Joint Stockmen’s Convention Set for November 30 - December 3 in Albuquerque

Here’s The Moos….                  For Immediate Release / November 28, 2017
From the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association
P.O. Box 7517 / Albuquerque, New Mexico 87194
                                          
For further information, contact:  Caren Cowan
505.247.0584 phone / nmcga@nmagriculture.org email
 
Joint Stockmen’s Convention Set for November 30 - December 3 in Albuquerque
Ranchers and landowners from across the state will gather in Albuquerque November 30 – December 3, 2017, for the annual Joint Stockmen’s Convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  The annual convention brings together the memberships of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association (NMCGA), the New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc. (NMWGI), Dairy Producers of New Mexico (DPNM), the New Mexico Federal Lands Council (NMFLC), and the New Mexico CowBelles (NMCB) to collaborate on issues and policy.
     “As agriculturalists, we’re always looking ahead – to the weather next week when we need to work cattle, to next year’s beef market, to the work that needs to get done over the weekend.  While that’s always a priority, it’s a good idea every once in a while to look around, remember our history and traditions and focus on our blessings,” said Pat Boone, NMCGA President, Elida.  “The Joint Stockmen’s Convention is a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and neighbors and regroup for the coming year.  Please join us!” 
       Convention highlights include a Trade Show, 2018 Governor and Land Commissioner Candidate Forums, Silent Auction, Christmas Cowboy Style where attendees can meet, visit with and shop from Western artists and authors; policy and issue discussions and sessions, and an awards dinner and dance.
      “To run a successful ranching operation, it’s as important to keep up with the latest research and current events as it is to take care of the day to day work that needs to get done,” said Punk Cooper, NMWGI President, Mayhill.  “Often, though, there just aren’t enough hours in the day.  The Joint Stockmen’s Convention is a great opportunity to get current information on a number of topics and learn from industry experts, as well as other New Mexico ranchers.
Events kick off on Thursday, November 30, with the Cattlemen’s College, sponsored by Zoetis, and a meeting of New Mexico State University’s Range Improvement Task Force followed by the Trade Show Reception that evening.  Joint General Sessions, focused on Ag Policy Friday morning, Property Rights Friday afternoon, and Natural Resources Saturday morning will bring convention attendees together on issues that affect all producers. Organizations will also hold individual committee and board meetings throughout the weekend. 
     The New Mexico Livestock Board will hold their meeting on December 1 commencing at 9:00 am.
“It has never been more important to encourage leaders in our industry and educate policy makers whose decisions directly impact our livelihoods, said Tana Haase-Garnett, NMCB President, Logan.  “By working together - both within our organization and with other agricultural groups – we can make a difference.”
     “Agriculture is and always will be the backbone of this country,” said  Bebo Lee, NMFLC President, Alamogordo.  “In today’s world, it is more important than ever to work together to protect our industry and way of life because so many people have lost their connection to the land.”
“We are looking forward to a great meeting,” said Al Squire, DPMN President.  “Bringing different segments of the industry together reminds us all how much we have in common, and helps us focus on what needs done in the coming months.
     Also on the agenda are numerous speakers; an awards dinner and dance, and a Sunday morning worship service.  Meetings of the NMCGA Feeder Committee and Young Cattlemen’s Committee, the New Mexico Hereford Association and the Scrapie Task Force; and an alumni reception for the      New Mexico Agricultural Leadership program are also on the schedule.
For more information, or to register for the convention, please contact the NMCGA at 505-247-0584 or visit www.nmagriculture.org.  Hotel reservations should be made directly with the Crowne Plaza  Hotel at 866-384-4934 and ask for the Joint Stockmen’s rate.