Youth receive college-level hands-on curriculum at NMSU Youth Ranch Management Camp

Youth receive college-level hands-on curriculum at NMSU Youth Ranch Management Camp DATE: 06/30/2017 WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Jack Blandford, 575-546-8806, jbland@nmsu.edu CIMARRON – This year’s New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp introduced 24 youths to the science and business side of ranching. Most have been “hands” on their family ranch, but many did not know the “why” behind the tasks they have been doing. During the five-day camp at CS Cattle Company’s 130,000-acre ranch at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range near Cimarron, the youths were introduced to the many aspects of running a ranch, from financial statements and marketing strategies to producing quality beef and managing natural resources and wildlife. “We are proud to offer this one-of-a-kind program for the future cattle producers of our state,” said Jon Boren, New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences associate dean and director of the Cooperative Extension Service. “The collaboration between our Extension specialists, county Extension agents and members of the ranching industry has provided an opportunity for the youth to learn about the many aspects of ranching.” College-level hands-on curriculum provided the campers with information about how to develop a ranch management plan for a scenario similar to the host ranch. “What we are finding from the more than 125 youths who have participated in past ranch camps is that they have gained a greater appreciation of the science and opportunities in agriculture,” Boren said. “It is also a win-win for our aging agricultural industry with more young people having an interest in going into this type of work.” Attending the 2017 camp were Katelynn Davis and Amber Montano of Bernalillo County, Lauren Jensen and Kalei Towner of Catron County, Payton Virden and Loden Bassett of Chaves County, Jameson Ray and Delbert Roughsurface of Cibola County, John Davis of Colfax County, Ethan Wright of Curry County, Kourtnie Rouse of Guadalupe County, John Wyatt Hemphill of Lincoln County, Cheyanne Carlisle of McKinley County, Bailey McKnight of Quay County, Michael Purdy of Rio Arriba County, Jesse Maxam of Sandoval County, Wade Hatch of San Juan County, Dylan Quintana and Juan Bustamante of San Miguel County, Marissa Lury, James Mitchell, Wyatt Mortenson and Patrick Torres of Santa Fe County, and Clayton Campbell of Hotchkiss, Colorado. On the final day of camp, the five teams presented their ranch management plans before three judges representing the ranching profession. The 2017 winning team members were Katelynn Davis, Bustamante, Hatch and Purdy. The runner-up team consisted of Montano, Rouse, Torres and McKnight. A “Top Hand” was selected each day by the instructors for showing exceptional interest in the topics. Receiving Top Hand award buckles were Carlisle, Wright, John Davis and Wade Hatch. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews

Western governors back Endangered Species Act, with changes

Western governors back Endangered Species Act, with changes The News & Observer By Dan Elliott The Republican-dominated Western Governors Association endorsed the aims of the Endangered Species Act on Wednesday but asked Congress to make changes, including giving states a bigger role and clarifying recovery goals for species protected by the law. The governors said Western states benefit economically from healthy species and ecosystems but bear the burden of land-use restrictions that usually come with species protection, as well as some of the cost of recovery programs. Endangered species protection is controversial because it generally results in limits on mining, oil and gas drilling, agriculture and other economic activities.

Chemical Weed and Brush Control for New Mexico Rangelands

Circular 597: Chemical Weed and Brush Control for New Mexico Rangelands Revised by Kert Young (Extension Brush and Weed Specialist, Dept. of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources) http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_circulars/CR597.pdf

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Learn how to protect you and your loved ones during a thunderstorm. The weather forecast calls for a slight chance of thunderstorms, but you can only see a few fluffy white clouds overhead. So you and your tennis partner grab your racquets and balls and head for the tennis court. You spend a few minutes warming up and then—wait! Is that thunder you hear? Was that a lightning flash? What do you do? Keep playing until the thunder and lightning get closer? Go sit on the metal bench under the trees to see what happens? Or get in your car and drive home? Correct answer: If no substantial, non-concrete shelter is nearby, get in your car and wait out the storm. Why? Because being outside when lightning is present is not something to take lightly—ever. To learn more, visit CDC's National Center for Environmental Health's "Your Health -- Your Environment" blog.

