd had been keeping invasive plants from overtaking the area, which helped to slow the spread of one of the greatest threats to the Wyoming toad, the Chytrid fungus. This is a deadly skin disease that can kill an animal in less than three weeks and is responsible for a worldwide decline in amphibians across six continents. Chytrid fungus thrives when plants
become so overgrown that sunlight cannot break through, creating a dark, moist environment perfect for this disease to spread. In the absence of land management practices that control this overgrowth, the fungus spreads unchecked, and infected animals struggle to find the most effective cure: sunlight. As biologists learned more about the relationship between grazing and the recovery of this endangered species, it became more apparent that, without the herds on the plains of Laramie, the toads might have gone extinct before anyone realized they were there. Now, biologists use sustainable grazing practices to help conserve and restore this species. When grazing animals roam over a landscape, their hooves stamp down and weaken less-desirable plants, usually weeds, giving more desirable, native plants the chance to grow. This then causes a chain effect of benefits: As plant biodiversity improves, so too does the diversity of pollinators, which then attracts a broader range of wildlife and migratory birds. In a healthy ecosystem, a diversity of plants, animals, and insects ensures the natural cycles that maintain the ecosystem. Without hoof action, grasslands decline
U
Sustainable Ranching for the Future The majority of grasslands in the United States are privately owned. A large portion of that land is used for agriculture, which means the care and conservation of these key ecosystems is up to individual landowners, the stewards of the land. As economies and populations continue to grow, so too does our global consumption of animal-based foods. Some continue to point at livestock grazing as a major contributor to “climate change.” Ranchers understand the importance of healthy grasslands. Good stewardship practices are key to maintaining a profitable operation important for financial security as well as benefiting wildlife. Healthy grasslands provide many more benefits, too, including increased resistance to wildfire,
continued on page 28 >>
O
READYFORWORKBULLSALE.COM U Bar Ranch Heartstone Angus (575) 574-4860 (575) 313-4028
R
Ready for work
and thus the diversity of plants, animals, and insects that migratory birds rely on. Migratory birds, and a variety of other grassland-dependent wildlife, have declined dramatically since 1970. In that time, grassland birds have lost 53 percent of their populations in North America, a loss of over 700 million birds.
R O Cattle Co.
(575) 313-0530
REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS BULL SALE
MARCH 9, 2026
Industry Leaders Industry Leaders for for Calving Calving Ease Ease
MARCH 9, 2026
Cattlemens Livestock Auction | Belen, NM
30+ BULLS BULLS IN IN THE THE TOP TOP 15% 15% OF OF 30+ ANGUS ANGUS BREED BREED FOR FOR CALVING CALVING EASE EASE DIRECT AND AND BIRTHWEIGHT. BIRTHWEIGHT. DIRECT
If minimizing first calf heifer problems is a priority for your program, this is the sale to be at.
26 JANUARY 2026
THOMPSON RANCH 40 Years of Raising Quality Registered Angus Bulls
2025 AVERAGE WEIGHTS RAISED ONLY ON RANGE CONDITIONS. BW: 58 TO 70 LBS. / WW: 600 TO 820 LBS.
PRIVATE TREATY SALES START MID-MARCH 2026
WWW.THOMPSONRANCH.NET RANCH: 575-423-3313 • CELL: 505-818-7284 MOUNTAINAIR, NEW MEXICO
JANUARY 2026
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STEWARDS << cont from page 26 E
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Call z: Chris Martine 5, 1 505/243-95 erve s ext. 28 to re e! your spac
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l appear il w e u s is is h T et for on the intern s after 12 full monthon. publicati
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drought, flooding, invasive species , and disease. They also perform a major role in the natural carbon cycle. Storing carbon in the rich soils of grasslands and shrublands plays a significant role in sequestering carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Despite occupying only 37 percent of the Central Grasslands, grasslands, shrublands, and wetlands contain as much as 50 percent of the region’s carbon stock. However, in addition to being considered one of the world’s most critical ecosystems, grasslands are also one of the most altered and imperiled ecosystems on the planet. All over the world, native grasslands have been replaced with vast stretches of crops, urban development, and invasive species. According to the JV8 Central Grasslands Conservation Initiative, an average of 2 million acres of grassland are lost each year. “Recent estimates of agricultural conversion and grassland protection in the Northern Great Plains suggest grassland loss is occurring five times faster than grasslands can be protected.” Increasing regenerative ranching on grasslands contributes to the restoration of
important ecological processes which, in turn, has the potential to allow for even more carbon capture and storage. If you think that’s impressive, think about regenerative ranching combined with the immediate benefits of increased productivity and protection against drought, flooding, wildfire, and disease. While forests store carbon aboveground and are highly susceptible to wildfires, grasslands are better-protected from wildfires by storing carbon deep in the soil. Ranchers take great pride in their land and want to leave the land in better shape than they received it, ensuring the ranch is sustainable for future generations. In many cases, efforts to restore or conserve these ecosystems have cascading benefits such as cleaner water, improved resilience to wildfire, flooding and storms, and protected ecosystems for wildlife and people. Just as with conservation, this story was a product of collaboration with our partners and colleagues across the country, Christina Stone
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575-313-4028 575-313-4028
bradberyranch@gmail.com eartstone Angus eartstone Angus LLC LLC bradberyranch@gmail.com
BETTER BUILT BULLS
www.heartstoneangusllc.com BETTER BUILT BULLS www.heartstoneangusllc.com
OUR GENETICS ARE IN THE TOP OF THE BREED OUR GENETICS ARE IN THE TOP OF THE BREED DON’T MISS THESE SALE DATES! WILLCOX ALL BREED SALE
F E B / MARCH T BA F E B / MA R C H
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READY FOR WORK BULL SALE
MARCH 9, 2026 MARCH
9,
2026
BELEN ALL BREED SALE
MARCH 23, 2026 MARCH
23,
2026
WILLCOX , AZ
BELEN, NM
BELEN, NM
WILLCOX LIVESTOCK
CATTLEMENS LIVESTOCK
CATTLEMENS LIVESTOCK
W I L LC O X ,
28 JANUARY 2026
AZ
BELEN,
NM
BELEN,
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29 JANUARY 2026
JANUARY 2026
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RANCH FOOD & FODDER by Deanna Dickinson McCall
New Beginnings
I
t is already a new year, with a big number. Where in the heck does time go? I can remember when the thought of 2026 sounded like something in a science fiction movie. I thought we’d all have our own jet packs by now and be just flying all over the place! As food producers we’re really not changing all that much in everyday ranch and farm life. Our objective continues to be caring for animals the best we can and providing the best product we can. We may have new equipment, vaccines and better methods to use. We even have different breeds to try growing, usually dependent on consumers’ wants and needs. Since this is a new year, I suggest you try something new. If you’ve never had lamb, or if you’ve had it but didn’t care for it, try it again. If you ever go to California’s Central Valley, places like Fresno or Bakersfield, you need to order lamb at a Basque hotel. But order good cuts. If you aren’t fond of boiled beef, don’t
30 JANUARY 2026
order boiled lamb when eating out! I think trying it where it is cooked correctly may change your mind. Lamb is growing in popularity and is on menus from Texas to California. Growing up I hated lamb. Detested it, including what was supposed to be the best of the best. I found out later it was because of how my mother cooked it. Gray, greasy meat is not appealing to anyone. I wasn’t about to try it in a restaurant. You have to cook lamb like beef. Good cuts need to be cooked just like you would a great steak. I have to admit we’ve had lamb chops at home that rivaled the best of beef ribeye steaks. The first time I bought lamb in a supermarket was because we were out at home. It was from New Zealand and not good at all. I figured that was enough to make folks never want to eat it again! But, we later got some that was delicious, also from New Zealand. I will tell you nothing beats American lamb. Just like nothing beats American beef. Go try some American lamb, from a local producer, or from the supermarket. You might be surprised.
Lamb Steaks With Mushroom Cream Ingredients: 4 lamb shoulder steaks 3 TBS olive oil ¼ of a sweet onion, thinly sliced 1 tsp of minced garlic
½ package of sliced mushroom Heavy cream Pinch of Italian seasoning Salt and pepper Directions: Pound the shoulder steaks a bit to tenderize. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet, heavily season meat with salt and black pepper, then add lamb steaks and brown the meat until nicely colored. Place steaks aside on a plate. Sauté the mushrooms and onions in the drippings, you can add some extra butter or olive oil if you need to. Add the fresh garlic and cook for a minute more, add the pinch of Italian seasoning and cook for another minute. Push onions and mushroom mixture to the side of the pan. Place the browned steaks back in the pan and distribute the mushroom, onions, etc. over the steaks. Pour heavy cream over the top of the meat, use just enough to barely cover the meat. Cover with a lid or use foil, sealing the pan. Bake at 350 degrees an hour or more, until steaks are fork tender. Let stand a few minutes before serving. This makes a delicious sauce. I often place a steak on mashed potatoes or white rice and serve with a fresh green salad and french bread.
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K 2
February 5, 2026 Bulls & Registered Females
Selling 100 head
Bulls—yearling & 18-month-old Heifers—registered yearling heifers Lunch at noon, sale at 1 pm MST At the K2 Sale barn, Wheatland, WY Request your catalog today!
18 Month old & yearling Bulls Always PAP tested Always guaranteed Expanded Free Delivery see catalog for details
PAP Tested
By Dr. Tim Holt -part of our breeding program for over 20 years -working on ranches running up to 12,000 feet -Guaranteed to retest at your elevation
Range Raised & Ranch Ready
k2redangus.com 31 JANUARY 2026
Jason & Kim Cullen Goertz 307-331-2917 kcullen@wyoming.com
JANUARY 2026
31
Applications Open for 2026 TCEDC Regenerative Ranching Mentorship Program
T
he Taos County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) is now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of its Regenerative Ranching Mentor-
ship Program, a six-month educational initiative designed to support beginning and early-career ranchers through hands-on learning and business development.
WEAVER RANCH 41st ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE President's Day Monday, February 16, 2026
12:30 p.m. at the ranch north of Fort Collins, Colo.
Running from March through September 2026, the program totals 55 hours and connects mentees with experienced ranchers practicing regenerative methods. Participants complete 40 hours of on-ranch mentorship with a designated mentor, along with 15 hours of educational workshops led by TCEDC and partner organizations. The program emphasizes regenerative ranching practices, ranch business skills, and peer-topeer learning within a supportive community.
Compensation: ЇЇ
$20.90/hr, accruing to a total of a $1,150 stipend upon completion of 55 hours
ЇЇ
40 hours of on-ranch working education for mentees over the course of 6 months
ЇЇ
15 hours of paid education covering topics within regenerative agriculture and ranch business planning
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Networking opportunities within the ranching community
Mentee Requirements:
SELLING 60 REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS BULLS
ЇЇ
Must be 16 years of age or older
ЇЇ
Less than 10 years of experience ranching
BVD, Fertility, PAP & Trich Tested
ЇЇ
Living in Taos, Mora, Colfax or Rio Arriba Counties
Featuring Bulls out of these A.I. & other Weaver Ranch Sires
ЇЇ
Attend 15 hours of trainings and workshops primarily in Taos County
ЇЇ
Attend 40 hours of on-ranch work over the course of 5 months (March-September)
ЇЇ
Interested in integrating regenerative ranching practices into their own beginning or future ranching operation.
ЇЇ
Passionate for ranching culture, practice and business
PAP testing since 1991 at an elevation of 7500'
Birth Wt.
Name
CED
BW
WW
YW
Milk
PAP
$EN
IMF
REA
Fat
McConnell Altitude
69#
+6
-.3
+59
+103
+20
38
+14
+.60
+0
+.070
MJW 0789 Resource1441
85#
+3
+1.8
+51
+92
+20
41
-3
+.22
+.56
+.042
Stevenson Turning Point
75#
+17
-2.7
+59
+99
+21
NA
-6
+.51
+.75
+.023
Weavers Final Answer 3100
75#
+9
-1.9
+33
+67
+25
39
+8
+.45
+.02
+.033
Over 66 years of selecting for:
Easy Calving, Carcass Quality & Disposition Susan & Mourine Weaver 3000 West Co. Rd. 70 • Ft. Collins, CO 80524
(970) 568-3898
Visitors Always Welcome Cattle may be seen at any time!!!
32 JANUARY 2026
Those with generational ties to Northern New Mexico are strongly encouraged to apply. TCEDC will select 10 mentees for the 2026 cohort. Applications are open now through January 15, 2026. For full program details and to apply, visit tcedc.org.
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e l t t a C s Traits s s a u c r g a C An l, &
aterna M , W B ofile for r P y t i n Inge
WATCH FOR OUR BULL SALE MARCH 27, 2026 Cattlemens Livestock Auction — Belen, NM
45 Yearling Bulls 75% will be Registered Half of the Bulls will be Calving Ease Bulls
Using A.I. Has Added Value to Our Cowherd Rick & Maggie Hubbell 505/469-1215 33 JANUARY 2026
Mark Hubbell 575/773-4567
rick@hubbellranch.net P.O. Box 99, Quemado, NM 87829 JANUARY 2026
33
• NTEP legal for trade • Rubber flooring • Swing gates on both ends • Fork pockets for moving • Powder coat paint • Stainless steel latches • Auto balance • Digital indicator • Printer available We deliver or you can pick it up, super easy to haul! Call or pricing & information
facebook.com/people/Rafter-G-RanchSupply-LLC/100063622261519
SANTA TERESA, NM
th A
nnual
Reynolds Land & Cattle 44
BULL SALE FRIDAY MARCH 20, 2026
2024 high selling bull. Sons and daughters will sell.
SANFORD, COLORADO AT THE RANCH — 1pm Sale in conjunction with Reynolds Farm & Ranch
Bulls out of top A.I Sires in the Country We have semen available on a select group of our Herd Bulls. Contact us for semen pricing.
Members of our 2025 National Western Stock Show Reserve Champion Pen of Three Limflex Bulls Will Sell.
SELLING
100 HEAD Including:
Registered Performance Tested, High Altitude, PAP Tested Bulls
TwoYear-Olds
60
YEARS of AI. Our Limousin have a Brown Swiss background that results in greater maternal ability, growth and good dispositions. Our mother cows are selected for their ability to work at high altitude and to wean a growthy calf under range conditions.
+YEARS OF PRODUCING
REGISTERED HIGH ALTITUDE LIMOUSIN, LIMFLEX, ANGUS, & SIMCROSS
30
40+
Yearlings
AND 10 REGISTERED YEARLING REPLACEMENT HEIFERS
50
HIGH QUALITY BULLS
Lunch will be served at the Ranch. Sale Catalogs available on request. Airport only 14 miles from Ranch.
Sale will be available on DVAUCTION if you cannot attend
COME SEE OUR PEN OF 3 AT THE 2026 NWSS
SALE LOCATION: 17463 County Road 19, Sanford, CO 81151 Rod Reynolds (719) 588-1230 • Troy Reynolds (719) 580-1308 FACEBOOK.COM/REYNOLDS.SHOWCATTLE reynolds_showcattle@yahoo.com
34 JANUARY 2026
NALF Releases Two New Indexes Along Two EPDs
T
he North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) board approved two new indexes and EPDS to be listed in January 2026. Working toward continued best information, the NALF board moved forward with the development of 2 additional indexes, $MPI, (Maternal Profit Index) and $IPI, (Industry Profit Index) which is synonymous with an all-purpose index in 2025. These new indexes were built via iGENDEC with the help of Dr. Robert Weaber and Dr. Matt Spangler. iGENDEC was also the platform used to construct NALF’s new $TPI, Terminal Profit index in 2024. The new indexes will be implemented in January of 2026. The new indexes will also coincide with the release of MWT EPD, (mature cow weight) and CERY EPD, (cow energy requirement yearly). This full suite of indexes for terminal profit, maternal profit and an all-purpose index of IPI will give NALF breeders one of the most progressive index suites in the industry. They are all updated annually with current market price data for feeder cattle prices, fed cattle prices, and carcass prices. All price data uses the most recent 10-year average for price data updates and incorporates marginal economic values that are relevant to each index produced. For NALF membership, the description and definition of these new EPDs and indexes are detailed below: Mature Weight: Body weight of cows adjusted to six years of age at body condition score 5. MWT is reported in pounds and is computed from a genetic model that leverages information from weaning weight, post-weaning gain, and mature weights of cows. Reported weights are adjusted for both age at observation and for body condition. Body weights of cows 2 to 12 years of age are utilized in the evaluation so producers can report data at any age for the evaluation. Preferably, cows should be evaluated at or shortly following weaning, as that’s a convenient time for many producers to process cows. Weight collected at other times in the production cycle are acceptable. Producers should measure full contemporary groups on the same day as the observation date, which helps form the contemporary group. Cow Energ y Requirement-Yearly (CERY): Mature body weight, lactation
potential, and birth weight are primary pre- Marginal Economic Values of dictors of energy requirements. Mature Maternal Profit Index: Weight, Milk, and Birth Weight EPD are Trait Component Marginal Economic Value WW Direct 1.161 WW Maternal 0.369 FI Direct -0.009 MW Direct -0.35 STAY Direct 0.712 CE Direct 2.764 CE Maternal 0.391
Industry Profit Index ($IPI): The production scenario for $IPI includes mating Limousin sires to Angus-based cows with retention of replacements from the herd and all other calves fed out and marketed on a value-based grid that rewards quality and yield. IPI balances both maternal and terminal selection criteria by combining replacement female retention from the herd with carcass endpoint for marketed surplus heifers and all steers. Due to the challenges faced by commercial cattlemen in this production scenario, $IPI incorporates the largest and most diverse set of EPDs, including carcass traits as the primary revenue drivers, along with cow Mature Weight, Stayability, and Dry Matter Intake as cost drivers. Figure 2 reports the relative empha-
utilized to inform prediction equations from beef cow nutrition research to estimate differences in energy requirement over a production year. The CERY EPD is reported in pounds of Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) required for an age 6 cow. Maternal Profit Index ($MPI): In this production scenario, Limousin bulls are mated to Angus-based cows with replacement heifers retained from the calf crop and surplus calves marketed at weaning. EPDs weighted in this index are Calving Ease Direct and Maternal, Weaning Weight, Milk, Mature Weight, Dry Matter Intake, and Stayability. Mature weight is the primary driver and represents the significant cost of maintenance energy requirement in the cow-calf sector. Weaning Weight and Milk (expressed in pounds of calf weaning weight) represent the principal revenue stream. Stayability helps account for differences in replacement costs in the system and the effect of heifer retention on revenue streams. This index should be used by commercial cattlemen whose production scenario includes marketing calves at weaning and retaining replacements from the herd. Figure 1 reports the relative emphasis of traits included in $MPI.
sis of traits included in $IPI.
