Meeting on April 19, 2022

The meeting was called to order at noon by Vice President Michelle Greeman with the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag.  Lori Nell Reed led us in prayer and the members in attendance read the CowBelle Creed together.  There were 11 members present. 

Michelle Greeman updated us on NM State CowBelles business.  The State District Workshops will probably be completed in two meetings.  The Wrangler will be out on May 1^st and will include registration forms for the Mid-Year Meeting.  The New Mexico CowBelles will participate in Ag Day at the Isotopes baseball game on May 15.

Ranch Days will happen at the McKeen Ranch near Glenwood on April 26^th and 27^th.  Volunteers are needed and welcome. 

Scholarship Committee volunteers are needed to help Pat Hunt with getting the information out to students.  This is a rewarding endeavor and a good way to support our western way of life in the future.

June is Beef Month.  There was a discussion on how best to promote it in our community. Pat Hunt moved that we form a Beef Promotion Committee and earmark funds for this purpose.  Jessica Massengill added that her Beef Ambassador can assist in these promotions.

We will make a recurring annual donation to “Ag in the Classroom.” They do a wonderful job imbedding important Ag information into a classroom presentation. 

Michelle Greeman noted that Carolyn Nelson has done an excellent slide show re: USFS History and Land Use that is very informative.  She also suggested that we thank Yvette Harrell for keeping up with the feral cow issue and voicing her concerns. 

Pat Hunt announced that New Mexico Gas Co had made a donation to Copper CowBelles in support of the positive work we have accomplished in the community.  Our thanks to them and to Lori Nell Reed!

A reminder that early voting in Grant County begins on May 10^th.  Please vote early and in person. 

Our FFA youth who competed at State did very well, earning wins and high placings.  Our congratulations! 

Meeting was adjourned at 1pm. Our thanks to Lori Nell Reed and Mary Jo Hooker, who hosted this meeting.

Submitted by Carol Crosley      

The Grant County Copper CowBelles are now taking scholarship applications for students pursuing jobs in trade professions. They will continue to offer scholarships for college degrees in agricultural fields but recognize the need to reach a broader field of applicants in rural areas by supporting those individuals that want careers such as welders, plumbers, electricians and lineman.

Applications are now available for the 2022-2023 school year. Applicants pursuing trade professions must be a graduate of a Grant County high school or in a dual enrollment program for their desired trade. Home schooled students may also apply.

College applicants must have obtained enough college credits to be considered to be a sophomore in college and be pursuing a degree in an agricultural field. They must be attending a Grant County high school (home schooled students will also be considered).

The CowBelles are a non-profit organization whose purpose is providing educational information about the beef industry and preserving the heritage of the West. The scholarship spokesperson, Pat Hunt, states “that while the CowBelles are primarily interested in promoting accurate information about beef nutrition and ranching, we understand the need to continue our western heritage in all areas of agriculture and rural life. Therefore, we encourage students studying courses such as range management, animal and veterinary sciences and agricultural economics to apply. By deciding to include trade professions, we feel we are promoting career opportunities for individuals that may not prefer college studies and will hopefully fill the growing need for trade professions in rural areas.”

Those interested in receiving an application should contact Pat at 575-534-7649 as soon as possible