Hot cities spell bad news for bees

Hot cities spell bad news for bees As urban temperatures increase, common wild bee species decline, according to a new study from North Carolina State University. This study was funded by NIFA's Agriculture Food Research Initiative (AFRI). “We looked at 15 of the most common bee species in southeastern cities and – through fieldwork and lab work – found that increasing temperatures in urban heat islands will have a negative effect on almost all of them,” says Steve Frank, an associate professor of entomology at NC State and co-author of a paper describing the work. “What’s exciting is that we were able to use a relatively easy lab test on individual bees to predict how whole populations will fare at higher temperatures in urban areas,” says Elsa Youngsteadt, a research associate at NC State and co-lead author of the paper. “This is a tool we can use for additional bee species in the future, giving us insights into how urban warming affects ecosystems. Read more about NCSU's wild bees. Image provided by Elsa Youngsteadt.

Happy Anniversary to the Morrill Act

Happy Anniversary to the Morrill Act July 2nd marks the 155th anniversary of the passage of the Morrill Act, the basis of the land-grant university system. Signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on July 2, 1862, the Morrill Act enabled states to use proceeds from the sale of the federal "land-grants" to establish colleges in engineering, agriculture and military science. The land-grant university system provided the framework to give working class families critical access to higher education, which it continues to do today. NIFA celebrates our partnership with the nation’s land-grant universities (LGUs), which play a critical role in teaching the next generation of agricultural science professionals and developing the groundbreaking research to produce our nation’s food, fuel, and fiber. The success stories you see every time you sit down to eat. WOODS NOTE: One has to remember that the Morrill act by itself was insufficient to meet its goals; it was followed by the Hatch act and the Smith-Lever act. The three were needed to accomplish what was set out in the Morrill Act. As technology is advancing these three organizations created by these three acts have to work together to continue the progressive movement started in the last century, that has feed the world and will need to do so in the future. If you remember the old NMSU logo with the Three triangles make one, these represented the three acts of congress that NMSU is charged to accomplish. The Three acts can also be considered: Teaching (Morrill act); Research (Hatch act); Extension(Smith-Leaver act). I think we lost the meaning of this when we changed out logo.

Court tosses DOJ policy on prosecuting wildlife killers

Court tosses DOJ policy on prosecuting wildlife killers E&E News By Amanda Reilly A federal court yesterday threw out a long-standing Justice Department policy on prosecuting killers of protected wildlife only if the hunter knew the target was a listed species. The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona found the "McKittrick Policy" was "outside the range of prosecutorial authority" given to DOJ under the Endangered Species Act. "The government does not need to prove the defendant knew that killing an endangered or threatened species was illegal or that the animal he or she shot was protected under the law," the court's opinion says. "The responsibility for any mistake falls on the defendant." Conservation groups cheered the ruling by Judge David Bury, a George W. Bush appointee. "The end of the McKittrick Policy is a crucial victory for critically imperiled animals including Mexican wolves and grizzly bears," said Bethany Cotton, wildlife program director for WildEarth Guardians, in a statement

Legislation Offers Relief from Federal Water

Legislation Offers Relief from Federal Water Extortion WASHINGTON, D.C., June 20, 2017 – The Water Rights Protection Act, introduced in the House today, could bring U.S. ranchers much-needed relief from ongoing efforts by the federal government to extort privately held water rights from law-abiding citizens, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. “It’s time to put a stop to federal strong-arming of ranchers by a government that owns the majority of the land for grazing west of the Mississippi,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “Water is the most valuable resource for every farmer and rancher. Unfortunately, the federal tactics we’ve seen in recent years have little to do with conservation and everything to do with big government and control.” In recent years, federal land managers in the West have demanded increasingly that the ranchers who work the land surrender their water rights to the government or leave. Public lands are meant to be enjoyed and shared by our citizens, and America’s ranchers play a critical role in caring for these lands. The government’s treatment of these ranchers is not only unfair, but unconstitutional, AFBF said. For America’s farmers and ranchers to continue to provide the food, fuel and fiber for the nation and the world, they simply must have access to water. This is especially crucial in the West. All citizens have a right to expect that their lawfully acquired water rights will be respected by the federal government. If passed, the Water Rights Protection Act (H.R. 2939) would bar the federal government from seizing state-granted water rights from ranchers and restore basic property rights to them. According to AFBF, the act echoes policy changes President Trump set forth in his executive order on Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America, which further supports the protection of ranchers’ water rights. The legislation would also: • Prohibit agencies from demanding transfer of privately held water rights to the federal government in exchange for federal land use permits or other things; • Maintain federal deference to state water law; and • Maintain environmental safeguards already in place. Farm Bureau commends Congressman Scott Tipton’s leadership on the legislation, and urges Congress to act swiftly to bring America’s ranchers much-needed relief. -30-