Marginal Economic Values Industry Profit Index: Trait Component HCW Direct REA Direct FAT Direct MS Direct WW Direct WW Maternal YW Direct FI Direct MW Direct STAY Direct CE Direct CE Maternal ADG
Marginal Economic Value 2.189 11.148 -145.2 115.107 -0.427 -0.118 -0.075 -26.746 -0.35 1.212 3.818 0.57 0.352
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Roswell livestock Auction Receiving stAtions ATTENTION RECEIVNG STATION CUSTOMERS, To be able to schedule trucking, all cattle need to be permitted by 1:00 p.m.
LORDSBURG, NM 20 Bar Livestock Highway #90 at NM #3 – East side of highway. Receiving cattle for transport 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month. Smiley Wooton, 575622-5580 office, 575-626-6253 cell. PECOS, TX Jason Heritage is now receiving cattle every Sunday. For information to unload contact Jason Heritage 575-840-9544 or Smiley Wooton 575-6266253. Receiving cattle every Sunday. VAN HORN, TX 800 West 2nd, 5 blocks west of Courthouse. Bob Kinford, 432-284-1553. Receiving cattle 1st & 3rd Sundays. MORIARTY, NM Two blocks east and one block south of Tillery Chevrolet. Smiley Wooton 575-622-5580 office, 575-626-6253 mobile. Receiving cattle every Sunday
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NEWS UPDATE
by Labradoodle Bennington, III
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Endangered Species Protection Sought for New Mexico Flower
he Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in early December to protect Allred’s flax under the Endangered Species Act. This flowering plant is found only in the Permian Basin in New Mexico and Texas. Much of its known and potential habitat overlaps with oil and gas leases that are being drilled or could be. The CBD claims oil and gas development may lead to habitat loss and degradation for Allred’s flax through well construction and related infrastructure, dust from new or existing roads and the spread of invasive species. The radical environmental group also claims other threats to the plant include livestock grazing, mining and climate change — which is primarily driven by the burning of fossil fuels. Future temperatures and drought conditions may exceed levels tolerated by these otherwise hardy desert plants. Allred’s flax — a perennial plant capable of reproducing asexually — is limited to the northern Chihuahuan Desert.
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Cultivated Meat Business Folds After Funding Challenge by Chris Scott, meatingplace.com
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he global cultivated meat sector lost a major player this month with the closing of the Dutch-based cultivated meat start-up Meatable. Founded in 2018, the company used a specific strain of pluripotent stem cells as it sought to produce pork sausages and dumplings through a system that sped up the conversion of stem cells into fat and muscle. Meatable had aimed to become “a raw material suppler or vendor to a meat company,” as CEO Jeff Tripician noted when he took the job in June 2024. This summer, he left the company to join Charcuterie Artisans, parent of major charcuterie brands. Meatable was unable to raise additional funding after attracting such investors as Agronomics, Betagro, BlueYard Capital, DSM Venturing and Invest-NL, according to several media outlets. The cultivated meat segment is believed to be entering a “second phase” that will involve more consolidation with pioneers seeking a more viable business model. The industry also is dealing with ever increasing development costs, scaling challenges and a hostile reception from lawmakers, including in several U.S. states. Meatable’s closure follows the recent demise of Believer Meats and a shift in growth prospects for similar companies like GOOD Meat and UPSIDE Foods.
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Former U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell Confirmed as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Congressional Affairs
Range Sciences
Herrell first ran for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District in 2018. She lost by a small margin in the general election to Demara Gurule, a Ph.D. student in Animal ocrat Xochitl Torres Small. She ran again in Science at New Mexico State University, 2020 and won against Torres Small. In the has been honored with the prestigious 2022 and 2024 elections, Herrell lost against 2025 Sheep Heritage Foundation Scholarship Democrat Gabe Vasquez. by t he A merica n Sheep Indust r y Herrell underwent months of review Association. before last night’s vote. She will now be Raised in Standing Rock, New Mexico, on responsible for managing congressional rela- the Navajo Nation, Gurule’s journey reflects tions for the USDA, and act as a key link both her cultural roots and her commitment between the USDA and Congress. That is to advancing the sheep industry through according to Republican leadership. She will research, education, and outreach. be dealing with legislation, budgets, and policy priorities. by Emma Hoggard, ABC News Herrell’s team describes her as a southern ormer U.S. House Representative Yvette New Mexico native with a heart for the state’s Herrell was confirmed as Assistant Sec- farmers, ranchers, and rural families. She retary of Agriculture for Congressional was born and raised in Ruidoso and is an Affairs in late December. enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, Republican officials say Herrell is now a c c ord i n g t o h e r c on g re s s ion a l serving in a senior role in the Trump Admin- biography. istration. The U.S. Senate approved Herrell’s nomination 53 to 43 last. Herrell represented New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District in the House of Representatives from 2021 to 2023. Before that U R A D V E RT I S E R S she served in the New Mexico House of make this magazine possible. Please patronize Representatives.
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New Mexico Releases State Climate Action Plan Charting Path to Net-Zero Emissions
Roadmap outlines 45 items to meet state greenhouse gas reduction goals
emerging technologies to assure a reliable and affordable transition to a 100 percent clean energy grid. Energy-Efficient Buildings: The plan promotes modern, energyefficient building codes and expands incentive programs to reduce energy consumption and utility bills for homeowners, renters, and businesses.
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percent by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan proposes 45 action items to address greenhouse gas emissions, including:
N
ew Mexico has released its Climate Action Plan, a landmark report outlining the state’s progress toward meeting greenhouse gas reduction goals and the pathway to achieving them. The New Mexico Environment Department and Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department developed the plan over the past year in collaboration with state agencies, local governments, Tribal nations, residents, community organizations, industry, and subject matter experts. The plan serves as a roadmap to meet New Mexico’s climate pollution reduction targets set by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s 2019 executive order directing the state to reduce climate pollution by 45
Addressing Industry Emissions: Recognizing the oil and gas industry as the state’s largest source of emissions and a key economic driver, the plan supports new rules to boost industry productivity by mitigating methane leaks and exploring the potential of carbon capture technology.
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Decarbonizing the Grid: The plan supports grid modernization, investments in energy storage, and promotes geothermal and other
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Climate-Smart Agriculture: The plan recommends voluntary and incentivebased agricultural programs and practices that will lower emissions and increase agricultural resilience for rural communities of New Mexico.
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Protecting Natural Resources: Strategies in the plan include active forest management to reduce wildfire risk, enhancing forest health and expanding post-fire recovery programs.
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Waste Reduction: The plan targets methane emissions from landfills by establishing a statewide organic and food waste diversion program and expanding local recycling and composting infrastructure.
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The plan also notes that investments in New Mexico’s workforce and infrastructure, combined with innovative programs, projects, and policies, have driven meaningful progress toward the state’s climate goals while simultaneously achieving economic milestones. When implemented as a whole, the measures are projected to assure New Mexico fully achieves its targets. Combined with reductions expected under current policies, the plan’s recommendations put the state on
track to achieve a 45.4 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 from 2005 levels and an 82 percent reduction by 2050. The measures will prevent $294 billion in health care costs, property damage, and other impacts caused by pollutants. The New Mexico Climate Action Plan was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, which delivered resources to NMED and EMNRD in July 2023, and the Innovation in State Government Fund established by Senate Bill 83 in 2025. The plan is a living document that will be updated to track progress and incorporate new state policies and goals. The full New Mexico Climate Action Plan is available at www.climateaction.nm.gov/CAP
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RIDING HERD by Lee Pitts
Punchin’ Cows, Not a Clock
I
pity the poor people who should probably be rich but aren’t. Like the first person who discovered that jiggling the handle on a toilet would make it quiet down ought to be richer than Elon Musk. Ditto the inventor of the Lazy Boy® recliner and chocolate chip ice cream. But no one is more deserving of riches beyond their wildest dreams than the cowboy (or cowgirl) when you consider all the tasks they must master. I’m talking real
cowboys who know everything from how to to recognize small little things about how an sew up a prolapse with a pocket knife and a animal acts or hangs its head and know that hair from their horses tail, to welding up a such an animal belongs in a sick pen. He or recalcitrant squeeze chute or breaking a she must also be able to diagnose a disease bucking bronc. and how to treat it all without the aid of a cat When I became a cowboy after graduat- scan or MRI. Heck, most medical M.D.’s ing college I learned real quick that I would can’t do that any more and they are driving never live long enough to master all the tasks Porsches and Ferraris while the cowboy is that a good cowboy must perform so I chose driving an 18-year-old pickup. an easier and safer path and became a writer. Many cowboys know how to preg check, J. Frank Dobie called the cowboy, “The A.I., float a horse’s teeth and pull a calf. They aristocrat of all wage owners,” but I don’t can shoe a horse and castrate a bull. They really know what he meant by that because also know how to tube a calf and get it down I think the cowboy has always been the most the right pipe so the medicine doesn’t flood underpaid and underrated of anyone who into the calf ’s lungs instead of its gut. A ever worked for a living. I’ve got great respect cowboy must be an instant learner of a for anyone who decides to punch cows ranch’s geography, be a good nutritionist and instead of a clock because they’re willing to be able to speak cow pen Spanish. work seven days a week, 10 hours a day in It used to be that a cowboy wasn’t interterrible conditions without getting overtime ested in anything of a mechanical nature and or time-and-a-half. they refused most jobs that involved him Because I’ve always been one to welcome dismounting his trusty steed but these days a challenge one of the things that appealed he or she must be able to drive a cattle truck, to me in becoming a cowboy was the work put up a hay crop, work a hydraulic squeeze never got boring because of all the skills a chute, fly a drone, operate a Bobcat® or work good cowboy must master. Just consider his a beaver slide. He must be a mechanic and medical skills alone. He must be able to rec- know how to replace a water pump, fix a ognize immediately with two legs sticking windmill, or heaven forbid... drive a tractor. out a cow’s rear end with two dewclaws A good cowboy must also master the art facing up is not good. Cowboys must be able of horsemanship, know how to drive a feed
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wagon, train a colt and ride a bad bronc. He must be able to rope a wild steer in a patch of dense brush, milk a cow, shoot a coyote munching on a calf, repair his own tack, weld a good bead, and fix a leak in a water line. Have you tried to hire a human plumber these days? They can get paid as much in a day as a cowboy earns in a month. And have you ever tried counting cows or calves as they stream by you at a lightning pace? I haven’t found a computer that can do that! Cowboys have to live close to nature, get up before daylight, sleep on the ground if need be, live an hour or two from town, reside in a single wide trailer and do it all without a union, minimum wage laws or DEI. That’s why we’re facing a shortage of good cowboys these days . . . so appreciate them now while you still can.
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Livestock Mineral Feeding Tips: Blocks vs. Loose Minerals by Brooke Loeffler, Redmond
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roperly managed mineral programs have an immediate and lasting impact on the health and productivity of your animals, no matter what the size of your farm. Let’s look at some tips for choosing a mineral feeder, managing mineral intake, and deciding whether to use blocks or loose minerals for your livestock.
How to Choose A Mineral Feeder When choosing (or building) a mineral feeder, there are three “musts” to look for: ЇЇ Feeders must be easily accessible to all animals: take into consideration their size, breed, horn size, etc. ЇЇ Feeders must protect minerals: keep minerals safe from water, wind, and accidental destruction from the animals themselves ЇЇ Feeders must match your local climate or environment: choose the right
materials, covers, and placement to meet your weather concerns
Ground Mineral Feeders Multi-compartment ground feeders are the most common, and typically most durable options out there. They usually have a high-density poly/plastic base with a center post that secures a rubber lid. The base is compartmentalized so you can add different products and so your animals don’t have to chase their minerals around the feeder. Some ground feeders have weathervane covers that rotate and pivot with the prevailing wind to protect minerals from rain. These covers however are less sturdy and more vulnerable to animal mischief and abuse. Some farmers choose a DIY ground feeder option using a water barrel bolted inside of a tire. The barrel is cut open on 1 side to preserve the top and allow access to minerals. Keep in mind that this limits access to one animal at a time.
Hanging/mounted Mineral Feeders Hanging or mounted mineral feeders work well for smaller livestock, like sheep, goats, and young calves. Due to their smaller size, it is easier for them to fit along a mounted feeder than it is for larger cattle.
Cattlemens Livestock
These types of feeders are easy to DIY and can be secured to fencing or buildings, so they are harder to tip over. They typically don’t hold as much mineral as large ground feeders, so you may need to refill more often.
Mineral Feeding Tips There are Different Ways to Feed Minerals Don’t let yourself feel boxed by just one way to offer minerals to your animals; there are many different options out there: ЇЇ Measuring doses and adding to total mixed rations (TMR) ЇЇ
Top dressing or sprinkling over feed (works better if feed is wetted)
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Using mineral feeders (hanging, mounted, ground, store bought, DIY, etc.)
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Placing minerals (blocks or loose) on open ground
No matter what delivery method you choose, just make sure to follow the three musts listed above: accessible to all, protected from elements, and appropriate for your climate/environment.
Moveable Minerals When starting a mineral program, or when introducing new supplements, first place mineral stations near lounging areas;
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then, once your animals start consuming, you can begin spreading feeders around or moving them to new sites. Mineral stations should be moveable for many different reasons, to: ЇЇ Encourage grazing in under grazed areas ЇЇ Prevent mud build up or dead spots in your pastures ЇЇ Increase shelter or protection from the elements ЇЇ Ensure all animals have access (and reduce bullying or pecking order problems) Mineral sleds or hooks for tow ropes will help you drag feeders to new stations. Hanging feeders for smaller livestock should be removable so they can be reattached in different areas as needed.
Taste Is Everything If your animals are not consuming enough minerals, one of the simplest fixes is to switch to a more palatable mix. Some mineral supplements include heavy doses of minerals mixed with a small amount of salt. These heavy minerals can taste bitter to your livestock, so switching to a higher ratio of salt to minerals will encourage them to
ingest more.
Watch For Pica Pica is an eating disorder where animals will chew on or lick non-food substances, such as stones, dirt, wood, plaster, etc. If you notice these behaviors on your farm, it is most likely a sign of mineral deficiencies, namely salt. Consult your vet/nutritionist and try using a higher salt to mineral mix and offer loose minerals if you notice pica behaviors in your animals.
How Many Mineral Feeders Do I Need? For loose minerals: (these general guidelines may need to be increased during times of weather stress, during calving/kidding/ lambing season, or as recommended by your vet or nutritionist) ЇЇ
Cattle: One feeder for around 30 head
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Goats and Sheep: One feeder for around 10 head
Check on mineral feeders two to three times a week to make sure your feeders aren’t empty, tipped over, or filled with water.
How to Choose: Blocks vs. Loose
Minerals Both mineral forms have advantages depending upon your livestock operation. Some prefer the convenience of blocks, while others enjoy the increased intake of loose minerals. Let’s look at some questions you can ask yourself to help inform your mineral choices.
Boredom Behaviors Are your animals displaying signs of boredom? Boredom can cause animals to engage in repetitious and sometimes harmful habits like cribbing, property destruction, self-biting, etc. Try throwing out a couple of extra blocks to keep destructive, bored behavior at bay and your animals will occupy themselves licking away. Offering salt mineral blocks is a nutritious and tasty way to provide enrichment.
Pecking Order Are your animals competing for access to their minerals? Time to try some loose minerals. Offering loose minerals in more spacious feeders gives access to animals who are lower in the pecking order. If you have a mineral bully in the group, pour out loose minerals in multiple locations so they can’t deny access to others.
JANUARY 2026
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Season/Time of Year Are your animals’ bodies working extra hard or going through added stress? Animals need more electrolytes during certain times of year. Offering loose minerals during these times ensures they can replenish minerals more easily. ЇЇ Heightened activity: calving, breeding, lactation, before and after long rides (for horses) ЇЇ Weather stress: hot summer and cold winter months (remember licking mineral blocks can be uncomfortable during sub-freezing conditions)
Lot/Pasture Size Is the size of your lot/pasture affecting how many minerals your animals are eating? Your animals should not have to go searching to receive the minerals they need. For larger areas, provide multiple mineral stations and try a combination of blocks and loose to see what they prefer. If it looks like your animals are over-consuming, move their mineral sources a little farther away from watering and resting areas. If it looks like your animals are under-consuming, place the minerals closer to watering and resting areas.
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Storing Water for Tomorrow: Winter Conservation Practices for New Mexico Ranches and Farms by New Mexico Soil & Water Conservation Association
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s winter takes hold in New Mexico, the challenges faced by our agricultural communities don’t take a break. Water scarcity remains a persistent concern, even as fields go fallow and livestock hunker down against cold winds. The New Mexico Soil and Water Conservation Association urges landowners and producers to use the winter months to implement proven water conservation strategies—and to consider newer tools that hold promise for the months ahead.
Winter Wheat and Rye: Wise Investments for Soil and Water Fall-planted cover crops, such as winter wheat and rye, are a time-tested strategy that
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pays off all year. During frigid months, their root systems hold soil in place and catch snowmelt or rainfall, reducing wind and water erosion and locking precious moisture in the ground. By early spring, these fields burst into green, ready for early grazing or for boosting the fertility and water-holding capacity of cropland, no matter what the weather brings. Winter wheat and rye also feed microbial soil life and add organic matter, so by the time summer heat arrives, soils managed with winter cover crops are more resilient to drought, infiltration is improved, and water is less likely to run off or evaporate. For New Mexico’s producers, winter is the season for laying the groundwork that will pay dividends come spring and summer.
Shade Balls: Water Savings All Year— and Preventing Winter Freeze Shifting from field to watering hole, many ranchers now consider not just the quantity but the quality and accessibility of water stored in tanks, ponds, and reservoirs. Shade balls, previously recognized for reducing summer evaporation, also offer a distinct winter benefit: they help prevent water from freezing.
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By floating atop water storage, shade balls Funding and Support: block direct exposure to cold winds and You’re Not Alone insulate the water’s surface, decreasing the Adopting new practices or investing in rate and extent of freeze-over. This can save water-saving infrastructure often requires considerable time, labor, and money—espe- time and up-front investment. The good cially for ranchers who depend on open news is that technical advice and financial water sources for stock in remote areas support are readily available. Local Soil and during the coldest months. No more daily Water Conservation Districts can help apply chopping ice, no more interrupted stock for cost-share or grant programs for winter access, and less risk of freeze-damaged wheat and rye seed, shade ball purchases, infrastructure. and other conservation efforts. State support, Plus, shade balls continue to block sun- through the New Mexico Association of light, suppressing nuisance algae growth and Conservation Districts (nmacd.org), and keeping stored water cleaner for longer national programs via the National Associstretches, all while reducing evaporation that ation of Conservation Districts (nacdnet. still occurs on sunny New Mexico winter org), bring expertise and resources to rural days. doorstep—with a clear track record of helping producers implement practical, Ground Cover and Residue: A Hidden locally tailored conservation projects.
