By Michelle Frost-Maynard, NMCGA

Members of the New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association (NMCGA), New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc. (NMWGI), New Mexico Federal Lands Council (NMFLC) and New Mexico CowBelles will meet jointly at the Ruidoso Convention Center June 4-6, 2023.

"We're looking forward to a great few days in Ruidoso," said Loren Patterson, NMCGA President. "The agenda is packed full of informational meetings, fun activities for young and old, and opportunities for individual members to help direct the work of their organizations."

Events will kick off at noon on Sunday, June 4 with the Bud Eppers/Les Davis Memorial Golf Tournament and a Race Day Event at Ruidoso Downs, followed by a Welcome Reception that evening.

Meetings will be filled with several speakers who will discuss different aspects of new technologies in agriculture, such as virtual fencing, drone technology, and radio frequency ID tags. The State Engineer Office will provide agency updates, as well as the New Mexico State Land Office giving information on the new "Cultural Property Rule." Attendees will also have a chance to hear discussions on "Are You Making Money on the Ranch," Emergency Preparedness for Rural Living, and the "Supply Chain Resiliency Project."

In addition, meetings of the New Mexico CowBelles, New Mexico Beef Council, New Mexico Livestock Board, and New Mexico Sheep and Goat Council will take place throughout the convention. Other highlights of the schedule include membership/board meetings for both NMCGA and NMWGI.

"For NMCGA to effectively represent our members, we need their ideas and input," Patterson said. "We encourage people to come to the meeting, participate in the sessions, and give us your ideas and opinions."

NMCGA has represented ranchers in New Mexico and the West since 1914. The Association has members in all 33 of the state's counties, as well as 19 other states. NMCGA participates in venues necessary to protect beef producers and private property rights; including state and federal legislation, regulatory affairs, and litigation. The Association strives to assist livestock producers in the state and works to ensure that their rights are protected.

For more information on how to register for the meeting, please visit us online at https://www.nmagriculture.org/mid-year-meeting.html. For further questions please call the NMCGA office, 505-247-0584.