NM interior officials undergoing shuffle

NM interior officials undergoing shuffle By Michael Coleman / Journal Washington Bureau Thursday, June 22nd, 2017 at 12:05am Copyright © 2017 Albuquerque Journal WASHINGTON – The director of the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico is among dozens of top U.S. Department of Interior officials asked by Secretary Ryan Zinke to accept new positions or resign, a move that drew criticism Wednesday from New Mexico’s senators in Washington. Amy Lueders, director of New Mexico’s BLM office, has been reassigned to an as-yet-unannounced position in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Both agencies are part of the Interior Department. The Bureau of Land Management oversees millions of acres of federal land around the nation, including in New Mexico. “Amy has served as our BLM state director for the past two years, and she has been incredibly engaged and responsive,” Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., told Zinke at an Interior budget hearing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. “Quite frankly, I don’t want New Mexico to lose her, and I’m very concerned about the impacts of other changes as well.” Lueders declined to comment through a spokeswoman Wednesday. It is unclear who will replace her at the BLM. Udall said Zinke’s shake-up of the Interior Department’s top ranks also includes the reassignment of Benjamin Tuggle, the Albuquerque-based Southwest Regional Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the newly installed director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Weldon “Bruce” Loudermilk, who is based in Washington. Udall said “the scale of these changes is virtually without precedent.” The New Mexico senator asked Zinke for a comprehensive list of employees affected by the management shuffle, but Zinke told reporters after the hearing he could not provide one until it’s clear who is going to “take the move or resign.” Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., told the Journal he worried the personnel changes don’t take into consideration the employees’ hard-earned expertise in complex policy areas. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., said he backed Zinke’s decision to make personnel changes at the department. “It is within Secretary Zinke’s authority to ensure the Department of the Interior is operating as efficiently as possible,” Pearce told the Journal. “I will continue to voice New Mexico’s priorities to Secretary Zinke as staffing changes are made throughout the department.” Interior Department Press Secretary Heather Swift told the Journal on Wednesday the move should not come as a surprise and is in the best interests of the taxpayer. “The president signed an executive order to reorganize the federal government for the future and the secretary (Zinke) has been absolutely out front on that issue,” she said. “In fact, he mentioned a department-wide, front lines-focused reorganization on his first day address to all employees. Personnel moves are being conducted to better serve the taxpayer and the department’s operations through matching Senior Executive skill sets with mission and operational requirements.” The move to reassign the employees, who are part of the federal government’s Senior Executive Service – a category just under the top agency political appointees – is legal after the person has been in the job for six months. An official with the Senior Executives Association, which represents 6,000 of the government’s top leaders, told the Washington Post last week that Interior reassignments could involve as many as 50 people. https://www.abqjournal.com/1021738/nm-interior-officials-undergoing-shuffle.html -- • To remove your name

USDA Halting Import of Fresh Brazilian Beef

Perdue: USDA Halting Import of Fresh Brazilian Beef (Washington, DC, June 22, 2017) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the suspension of all imports of fresh beef from Brazil because of recurring concerns about the safety of the products intended for the American market. The suspension of shipments will remain in place until the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture takes corrective action which the USDA finds satisfactory. Since March, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has been inspecting 100 percent of all meat products arriving in the United States from Brazil. FSIS has refused entry to 11 percent of Brazilian fresh beef products. That figure is substantially higher than the rejection rate of one percent of shipments from the rest of the world. Since implementation of the increased inspection, FSIS has refused entry to 106 lots (approximately 1.9 million pounds) of Brazilian beef products due to public health concerns, sanitary conditions, and animal health issues. It is important to note that none of the rejected lots made it into the U.S. market. The Brazilian government had pledged to address those concerns, including by self-suspending five facilities from shipping beef to the United States. Today’s action to suspend all fresh beef shipments from Brazil supersedes the self-suspension. Secretary Perdue issued the following statement: “Ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply is one of our critical missions, and it’s one we undertake with great seriousness. Although international trade is an important part of what we do at USDA, and Brazil has long been one of our partners, my first priority is to protect American consumers. That’s what we’ve done by halting the import of Brazilian fresh beef. I commend the work of USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service for painstakingly safeguarding the food we serve our families.” #

REWARD FOR CATTLE KILLER INFORMATION THAT LEAD TO ARREAST

KOB.com Web Staff June 17, 2017 05:40 PM CARLSBAD, N.M. – Investigators in Carlsbad are offering a $1,000 reward for anyone who can help them find out who shot and killed a cow. A rancher found one of his cows shot in the stomach on Dark Canyon Road earlier this month. The person responsible will be charged with extreme cruelty to animals. It’s a loss of about $2,000 for the rancher. If you have any information, you are encouraged to call Eddy County Crimestoppers at 1-844-786-7227. Eddy County Cattle Growers are offering and additional $1,000. Total reward is now $2,000. AS you know this has become a common crime in Eddy County.