Winter Asset
Leaving crop residue or volunteering annual ground cover over the winter isn’t just good for soil: it makes sure winter precipitation enters the soil instead of running off. Even dry vegetation acts as a protective armor, moderating soil temperature, reducing wind erosion, and trapping snowfall—helping every acre make the most of every drop.
Your Winter To-Do List for Conservation ЇЇ
Plant (or maintain) winter wheat/rye cover crops as a shield against erosion and a sponge for winter moisture
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Maintain crop stubble or vegetative cover for natural water retention and soil protection
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Consider shade balls for your storage tanks or ponds to cut evaporation and lessen ice formation
Contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District for available programs, technical advice, and funding opportunities Ranchers and farmers are the original conservationists—and in the face of ever-changing weather and water supply, your stewardship matters now more than ever. This winter, take steps that will protect our most critical resources, improve your bottom line, and keep New Mexico’s working lands thriving all year long. To learn more, visit nmacd.org, nacdnet. org, or your local SWCD office. We’re here to help—this season, and every season. ЇЇ
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Cobank Releases 2026 Year Ahead Report — Forces That Will Shape the US Rural Economy
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conomic uncertainty surrounding U.S. economic concern somewhat, AI has become trade policy is much lower than it was the focal point of financial market prognosa year ago, steadying the broader tication. Direct investments in AI and related outlook for 2026. The reduced market infrastructure, combined with the wealth anxiety can be seen in historically low vola- effects from the surging stock market, have tility metrics for equity, bond and currency conservatively added 1 percent to U.S. GDP markets, as well as in historically tight cor- this year. However, the unprecedented levels porate credit spreads. of investment are driving fears of an The effective across-the-board tariff rate AI-driven stock market bubble. The concern is now about 17 percent but based on tax is that the AI boom has lifted the entire stock collections, the actual average import tax market to unsustainable heights, and a sigpaid is only about 10 percent. According to nificant market correction would lead to a a new year-ahead report from CoBank’s sharp pullback in consumer spending, Knowledge Exchange, that rate is expected potentially even causing a recession. to drop even further as the reduced tariffs “That’s one possibility but it’s not the most on China and imported food products take likely scenario,” said Rob Fox, vice president effect and more bilateral agreements are of CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. “Corpofinalized. rate earnings remain extremely strong and With tariffs fading from the forefront of aggregate corporate debt levels are histori-
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cally low. Most of the stock market gains in the second half of 2025 were attributable to continually improving earnings expectations, not irrational exuberance.” Over the next three to five years, Fox said AI will likely play out similarly to the oil and gas shale boom between 2010 and 2015 – overproduction of a commoditized product, lower than expected earnings and disappointing industry profit margins. “However, just as the overall economy benefited from lower oil and gas prices, we will see productivity gains from AI across the entire economy. As long as the majority of AI capital expenditures are from existing cash flow rather than debt, structural risk to the economy should be limited.” The CoBank 2026 outlook report examines several key factors that will shape agriculture and market sectors that serve rural communities throughout the U.S. U.S. Economy: Markets adjust to a new normal Several indicators suggest the economy will continue to remain steady in 2026. With the year-on-year tariff inflationary effect fading by end of the first quarter, core inflation is likely to resume its downward trend in the second half of the year. That will provide sufficient cover for the Federal
Reserve to continue cutting interest rates in 2026. Moreover, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the accelerated depreciation provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will boost GDP growth by almost a full percentage point next year. The labor market has cooled from the post-COVID cycle and is now more in line with historic norms. But near 4 percent wage growth and sub 5 percent unemployment are well within the margin of safety for a growing economy in 2026.
U.S. Government Affairs: Tariffs, farm policy and the shifting Washington landscape The environment in Washington is beginning to change, if ever so slightly. The one-sided nature of the November election results likely served to refocus many elected officials on their own political fortunes. While there is potential for Congressional agreement on the remaining appropriation bills by January, bipartisan cooperation will become less likely as the 2026 mid-term elections approach. Farm Bill programs have been extended through September, but pressure is growing for Congress to take further action before the election. Questions sur-
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rounding the president’s authority on tariffs, a key issue impacting several market sectors and businesses, will also dominate policy discussions in the coming year. Grains, Farm Supply & Biofuels: Ample grain supplies will burden markets in 2026 Global grain and oilseed markets remain oversupplied, but increased biofuels production and improving export conditions are boosting optimism that prices have passed their cyclical bottoms. Demand for U.S. grains and oilseeds will continue strengthening as low prices stimulate usage. But grain farmers will face hard choices for planting this spring. Prevailing prices of nearly all crops are below the cost of production. Current price ratios indicate soybeans stand to pull acres from all major crops in 2026. High input costs may discourage farmers from planting corn and switch to cheaper alternatives. Farmer affordability remains under pressure and while corn prices have slid, fertilizer prices have not. Animal Protein: Investment in efficiency is paying dividends as consumers clamor for protein Despite rising price points for meat and poultry, animal protein demand should remain strong in 2026. The combination of higher revenues and falling feed prices is
boosting producer optimism for the year ahead, but not to the degree that expansion is expected to proliferate. Livestock supply conditions have grown notably tighter in the last two years and are likely to remain so over the next 12 to 18 months. As a result, feeding efficiencies and heavier carcasses will remain a focal point in 2026. While optimism in the sector is strong, several headwinds including new and recurring livestock diseases and trade disruptions could constrain growth in the coming year.
Dairy: Protein will drive milk checks for the foreseeable future Milk protein is poised for an extended bull-market run as demand for protein-based dairy products continues to climb. While demand for full-fat dairy products also remains strong, butterfat has moved to an oversupply situation. Dairy processors are awash in butterfat with some putting caps on butterfat payments. That means protein will be the leading driver in milk checks in the coming years. Shifting consumer dietary trends suggest protein markets will remain strong for many years to come. And according to data from Circana and Dairy Management Inc., four of the top 10 protein products for absolute unit sales growth in
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WILDFIRE & FLOOD MITIGATION
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ew Mexico is facing increasing threats from catastrophic wildfires and post-fire flooding. Michael has seen the consequences firsthand. He is committed to strengthening interagency collaboration, restoring forest health, and investing in long-term wildfire prevention and recovery planning. Please sign a petition to get Michael Perry on the ballot at electronicpetitions.elections.sos.nm.gov/ voter-verification
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the past 52 weeks were dairy products, including cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt.
Food & Beverage: Restaurant recession, retail reformulations challenge manufacturers Restaurants are showing further signs of weakness as higher prices are taking a toll on consumer dining-out behavior. Even restaurants like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Shake Shack that had fared relatively well have now begun to underperform. Meanwhile, retail grocery brands face increasing input costs and a quasi-regulatory demand to reduce or remove artificial ingredients like food coloring. Most concerning for those brands is the lack of data indicating consumers actually want or will pay for these reformulated products. Regulatory encouragement to reduce artificial ingredients comes with considerable costs and represents a growing challenge for food and beverage companies.
Power & Energy: Patchwork or partnership? 2026 a pivotal year for grid governance U.S. electricity consumption is increasing at its fastest pace since World War II. Earlier this year, the federal government declared a national energy emergency citing the unprecedented surge in electricity demand driven in large part by data centers. The Department of Energy is now using its emergency authority to direct FERC to quickly standardize large load interconnections. If adopted, some of the proposed reforms would mark a major shift in how large, energy-intensive customers like data centers connect to the grid. While the reforms could expedite grid access for major customers, they may compromise local utility investment and state regulatory authority. That means unified planning and coordination at the federal, state and local levels will be even more critical going forward. Digital Infrastructure: Navigating AI’s expansion into rural America The rise of AI is fueling a historic surge in data-center spending and hyperscalers will increasingly depend on rural America to achieve their ambitious buildout plans. Rural areas offer what hyperscalers like Microsoft and Amazon desperately need: land for sprawling campuses and the ability to collocate data centers with major power infrastructure. Given the business and geopolitical stakes, data center operators are moving fast and writing big checks to reduce friction in rural communities. While these communities face tradeoffs, rejecting data center projects could mean missing out on generational economic benefits.
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NEW MEXICO FEDERAL LANDS NEWS by Jerry Schickedanz
Heads Up The views and opinions expressed do not represent those of the Regents of New Mexico State University.
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t is the holiday time of the year when we turn our attention to Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a time for family and friends to gather for a shared meal and reflect on all we are thankful for this past year and to look forward to the Christmas season of remembrance of why we are here in this great country. As I have visited around the region and listened to farmers and ranchers on the land, conditions and attitudes vary as to how well off they are and what the future holds in terms of drought, prices and long-term survival, but one thing they have in common is they believe this country is still the best place to live. As I look to the horizon of next year, I will try to give you a “heads” up on what I see and think. One of the most major things I see as a breath of fresh air is a “common sense” approach of the current administration in dealing with the management of federal lands and those who live and work on those lands. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the latest proposed Waters of the U. S. (WOTUS) rules for public comment. The Clean Water Act (CWA) was passed in 1972 and WOTUS protected everything from arroyos to prairie potholes to sloughs to mud f lats if they ultimately affected navigable waters or interstate commerce. This definition was interpreted to include almost all the landscape in New Mexico to be under the jurisdiction of navigable stream restrictions for development. The current administration has issued proposed rules that “farmers and ranchers won’t need a lawyer to understand”. Some of the new wording includes navigable water to be “relatively permanent tributaries,” wetlands as having “continuous surface connections,” lakes and
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ponds that are “relatively permanent” and having a continuous surface connection. “Relatively permanent” would exclude about 88 percent of the arroyos, ephemeral streams, washes, and gullies from CWA jurisdiction. Of course, the new rules, if finalized, will be tested in court, but just the proposed new rules give me some hope for reducing the red tape in southwest land management. A second issue that gives me hope is the larger Gray Wolf predation on livestock and, specifically, the subspecies the Mexican Gray Wolf. In 1990, Secretary of Interior Manual Lujan Jr. famously said when asked about an endangered Red Squirrel, “you have a red one, a black one and a brown one, how many do you need?” He questioned the Endangered Species Act that did not allow for economics of development vs. an endangered species, the Red Squirrel of Mount Graham in Arizona. This same type of concept follows today with farmers and ranchers questioning the protection of the Gray Wolf in the United States vs. the total population in Canada and Alaska. There are the Gray Wolf and its subspecies the Mexican, Northwestern, Arctic, Great Plains, Rocky Mountain, Eastern Timber Gray Wolves. In the contiguous United States, it is estimated to be approximately 4,600 in the eleven western states, 4,000 in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota as a minimum, Alaska with 7-11,000 and Canada with 50-60,000 wolves. How many do you need? Some things happening that give hope: Representative Paul Gosar, Arizona, introduced H.R. 4255 Enhancing Safety for Animals Act which would delist the Mexican Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act. The Western Justice Initiative, an organization whose stated mission is to lead a national effort to delist the Gray Wolf, the increased public awareness of livestock predation by the Gray Wolf in the western states. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will no longer release a national recovery plan for gray wolves. The agency says it’s no longer appropriate for the species to be federally protected under the Endangered Species Act. These are only two of the many good things I see on the horizon, and you should be watching the horizon also.
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On November 25, 2025, Janet Louise Franklin went to be with those who have gone before her, both two-legged and four-legged. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Tucson, Arizona, on November 26, 1943, to Louise Marie (Ballinger) and William Niven Armstrong, both of whom preceded her in death. She will join her husband, Jim, who passed away after their 47-year marriage, and her brother-in-law, James McIntyre. Survivors include her children: James Donald Franklin Jr. (Colleen), June Huttinga (John), and Laura Louise Franklin (Monte); grandchildren: Driesten, Andy (Yaz), Josh, and Dannie Franklin, Tyler (Angela) and Kylie Huttinga, Phoebe, Nathan, Connor, and Tyler Tarnutzer, and Antheia Leiding; great-grandchildren: Isabel, Junior Franklin, and Tyler Mac Huttinga, and sisters: Nancy Cobb and Barb McIntyre. Shortly after earning a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona in 1971, her first child, James, was born. She then began substitute teaching in Sahuarita, AZ. She continued substituting when Jim’s work took the family to Wyoming for three years and then to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. She worked for the T-or-C school system for 45 years. During that time, she was offered several permanent teaching positions, but preferred to substitute teach. She greatly enjoyed working at Hot Springs High School with the wonderful faculty, staff, and generations of “her” high school students. When her children were young, she led a Brownie troop for four years and a 4-H club for nine years. She was a member of the NRA, NM Farm Bureau, End of Life Options, and Chamisa Cowbelles, and she enjoyed attending her Sassy Red Hat meetings. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, baking, and caring for her vegetable garden, flowers, hummingbirds, cows, donkeys, chickens, cats, and many beloved dogs. She stayed busy irrigating and spraying weeds on the Las Palomas Creek acreage. Everyone will miss her baking, especially her Christmas cookies, which she loved sharing with family, friends, and the administration and faculty at HSHS. Services will be held January 10, 2026 at HSHS gymnasium at 2:00 p.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please donate to any of the organizations above that she belonged to. Editor’s Note: Email caren@aaalivestock.com. Send memorial donations to Cattlegrowers’ Foundation, a 501(c)3, tax deductable charitable foundation serving the rights of ranch families and educating citizens on governmental actions, policies and practices. Cattlegrowers Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 7517, Albuquerque, NM 87194. The New Mexico Stockman runs memorials as a courtesy to its readers. If families & friends would like to see more detail, verbatim pieces must be emailed to us, & may be printed at 10¢ per word.
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Julie Carter Ayudando Siempre Allí Award Recipient
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New Mexico w r iter a nd photographer with a deep passion for all things cowboy, Julie has been telling the stories of ranching and the Western way of life for more than two decades. Since 2002, her synd ic ated colu m n, “Cowgirl Sass & Sav v y”, has conn e c t e d Julie Carter and Bronson Corn readers—both those who live the lifestyle and those who admire it from afar—with honest, witty, and deeply authentic storytelling. From her ranch-raising days in Colorado to her home in Mountainair, New Mexico, and across countless rodeo arenas in between, Julie has captured the reality of cowboy life with unmatched accuracy. Her words paint vivid pictures, and her photography brings moments to life that words alone cannot. Julie says “Come outside and let’s capture you.” Natural light portrait and landscape photography are her specialties. Julie’s work has earned numerous awards, including the Rounders Award and the Diamond in the Rough Award. Yet, she’ll tell you the highest praise comes from the cowboys themselves. Her work appears in multiple publications including the Livestock Weekly, the New Mexico Stockman, and Range Magazine.
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Greg Alpers 2025 Green From the Ground Up Award
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re g ’s s tor y begins on a small dryland fa rm in centra l Kansas, where he grew up surrounded by livestock. His family raised Milking Shorthorns
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Loren Patterson 2026 Cattleman of the Year
as both a beef and dairy herd and later pivoted to Holsteins and Milking Shorthorn/ Angus crosses. Even as a young man, he showed Holsteins at the American Royal, demonstrating a commitment to excellence early on. In 1968, he and his family moved to oren Patterson grew up in Old Bingham, Roswell, New Mexico. He graduated from New Mexico. From his earliest days Goddard High School in 1971, where he was riding with his dad, through long active in FFA and participated in just about school commutes with his mother and two every sport he could sign up for. With older sisters, he learned the value of work, dreams of becoming a veterinarian, he began responsibility, and carrying on a family college on a pre-vet track at New Mexico legacy. State University. But, as life sometimes steers He took that foundation to Texas Tech, us differently, he switched to Agronomy, earning degrees in Animal Production and earning a degree with minors in Animal Animal Science, then dove into industry Science and Biology in 1976. research before stepping into a major manIn 1975, he married his lifelong partner, agement role at Singleton Ranches. There, on Jody. They have celebrated 50 years together more than 350 sections of rugged country, and raised three children, all of whom left he learned what it meant to run cattle with New Mexico for college but ultimately discipline, tight margins, and a sharp pencil. returned with their own families. Today, But when his mother’s health took a turn, they are proud grandparents of seven he found himself at his first crossroads. He grandchildren. stepped away from a steady salary and rolled After college, he began his career with the the dice—choosing happiness, family, and Schrimsher Brothers outfit, working across the calling of his own operation over corpofarming, ranching, feedyards, an alfalfa rate security. pellet mill, and fertilizer and agricultural With his wife, a dedicated teacher and chemical operations. He later joined Elanco accomplished horsewoman, he grew PatterAg Chem, which became Dow AgroSciences son Cattle Company from scattered leases through mergers, where he spent 38 years into a true family ranching enterprise. And before retiring in 2019. they did it the hard way — through droughts, But retirement did not slow him down. long commutes, newborn calves and a He continues to share his expertise in range- newborn daughter, and years of sacrificing land brush and weed control, grazing vacations, free time, and sleep. management, and agricultural technical From running cattle across 18 counties services. He works with local, state, and to finally purchasing their own ranchland federal agencies — including the USDA’s — first Rancho del Aguila near Anton Chico, Natural Resources Conservation Service, the then the Harkey Ranch north of Carrizozo Bureau of Land Management, the State Land — they built a multi-ranch, multi-county Office, and the military on both White operation on pure determination. Today, Sands Missile Range and the Melrose their daughter Kelsie rides right alongside Bombing Range. him, proving the next generation is already He has also been a two-time President of in the saddle. the New Mexico Crop Production AssociaBut Patterson’s impact reaches far beyond tion, served on the New Mexico Hay his own gates. He brought fresh ideas, Association Board, chaired the Pecos Valley modern communication, and unwavering Artesian Conservancy District, and sits on commitment to advocating for ranchers in a the State Water Trust Board. On top of that, world where livelihoods can change with the he helps local ranchers manage their irrigated acres, serves as a hunting guide, and continues to support NMSU as a Brush Specialist. He is an unabashed advocate for agriculture—knowing that without it, we have nothing. He loves working with producers, supporting his community, and representing agriculture in the halls of Santa Fe.
