March 2026 Copper Report

Meeting of Copper CowBelles for March 17, 2026

When we arrived for this meeting, Lori Nell Reed greeted us with a lovely meal of slider sandwiches, fresh fruit/cheese trays and yummy Rice Krispy treats! The spring décor was festive and we all felt we must be Irish to be so lucky today! Thank you so very much, Lori Nell! We were blessed. 

President Cyndi Donovan called the meeting to order at noon with 11 members present. Alena’s handsome sons were also present, boosting our total to 13.   We recited the Pledge of Alliegance to our flag and the CowBelle Creed. Lori Nell Reed read the prayer.

Minutes from our February 17th meeting had been distributed electronically for all to review. Minutes approved.

Treasurer report submitted. Misty is resigning from her Treasurer position as of July 1st due to her move to Arizona. Her shoes will be tough to fill, as she has been doing an amazing job.

Leslie Crumbley shared a thank you note from Brennan Shock. He is grateful for our scholarship support as he begins his studies for a career in the field of HVAC. He will make us proud as he serves Grant County!

Pat Hunt had a visit with Tom Shelley, who stated that the Federal Wildlife Depredation Contract will be discussed at the Grant County Commissioners Meeting in June. Hopefully many ranchers and AG interested folks will attend.

Michelle Greeman told us that FFA Alumni Assoc. is hosting a pie auction fundraiser on April 17th. She also let us know about the Food Preservation classes at the Extension Office once a month.

Kathy Davis reported that Heritage Waters is still alive and well, fighting for our precious water rights. Martin Heinrich seems driven to control them and continues to pursue a route to get what he wants. We were encouraged to join Heritage Waters and support this fight. Kathy also encouraged us to take our AG related issues to our representatives NOW. USFS and BLM may be more open to our needs now, rather than later.  Yvette Harrell is another good ear. We were reminded that our phone calls, letters and txt messages REALLY DO HELP.

Michelle Greeman has sent out a survey, looking for our feedback in regard to how to make our meetings more doable for the most members. The results will help us to build our own membership and also to better engage with and encourage struggling locals.   

CowBelle District Meeting will be held May 8th and 9th in Socorro. This will be a statewide activity this time with lots of educational opportunity and social interaction.

The Mid Year Meeting is again happening in Ruidoso, June 7th thru 9th, with our CowBelle Meeting on June 8th. The Beef Ambassador interviews will take place then, so please alert any young people who may be interested in trying out. Check the newmexicocowbelles.org website for more information.

Kathy Davis has received 4 new brands to be added to the new CowBelle signs on US180. She has also contacted a welding business who is interested in bidding on the project when we are ready.

McKeen Ranch Days is planned for April 28th and 29th. This may be the last time this event will be held on the beautiful McKeen Ranch, as the family have it listed for sale. Margie McKeen wants to enable this event to touch the lives of as many school children as possible THIS YEAR. If you know of any home school groups or teachers who may bring their students, please contact Margie. Let’s all be a part of making this “last hurrah” reachable to as many children as possible.  The Frisco Belles are making plans to continue this Agriculture experience at some other location in the future. Contact Pat Hunt or Michelle Greeman to sign up.

We will assemble another CCB Scholarship Gift Basket to raffle off at a future date. This basket could possibly provide funding for one scholarship and is well worth the work! Bring your additions to our next meeting or gathering. Then we need to get busy selling tickets. 

The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m.  (Next CowBelle Meeting is Tuesday, May 19th, 2026)

By Carol Crosley


UPCOMING EVENTS:  RANCH DAYS – April 28th & 29th at McKeen Ranch in Alma NM
                                        ZOOM MEETING – Tuesday April 14th at 7:00 p.m. 
                                        DISTRICT MEETING – May 8th & 9th in Socorro
                                        MID YEAR MEETING – June 7th thru 9th (CowBelle June 8th ) in Ruidoso