Tomato Wilt

TOMATOES WILTING This last month or so I have had a number of people bring me in wilting tomatoes, It was not curly top virus which causes purple veins and starts at the top of the plants. The NMSU Plant Pathology Laboratory identified and isolated Verticillium wilt. This is a soil fungal disease of tomatoes and potatoes can be caused by two different soil-borne fungi, Verticillium albo-atrum or Verticillium dahliae. The samples we sent in were V. dahlia. These fungi have a very broad host range, infecting up to 200 species of plants. In addition to tomatoes and potatoes, these fungi can infect cucumber, eggplant, Chile pepper, bell pepper, rhubarb, watermelon, artichoke, beet, broad bean, strawberries, raspberries, and a number of weedy plants. They may also infect several woody species such as maple, ash, lilac, smoke bush and roses. Wilting is the most characteristic symptom of infection by Verticillium spp. In Eddy County symptoms usually appear on the lower leaves in mid-May to mid-August when infected plants wilt during the warmest part of the day, and then recover at night. Leaf edges and areas between the veins turn yellow and then brown. In addition, infected plants often have a characteristic V-shaped lesion at the edge of the leaf occurring in a fan pattern. These foliar lesions can enlarge, resulting in complete browning and death of the leaves. Verticillium wilt can be detected by looking for the presence of vascular streaking in stems near the ground. When cut longitudinally, Verticillium-infected stems show a light tan discoloration of the vascular tissue. These symptoms are similar to those caused by another fungus, Fusarium, but vascular streaking caused by Fusarium is generally darker and progresses further up the stem than streaking caused by Verticillium. Infected potato tubers may also show similar vascular discoloration occurring in rings, especially near the stem end. Although discolored, the tubers are safe to eat. Wilt caused by this disease may be differentiated from drought-stress based on the portion of the plant that is wilting and on the location of wilted plants. Diseased plants often have only a portion of the plant wilting, such as one or two stems which is different than curly top. In addition, diseased plants usually appear in patches within the growing area. So you may have some plants that are doing great and a spot where they are all wilting. Plants suffering from drought, however, are uniformly wilted and occur throughout the growing area. The fungi causing this disease overwinter in the soil as mycelium or on plant debris as microsclerotia. The fungi infect a susceptible host through wounds in the roots caused by cultivation, nematodes (microscopic worms), or the formation of secondary roots. This disease is considered a cool-weather disease, developing between 65° and 83°F. Management of this disease is difficult since the pathogen survives in the soil and can infect many species of plants. As with many diseases, no single management strategy will solve the problem. Rather, a combination of methods should be used to decrease its effects. When a positive diagnosis has been made, the following recommendations may be followed: • Whenever possible, plant resistant varieties. There are many Verticillium-resistant varieties of tomatoes. These are labeled "V" for Verticillium-resistance. There are no potato varieties that are resistant to Verticillium, though some varieties are tolerant. Note: Verticillium-resistant plants may still develop Verticillium wilt if there is a high population of nematodes in the soil. • Remove and destroy any infested plant material to prevent the fungi from overwintering in the debris and creating new infections. • Keep plants healthy by watering and fertilizing as needed. • Gardens should be kept weed-free since many weeds are hosts for the pathogen. • Susceptible crops can be rotated with non-hosts such as cereals and grasses, although 4 to 6 years may be required since the fungi can survive for long periods in the soil. • Alternate garden spots, pulling clear plastic over one to heat the soil with sunlight, every few week you can pull the cover off and stir the soil up to expose more to the high heat. This will help reduce the amount of inoculum in the soil. Which give resistant varieties more of a chance. Resistance is proportional to the challenge. If there is a lot of inoculum in the soil it can overcome the ability of the plant to resist. • Container gardening is also an option. Verticillium-resistant tomato varieties Verticillium-tolerant potato varieties • Better Boy • Big Beef • Celebrity • Daybreak • Early Girl • First Lady • Floramerica • Husky Gold • Husky Red • Italian Gold • Jet Star • Miracle Sweet • Pink Girl • Roma • Sunstart • Super Sweet 100 • Ultra Sweet • Viva Italia • Century Russet • Gold Rush • Itasca • Ranger Russet • Reddale • Targhee Don’t plant any variety of tomato that does not have VFN after the name. The smaller the tomato the more heat resistant they are. We don’t have a good handle on green chile that are resistant. A recent study from Ruggers University indicated that some protection of the roots using Ammonia Sulfate fertilizer (21-0-0). Subscribe to Eddy County Ag news at: http://nmsueddyag.blogspot.com/ Eddy County Extension Service, New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. All programs are available to everyone regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. New Mexico State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Eddy County Government Cooperating.