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(l to r) Jim, Mariann, Kacey, Kelsie, and Loren Patterson; Pat Woods (2025 Cattleman of the Year), Leah and Heath Madsen
stroke of a pen. He served on committees, the New Mexico Livestock Board, and the NMCGA Executive Committee. He believes deeply in practical knowledge, honest conversation, and bringing young producers into the fold. And Patterson has done all of it with one thing in mind: ensuring ranching has a future — for his daughter, and for every child who dreams of growing up horseback.
their finest cutting horse all the way to was known as both an innovative rancher Washington, D.C., performing on the and a skilled irrigator, his name synonymous National Mall at the Smithsonian Folklife with progress and perseverance in southeastFestival. That proud moment alone speaks ern New Mexico. volumes: Cindy doesn’t just represent her From those early roots sprang a commitcommunity—she carries our heritage onto a ment to innovation and land stewardship national stage. that continues to this day. Through droughts, For this award, Cindy is most admired for shifting sands, and changing times, her her work as a brand inspector. She spent family has always found new ways to work eleven years as a school bus driver for the with the land — not against it. From horseTatum School District before joining the drawn terraces carved into the soil by her New Mexico Livestock grandfather to water bars and drainage Board full time. She began systems built by her father during the as a deputy in the Roswell drought of the 1950s, each generation added District #5, then served as a its own chapter to a story of resilience. Brand Inspector from 1997 Today, that legacy endures through to 2000. modern conservation and collaboration. In Lea County District Ogden participates in initiatives like Restore #12 she was a deputy for New Mexico, partnering with the Bureau of four years, and since 2015 Land Management and the State Land Office she’s proudly held the title to improve watershed health and control of Brand Inspector. In every invasive species. Her work demonstrates how indy’s story begins role, Cindy has put custom- careful management can increase forage west of Kenna, New ers first—any hour, any day production even in the most challenging Troy Sauble and Cindy Reynolds Mexico, on the hisof the week, even while on desert environments. toric Gainer ranch. For nearly 70 years, the vacation. Wherever there’s a rancher with a Ogden’s leadership doesn’t stop at the Gainers raised cattle and dreams under the question, a dairy operator seeking guidance, ranch gate. She serves in national and state wide West Texas sky. Cindy the daughter of or a fellow inspector in need of support, organizations — including the past president Tom Ray Gainer, from Levelland, Texas, and Cindy is there, rain or shine. of the New Mexico Cattle Growers AssociPatsy Payne from Tatum. Cindy has two Her service to the producers of New ation and the current chair of the Federal brothers, Mark Gainer, Tatum and Ray Mexico has been nothing short of extraordi- Lands Committee of the National CattleGainer, Dora. As a girl, she learned the nary. She’s built bonds of trust across men’s Beef Association. Through these roles, lessons of hard work and responsibility as counties, bringing professionalism and a she ensures the voices of New Mexico ranchshe helped move cattle, mend fences and rise warm smile to every interaction. And in ers are heard and respected in shaping the before dawn to check the herd. Those early return, she’s earned the gratitude of count- policies that affect their livelihoods. days instilled in her the enduring values of less livestock owners and the admiration of Ogden embodies the spirit of stewardship, perseverance, integrity and service to others. her peers. Cindy also treasures the friend- grit, and quiet leadership that have defined After graduating from Tatum High ships she’s formed with her colleagues at the this state’s cattle industry for generations. School in 1977, Cindy married and relocated Livestock Board—an office she considers her Her hands tell the story — hands that have to the Graham Ranch east of Roswell. There second family. mended fences, doctored calves, written she welcomed her son, Stuart, into the world. letters to policymakers, and extended friendWhen Stuart was in fourth grade the family ship to neighbors in need. She’s as moved to Caprock, returning home to Tatum comfortable in the branding pen as she is in just as Cindy’s mother did before her. Stuart a boardroom, and she carries the scent of would go on to become an outstanding well-worn leather and the pride of a job done athlete at Tatum High School—proof that right. Cindy’s commitment to excellence is truly a And as she prepares to hand family tradition. Cindy currently resides in lisa Ogden the reins of her operation to the the Tatum area with her husband of 20 years, represents the next generation — her son, who Jack Reynolds, where they own and operate generations serves our nation in the military Longhorn Leatherworks. They have a son of a family ranching — continues to teach that stewardStuart who is married to Casey and two legac y based in ship of the land is not just an grandchildren Tyler and Taylor. Loving, New Mexico occupation, but a lifelong calling. Cindy’s love of horses has been a hallmark — a place her ancesHer story is one of endurance, of her adult life. She’s raised and showed tors began working leadership, and love for the land American Quarter Horses in every class, over 135 years ago, — a shining example of what active for years in both the Eastern New when t he w indmakes our ranching community Mexico Cutting Horse Association—where blown farms along so exceptional. she spent three years as president—and the the Pecos first began New Mexico Cutting Horse Association. In to grow. Her grand1992, Cindy and her young son Stuart took father, born in 1907, (l to r) Becky King Spindle, Alisa
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Cindy Reynolds 2025 Inspector of the Year
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▫ Alisa Ogden 2025 King Service Award Winner
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Ogden, Abby Spindle O’Connor
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New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association 2025 - 2027 Leadership Executive Committee Tom Paterson President Luna Dan Estrada President Elect Trementina Marshal Wilson Vice President At Large Mesilla Park Tracy Drummond Southwest Vice President Reserve Dave Kenneke Northeast Vice President Cimarron Jeff Decker Southwest Vice President Lovington Marjorie Lantana Northeast Vice President Tamara Hurt Secretary/Treasurer Deming Bronson Corn Immediate Past President Roswell Loren Patterson Past President Corona
Board of Directors Trent Bilberry – Roswell Eric Black – Vega, Texas Irvin Boyd – Eunice Darrell Brown – Artesia Jim Bob Burnett – Lake Arthur Mike Casabonne – Hope Gerald Chacon – Espanola Jack Chatfield – Mosquero Jim Ross Caviness – Maljamar Kim Chesser – Roswell Brad Christmas – Wagon Mound John Conniff – Las Cruces Caren Cowan – Albuquerque Cliff Copeland – Nara Vista Amanda Culbertson – Amistad Joe Culbertson – Amistad Troy Daniels – Wagon Mound Bruce Davis – Springer Joe Delk – Las Cruces Matthew Denetclaw – Shiprock Denton Dowell – Clovis Wesley Eaton – Vado Alden Elkins – Pinon Roy Farr – Datil Sam Farr – Datil Sage Faulkner – Los Ojos Kevin Floyd – Roswell Colton Gardner – Yeso Frank Garnett – Logan Sid Gordon – High Rolls Colten Grau – Grady Lane Grau – Grady Mason Grau – Grady Michelle Greeman – Silver City Anita Hand – Datil Shane Hatch – Kirkland Trenton Jones – Broadview Garland King – Capulin Cheryl Knight – Tucumcari Juston Knight – Tucumcari Colton Lee – Alamogordo
ust Renew GENT! You M
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Lucas Long – Cimarron Boe Lopez – Springer Marty Mathis – Amistad Kenneth McKenzie – Encino Sarah McKenzie – Fort Stockton, Texas Jeff Menges – Safford, Arizona Joe Bill Nunn – Deming Justin Nunn – Deming Kyle Perez – Nara Visa Verlin Posey – Picacho Tate Pruett – Capitan Charlie Rogers – Clovis John Romero – Laguna Carlos Salazar – Medanales Troy Sauble – Maxwell Nelson Shirley – Stillwell, Kansas George Sims – Roswell Becky Spindle – Moriarty Tom Spindle – Moriarty Casey Spradley – Cuba Gary Stone – Weed Kimberly Stone – Capitan Shacy Sullivan – Albuquerque Jim Thorpe – Newkirk Erica Valdez – Animas Lance Vicente – Vaughn Phil Wallin – T or C Misty Werkman – Reserve Jimbo Williams – Quemado Kendal Wilson – Carrizozo Pat Woods – Broadview
Past Presidents Randell Major – Magdalena Tom Sidwell – Quay Pat Boone – Elida Jose J. Varela Lopez – Santa Fe Rex Wilson – Ancho Bert Ancell – Tucumcari Alisa Ogden – Loving Bebo Lee – Alamogordo Phil Bidegain – Montoya Bob Frost – San Jon Bill Humphries – Tucumcari Wesley Grau – Grady Bill King – Moriarty
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Dan Estrada – Legislative Chair Alisa Ogden – Legislative Vice Chair Jim Ewbank – Legislative Vice Chair Marshal Wilson – Animal Theft & Health Chair Shawn Davis – Animal Theft & Health Vice Chair Dave Kenneke – Water Chair Antia Hand – Water Co-Chair Jeff Decker – Energy Chair Cliff Copeland – Energy Vice Chair Tracy Drummond – Wildlife Chair Marjorie Lantana – Cross Cultural Chair Milford Denteclaw – Cross Cultural Vice Chair Tamara Hurt – Revenue Generation Task Force Bronson Corn – Finance Chair Tamara Hurt – Finance Vice Chair Loren Patterson – Nominating Chair Dan Estrada – Nominating Vice Chair Kristin Drake – Allied Industries Chair Macey McDonald – Allied Industries Vice Chair Marrissa Diles – Allied Industries Secretary
Nelson Shirley – Federal & Trust Lands Chair Casey Spradley – Federal & Trust Lands Vice Chair Lance Vicente – Feeder Chair Rex Wilson – Bylaws Committee Chair Tom Sidwell – Private Lands Chair Becky Spindle – Private Lands Co Chair Roy Farr – Private Lands Co Chair Stan Jones – Promotion & Marketing Jim Thorp – Research & Improvement Chair Sarah McKenzie – Research & Improvement Vice Chair Jim Armendariz – Research & Improvement Vice Chair Sam Farr – Research & Improvement Vice Chair Kimberly Stone – Resolutions Chair Sage Faulkner – Resolutions Co Chair Cheryl Knight – Taxation & Special Interest Chair Heidi Humphries – Taxation & Special Interest Vice Chair Justin Knight – Taxation & Special Interest Vice Chair
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Plan your r JANUARY — Wildlife; Gelbvieh; advertisinginfo the com g Joint Stockmen’s Convention Results year! FEBRUARY — Hereford; Beefmasters; Texas Longhorns MARCH — Limousin; Santa Gertrudis APRIL — Dairy MAY — News of the Day JUNE — Sheepman of the Year
Editorial Calendar
Committee Leadership
Ron Burnett – Membership Ashley Thompson – Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Committee & Junior Cattle Growers’ Georgia Wright – Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Committee & Junior Cattle Growers’
JULY — Directory of Agriculture AUGUST — The Horse Industry SEPTEMBER — Charolais; Fairs Across the
Southwest OCTOBER — Angus; Brangus; Red Angus;
NM State Fair Results NOVEMBER — Cattleman of the Year; Joint
Stockmen’s Convention Preview DECEMBER — Bull Buyers Guide
If you would like to see your breed featured email caren@aaalivestock.com To Reserve Advertising Space email chris@aaalivestock.com or call Chris at 505.243.9515, ext. 28
JANUARY 2026
55
S
tephen Benton Elkins (1841-1911) had credit of them both, they never used military a long career in public life and left his titles—major or colonel—in their subsequent mark on territorial New Mexico along careers. the way. By 1864, Elkins resided in Mesilla, New by Don Bullis, Steve Elkins was born in Perry County in Mexico, where he entered the practice of law. New Mexico Author donbullis@msn.com central Ohio in 1841. He was educated at the He was elected to the Territorial House of University of Missouri from which he grad- Representatives the same year and within a uated in 1861. One of his friends and few more years he’d been appointed District classmates was Thomas B. Catron, later to Attorney and Attorney General. By 1870, not become New Mexico’s first United States yet 30 years of age, he was the U. S. District Senator. Both became attorneys. They went Attorney for New Mexico. Because of his their separate ways during the Civil War facility in the world of politics, he came to years, Elkins joining the Union forces and be called “Smooth Steve.” Catron the Confederate. Neither left much He’d moved to Santa Fe by then and in of a mark in the military service, and to the the meantime enticed his friend Tom Catron to relocate in New Mexico. Catron arrived in 1866 and became District Attorney for the Third District in 1867. They formed a law partnership in 1869. Any differences they might have had over Civil War issues seem to have been put aside. They both became integral parts of the famed Santa Fe Ring, a political bloc dedicated to taking advantage Call today to see how we can help protect your of New Mexico’s wealth.* operation, family and future. Elkins was elected territorial representaLarry G. Marshall tive to the U. S. Congress in 1872 where he AgWise Certified served two terms. It was during his tenure in Dexter | 575.734.5415 Washington on behalf of New Mexico that Roswell | 575.623.1020 he made one of the biggest mistakes of his Artesia | 575.746.6544 career; a mistake that may well have cost New Mexico statehood status. Or was it a mistake? By 1874, the prospects of statehood for New Mexico looked good. The territory had been waiting for nearly a quarter century, and the time seemed right. Elkins gave a speech in which he cited the nation’s responFarm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, sibility to admit New Mexico as a part of the IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services. PR-AG-A (8-21) Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo; the territory’s strong support of the Union during the Civil War; the potential for resource development, not to mention the territory’s “salubrious” climate. His statehood bill passed the U. S. House of Representatives in May of 1875. It also passed the U. S. Senate, but the latter body made some amendments to the bill which required that it go back to the House for concurrence. There seemed to be no trouble with that. Elkins was not present on the floor of the House later that year when Representative Julius Burroughs of Michigan declaimed bitterly about events in the South following the Civil War, and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan. He said in part, “you disbanded your armies, but only to organize the Ku-Klux [sic] and white leagues, oath-bound to secret murder. You have abandoned your warfare against an armed nation only to strike down unseen defenseless citizens. You have NEW MEXICO’S OLD TIMES & OLD TIMERS
Smooth Steve Elkins’ Famous Handshake
Coverage and service you can count on.
56 JANUARY 2026
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Plan your JANUARY — Wildlife; Gelbvieh; advertisining fog r Joint Stockmen’s Convention Results the com year! FEBRUARY — Hereford; Beefmasters; Texas Longhorns MARCH — Limousin; Santa Gertrudis APRIL — Dairy MAY — News of the Day JUNE — Sheepman of the Year
Editorial Calendar
accepted the abolition of slavery and the numbered. In 1877 he married Hallie Davis, liberty of the black race only to attempt his the daughter of U. S. Senator Henry G. Davis enslavement by a system of vagrant laws of West Virginia, and he shortly moved his which, if executed, would consign the people law practice and political fortunes east. In to servitude no less terrible than slavery addition to a successful political career in itself.” West Virginia, Elkins did well in the ecoOne legislator reported that the southern nomic realm. He had amassed a considerable congressmen listened “with gleaming eyes fortune before he left New Mexico, and he and grinding teeth.” only added to it over the remainder of his life. Elkins returned to the chamber in time The town of Elkins, West Virginia, is named to see Burroughs receive considerable adu- after him. lation from his northern colleagues, so he He later served as Secretary of War in the joined in the chorus. He shook Burroughs’ Benjamin Harrison administration (1889hand and offered congratulations on a great 1893) and then two terms as U. S. Senator speech. Southern representatives didn’t from West Virginia, from 1895 until his appreciate the gesture, and the New Mexico death in 1911. He and his wife were promistatehood bill was as good as dead. It never nent in Washington, D. C. social circles for got out of the House Committee on Territo- many years. ries. One source reported that it failed by seven votes. * The original Santa Fe Ring, according to historian Many historians believe that the so-called William Keleher, was made up of Tom Catron, Robert Elkins handshake was simply an error in Longwill, H. L. Waldo, Frank Springer and Abe Staab, of both political parties. It existed, in one judgement; that he was indeed a strong sup- members form or another, from the years following the Civil porter of New Mexico statehood. Others, War until about 1885. Some would argue that it lasted though, think that he did it on purpose, considerably longer than that. If Elkins was not, strictly effectively killing his own bill. Statehood, speaking, a member, he was certainly associated with after all, would have dealt the Santa Fe Ring the group. a severe blow by eliminating many offices filled by political appointees and replacing them with elected officials. But Elkins’ days in New Mexico were
JULY — Directory of Agriculture AUGUST — The Horse Industry SEPTEMBER — Charolais; Fairs Across the
Southwest OCTOBER — Angus; Brangus; Red Angus;
NM State Fair Results NOVEMBER — Cattleman of the Year; Joint
Stockmen’s Convention Preview DECEMBER — Bull Buyers Guide
If you would like to see your breed featured email caren@aaalivestock.com To Reserve Advertising Space email chris@aaalivestock.com or call Chris at 505.243.9515, ext. 28
CAMPBELL SIMMENTALS BLACK SIMMENTALS & SIMANGUS
True High Altitude Bull Sale March 28, 2026 La Garita, CO - L-Cross Ranch Sale Facility
2005-06 SEEDSTOCK PRODUCER OF THE YEAR ROBERT & CHRIS CAMPBELL KYLE & KATIE WALTER 5690 CR 321, Ignacio, CO 81137 970/749-9708 • 970/749-0750 JANUARY 2026
57
Bill Bradley
and Trust of Memphis Board from 1970 through 1987 and on the Board of the Texas 6/3/31 — 12/14/25 A&M Experimental Ranch. Bill enjoyed ill J. Bradley passed away December 14, being involved in the various ranch-related 2025, after a lengthy illness in Wichita boards and making friends. In his retirement Falls, Texas. Graveside services are set years, he was active at the Vernon, Texas for December 22, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Western Trail Cowboy Church and truly Beaver Creek Cemetery, 14499 FM 2326 enjoyed his time there. We want to thank the Electra, Texas, and are being handled by wonderful staff at the Gables of Rolling Lunn’s Colonial Funeral Home Wichita Falls, Meadows for their continued kindness and Texas. TCU’s first Ranch Management class was care of Bill in his later years. Bill was born June 3, 1931, in Electra, hosted by Bradley 3 Ranch (B3R) which is Bill loved people and loved to visit. There Texas to Raymond Jack (Rusty) Bradley and one of two ranches to have hosted them was always a twinkle in his eye as he enjoyed Lois Cheney Bradley. He graduated from annually for all of their 70 years of their telling a good story. Bill was pleased to share Electra High School in 1948. He then program. his knowledge with young and old. He really attended Oklahoma A&M College graduatAngus cattle were added to the ranch in enjoyed the numerous young people who ing with a degree in Animal Husbandry in 1957, and Bill spent 40 years innovating and came to intern or work on the ranch. 1953. adding to the ranch. In 1957 he was recogBill was preceded in death by his wife, Upon graduation from Oklahoma A&M, nized by the Childress Chamber of Minnie Lou Bradley, his son Monte Jack (which later became Oklahoma State Univer- commerce as the top young rancher/farmer Bradley, and his parents Rusty Bradley and sity) he was commissioned as a Second in Childress County. In 1960 he was elected Lois Bradley. He is survived by daughter Lieutenant in the US Army serving in Korea. President of the West Texas Angus Associa- Mary Lou Bradley Henderson and husband He was discharged as a Captain in February tion and in 1973 President of the Texas James; grandson Raymand Jack Bradley and 1955 while continuing to serve in the Army Angus Association. He was elected to the granddaughter Mandy Ann Popejoy; sister Reserve until final discharge in 1959. Board of the American Angus Association MK Miller; nephews Phil, Pete, and Johnny Bill married Minnie Lou Ottinger on in 1974 where he served a three-year term. Miller along with great-grandchildren and March 5, 1955, and purchased a ranch in It was Bill’s research and analytical mind many friends. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be Childress County that became known as that led to the vast genetic improvement in made in Bill’s honor to the Beaver Creek Bradley 3 Ranch where he and Minnie Lou the B3R cow herd over the early decades. Cemetery, 13104 St. James Road, Vernon, settled until his retirement in 1997. In 1956 He served as a Director of the First Bank Texas 76384.
