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

President Cyndi Donovan called the February 17 meeting to order at noon. Joan Dewbre and Carol Crosley decorated with a Mardi Gras theme and cookies for all. We recited the Pledge of Alliegance to our flag and the CowBelle Creed as a group and Carol Crosley brought the prayer.

Minutes for the meeting of January 20th had been distributed. No Treasurer’s report. Funds for 20 memberships sent to NMCB.

Under “Dear to Our Hearts” we learned that several families had a death or illness. We will keep these folks in our prayers.

Kathy Davis has received no new brand applications for the CowBelle signs on US180 since our last meeting. She is looking for more committee members to help with the project.

Michelle Greeman updated us on NMCB. The next state Zoom Meeting is on March 12th at 7pm. Brittany Lardner is the new editor of The Wrangler. Michelle will be putting out the survey for members, looking for meeting times that would possibly allow more members to attend. Plans are under way for a NMCB District Meeting in May and the Extension Office will be involved as well. The Mid Year Meeting will be held in Ruidoso NM June 7th through 9th, with the CowBelle meeting scheduled for June 8th!

Copper awarded a scholarship to Brennan Shock, who plans to attend NMSU. He is seeking a career in HVAC installation and repair. Congratulation Brennan!

Cyndi Donovan suggested a committee to head up outreach to our sister locals, especially Frisco Belles, Border Belles and Tabosa Belles.  We would all benefit from getting to know and encourage each other. More to come soon.

McKeen Ranch Days will happen again this year on April 28th and 29th! CCB members will again provide the popular chuck wagon and butter making demos.  Let’s fully support this event with our time.  So worthwhile!

The Extension is providing some great learning opportunities: calving workshop and canning classes are in the works. The monthly Food Preservation Class is a huge hit but space is limited, so be sure to sign up in advance. Cost for the Food Preservation Class is $25 and reportedly well worth it! Master Canner Josey Ross teaches it. Next class is Monday Feb 23rd. To sign up, call 388-1559 for the Extension Office.

The family of former Copper CowBelle Carol Baumgartner (who passed away some time back) has offering some of their artwork collection to us for use as a fundraiser. Our thanks to them for this sweet donation in Carol’s honor.

By Carol Crosley


UPCOMING EVENTS:
NMCB Zoom Meeting – Thursday Mar 12  @ 7pm
               Ranch Days – April 28 – 29th
                        Mid-Year Meeting – In Ruidoso, June 7th thru 9th
 

President Cyndi Donovan called the meeting to order at noon on June 17, 2025.  There were 13 members present and two guests.  We recited the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag the CowBelle Creed and Julie read the prayer with an additional request for rain.  

Pat and Kathy updated with Dear to our Hearts news.

Cyndi and Michelle attended the Mid-Year meeting in Ruidoso and reported that the State CowBelles dues will be increasing.  Associate Memberships will be promoted this year.  This program was once very strong and has lapsed in recent years.  There is a new “Hank the Cowdog” Activity book that will become available to promote around our state.  It is a program designed to assist teachers in explaining agriculture and ranch life. 

The Silver City Museum has contacted us again this year to donate cakes for their 4^th of July events.

A committee of Kathy, Misty, and JoAnn met and made good progress on the plans for the highway signs.  Misty has applied for a Freeport McMoRan to help us with building and installation.  The oldest sign on Highway 90 has finally broken down and a new one will also have to be designed.

Leslie presented a scholarship application from Trey Greeman who is now a sophomore at NMSU.  A motion approved for a $500 award to Trey.

Meeting was adjourned at 1:20 pm. Thank you to Hostess Lori Nell who did a patriotic decorating theme and brought a delicious fruit salad as well as door prizes.

By Patricia Hunt

Next Meeting is August 19^th as there is no meeting in July

Dates to remember:  Cliff/Gila Grant County Fair:  September 17^th – 20th   

The Grant County Copper Cowbelles are pleased to announce they have awarded two scholarships. Joseph Colter Massingill received a trade scholarship to attend Western Welding Academy in Gillette, Wyoming and Trey Greeman received an academic scholarship to continue his studies at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM.

Joseph is a 2025 graduate of Silver High School and plans on pursuing a job in pipeline welding in the oil and gas industry. He also feels that welding is a useful skill in life, and he hopes to one day start his own construction company and give back to his community.

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CowBelles is a non-profit organization whose purpose is providing educational information about the beef industry and preserving the heritage of the West. We offer these scholarships to encourage the continuation of our western heritage in all areas of agriculture and rural life.

President Cyndi Donovan called the meeting to order at noon on May 20 with 11 members in attendance today! We recited the Pledge of Alliegance, the CowBelle Creed, and a prayer was given.

Minutes and Treasurer’s report were reviewed.

Misty presented a financial review of hosting the NMCB District meeting.

Michelle spoke with Shirley Franks, who is doing well. 

We were treated to a zoom presentation on Agriculture Issues by Cliff FFA students in preparation for their State competition. They discussed effects of wildfires on our forests and ranch land.

Sadly, a section of our CowBelle sign on SR90 near White Signal blew down during high winds recently. Kathy was already working on a possible layout for the new sign, including 16”X16” or 12”X12” squares to display brands.  Kathy will need more member help in pulling this together and we will all be tasked with selling spots on the sign to producers in Grant County. Misty is willing to write a grant that would help us fund repairs and replacement. 