Sheriff working on Comunity Policing for Rural Eddy County

Mark Gage the sheriff of Eddy County is working on developing a rural community policing. It is difficult with a force of only about 60 officers to have a presence in a county 4,184 square miles or 2,677,760 acres big with thousands of miles of back county gravel roads. The attached form is so that patrol officer on sheriff deputies can respond to rural areas better. For location you can use rural addressing system, Range Township section ¼ of the ¼ , GPS lat and long. Whatever you have the more the better. You can also include information like Elderly in residence, Heart condition, and diabetic whatever you think will help a first responder. This is 100% voluntary and is to help them help you. You can mail, fax, scan and e-mail, or drop it by the Eddy County Sheriff’s office or the Extension Office and I will make sure he gets it. Send this to your friends or give them a form. Right now he is concentration is on ranches but he will want to do the same with farms I am sure in the near future. If you have question or concerns call Mark or the Under Sheriff. Share this form with other Rural residents, and help Sheriff Gage help us.

Wildlife Service published a proposed rule to delist the Gypsum Wild-Buckwheat

Woods note: Gypsum wild buckwheat has two populations in Eddy County. On January 6, 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a proposed rule to delist the Gypsum Wild-Buckwheat as a threatened species throughout its range under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. On June 13, 2017 the Service reopened a 30-day public comment period. The Gypsum Wild-Buckwheat proposed listing rule can be found here: http://www.regulations.gov , entering FWS–R2–ES–2016–0119 in the Search box. The proposed rule reassesses all available information regarding status of and threats to the Gypsum Wild-Buckwheat. We intend that any final action resulting from this proposed rule will be based on the best scientific and commercial data available and be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, we are particularly seeking comments and information concerning these categories: 1) Current and ongoing threats. 2) Current regulatory protections. 3) The need for post delisting management and protections for the species. The Service is requesting comments or information on this proposal. Comments must be received on or before July 13, 2017 and can be submitted by one of the following methods: 1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS–R2–ES–2016–0119 for Gypsum wild-buckwheat, which is the docket number for the rulemakings. Then, in the Search panel on the left side of the screen, under the Document Type heading, click on the Proposed Rules link to locate this document. You may submit a comment by clicking on “Comment Now!”

Public infromation and Hearing on Texas Hornshell mussel in Back River, Eddy County NM

Today, it is the only native mussel remaining in New Mexico and is scarce in Texas, occupying only 15% of its historical U.S. range. Habitat fragmentation and loss as a result of impoundments and reduced water quality and quantity are negatively impacting the Texas hornshell and other freshwater mussels across the Southwest. After thoroughly reviewing the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to protect the mussel as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We are seeking comments from academia, the public, industry, local and federal agencies, states and other stakeholders. “The Texas hornshell and other mussels across the Southwest are struggling because the waterways they call home are being altered and impacted by declining water quality and quantity,” said Dr. Benjamin N. Tuggle, the Service’s Southwest Regional Director. “Declining freshwater mussel populations are signs of an unhealthy aquatic system, which has negative implications for the fish, wildlife and communities that depend upon those rivers and streams.” “By working closely with private landowners, states and federal agencies we will improve water quality and quantity to benefit both the species and communities that rely upon those flowing waters.” The Texas hornshell can grow to more than 41⁄2 inches long and live up to 20 years. Like other freshwater mussels, it uses fish to complete its life cycle. Fertilized hornshell eggs develop into larvae and are released from the adults into the water where they are consumed by fish. The larvae then form parasitic cysts in the host fish’s gills, face or fins where they transform into the juvenile form and are released. If they are released in a suitable area, they can attach to a substrate and complete their development, becoming reproductive adult mussels. In the Rio Grande, the Texas hornshell has been found downstream of Big Bend National Park and near Laredo in Webb County, Texas, in the Pecos River near Pandale, Texas, and the Devil’s River in Val Verde County, Texas. Historically, the Texas hornshell was widely distributed in Gulf Coast rivers in Mexico, however, its present status there is unclear.