B
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U BAR RANCH
Producing southwestern Angus cattle that “Fit the Bill” • Performance in the feedlot and on the range. • Raising quality Registered Angus cattle since 1991. • Bulls available private treaty or at the annual Black Angus “Ready for Work” Bull Sale – March 9, 2026 - Belen, NM
58 JANUARY 2026
Fair Market Value
example would be when a farm passes through an estate to heirs. The heirs can Source: Southern Ag Today receive the ranch and farm assets at FMV he term ‘fair market value’ or (FMV) is (with what is known as a step-up in basis) often used in conversation or as part of without paying tax, but that means the FMV a calculation. The term itself conveys of the assets passing through must be some meaning, but what is the true determined. definition? Buyers and sellers often conduct some Fair market value is the price any asset due diligence before engaging in the market(land, machinery, equipment, etc.) would sell place. They may check public records of sale, for in an open market where the buyer and online listings, databases, or local markets seller are knowledgeable about the facts and to get an idea of what an asset’s value may be. reach an agreed-upon price. It is also These can all be examples of fair market assumed that the seller is not under a strong value. In certain situations, it may be necescompulsion to sell (i.e., that the seller is expe- sary for the fair market value to be a more riencing liquidity problems and is selling an ‘official’ number, which can be obtained asset quickly to get cash), which could lead through a qualified appraisal. Depending on to adverse outcomes. the assets involved, specific appraisals may In those instances, it may be that the seller be required. advertises the asset at a price to quickly For instance, an appraiser with experiattract a buyer that does not reflect the full ence in antiquities would not be the right value of the property. The same is true of the person for valuing rural land. An appraiser buyer, that they are not under an unneces- will consider factors such as comparable sary compulsion to buy. assets or sales, the ability of the asset to genFair market value appears in numerous erate income, and its current replacement contexts. It can arise in estate planning, tax cost. It is not an exact science, so results may preparation, contracts, or other legal situa- vary, or the process may provide a range of tions. It can play an important role in all of values. these. During such discussions, other terms Not always does a sale have to occur for such as original cost or basis may appear. At FMV determination to be necessary. One the time of purchase, the 1) original cost, 2)
T
FMV, and 3) basis are all essentially the same. Usually, this is the only time that happens. That is because after acquiring the asset, the cost will stay the same, but the FMV of the asset in the marketplace can change (either higher or lower), and the asset (except for land) will be depreciated or expensed. An example would be a rancher or farmer purchases a field implement for $10,000, which on that day is the cost, the FMV, and the basis in the asset. After 5 years, they are planning to sell the implement. The original cost is still $10,000, but let’s assume the FMV of the asset has declined to $7,000 (what it would currently sell for in the marketplace between a willing buyer and seller), and they have fully depreciated the item, giving them a basis of $0. This shows that while sometimes these terms are connected, they are different and used for different purposes. For ranches and farms, it is important to be able to understand and determine fair market values in the case of sales, purchases, transitions, negotiations, and planning. Ranches and farms can request help on these issues through trusted advisors such as lawyers, accountants, tax professionals, appraisers, and consultants.
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FOR SALE Commercial & SAMM Cross Rams Low Birth Weight Angus Bulls Richard Dunlap 575-649-8545 ridunlap@nmsu.edu www.corona.nmsu.edu
Animal & Range Sciences www.anrs.nmsu.edu | 575-646-2514 New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.
JANUARY 2026
59
a barn fire. Nice guy, but you didn’t sneak up snakes. When the gang rolled in — fifty loud on him. Some of what he saw over there still Harleys — my heart dropped clear to my rode shotgun in his head. boots. They stopped ten feet from our boys. I had a busted weld on my squeeze chute. Tiny was a walking offense to health stanTracy patched it up, and we were jawin’ about dards — three bills easy, shirtless, smoking by a Sandhills Vet in the how the war was goin’ sideways and how LBJ a joint, and flyin’ a collection of women’s Tradition of Baxter Black wouldn’t know a victory if it danced the two- underwear from his handlebars like battle step on his desk. flags. Then Burton, the sheriff, showed up. Six“Hello, Tiny,” Tracy said, walking up and ty-five, wiry, always looked like he knew pressing both barrels of a shotgun into Tiny’s more than he let on. But this time, he looked belly. Calm as a man ordering pie, he told worried. Tiny to ride out peaceful and not lay a finger “We got a problem,” he said — which is on another town or soul. “If I hear different,” never how you want a sheriff to start a Tracy said, “I’ll find you.” sentence. I reckon Tiny remembered the old days Turned out a rough biker gang from Iowa when he used to beat on Tracy back in their t was mid-August in the Nebraska Sand- was heading through in a few hours. Tore up hometown. But this wasn’t the same kid. hills. The kind of time when hayin’ runs Valentine pretty bad. Hospitalized some This was Tracy 2.0 — lean, mean, and done sunup to sundown and town feels emptier folks. Shot a couple cops, though no one died, takin’ punches. than a beer cooler after brandin’ day. With thank God. State patrol was tailing ‘em, Tiny nodded. “We’re leavin’.” And just school out and summer in full swing, most trying to escort them out before they caused like that, the engines roared back to life, and families were back out at the ranch, and more trouble. the gang rolled out, no harm done. Main Street looked like a ghost town wearing Tracy nodded. “Tiny?” When I finally made it down from the dust. “Yep,” Burton said. roof — legs a little rubbery — I looked at Now, every little town along Highway 20 Tracy muttered something I won’t print Tracy and asked, “You really knew that guy?” keeps one eye peeled come Sturgis rally week. and grabbed a stick of welding chalk, “Yep. He used to whip me every day after Most bikers are good folks — just loud and sketchin’ the gang’s formation right on the school. Today was my turn.” sunburned. But every now and then, one of concrete floor. “Tiny leads. Two lieutenants He handed Burton his tin badge and said, them outlaw clubs rides through like a bad behind. Then a six-wide row. Rest follow.” “This job don’t pay near enough.” storm, leavin’ busted heads and beer cans Then Burton did something wild. Said, “I Burton just grinned. “One hell of a story behind. don’t have a Bible, so this dictionary’ll do,” for your grandkids.” That particular week, the clinic was quiet. and swore us in as deputies. “Ain’t nobody I’d been out to Tracy’s shop — he was our else in town,” he added, like that was suplocal blacksmith, though these days he posed to help. mostly welded busted equipment. Big fella, Next thing I know, I’m up on the bank Tracy. Vietnam vet, built like a linebacker, roof with my Winchester and revolver, Tracy always in bib overalls with no shirt and a hat and Burton standing down on Main Street that looked like it’d survived two wars and like they were expecting a parade of rattleSANDHILL SHERIFFS AND SHOTGUN DIPLOMACY
Sturgis — Sandhills Standoff
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60 JANUARY 2026
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Oil and Gas Development Issues Water Rights/Water Quality/Water Disposal OCD Hearings Title/Boundary Disputes Easements/ Access issues Right-of-Way/Condemnation Permitting/ Leasing BLM, Forest Service, State Lands Mineral Development Business Dissolution/ Probate Ranch Sales/ Leases/ Purchases Wind & Solar Leases/ Pollution/ Environmental Gas
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marketplace ▫
SEEDSTOCK
GUIDE
SALES AND SERVICE, INC.
Mixing / Feeding Systems Trucks / Trailers / Stationary Units WES O’BRIEN • Cell 806/231-1102 800/525-7470 • 806/364-7470 www.bjmsales.com 3925 U.S. HWY 60, Hereford, TX 79045
Williams Windmill, Inc.
New Mexico Ranch Items and Service Specialist Since 1976 New Mexico Distributor for Aermotor Windmills
575/835-1630 • Fax: 575/838-4536 Lemitar, N.M. • williamswindmill@live.com
Bar J Bar
HEREFORD RANCH Since 1893 • Se Hable Español
BULLS & HEIFERS – PRIVATE TREATY TEXAS / N.M. RANCH: 5 Paseo de Paz Ln., El Paso, TX 79932 Jim: 915-479-5299 • Sue: 915-549-2534 OKLA. RANCH: Woods County, OK • barjbarherefords@aol.com
D V E RT I S E
Bradley 3 Ranch Ltd. 200 Angus Bulls Fancy Angus Females
in the New Mexico Stockman. Call: 505/243-9515. 62 JANUARY 2026
Patronize Our Advertisers
Annual Bull Sale February 14, 2026 at the Ranch NE of Estelline, TX M.L. Bradley, Cell: 940-585-6471
www.bradley3ranch.com
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T O L I S T Y O U R H E R D H E R E C O N T A C T C H R I S @ A A A L I V E S T O C K . C O M O R 5 0 5 - 2 4 3 - 9 5 1 5 , x . 28
BULLS FOR SALE At Private Treaty BOB & KAY ANDERSON • 575-421-1809 1995 STATE HWY 3, RIBERA, NM 87560
Sheldon Wilson • 575/451-7469
cell: 580-651-6000 – leave message
30th Annual Angus Bull Sale March 6, 2026 Maternal, Moderate Thick & Easy Fleshing Reliable Calving Ease
THE GARDNER FAMILY Bill Gardner 505-705-2856
www.manzanoangus.com
Casey
BEEFMASTERS seventy-seven years ! — 2nd Oldest Beefmaster Herd — — Highest IMF Herd in the Breed — — Most Fertile Herd in the Breed — — Closed Herd Since 1967 — CaseyBeefmasters.com Watt, Jr. 325/668-1373
Functional Cattle Sold PVT Treaty Muscled Virgin Bulls-CSS Semen
C Bar R A N C H SLATON, TEXAS
Charolais & Angus Bulls
TREY WOOD 806/789-7312 CLARK WOOD 806/828-6249 • 806/786-2078
CONNIFF CATTLE CO
.,
ANGUS Bulls - Cows - Heifers for Sale John & Laura Conniff 1500 Snow Road, Las Cruces, NM 88005 575/644-2900 • john@conniffcattle.com www.conniffcattle.com
Tom Robb & Sons T
Here The power of payweight starts with a registered Charolais bull. Superior weaning weight matters in your operation, and every pound translates to profit. Rely on the Payweight Specialist to deliver more dollars per head per calf weaned.
LLC
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Registered & Commercial
POLLED HEREFORDS Tom: 719-688-2334 719/456 -1149 Keith: 575-693-5329 34125 Rd. 20, McClave, CO robbherefords@gmail.com
JANUARY 2026
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seedstock guide ▫
gus Cattle Registered An
MAJOR
BEEFMASTERS A Division of Major Cattle Co., LLC
Bulls & Heifers
Raising Beefmaster Cattle Since 1982 Excellent Quality – Lasater Breeding
Quemado, NM • rick@hubbellranch.net
Danny Major 928/925-3710 P.O. Box 5128, Chino Valley, AZ 86323
Rick & Maggie Hubbell Mark Hubbell
505-469-1215
THOMPSON RANCH ANGUS BULLS AND HEIFERS REGISTERED & COMMERCIAL RANGE ACCLIMATED
Clark anvil ranCh Reg. Herefords, Salers & Optimizers BULL SALE - APRIL 8, 2026 La Junta Livestock – La Junta, CO
WWW.THOMPSONRANCH.NET MOUNTAINAIR, NEW MEXICO RANCH: 575-423-3313 • CELL: 505-818-7284
A
CLINTON CLARK 32190 Co. Rd. S., Karval, CO 80823 719-446-5223 • 719-892-0160 Cell cathikclark@gmail.com
D V E RT I S E
in the New Mexico Stockman. Call: 505/243-9515.
www.ClarkAnvilRanch.com www.olsoncattle.com
14th Annual Production Sale March 26, 2026
RED ANGUS
Bulls & Replacement Heifers
2-Year Old Reg. Limousin Bulls Proven Genetics, range ready! - Selling over 250+ head annually
Running Creek Ranch
575-659-9202 2022 N. Turner, Hobbs, NM 88240
www.lazy-d-redangus.com
JOE FREUND 303-341-9311 JOEY FREUND 303-475-6062
Rancher to Rancher Bulls Ready to Work
PAT KELLEY 303-840-1848 Reg. Bulls &
ate Treaty Heifers Priv ngus.net
4gmountaina
Patrick Gomez • patrick_4g@yahoo.com • 915-801-9597 • 915-490-1817
SEEDSTOCK GUIDE
TO LIST YOUR HERD HERE CONTACT CHRIS@AAALIVESTOCK.COM OR 505-243-9515, x.28
64 JANUARY 2026
CANDY TRUJILLO Capitan, NM 575-354-2682 480-208-1410
RANCH RAISED
Semen Sales AI Supplies AI Service
MOUNTAIN RAISED
WINSTON, NEW MEXICO Russell Freeman • Kelly Waide & Ryan Waide
575-743-6904
▫ seedstock guide
T O L I S T Y O U R H E R D H E R E C O N T A C T C H R I S @ A A A L I V E S T O C K . C O M O R 5 0 5 - 2 4 3 - 9 5 1 5 , x . 28
GRAU RANCH CHAROLAIS HEIFERS & BULLS FOR SALE 575-760-7304
WESLEY GRAU www.grauranch.com
PARKER BRANGUS Private Treaty Sales at the Ranch Registered & Commercial
“Brangus Raised the Commercial Way”
DIANE PARKER
P.O. Box 146, 1700 N. Parker Rd., San Simon, AZ 85632 Diane’s Cell: 520-403-1967 • Bus: 520-845-2411 Email: jddiane@vtc.net Jacob Brown - Cell: 520-780-7937
McPHERSON HEIFER BULLS ½ Corriente, ½ Angus bulls. All Solid Black Virgins ½ Corriente, ½ Angus Bred Heifers & Young Pairs Solid Black Matt • 806/292-1035 Steve • 806/292-1039 Lockney, Texas • Claude, Texas Columbus, New Mexico
WIDNER ANGUS FARM
Melrose, NM
Selling Registered Black Angus Bulls & Heifers Low Birth Weight • Moderate Framed • Thick Made Jamie Widner • 575-799-3348
JANUARY 2026
65
REAL ESTATE GUIDE
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■ MOUNTAIN TOP RANCH — located east of Piñon, NM, in between the Lincoln National Forest and the Guadalupe National Forest. This ranch is 100% deeded land, which allows for a sportsman’s hunting ranch with endless possibilities. This ranch consists of 5,366+/- acres of deeded land. 3 homes, 4 barns, spotting blinds, airplane runway, dog kennels, hennery, six pastures, two traps, two wells 60,000 gallons water storage, 8 miles of pipeline, troughs with storage tanks & dirt tanks. The highest elevation of the ranch is 6,388+/- feet above sea level w/the lowest elevation is 5,500+/- feet located in Chaves county of southeastern New Mexico. Exclusively listed w/Keith Brownfield Priced at $5,600,000 ■ AKELA RANCHES — located along I-10 between Las Cruces & Deming, NM 18,467 total acres spread across 28 sections +/- deeded 66+/acres, blm land 7,646+/- acres, state land 5,190+/acres, city of Deming 1,260 acres+/-, adverse land 4,305+/- acres. The ranch is equipped with two sets of corrals and 4 wells w/adequate storage. Priced at $1,200,000 ■ NORTH COLUMBUS LEASE — located between Deming & Columbus, NM 23 sections 15,008 +/acres 472.39 +/- acres of deeded land, BLM 403+/acres, state land 790+/- acres, 13,343+/- acres of adverse land. Two wells, two dirt tanks, two sets of corrals. Priced at $900,000
D V E RT I S E
ANTELOPE RUN RANCH, ROSWELL, NM Discover the perfect blend of ranch life, recreation, and investment opportunity with this 737 acre property nestled in the heart of New Mexico ranch country. With 2,800 feet of Hwy 70 road frontage, rolling terrain, and breathtaking views of Capitan Mountain, this property is an ideal candidate for your dream retreat and outdoor living. Excellent new water well producing approximately 40 gallons per minute. New electric line ready for home build and development. Antelope Creek runs through the property enhancing both wildlife habitat and scenic value. Rolling hills and native grasses, perfect for grazing and outdoor recreation. Prime wildlife area, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. For More Information, Michelet Homestead Realty, Roswell, NM
Check Our Website For Our Listings — michelethomesteadrealty.net Cherri Michelet Snyder Qualifying Broker 920 East 2nd, Roswell, NM 88201 • 575-623-8440 FARMS, RANCHES, DAIRIES, HORSE & COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES — Satisfied Customers Are My Best Advertisement
66 JANUARY 2026
SCOTT MCNALLY www.ranchesnm.com 575/622-5867 575/420-1237 Ranch Sales & Appraisals
Chip Cole rAnch Broker
— Petroleum Building — 14 e. Beauregard Ave., Suite 201 San Angelo, texas 76903-5831 ofc.: 325/655-3555
SIERRA MADRE RANCH PATAGONIA, AZ —
in the New Mexico Stockman. Call: 505/243-9515.
Contact Cherri Michelet Snyder – 575-626-1913 or Jan “JJ’’ Graham – 806-782-1986
Bar M Real Estate
Consisting of 50 deeded acres and 21,607 acres of Coronado Nat. Forest grazing acres. 350 head yearlong, beautiful owners home, and Improvements. High Rainfall area. Live water, Many improved springs. Priced at $4,950,000
D L SO
I have many qualified Buyers looking for Ranches. Give me a call If you are looking to Buy or Sell a Ranch or Farm in Southwestern NM or Southern AZ give us a call ...
