A Member Editorial
By Pat Hunt
I have just finished reading the February 2015 issue of the “New Mexico Stockman,” the magazine for southwestern agriculture published by the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association. A lot of the information reviewed in this issue concerns the USDA food pyramid. The pyramid was revamped into “My Plate” in 2010. The plate divides the food groups into five divisions with recommendations for portion sizes. Much to the concern of ranchers and their cattle associations, the protein percentage of the plate is getting smaller and has to share its meager percentage with a strong recommendation to vary the type of protein—away from meat. In fact, in addition to revising the pyramid structure away from meat protein, there is a campaign to promote the idea that a diet higher in plant-based foods and low in animal-based foods is not only healthier but more environmentally friendly. There are many environmental groups that are anti-cattle and they are putting pressure on USDA to reduce meat portions, thus serving their purpose to eliminate ranching.
Read the more here: http://www.grantcountybeat.com/editorial/20579-usda-food-pyramid-seemingly-attacking-meat-based-foods
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2015 Shindig – Save the Date!
Actions Speak Louder than Words
With next week’s Food Dialogues: Dairy Forum about animal care and consumer expectations just around the corner, find videos and infographics to answer common questions about animal care onCommonGround: http://findourcommonground.com/food-facts/animal-welfare-2/ #FoodD
Women in Agriculture Leadership Conference
Diamond in the Rough
For further information, contact: Erica Valdez
575.202.9547 phone / erica.r.valdez@gmail.com email
Agricultural Women Seek Nominations for the next “Diamond in the Rough”
WALC a Mile in our Boots will be the theme of the 10th Biennial Women in Agriculture Leadership Conference (WALC), to be held in Albuquerque, May 27-28. Over 150 women from across New Mexico are expected to come together to forge partnerships and develop innovative ideas to propel New Mexico’s agriculture industry forward.
The ‘Diamond in the Rough’ award was created to recognize an outstanding woman in New Mexico agriculture and highlight her efforts and contributions. Initiated by the Women in Agriculture Leadership Conference (WALC) and its various sponsors, the award has been given at each of the previous conferences during a special awards ceremony. Nominations are currently being accepted for those women that, through their actions, strive to make New Mexico’s agricultural industry a prosperous, viable component of the Land of Enchantment.
This conference, held every two years in different locations around the state, draws women from all types of agriculture. “Today’s agricultural women are integral parts of their families’ agricultural operations, in addition to their traditional roles, and we feel that they deserve to be recognized for their contributions,” said Erica Valdez, Diamond in the Rough Committee Chair.
Nomination forms can be found at NMFLB website and must be received by April 15, 2015 to be considered.
2014/2015 Copper CowBelle Executive Committee…
- President – JoAnn Miller
- 1st VP – Courtney Sewell
- 2nd VP – Bev Medford
- Secretary – Rosella Escobedo
- Treasurer – Pat Hunt
- Past President – Judy dePedro
- Historian – Bobbie Neal-Little
- Newsletter Editor – Kim Clark
Congratulations to the York Family of Mimbres
Read Article: http://www.scsun-news.com/silver_city-news/ci_27143074
SILVER CITY John and Josie York, apple growers in the Mimbres Valley, were named Farm Family of the Year by the state’s largest agriculture organization at the 96th annual meeting of the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau.
Thank a Farmer
Grant County Copper CowBelles 