Leslie received a completed scholarship application from Joseph Colter Massengill. He graduates from Silver High next week and will begin welding school in Wyoming.  Lori Nell made a motion that we grant Colter a Trade School Scholarship.

Pat learned that Silver City Library has a new large format scanner and would like to digitize our CCB records for history!  A motion was approved to allow the Silver City Library to digitize our records and scrapbooks.

The New Mexico Dept. of Agriculture will be running a campaign to nominate women who have been important to agriculture in our state. The woman chosen will be honored in 2026. 

NMSU President, Dr. Valerie Ferme, to visit  our County Extension office at the end of June.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 p.m. Our hostesses were Leslie and Jennifer, their Summer decorations were enhanced by great treats!

Submitted by Carol Crosley

Dates to Remember:

Next CowBelle Meeting – Tuesday, June 17^th, 2025

Mid-Year Meeting – June 2, 2025 in Ruidoso (Register SOON on line @ newmexicocowbelles.org)

Cliff/Gila Grant County Fair – September 17 – 20th, 2025

Monthly NM CowBelle ZOOM meeting –  2^nd Thursday at 7:00 p.m.  

 

President Cyndi Donovan called the meeting to order at noon on February 18. There were 11 members present. We recited the Pledge of Alliegance to our flag and the prayer and CowBelle Creed were read.

Cyndi received a note from the Pat Nowlin Scholarship Committee thanking us for our donation in honor of Joyce Biebelle       .

Leslie has amended our trade scholarship application to state that “if recipient does not use the money for the institution it was requested for, Copper CowBelles will require that the scholarship money be returned. Pat suggested that we hold our current scholarship fund raiser raffles at the District Workshop on April 5^th.

There was a healthy discussion about updating our two CowBelle highway signs on U.S. 180. Kathy will make some phone calls to local welders for pricing. We can then poll local ranchers to purchase a spot for their brand which will, in turn, pay for the cost of the sign. We discussed involving FFA, 4-H or possibly an Eagle Scout to work on this project.

Carol Crosley was honored to be the 2024 CowBelle of the Year recipient. Pat and Michelle made the presentation.

We were contacted in regard to the Women in Agriculture Leadership Conference (WALC) scheduled for April 30^th to May 2^nd in Ruidoso. We were asked to sponsor their event at some level. Motion that we make a $100 donation to WALC at the Scholarship Tier passed.

Copper CowBelles will host the District Workshop here on April 5, 2025. We are responsible for the event location, light breakfast snacks and a lunch. Cyndi was able to procure the venue at Cross Point Church for the event. The NMCB will handle registration and those fees will help cover our expenses for the breakfast snacks, lunch, decorations and welcome bags. Belles that assisted are Cindy, Kathy, Leslie, Joan, Carol, Michelle and Lore Nell. Much help from our members will be necessary, but this is shaping up to be an informative and enjoyable day. We truly need all hands on deck!

Julie shared some distressing information about the recent wolf depredations in Cochise County AZ, just south of Wilcox. We need to voice our concerns to our representatives.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm.

Cyndi provided our springtime decorations for the meeting and Leslie provided refreshments.

By Carol Crosley

Our next CCB Meeting will be held on March 18, 2025.

Dates to remember:

NMCB DISTRICT WORKSHOP – Saturday April 5, 2025 in Silver City NM

RANCH DAYS @ McKEEN RANCH – Tues. and Wed., April 29^th & 20^th

WALC CONFERENCE, RUIDOSO –  April 30th – May 2^nd    2025

GLENWOOD DUTCH OVEN COOK OFF – April 12, 2025 @ 10 am.

Pat Hunt called the meeting to order at noon on January 21.  There were twelve members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and Cyndi Donovan was asked to recite a blessing for the food and members present.  A potluck soup bar with salad and desserts was provided by members as a substitute for the “Christmas” party and installation that had been scheduled for December but was postponed.

Minutes of the November 19, 2024 meeting were delivered/emailed to the membership. 

Michelle gave an update from the State CowBelles annual meeting and presented Memorial Certificates from the meeting commemorating Mary Jo Hooker and Joyce Biebelle.  Pat encouraged everybody to help Kim Clark get the correct information in the Yearbook by checking existing information for accuracy.  She will follow up with emails to remind everyone that Committee Chairs and monthly hostesses are needed for the meetings.

Michelle conducted the Installation of Officers by first relieving current officers of their positions and then swearing in Cyndi Donovan as President, Leslie Crumbley as Vice President, Misty Pugmire as Treasurer, and Carol Crosley as Secretary.

Michelle announced the 2025 Officers are Duly Installed.  Pat Hunt will be available to fill the position of Past President.

Pat announced that the 2024 CowBelle of the Year is Carol Crosley and congratulations will be given to her at the February meeting.  At this point, Kathy Davis and members of the group presented out-going president Pat with a personalized Copper CowBelles bracelet as a thank you for her leadership.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 pm.

Dates to Remember:

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 18th at 11:30.

Monthly NM State CowBelles Zoom Meetings: 2^nd Thursdays at 7pm

By Pat Hunt