Sam Hubbell, Qualifying Broker 520-609-2546
Ranchers working for Ranchers - it’s not just a business, it’s our way of life. NEW LISTING! McKeen Ranch and Farm in Alma, NM OFFERED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER 100 YEARS - Located on the banks of the San Francisco River, the ranch offers a rare opportunity to own one of the finest small cattle ranches in western New Mexico. Consisting of almost 500 acres of deeded land and the USFS Cedar Breaks grazing allotment, the McKeen Farm & Ranch is easily accessible The property has been operated as a cattle ranch and hay farm but offers multifaceted opportunities. With secured irrigation rights out of the San Francisco River, the fertile soil can support a multitude of crops or a preppers paradise. Its location is ideal for a corporate retreat, dude ranch, summer camp, wedding venue or a base for big game hunting in the Gila Wilderness. The 145 head USFS forest allotment is contiguous to the Ranch and the current owners supplement cattle income with the sale of hay. The ranch is enrolled in the E-Plus elk tag program providing additional recreational opportunity and potential income streams. Offered at $8,300,000 Shelley Ranch in Queen Creek, AZ 8,000 acres of fully fenced Arizona State Lease Land which is crossed fenced and adequately watered using secured water rights from the CAP canal. This ranch is low cost to operate and provides enough winter feed to historically run between 1500-2000 steers most winters from January May. The comprehensive set of working corrals allows for large volumes of cattle to be handled and weighed and shipped in a smooth and timely manner. Offered at $1,650,000 NEW LISTING! Uncle Bill’s Bar in Reserve, NM Situated within the vast Gila National Forest, Uncle Bill’s is ideally located to serve a steady flow of hunters, hikers, campers, and travelers with seasonal income increases. With approximately 4,100 sq ft under roof, you will find two full bars, booths, pool tables, stage, karaoke machine, numerous storage areas, an upstairs and multiple coolers. The building itself sits on an .19+/- acre parcel that is tied to a commercial area conveniently located in Reserve and at the junction of NM State Roads 12 ND 435. Offered at $1,700,000 IN ESCROW! Whitewater Mesa Ranch & Air ield in Glenwood, NM With easy access this multi-faceted property spans 764.9 deeded acres on top of Whitewater Mesa at the base of the Mogollon Mountains. The property features extensive improvements including a classic sitebuilt home with extensive 360 degree views of the majestic surrounding area, a two runway registered airfield with hangars, RV hookups, an apartment, and substantial cattle working facilities.This property has historically run up to 25 CYL Offered at $1,700,000
Woodruff Farm in Woodruff, AZ Turn-key farm located in the beautiful small town of Woodruff, Arizona. The farm includes a newly constructed 4500 sq ft. masonry barn with electric and water, large enough to store yearly hay production. Attached is a newer two bedroom home which is well-constructed, insulated, quiet and comfortable with all the modern amenities. Above the home, two unfinished, rough framed 750 sq. ft studio apartments are located which can be finished with minimal expense. Seller has established 54 acres of alfalfa/grass watered by historic Woodruff Irrigation District. Tractors and attachments may be included with the right offer. Offered at $1,550,000 NEW LISTING! Bourdon Ranch Farm in Snow Lake, AZ Amazing opportunity in a growing area of the White Mountains! Approximately 180 acres including 45 acres planted in permanent pasture. Bring your animals and create your own ranch or farm or invest in a great piece of property to subdivide. Fantastic water area, great soil and welcoming neighborhood. Parcel features amazing views, and is located above the Coconino Aquifer for abundant, clean water. Just off a paved road and close to Show Low. Offered at $1,800,000 NEW LISTING! River’s Edge Farm in Pleasanton, New Mexico The River’s Edge Farm offers everything today’s homesteader or retiree could want: privacy, self-sufficiency, and natural beauty. With approximately 36 acres and over 11 acres of irrigation rights dating back to the 1880s, this rare property combines historic water security with modern comfort. The custom passive solar adobe home (approx. 1,700 sq. ft.) built in 2013, blends rustic Southwest charm with thoughtful efficiency. Offered at $995,000 NEW LISTING! Leist Homestead in Seligman, AZ 22 miles north of Seligman, Arizona sits this stunning, private, 626 acre gentlemen’s ranch in Yavapai County with premium grazing, fully equipped with all cattle and horse facilities. Winding gravel drive off Route 66 leads to a well appointed 4 bedroom 2 bathroom house, finished with immaculately kept landscaping around the house and endless views of the Aubrey Cliffs. Offered at $1,750,000 NEW LISTING! Sierra Verde Ranch located in Seligman, AZ Step into self-sufficient living on this 37.55-acre turnkey homestead was built for true independence. The property features a productive greenhouse, fenced acreage, a high-cube conex storage unit, a Quonset workshop, and a 30’ x 16’ underground bunker ideal for root storage and emergency preparedness. A robust 48-volt solar system paired with a backup generator powers the well-maintained home, which offers spacious living, a bright kitchen, and a full Arizona room. Surrounded by mountain views, wildlife, and open-range access, this is a rare opportunity for anyone seeking a modern, off-grid homestead built for resilience and long-term sustainability. Offered at $595,000
Buying or Selling . . . Call Our Team Today ! WWW.AGLANDSSW.COM
928-830-9127
67 JANUARY 2026
Tamra Kelly, Broker
Check Out Our Listings!
JANUARY 2026
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www.scottlandcompany.com Riding for the brand... is our time-honored tradition.
REAL ESTATE GUIDE
REDUCED 160 +/- Acre, San Simon Pistachio Orchard 50 Acres of third leaf Pistachio trees and 110 acres of second leaf trees. Planted and developed with best farming practices. USDA compliant. Irrigation well capable of producing 1,000+ gpm. Well currently equipped with an 8” submersible producing 625 gpm from 350’. $2,295,000. Call Harry Owens. Prime 39.81+/- Acre Parcel In the rolling grasslands of Elgin, AZ, a celebrated winegrowing region. Mild year-round climate at an elevation of 4,800’ ideal for homesteading, winery, equestrian pursuits or the peace and quiet of country living. Just 30 minutes from major services. $378,195.00 8+/- Ac, Equestrian Estate, Sonoita, AZ 3,472+/- s.f. home, 5-BR, 3-BA, vaulted ceilings, 3 fireplaces, private office with custom cabinetry, 6-stall horse stable with tack and feed rooms, round pen, outdoor pens, turnout area, fully fenced, 2 pastures, arena panels ready to go, shop 36’ x 36’; totally solar powered, grid tied as backup. $1.25M. Owner/Broker.
RECENTLY SOLD Ranches/Farms Horse Properties/Land Hale Ranch, Patagonia, AZ 10± Acre Country Estate – Sonoita, AZ 218+/- Acres and 60 Head USFS Grazing Allotment. Sold prior to Hilltop home with mountain auction. views, stable, shop, orchard, water features. Sold at 472± Acre Organic Apple Orchard (5 auction. Tracts) Includes processing facilities, retail Pearce, AZ – Four Offerings at center, two homes, wells, and the Foot of Dragoon Mountains apple trees. Sold at auction. Lot 1: 3BR/2BA custom territorial-style home on 305± Acres – Ash Creek, Pearce, AZ 5.5± acres. Lots 3 & 4: Three Organic potential, cleared of vacant 1± acre land parcels. mesquites, FAA landing strip, two Sold prior to auction. wells, fenced/cross-fenced.
Auctions are gaining momentum like never before—delivering faster results, competitive prices, and real-time excitement. We’re seeing more buyers, more sellers and more success with every auction! Feel free to call us if we can help you accelerate the selling process. Nancy Belt, Broker 520-221-0807 Harry Owens 602-526-4965 Paul Ramirez 520-241-3333
STOCKMENSREALTY.COM 68 JANUARY 2026
Ben G. Scott – Broker Krystal M. Nelson – NM QB 800-933-9698 5:00 a.m./10:00 p.m.
RANCH & FARM REAL ESTATE We need listings on all types of ag properties large or small!
■ UNION COUNTY, NM — divided into three tracts for rotational grazing
of 1,822 ac. +/- enrolled in the new Grasslands Conservation Reserve Program & 120 ac. +/- of the property in the standard CRP program. GCRP can be grazed year-round each year. Excellent fencing, one mile of hwy. frontage together with all-weather roads on the remainder, equipped with almost new set of steel working pens with scale, a second set of almost new working pens, watered by subs on electricity with pipelines furnishing water for drinkers in each pasture. Gramma & buffalo grasses. Broker owned. ■ UNION COUNTY, NM — Just out of Clayton, a large feedyard w/four circles irrigated by ¼ mile sprinklers, five irr. wells, one domestic well for office & feedyard & just across the hwy. an 800 ac. grass lease. ■ GUADALUPE CO., NM — Escape to wide-open freedom on the Old Route 66 Ranch — 1,540 acres of rolling hills, native pastures, and rugged beauty nestled halfway between Santa Rosa and Tucumcari, New Mexico. Just minutes off I-40 near Newkirk, perfect for ranchers, hunters, and outdoor lovers alike, this Guadalupe County gem offers room to run cattle, space to roam, and unforgettable views in every direction. Sheltering terrain draws in wildlife, making this property the real deal for those who crave privacy, purpose and the outdoors. Privacy, potential, and panoramic skies — give us a call to walk the land and make it yours. ■ QUAY COUNTY ALFALFA AND LIVESTOCK — 255.474 ± acres a few miles southeast of Tucumcari, NM in Quay County. A total of 112.3 ± acres irrigated, 107 ± acres of native grassland, and 40 ± acres of dry farmland is combined with a 20’ x 80’ shop with concrete flooring and electricity. ■ REEVES CO., TX — Organic alfalfa farm, producing mineral, feedlot, rock quarry, 2,777 acres +/-. ■ TELL TX HALF SECTION — 320 ± acres just a few miles south of Tell, TX on the northern end of Cottle County. With the majority of the ranch being native pasture, it lends itself to grazing opportunities, hunting or recreational use. Along with perimeter and interior fencing, a 60 ± acre portion of the property is tilled ground. ■ MULESHOE HOME AND FARM — Irrigated farm of 160 ± acres with a 2017 built home in Bailey County 4.5 miles west of Muleshoe on FM 1760. The home has 3 br, 2 ba and an office. Other improvements on the property include a 4,032 sq.ft. pole barn with attached shed housing horse pens and cattle working pens. A 5 tower Zimmatic center pivot irrigates approximately 70 acres with three irrigation wells equipped with submersible pumps producing a total of approximately 150 GPM. ■ MCLEAN HWY. 273 RANCH — Gray Co., Tx. – Multi-purpose ranch, 595 +/- acres, good perimeter fencing, 1 mile hwy. frontage, located 1 ½ miles north of McLean. ■ PRICE REDUCED! CHOICE 320 ac.+/-, irrigated farm, w/pivot sprinklers, irrigation wells & an older home which would be liveable or could be moved. Located on pvmt. in prime farming area of Castro Co., TX. ■ PRICE REDUCED! DALLAM CO, TX — 1,216.63 ac. +/- of CRP/ ranchland w/irrigation, re-development potential, wells & pipelines already in place. ■ COCHRAN CO., TX. — 160 ac. +/- native grass, existing oil production. The tract is located roughly 21 miles north of Plains, Texas and 32 miles southwest of Whiteface, Texas. Mule deer in the area. Good small hunting, grazing ranch. ■ CLAYTON, NM. — 44 acres located approx.. 2 miles south of Clayton, NM on Hwy 87 on the East side of the highway. This property has about ½ mile of highway frontage and would be great for residential housing, commercial development or addtl. RV development (adjoins the 16.75 ac. RV park). ■ PALO DURO CREEK TREASURE — 941 acres +/- in Randall Co. NW of Canyon, TX. STUNNING VIEWS OVER LOOKING PALO DURO CREEK. Turn key cow/calf operation w development potential. Property includes: 3/3/3 ranch style home, 4 wells, large shop plus shed, enclosed livestock working facility w/ hydraulic chute, livestock pens & shed, miles of 5 & 6 barbed wire fence & over 7000’ of pipe fence. YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS! Canyon School District.
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O’NEILL LAND, llc
REAL ESTATE GUIDE
P.O. Box 145, Cimarron, NM 87714 • 575/376-2341 • Fax: 575/376-2347 land@swranches.com • www.swranches.com
MIAMI 80+/- ACRES, 3 BAR LAZY 7 RANCH, Colfax bedroom, 2 bathroom home County, Moreno Valley 594.38 with water shares, roping +/- deeded acres, accessed off arena, steel barn with shop. blacktop between Eagle Nest Other historic barns, Pipe cor- and Angel Fire. Historic headrals. Far enough off road to quarters. Currently used as be private. Includes 80 shares summer grazing, pond and of irrigation 2350 SHW 21, trees accessed off county road Miami NM 87729. $569,999 on rear of property as well. MIAMI PRIVATE 80, Presented “ASIS” New Survey, Located ¼ mile off blacktop $3,800,000 $3,629,000 with dedicated easement, 80 +/- deeded acres, large barn, small sleep out, buried utili- MAXWELL FARM, 320 ties, domestic water meter, 80 +/- Deeded acres, 180.80 shares of irrigation and septic Irrigable acres, center pivot, able to handle a 3 bedroom mid 2000’s modular home, home. Some of the best views two water meters, two barns in Miami. 2050 HWY 21, and one large insulated shop Miami NM 87729.$559,000 on concrete slab. $848,000
James Sammons III Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma & Missouri Broker
214.701.1970 jamessammons.com jsammons@briggsfreeman.com 3131 Turtle Creek Blvd. | 4th Floor Dallas, Texas 75219 Ranch and Land Division
SERVING THE RANCHING INDUSTRY SINCE 1920 www.chassmiddleton.com 5016 122nd STREET LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79424 • 806-763-5331 Sam Middleton 817-304-0504 • Charlie Middleton 806-786-0313 Jim Welles 505-967-6562 • Dwain Nunez 505-263-7868
SPECIALIZING IN FARMS, RANCHES AND LUXURY HOMES
M ORE HUST L E , L E SS HAS S L E RUIDOSO — 575-258-8656 • FT. SUMNER — 575-355-2855 OUR BROKERS: Keli Cox • 575-937-4616 Nick Cortese • 575-760-3818 Kelly Sparks • 575-760-9214 Rye Richardson • 575-430-0777
70 JANUARY 2026
Jymmy Kay Cox • 512-921-8877 Donda Richardson • 575-937-1056 Jackie Higgins • 806-787-5814 Jenna Lawrence• 575-937-8849 Dixie Brown • 575-937-1049
Lance and Kristen Knight │ Springerville, Arizona │ www.diamondkangus.com │ 928-521-3353 Low Birth Weight Heifer Bulls Top Genetics Over 150 Bulls Sold Annually High Altitude Genetics Rock Footed and Range Raised Our registered cows raise calves and breed back on 6-8” of annual precipitation in 6-9 head/section country No irrigated pastures. No creep feed. Semen available through ABS Global on our bull “LKK Crusher 719” owned jointly with ABS Global & F6 Cattle Company Free Delivery in the Western U.S. For Volume Purchases
Bulls Available At: Arizona Elite Angus Bull Sale, Marana Stockyards February 28, 2026 Willcox Livestock Auction Bull Sale TBD Cattlemen’s Weekend Bull Sale - Chino Valley, AZ March 13-15, 2026 Private Treaty at the Ranch Available bulls can be viewed at www.diamondkangus.com “LKK Crusher 719”
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VIEW FROM THE BACKSIDE by Barry Denton
Leave Us Alone, But!
T
his is some cattle market, but many times our federal and state governments get it all wrong. Lately, the feds have been trying to get the price of beef in the store down where it is more affordable for the consumer. I agree that would be a nice thing to do, but I fail to see how the federal government can do that. The first thing that President Trump proposed was for the ranchers to increase the size of their herds. Certainly, a very common-sense solution to a shortage problem, but Mr. Trump was missing the point. It does not work that way in reality as we all know. His next thought was to import more beef
from Argentina. Once again, a typical com- markets work”. mon-sense solution to a supply problem. While I agree with his premise, I do think However, not the best solution for the Amer- we need the government to investigate the ican rancher. “big four” corporations controlling the What was not being addressed here was market. If the ranchers had any power at all the fact that we have four large corporations they would be controlling the “big four” including Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and themselves. National Beef, controlling the American beef While we are getting the first good price market. The rancher gets very little say in the for cattle in about 40 years, look at where our price of beef. It is almost hard to fathom how costs have gone for raising them. Another little influence American ranchers have on thing to consider in the West, is what a conthe beef price. stant annoyance running cattle on public Where do we go from here? Thankfully, lands has become. the Trump administration recently launched Number one, the government has been an investigation into these four large eliminating and reducing grazing leases, corporations. plus they like to continually harass the The Arizona Commerce Authority puts rancher with absurd grazing plans. How the market value of cattle above 700 million many more pencil pushers should we have dollars. That means that there are 980,000 to put up with? cows and calves here. Patrick Bray the execI hope and would encourage the Trump utive vice president of the Arizona Farm and Administration to clean out the environmenRanch Group put it this way, “When you look tal whack jobs ensconced within the Bureau at how the whole system works, imports of Land Management as well as the United from Argentina is, a blip on the market”. States Forest Service. Can you just imagine He does not think it will have an impact if we got back to sensible grazing plans, and on lowering prices and local ranchers are common-sense management of grazing against the proposal. Mr. Bray went on to leases? add, “I think for the beef industry, we would I remember when the USFS tried to help prefer not to have any government interven- the rancher rather than alienate them. Yes, tion for or against our markets, let our while I agree that we need to keep government out of our livelihoods, we need this new administration to correct the abuse we have been taking from previous administrations. They just may get this accomplished for us as this President works 10 times harder than any other in recent years. As ranchers, we need to get them headed in the right direction. I know they have been cleaning out several government agencies. Let’s make sure and get the ones that affect us cleaned out. The fastest and best way is to leave your thoughts at: whitehouse.gov/contact
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SALE EVERY TUESDAY 11 AM D V E RT I S E
Bill Martin: 970-302-5834 Office: 806-677-0777 in the New Mexico Stockman. Call: 505/243-9515. 72 JANUARY 2026
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(575) 502-0013 SANTA TERESA, NM
facebook.com/people/ Rafter-G-Ranch-SupplyLLC/100063622261519
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Phone: 806-655-3033 • 325-554-7434 Cell: 806-683-4613 • steve@expressscale.com www.expressscale.com
Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine Earns Full Accreditation
T
exas Tech University’s School of Veterinary Medicine has officially been granted the status of Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE). This makes the School of Veterinary Medicine one of only 31 veterinary schools to be fully accredited in the U.S. “This achievement marks a defining moment for Texas Tech University and for veterinary education in Texas,” said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. “Accreditation affirms the quality of our faculty, the dedication of our students and the innovative model that has guided the School of Veterinary Medicine from the beginning. This recognition reflects years of hard work and collaboration and reinforces our commitment to serving the needs of rural and regional communities across the state. I congratulate Dean (Guy) Loneragan and all the faculty, staff and students who have contributed to this achievement.” Being granted the status of accredited marks the transition from a developing program to one that is nationally recognized for meeting standards, missions and goals. It also provides assurance for students that the education provided will prepare them for their licensure to practice as a veterinarian in the U.S. The school’s journey toward accreditation began by leaning heavily on the expertise of John Dascanio, professor of theriogenology for the School of Veterinary Medicine. With years of experience, he joined the school in 2019 as the senior associate dean for student and academic affairs to help build the vet school and contributed greatly to the accreditation process that began eight years ago. The school was established in 2018 with a singular purpose to serve the veterinary educational and service needs of rural and regional communities and provide access to affordable, high-quality education. In August 2021, the school opened its door to welcome the inaugural class. In May 2025, the school graduated its first class with 97 percent passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and 95 percent entering veterinary practices serving rural and regional communities.
