Non-Local News Releases

(College Station, T.X., April 29, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced a second round of payments coming this week for specialty crop producers through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, providing up to $1.3 billion in additional program assistance. U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) already delivered just under $900 million in first round payments to eligible producers.

 Otero Fire 

Update: Yesterday, crews were able to strengthen fire lines on the fire's west portion and raise the Otero Fire's containment to 20%. Further mapping efforts found the fire's size to be 405 acres. Most of the fire activity was found on the southern portion of the fire, and today crews will continue focusing efforts on extinguishing interior heat and strengthening containment lines all around the fire's footprint. Winds today could potentially produce some ash around the fire area, and the public is encouraged to continue avoiding the area while response crews perform their duties. This will be the final notification on this fire unless there are significant changes. 

(Washington, D.C., April 29, 2025) - In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has rolled out a five point plan to lower the cost of eggs, worked to expand market access for American farmers, and empowered rural communities.

"As President Donald J. Trump ushers in a new golden age of prosperity for our economy, we are fighting to give farmers and ranchers a seat at the table. For far too long, the hardworking Americans who feed, fuel, and clothe the world were left on the sidelines. At USDA, I am reversing the policies of the Biden Administration that actively made life harder for America's farmers and ranchers and instead pushing to expand market access and unleash prosperity for generations to come," said Secretary Rollins.

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has announced David White, a native New Mexican with over 25 years of banking and agricultural experience, as the new regional representative for Region 5 covering seven counties in Southwest New Mexico.

In this role, White will be based in Las Cruces, guiding businesses towards reaching their economic development goals and connecting them to EDD resources.

(Washington, D.C., April 28, 2025) - Today, the Trump Administration announced bold action to put farmers and ranchers first by dropping criminal charges against Charles and Heather Maude, a South Dakota family who has a small cattle and hog operation. This family has endured a senseless politically motivated prosecution waged by the Biden Administration over 50 acres of federal land. Government resources for prosecution should be focused on true criminals, not a family farm trying to make ends meet.

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department has certified business incubator NewSpace Nexus, whose companies have generated over $50 million in economic impact through customer contracts and venture capital investment.

This certification strengthens New Mexico's position as a key hub for the aerospace industry, one of the state's target sectors for economic development. The incubator offers shared workspace, including spaces for testing and demo purposes, and shared capital equipment and office space.

The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on two wildfires that are requiring the attention of suppression resources in New Mexico.                      

Otero Fire 

Update: The Otero fire is 364 acres and is zero percent contained. The fire was discovered at 5 p.m., Sunday, April 27 in the bosque area east of Socorro. Response crews were able to staff the fire overnight and put in containment lines on the fire's  north side. This morning, there is still fire activity on the south side; interior heat remains on other portions of the fire from grass and brush fuels. Operational plan for today is to hold and strengthen containment lines. The cause of the fire is under  investigation. 

Supports U.S. Ranchers on Border, Holds Mexico Accountable for Undermining American Interests

(Washington, D.C. - April 28, 2025) In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has affirmed the bold leadership of President Donald J. Trump by supporting America First Policies. At her direction, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has worked to support American farmers and ranchers on the southern border, hold Mexico accountable to the agreements they've made with the United States, and ensure illegal immigrants do not receive federal benefits.