Phone: 806-655-3033 • 325-554-7434 Phone: 806-655-3033 • 325-554-7434 Cell:Cell: 806-683-4613 • steve@expressscale.com 806-683-4613 • steve@expressscale.com Phone: 806-655-3033 • 325-554-7434 www.expressscale.com www.expressscale.com
Cell: 806-683-4613 • steve@expressscale.com www.expressscale.com 74 JANUARY 2026
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Texas’ Only Hereford Operation West of the Rio Grande
Jim, Sue, Jeep, Meghan & Jake Darnell
The Darnells Continue 132-Year-Old a Family Tradition of Raising Good-Doin’ Hereford Cattle
TEXAS/NEW MEXICO RANCH 5 Paseo De Paz Lane, El Paso, TX 79932
HIGH QUALITY 2-YEAR-OLD BULLS AVAILABLE
Jim 915-479-5299 Sue 915-549-2534 Email: barjbarherefords@aol.com OKLAHOMA RANCH Woods County, Oklahoma
Hereford Ranch Since 1893
Bulls & Heifers For Sale at Private Treaty
Se Habla Español JANUARY 2026
75
House Passes Historic Bipartisan NEPA Reform Legislation
EVERY WEDNESDAY @ 10:30 575-635-4173
MORE INFO
12000 STERN DR. MESQUITE, NM 88048
“We strive to market your livestock to their fullest potential”
CATTLE
SHEEP
GOATS
CONNIFF CATTLE CO. LLC We are always trying to find new genetics that could improve our herd.
TEX Playbook 5437 16K
Call John 575-644-2900 or email john@conniffcattle.com John Conniff • Laura Mathers Conniff • 1500 Snow Road, Las Cruces, NM 88005
76 JANUARY 2026
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he U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 4776, the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act, introduced by Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Arkansas) and U.S. Representative Jared Golden (D-Maine). Chairman Westerman issued the following statement: “The passage of the SPEED Act is a win for America. For too long, America’s broken permitting process has stifled economic growth and innovation. To build the infrastructure needed to deliver affordable energy to American families and defend against 21st-century threats, we must fix this process. The SPEED Act will encourage investment, bring certainty to permitting, end abusive litigation, and allow America to build again. I thank my colleague, Representative Golden, for working with me on this bipartisan victory. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to act quickly and send the SPEED Act to President Trump’s desk. We cannot wait any longer.” The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a procedural law that sets guidelines for evaluating the environmental impact of all major federal actions and established the Council on Environmental Quality. The procedural requirements in NEPA apply to all major federal actions, including the construction of critical infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, highways, ports, irrigation systems, forest management, transmission lines, energy projects, broadband, and water infrastructure. Although well-intentioned, NEPA reviews have become cumbersome and time-consuming, driving up costs and delaying permit approvals. Special interest groups often exploit the statute to block critical investments nationwide, making it America’s most litigated environmental law. The SPEED Act will modernize NEPA to make the permitting process faster and restore the law’s original purpose as a procedural statute. The bill aims to reduce permitting timelines and prevent unnecessary litigation. It will also streamline the analysis required in NEPA documents, easing the burden placed on agencies and builders alike. Additionally, the bill clarifies when NEPA is triggered by defining “Major Federal Action.” Finally, it modifies the judicial review process under NEPA by establishing a 150-day limit for NEPA claims and stopping procedural delays from blocking and stalling projects. The SPEED Act has support from over 375 organizations representing all 50 states.
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Cattle Bred for OPTIMUM GENETIC Performance
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*ANGUS *POLLED *HORNED
Hooper attle Company
View Bulls @www.hoopercattlecompany.com
RN E D HO
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Over 70 Years Raising Q uality Seedstock
— Registered Herefords & Black Angus —
9/7/25 205 D. W.W.
EPDs
BULLS 11 Polled 22 Angus 3 Horned TAG # SIRE BREED B.DATE
B.W.
W.W.
ADJ.WT RATIO
W.D.A.
B.W.
W.W.
Y.W.
MILK
M&G
403
PB
ANGUS 11/28/2024
78
665
N/A
2.34
1.3
69
118
26
N/A
404
PB
ANGUS 11/28/2024
64
615
N/A
N/A
2.17
1.2
54
94
25
N/A
409
PB
ANGUS 12/7/2024
79
660
N/A
N/A
2.41
0.2
58
101
27
N/A
4010
15
POLLED 12/7/2024
74
490
399
94
1.79
1.4
48
80
26
50
411
PB
ANGUS 12/7/2024
73
635
N/A
N/A
2.32
1.2
51
88
27
N/A
412
15
POLLED 12/7/2024
78
570
492
116
2.08
3.3
56
90
23
51
416
PB
ANGUS 12/9/2024
90
810
N/A
N/A
2.98
2.2
71
122
30
N/A
423
PB
ANGUS 12/12/2024
76
650
N/A
N/A
2.42
0.3
57
100
26
N/A
429
10
POLLED 12/15/2024
70
415
394
93
1.56
1.8
51
85
28
53
435
15
HORNED 12/17/2024
98
535
444
105
2.02
3.9
48
80
22
46
437
PB
ANGUS 12/18/2024
88
595
N/A
N/A
2.26
2.0
53
97
25
N/A
442
PB
ANGUS 12/18/2024
81
550
N/A
N/A
2.09
2.2
54
97
28
N/A
445
PB
ANGUS 12/19/2024
80
680
N/A
N/A
2.60
0.9
61
104
25
N/A
446
15
POLLED 12/19/2024
74
455
387
91
1.73
2.5
46
76
26
49
449
PB
ANGUS 12/20/2024
65
475
N/A
N/A
1.82
-0.3
56
104
26
N/A
5112
PB
ANGUS 1/17/2025
95
790
N/A
N/A
3.39
3.3
76
123
27
N/A
5115
03
POLLED 1/20/2025
90
520
482
99
2.26
4.5
58
92
22
51
N/A
5119
09
HORNED 1/26/2025
78
525
490
101
2.34
1.5
45
71
27
49
5122
18
ANGUS 1/28/2025
80
670
N/A
N/A
3.02
1.9
74
129
24
N/A
5203
PB
ANGUS
2/3/2025
92
580
N/A
N/A
2.69
3.1
62
109
24
N/A
5204
18
ANGUS
2/4/2025
84
680
N/A
N/A
3.16
3.0
81
144
23
N/A
5205
920
POLLED 2/6/2025
84
520
501
103
2.44
-0.2
50
76
29
54
5207
10
POLLED 2/8/2025
84
425
463
95
2.01
3.3
57
91
28
57
5210
PB
ANGUS 2/11/2025
82
600
N/A
N/A
2.88
1.5
66
113
25
N/A
5212
GF
ANGUS 2/12/2025
80
590
N/A
N/A
2.84
0.5
71
123
23
N/A
5214
87
HORNED 2/19/2025
84
535
528
109
2.61
2.2
62
101
30
61
5217
920
POLLED 2/21/2025
78
525
528
109
2.65
-1.8
43
66
32
53
5219
18
ANGUS 2/22/2025
78
605
N/A
N/A
3.07
0.8
71
127
25
N/A
5220
PB
ANGUS 2/23/2025
78
535
N/A
N/A
2.73
0.4
58
100
26
N/A
5221
PB
ANGUS 2/24/2025
74
435
N/A
N/A
2.23
0.8
60
110
22
N/A
5222
03
POLLED 2/27/2025
94
425
450
93
2.21
4.1
56
88
21
49
5223
10
POLLED 2/27/2025
74
380
436
90
1.98
1.4
50
81
24
49
5224
18
ANGUS 2/28/2025
85
450
N/A
N/A
2.36
2.9
55
105
22
N/A
5301
PB
ANGUS
3/5/2025
83
625
N/A
N/A
3.36
2.8
77
130
28
N/A
5304
18
ANGUS 3/21/2025
72
520
N/A
N/A
3.06
0.3
67
116
22
N/A
5401
10
POLLED 4/15/2025
78
350
473
n/a
2.41
3.8
60
97
26
56
Also available private treaty, at this time, are female littermates, and a few cow/calf pairs. EPDs & TPR Records available on all cattle. Range-raised, rugged, rock-footed at over 7,600 ft. elevation. Bulls & Open & Bred Females For Sale at Private Treaty at the Ranch GUARANTEED SOUND & FERTILE STEVE & DEBBIE HOOPER · 575/773-4535 · FAX 575/773-4583 · 276 HOOPER RANCH RD., QUEMADO, NM 87829 JANUARY 2026
77
Cowboy Hat Etiquette & the Superstitions that Come With It by Heidi Crnkovic, Associate Editor, AGDAYLY, 2025
B
y May, not just flowers start blooming all over the countryside — so do straw cowboy hats. Traditionally, the transition from felt to straw hats happens at Easter and lasts up to Labor Day, which coincides with rising temperatures and longer days. But as is typical with all things cowboy, practicality trumps tradition. Some swap out simply depending on the weather rather than the calendar. For example, when I was a kid and riding in the wilderness in the summers, I discovered that felt hats may be warmer, but they also handle thunderstorms and hail considerably better than straw. When you find yourself in a mountain rainstorm, a felt hat can keep your head dry and offer some insulation. Straw hats, on the other hand, are designed to be light and breezy — ideal for scorching heat on the plains or in the branding pen.
However, etiquette and seasonal decorum do matter, especially in Western society, where the apparel on your head says a lot about who you are and what you care about.
Cowboy hat etiquette 101 Wearing a cowboy hat is not just a function of shading the sun or completing a look — it’s a manifestation of respect, heritage, and identity. The National Ranching Heritage Center and the majority of those entrenched in Western culture agree on several unwritten (and sometimes written) rules that govern proper cowboy hat wear. 1. Be able to take it off An authentic cowboy has manners: He removes his hat during the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, a funeral procession, or while in church or during prayer. It’s also customary to tip or remove your hat also when saying hello for the first time, and upon entering a house, public building, or restaurant. If doubtful, apply the rule of thumb: No hats indoors. 2. Select the proper hat for the season Straws during summer, felts during colder weather. This isn’t just a fashion dictate — it’s practical. Felt hats retain heat and repel moisture, which is ideal for cold, wet days. Straw keeps you cool and shields
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78 JANUARY 2026
ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS! Las Cruces Denco Yard Contractor Auction CONSIGN JANUARY 19 - JANUARY 30
The Lineup! Look for their Yearling Bull Calves in the Spring of 2026. LBAR 6107 an Enfuego son. His genetics are engrained in our females.
continued on page 80 >>
Live & Online Auction · February 20 & 23
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FMC 9428 (Big Iron) A Frenzel bred sire. His genetics go back to the Foundation Herd.
you from the sun when it’s merciless. Yet if you’re attending a formal event or, perhaps, an indoor horse show, even during summer, a felt hat may still be the best option. 3. Show respect to your hat Always grab a cowboy hat from the crown, never the brim, and never show the inside of your hat when you remove it — it’s impolite. And under no circumstances place your hat on a bed! That’s one of the worst cowboy faux pas. Best-case, it’s said to invoke nasty bad luck or foretell an argument; worst-case, it’s a premonition of hurt or death. The genesis of the superstition is ironically utilitarian: Back when bathing was a rare indulgence and head lice were rampant, placing a hat on a bed was a great way to spread the bothersome itchiness around. It is taboo, too, to put a hat brim-side down on any surface — not only will your good luck “run out,” as the old-timers say — but it will also ruin the shape of your hat. 4. Don’t mess with someone else’s hat A cowboy hat is personal. It’s not only rude, but it’s downright offensive to touch a person’s hat without asking. Taking it off and
LBAR 0501 (Wolfman) His offspring are becoming some of the best in our herd.
404 RH C903452 DWIGHT RAMPLEY SCHNEIDER 0481 0481 LH C994584 US900009112 Sire SCHNEIDER & SONS U 1/1 5/14 4115 LH C900477 FRENZEL L BAR 6105 6105 LH C1078603 L BAR Dam L BAR 6440 6440 LH C1107066 DNA NE00863399 PV L BAR L BAR 3456 LH C1038007 L BAR
P.O. Box 5128, Chino Valley, AZ 86323
Wanted: Dozers, Loaders, Backhoes, Tractors and Farm Machinery, Trucks, Trailers & Construction Related Items DROP OFF: MON-FRI FROM 8AM-4PM 10990 Bataan Memorial E, Las Cruces, NM 88011
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Friday, March 6, 2026
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Private Treaty Bulls Available 79 JANUARY 2026
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ETIQUETTE << cont from page 78
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trying it on or putting it back on can be considered an insult. 5. Respect superstition Apart from the hat-on-the-bed taboo, there are some other superstitions that are alive and kicking in cowboy culture. Wearing your hat backwards, placing it on a chair, or wearing a new one while hunting or competing in rodeo can all be tempting fate. These superstitions may seem archaic, but they ref lect a deep commitment to tradition, experience, and respect for risk.
Hat styles and what they say Before the cowboy hat became a symbol, it began with function. John B. Stetson, a famous hat manufacturer from Philadelphia, created the “Boss of the Plains” hat in 1865. By today’s standards, the design was rather plain, with a flat brim and smooth, rounded crown. Stetson crafted it from fine fur — beaver, rabbit, and other small animals — to make it tough enough for the elements. Thanks to its durability, the “Boss of the Plains” quickly became a favorite among working Westerners. Over time, the cowboy hat evolved to reflect both regional styles and practical needs. The brim curved up to avoid interfering with a rope, and the crown was creased or pinched to offer a better grip. These changes weren’t just about fashion, they were about function, identity, and utility in the saddle. There are many shapes of cowboy hats — each with a story. The most classic is the Cattleman crease, its three-part crown with a deep crease in the middle, and two indentations on the sides of the crown, it was developed to wear horseback. The sloping brim and trail-worn sag of the Gus crease, immortalized by the miniseries Lonesome Dove, tells of sage wisdom. There is also the Montana mix, with a more pronounced center crease and gentle sides, and the pinch front, which makes the face look thinner and has become a hit in both felt and straw varieties. Of course, there are plenty more from flat brimmed buckaroo hats to cutters, quarter horses creases, and more. Every crease, every brim, every sweat stain tells something.
How are hats made? Felt hats are produced through a unique process unrelated to woven goods. Instead
continued on page 82 >>
80 JANUARY 2026
THE NEW MEXICO ANGUS ASSOCIATION
< 23rd Bull and >
Heifer Sale
Monday March 9 2026 ’ ’ 75 REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS Bulls & Heifers available for preview, Sunday, March 8, 2026 All Bulls & Registered Heifers will have 50K Genetic Testing
*NEW SALE LOCATION* DEXTER LIVESTOCK COMMISSION, 274 E. DARBY ROAD, DEXTER, NEW MEXICO
Sale time 1 p.m. Bulls will be tested for Fertility & Trich • Meal will be served for buyers & guests
for information call
Candy Trujillo 480-208-1410 Larry Wheeler 575-988-5566
Online Sale is available through CattleUSA — pre-registration required —
Thank you for your past business and we look forward to seeing you at our 2026 Angus Bull & Heifer Sale!
81 JANUARY 2026
JANUARY 2026
81
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of weaving strands together, felt is formed by matting animal hairs together using pressure, moisture, and heat to make a fabric water-resistant, firm, and lightweight. Fur felt — made from the soft under-fur of animals like rabbits, hares, and beavers — is prized for its durability, flexibility, and shape retention. The process of making a fur felt hat is to make a cone of loose fur, shrink and shape it with hot water and pressure, block, and finish it meticulously. Sweatbands, typically made from sheep or lamb leather or more recent foam alternatives, play a significant role in comfort and fit. Trimming and lining such details help make each hat usable and stylish looking. If you ever looked inside a cowboy hat and caught a glimpse of the “X” rating (10X, 50X, 100X or more), you’ve seen a system that marks the quality of the material that goes into the hat body. While there is no industry norm, the rating tends to reflect the fineness and the quantity of the material that goes into the body’s construction. For felt hats, the X rating tends to indicate how much high-grade animal furs comprise the blend. These may be beaver, mink, chinchilla, and other small game animals. The greater the proportion of beaver fur in the blend — prized for its water resistance and durability — the higher the X rating. Hatmakers do not reveal the exact ratios, however. On a straw hat, the rating by X indicates tightness of the weave and thickness of the reed. Increased X here signals a finer, tightly constructed body on the hat that is light in weight as well as highly durable and ready for a scorching long summer day sun. So while the Xs themselves might not be consistent across brands, they’re still a fair overall indicator of quality and workmanship. And for hat wearers in general, they’re a source of pride. Heidi Crnkovic, is the Associate Editor for AGDAILY. She is a New Mexico native with deep-seated roots in the Southwest and a passion for all things agriculture.
▫
Villanueva •
Call Bob, Kay or Mike Anderson A Lazy 6 Angus at Blanco Canyon — 1995 State Hwy 3, Ribera, NM 87560 Headquarters: 575/421-1809 Cells: 505/690-1191 • 505-690-2024 Email alazy6ranch@yahoo.com for catalog
82 JANUARY 2026
ETIQUETTE << cont from page 80
83 JANUARY 2026
JANUARY 2026
83
“Who?” — The “Official” Music Video Available
I
n December, R.W. Hampton released his first new single, “Who?” in over a decade and along with it, his first official music video. Written out of the frustration of seeing good ranches being sold off and the families working there having to move, the
lyrics are personal to the Hampton family, so the video needed to be as well. It was shot in the Texas Panhandle while gathering some heifers with his son Colter in November, which happened to be just prior to R.W. being cleared by his doctor to ride after his open-heart surgery this summer. The video features three generations of Hamptons, telling the story of passing down the heritage as well as the land, not with actors, but with the people who live the life the song speaks to every
Custom Slaughtering & Custom Processing Thatcher, Arizona • 928-428-0556 • Call for info & scheduling carterscustomcuts.com
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A Corn GreatBeef Set ofBulls Coming-2-Bulls For Sale at the Ranch Consigning 7 head to the Tucumcari Feed Efficiency Bull Test & Sale in March
Mike & Jennifer Corn 575-420-3630 mwc1983@roswellwool.com
84 JANUARY 2026
Give Us a Call Today!
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day. From the working scenes to special family moments, it reflects a way of life built on continuity, commitment, and showing up for one another. The music video was filmed and directed by Matthew Dylan, a fantastic young videographer whose cinematic eye and storytelling approach captured the mood and feel that R.W.’s wife, Lisa, who was the Executive Producer, was looking for. That “feel” helped bring “Who?” to life on screen and that focus on authenticity allowed the land, the people, and the song to speak for themselves. A special thank you goes to Tim Youngblood with Youngblood’s Café, whose hospitality and welcoming spirit helped make filming possible, as well as to the many friends and family members who stepped in to lend a hand, a location, or simply their time. This project was truly a community effort. The still photography for the cover of the single, “Who?”, the video and the upcoming artwork for the album “My Country” was captured by Scott Slusher, a highly respected Western photographer known for his ability to document real ranch life with honesty and depth. Scott’s work has been featured across the Western industry, and his images are recognized for preserving the people and places that define the American West — not staged moments, but lived ones. Watch the official music video for “Who?” on YouTube. R.W. Hampton now has a new YouTube channel, and we no longer have access to the previous one. Be sure to subscribe to the new channel to catch music videos, upcoming releases, and behind-the-scenes content as it’s released.
▫
GARNETT INSURANCE AGENCY
You Can Count On Us For All Your Insurance Needs! Hayden Garnett, our new Life Insurance agent. Hayden grew up on our family ranch in Eastern New Mexico. He is a recent graduate from WTA&M School of Business. Hayden has been involved with the family ranch and business since he was old enough to answer a phone. Contact Hayden at: 806-567-5545 or Hayden@garnettins.com Danielle Jacquez, our new property and casualty agent bringing years of knowledge with her. Danielle is very familiar with the challenges we in the agricultural industry face, as she grew up in Northern New Mexico on the family ranch where she is still involved with operating today. Contact Danielle at: 575-770-6619 or Danielle@garnettins.com
HAPPILY SERVING NEW MEXICO Years will come and go but we will always remain committed to providing you with the Best Coverage and Customer Service.
575-487-0515 • 806-335-6891 • 116 S. Hwy 54, Logan, NM 88426 • frank@garnettins.com JANUARY 2026 85
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Gosar’s ESA Amendment Passes House Committee
I
n mid-December the US House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources passed HR 1897, ESA (Endangered Species Act) Amendments Act of 2025, a bill to restore common sense recovery efforts to the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The vote was 24 to 16 with one Democrat supporting the bill. The measure bolsters Congressional oversight of the ESA, enhances federalism consultation mandates, and examines the economic impact of ESA designations on local communities. Specifically, Rep. Gosar’s amendment: 1. Requires the Secretary of Interior to notify Congress of any designation of critical habitat that exceeds 50,000 acres. a. This notification must include an inventory of the resources within the designation area and an evaluation of the designation’s economic impact on individuals, local communities, and the nation as a whole. b. The Secretary must evaluate the economic effects if any uses of the resources on the selected land, like timber harvesting, grazing, or mining, would no longer be possible under the designation. 2. Requires a statement of consultation among federal, regional, state, and local governments, and any anticipated impacts on these stakeholders. 3. Requires the same Congressional notification and federalism compliance for the release of 10(j) nonessential experimental populations into an area greater than 50,000 acres. a. For example, the experimental recovery area for the Mexican wolf is more than 98 million acres, between Arizona and New Mexico. 4. Requires the Secretary to make expenditures related to species recovery publicly available on Data.gov. This amendment is an effort to reduce red tape and the financial burden on industry, while shifting focus back to evidence-based science. Gosar has another bill addressing the ESA and Mexican wolves, HR 4255. This measure has passed out of Natural Resources subcommittee and is awaiting further action.
▫
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JANUARY 2026
87
R od eo R ou nd up FROM THE ARENA by Julie Carter
Turn Out the Lights ‘til Spring
T
he New Mexico High School and Junior High Rodeo Associations finished out the fall season in Clovis at the Curry County Events Center with a full house of contestants in all events. The seasons end also included an evening of Trailer Trick or Treating (similar to Trunk or Treat) with the trailer camp spots setting up as the source of fun and treats for the costumed kids and even a few adults.
A Saturday night dance, costume optional, was held to entertain the contestants. It is also notable that for a change, Clovis weather was completely agreeable, making the campground visiting not only pleasant, but possible. The rodeo yearbook crew gathered up every kid they could snag for “headshots” for the yearbook and that is always a lot of fun. It’s the one time every single kid entered is captured for a face-to-face with my camera, a fair amount of teasing and some good-natured kidding around. And always, the fun extra shots just because we can and we’re having fun. You probably would be surprised how different these top hands look when you sit them on a stool instead of a horse or a bucking animal and tell them to smile, even if it’s just to make their mama happy. You will also probably not be surprised how many of them seem completely against the smile plan. There might possibly be a higher percentage of those that work the roughie end of the arena averse to smiling. “Tough guy” makes me laugh. If your contestant was not at Clovis and you have not already made arrangements, please send a photo ASAP to jcarternm@live.com to
Connealy Craftsman: The #1 sire in the Angus Breed for registrations in 2025.
• 2007 NE Colorado Bull Test High Indexing Angus Bull • 2009 NE Colorado Bull Test Top Gaining Pen of Three Bulls • 2017 Tucumcari Bull Test Top Indexing Bull • 2018 Tucumcari Bull Test Top Efficiency Bull • 2nd High Indexing Bull at NMSU Tucumcari Bull Test 2021 • High Efficiency Bull 2020 NMSU Bull Test
These 3 sons of Connealy Craftsman highlight our offering at the Tucumcari Feed Efficiency Bull Test Sale on March 13. BULL # TEST # DAM’S SIRE BW WW WWEPD YW EPD NOTES N61 2-4 Cowboy Up 5045 75 736 89(10%) 152 (10%) Gaining over 4.5 lbs a day. Very correct N70 2-2 Connealy Final Product 70 691 93(4%) 149 (15%) Moderate framed power bull N76 2-1 Deer Valley Unique 60 701 64 118 Sleep all night calving ease bull
Tucumcari Bull Test • March 14, 2026 facebook.com/RiversideAngus Call Alex 719-980-5075
88 JANUARY 2026
be included in the annual. The annual “rodeo” yearbooks will be available at the State Finals for $20. The Spring Rodeo schedule starts in Socorro March 20 through 22 followed by Lovington on April 10 through 12, Clovis, April 17 through 19 and Farmington, May 1 through 3. State Finals will be May 21 through 24, location TBD.
CLOVIS HS/JH RESULTS HS Boys All Around: Tate White HS Girls All Around: Caydence Roberts JH Boys All Around: Jace Wild Green JH Girls All Around: Payzlee Ware Two Day Average Winners HS Light Rifle: Zoey Cline JH Light Rifle: Jaret French HS Trap: Weston Marr HS Boys Cutting: Bray Bennett HS Girls Cutting: Caydence Roberts HS Reined Cow Horse: Kyon Hatley HS Steer Wrestling: Tryan Jodie JH Chute Dogging: Walker Region HS Team Roping: Dax Sullivan & Cooper Youngs JH Team Roping: Waylan Valdez & Paislee Foster HS Barrels: Ruby Jacobs JH Barrels: Kenley Lewis HS Breakaway: Kolbi Henard
JH Girls Breakaway: DaleLynn Romero JH Boys Breakaway: Jett Gonzales JH Ribbon Roping: Jett Gonzales & Bonnie Montoya HS Tie Down: Tate White JH Tie Down: Jax Jameson HS Goat Tying: Wacey Trujillo JH Girls Goat Tying: Reagan Barba JH Boys Goat Tying: Denton Triplett HS Pole Bending: Channing Robinson JH Pole Bending: Payzlee Ware HS Saddle Bronc: Slade Thompson JH Steer Saddle Bronc: Brody Bisetti HS Bull Riding: Sammy Lyle JH Bull Riding: Jace Wild Green JH Steer Bareback Riding: Jace Wild Green
▫
R od eo R ou nd up
R od eo R ou nd up
Isabella Garcia and Brinlee Eshleman
Johnna Vigil and Jenifer Phillips
Lindsey, Chisum and Cole Benjamin (left)
Haize Price, Bradley Burris, Bryce Stone, Kade Rodgers, Dawson Mathis (back) Trip Saulsberry, Shiloh Young.
ARENA Photos by Tasha Trujillo-Madrid Candid photos by Julie Carter
Allyana Baca
Haize Price (left) Reagan Barba JANUARY 2026
89
R od eo R ou nd up
Rodeo Yearbook crew Melissa Mack, Erin Mathis, Jill Encinias and Brenda Cain.
ARENA Photos by Tasha Trujillo-Madrid Candid photos by Julie Carter
Riley Caviness
Weston Marr (above)
Sammy Lyle, Phillip Aragon and Jordan Meador Taylor Armenta (left) Waylan Valdez (below)
Tryan Jodie
90 JANUARY 2026
R od eo R ou nd up
New Mexico High School Rodeo Association: Caydence Roberts By Julie Carter
I
f you didn’t know by watching, roping is Caydence Roberts’ favorite rodeo event. She’s a gritty, focused, fierce competitor and it pays off for her. In December, she rounded up $23,000 in the Vegas Tuffest by snagging a 2nd in the first go round of the 19-under Breakaway with a 1.9 second run which qualified her for the “Hot Round.” She won the Hot Round with another blazing 1.86 second catch that paid a $19,000 check and the Reserve Champion title. Her Vegas competition and the recent spring and fall seasons of high school rodeo Breakaway has been on a horse she calls Lil Johnny who she bought sight unseen a year ago while at the same event in Vegas. Her horse Mouse had come up lame and after the first round, her mom Chancie put out the word for another breakaway horse close enough to Vegas for Caydence to compete on the next day. Word of mouth and with one hour to go, Caydence stepped up on Lil Johnny, warmed him up and was able to qualify for the short round. The 2017 model Buckskin also qualified Caydence for the 2025 High School Nationals in the Breakaway.
By the time she was 12 years old, she’d been on at least 300 head of horses as they passed through the pens at the Roberts’ ranch at Rincon with 20 to 30 of those being roping horses. With a mom that is a prolific horse trainer and trader, Caydence (and her siblings Cylee Jo and Catch Wade) are the automatic ground crew to ride everything and compete on what fits them the best. Jump riding every horse is second nature to them. As a senior in high school, Caydence competes in six events (Barrels, Goat Tying, Breakaway, Team Roping, Reined Cow Horse and Cutting) and that keeps her in the saddle long hours daily. What’s a typical Caydence day look like? She’s been homeschooling since she was a sophomore, so her day starts with chores, sometimes driving her siblings to school, riding barrel and rope horses, doing some schoolwork, then she heads to Hatch where her 5’8” height is most welcome on t he h ig h school basketball tea m. A f terwards she’s back home for more
Caydence roping on Lil Johnny
schoolwork, riding and feeding horses and somewhere in there she manages to eat meal or two. Caydence will tell you her drive to work so hard comes from “hating to lose.” She puts in the time and effort, and it’s paid off at both NMHSRA and open rodeos. She qualified in multiple events for Nationals
Caydence and Popeye Cadence rides barrels on Rich
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twice in junior high with the covid shut down “cheating” her out of a third one. She’s also qualified for Nationals in multiple events all three years of high school. With her skills in each of her events, she has been named the All-Around Cowgirl consistently throughout the seasons and landing the year-end All-Around title as well. Currently Caydence is running her horse Rich in the barrels and Popeye is her Cutting ride. “I absolutely love this horse,” she said of Popeye. “He’s the only reason I enter the Cutting. I’d do almost anything to stay in the saddle with him.” She’s a header in the Team Roping with heeler Lane Helmer. New Mexico State University will be her next stop come fall with Sonography as her career choice and of course, the NMSU rodeo team where she expects to compete in several events. “We have a family saying,” she said about her burning desire to win. “We don’t go for fun. We go to win and winning is fun.”
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Caydence Roberts
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ad index ▫
A-B
A Lazy 6 Angus Ranch . . 63, 82 Ag Lands Southwest . . . . . . . 67 American Angus Assoc . . 47, 87 American Gelbvieh Assoc18, 63 American Heritage Bank / Colten Grau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 American Int’l Charolais . . . . 63 Bar A Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Bar G Feedyard . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Bar J Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 75 Bar M Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . .66 Bar T Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Beaverhead Outdoors . . . . . . 69 Bill King Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 BJM Sales & Service Inc. . . . . 62 Black Angus “Ready for Work” Bull Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Border Tank Resources . . . . . 61 Bow K Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Bradley 3 Ranch, Ltd. . . . . 62, 98 Breeders Select Bull Sale / Dexter Livestock Commission 13 Brinks Brangus / Westall Ranch, . . . . . . . . 11, 65 Brownfield Ranch & Farm Properties . . . . . . . . . . 66
C-F
C Bar Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Campbell Simmentals . . . . . . 57 Carter Brangus . . . . . . . . . . 60, 64 Carter’s Custom Cuts . . . . . . . 84 Casey Beefmasters . . . . . . . . . 63 Cattlegrowers Foundation . 97 Cattlemen’s LS Auction . . . . 42 Caviness Packing Co., Inc . . . 43 Chas S. Middleton & Son . . . 70 Chip Cole Ranch Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Clark Anvil Ranch . . . . . . . . . . 64 Clovis Livestock Auction . . . 39 Conniff Cattle Co., LLC . . 63, 76 Copeland & Sons Herefords, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Corn Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Cornerstone Ranch . . . . . . . . 73 Cox Ranch Herefords . . . . . . . 65 Denton Photography . . . . . . 56 Diamond K Angus Ranch . . 71 Diamond Seven Angus . . . . . 63 Domenici Law Firm, PC . . . . 61 Express Scales Services . . . . . 74 Farmway Feed Mill . . . . . . . . . 38 FBFS / Larry Marshall . . . . . . . 56 Five States LS Auction, . . . . . 46 Ft. Sumner Processing . . . . . 46 4 Rivers Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 9 4G Mountain Angus . . . . . . . 64
G-K
Garnett Insurance Agency . 85 Genex / Candy Trujillo . . . . . . 65 Grau Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 65 Hansen Auction Group . . . . . 78 Harrison Quarter Horses . . . 61 Hartzog Angus Ranch . . . . . . 63 Headquarters West Ltd. / Sam Hubbell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Heartstone Angus, LLC . . . . . 28 Henard Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Hi-Pro Feeds / Sendero . . . . . . . 8 Hooper Cattle Company . . . 77 Hubbell Ranch . . . . . . . . . . 33, 64 Hudson LS Supplements . . . 40 Hutchison Western . . . . . . . . . 96 Insurance Services of NM . . 49 J & J Auctioneers . . . . . . . . . . . 22 J-C Angus Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . 30 James Sammons III . . . . . . . . . 70 K2 Red Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Kaddatz Auctioneering & Farm Equipment . . . . . . . . . 61
L-M
L & H Manufacturing . . . . . . . 61 Landmark Mercantile LS Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Lavender Brangus . . . . . . . . . . 42 Lazy D Ranch Red Angus . . . 64 Lazy J&G Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Lonestar Stockyards . . . . . 48, 72 Lust Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Lyssy & Eckel Feeds . . . . . . . . 23 Major Cattle Co., LLC . . . . 64, 78 Manzano Angus . . . . . . . . 63, 83 McKenzie Land & LS . . . . . . . 25 McPherson Heifer Bulls . . . . .65 Mesa Tractor, Inc. . . . . . . . . 45, 61 Michael Perry For Land Commissioner . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Michelet Homestead Realty 66 Miller Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Monfette Construction Co. . 61
N-R
Netherton Charolais . . . . . . . 14 New Mexico Angus Bull & Heifer Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 NM Department of Game and Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 NM Federal Lands Council . 88 NM Purina Dealers . . . . . . . . 100 NMSU Animal & Range Sciences . . . 16, 58, 59 O’Neill Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Olson Land and Cattle . . 64, 95 Owaissa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Parker Brangus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Perez Cattle Company . . . 3, 63 Pot Of Gold Gelbvieh Assoc 19 Pratt Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 42 Rafter G Ranch Supply . . 34, 74 Red Doc Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Republic Ranches, LLC . . . . . 66 Reynolds Land & Cattle . . . . 34 Rio Grande Scales & Equip. 62, 86 Rio Pecos Veterinary . . . . . . . 86 Riverside Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Roswell Brangus Breeders Co-Op . . . . . . . . . 99 Roswell Brangus Bull & Female Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Roswell LS Auction Co. . . . . . 36 Running Creek Ranch . . . . . . 64 Rusty’s Weigh Scales & Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
S-V
Santa Rita Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Scott Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Select Sires Member Coop. . 64 Stockmen’s Realty . . . . . . . . . . 68 TechniTrack, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Texas Alliance Sale . . . . . . . . .29 The Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Thompson Ranch . . . . . . . 27, 64 Tom Robb & Sons . . . . . . . . . . 63 Tucumcari Bull Test . . . . . . . . 21 2 Bar Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 U Bar Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 United Fiberglass, Inc. . . . . . . 82 USA Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Verde Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . 70
W-Z
W&W Fiberglass Tank Co. . . . 80 Walking Spear Land & Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Weaver Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 West Star Herefords . . . . . 47, 63 Western Trading Post . . . . . . 57 Widner Angus Farm . . . . . . . . 65 Wildlife Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Wilkinson Gelbvieh Ranch . 20 Williams Windmill, Inc. . . 44, 62 Zia Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
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96 JANUARY 2026
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RANCH RAISED. PERFORMANCE SELECTED.
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FEMALE SALE FEBRUARY 28, 2026 • ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO ROSWELL LIVESTOCK AUCTION!
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Lack-Morrison Brangus JOE PAUL & ROSIE LACK P.O. Box 274, Hatch, NM 87937 Phone: 575-267-1016 • Fax: 575-267-1234 Racheal Carpenter 575-644-1311 BILL MORRISON 411 CR 10, Clovis, NM 88101 Phone: 575-760-7263 Email: bvmorrison@yucca.net lackmorrisonbrangus.com
UBAR Brangus RYAN & LORI SCOTT 3208 Lilac Road, Clovis, NM 88101 Phone: 575-491-6922 ryscott6922@gmail.com
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