From USFWS news release August 9, 2016 Contact(s): Chuck Ardizzone, 281-286-8282, chuck_ardizzone@fws.gov Lesli Gray, 972-439-4542, lesli_gray@fws.gov Jeff Humphrey, 602-242-0210, jeff_humphrey@fws.gov A public informational session from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a public hearing from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 15, 2017, Pecos River Village in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Eddy County Sheriff to meet with Eddy County Ranchers.

The Eddy County Sheriff's office is holding a meeting to share some news with us. Here is the press release: Eddy County Ranchers Assocation Meeting When: June 15, 2017 @ 2:00 P.M Where: Eddy County Sheriff's Office (1502 Corrales Drive, Carlsbad New Mexico) Sheriff Mark Cage cordially invites you to the Eddy County Rancher's Association meeting at the Eddy County Sheriff's Office located at 1502 Corrales Drive. The meeting will be held on June 15, 2017 at 2.P.M. The Rancher's Association will be discussing various law enforcement topics that ranchers are dealing with in Eddy County. Several different law enforcement agencies will be present at this meeting. All citizens of Eddy County are welcome to attend. There will be refreshments provided. Since we are gathering together anyway for this, we will have an official meeting too and kill two birds with one stone. We do have a few quick business things to take care of. Hope to see you there. Invite your neighbors. Sandi Wilkie

NMDA hold public hearing on adoption and amendement on Organic Agriculture and Pasterurized Milk.

NMDA to hold public rule hearings across New Mexico For Immediate Release: June 13, 2017 Contact: Shelby Herrera 575-646-3007 office (LAS CRUCES, N.M.) - The New Mexico Department of Agriculture will hold public hearings in four locations across the state to discuss the adoption and amendment of two rules. The hearings will be held to propose the repeal and adoption of 21.15.1 NMAC – “Organic Agriculture,” and amendments to 21.34.3 NMAC “Pasteurized Milk Ordinance,” and receive public comment on each proposal. The hearings will be as follows: • In Las Cruces at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 from 1–2 p.m., and 2:30–3:30 p.m. • In Portales at the Roosevelt County Extension Office on Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 2–3 p.m., and 3:30–4:30 p.m. • In Santa Fe at the State Capitol building in room 326, on Friday, July 7, 2017 from 8–9 a.m., and 9:30–10:30 a.m. • In Albuquerque at the Bernalillo County Extension Office, on Friday, July 7, 2017 from 1–2 p.m., and 2:30–3:30 p.m. During the Organic Agriculture hearings, the new fee structure for the Department’s Organic Program will be proposed. During the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance hearings amendments will be proposed. These amendments add a reference to additional documents that are used to regulate milk and milk products in New Mexico. The Organic rule hearings will be held first at each location, with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance rule hearings to follow. A copy of the proposed rule is available on the webpage at www.nmda.nmsu.edu, or at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture located at 3190 S. Espina, Las Cruces, NM 88003.

NEW MEXICO HEALTH ALERT NETWORK (HAN) ALERT Plague Information for New Mexico Healthcare Personnel

Please freely distribute this alert. NEW MEXICO HEALTH ALERT NETWORK (HAN) ALERT Plague Information for New Mexico Healthcare Personnel June 7, 2017 An adult male from Santa Fe County recently was diagnosed with pneumonic plague, requiring admission to an intensive care unit. Clinicians in New Mexico should consider plague in their differential diagnoses when dealing with febrile patients -- particularly if they live in or have spent time in northern New Mexico, present with swollen lymph node/s, or do not have an obvious cause of their illness -- because untreated or improperly treated patients have a high risk of mortality. SEE THE ATTACHED ALERT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

NMSU new publicaition

Guide B-707: Evaluation of Equine Hoof Care Jason L. Turner (Extension Horse Specialist, Dept. of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources) http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_b/B707.pdf

Ag Degree Days

I wanted to let you all know that we will be bringing Ag Degree Days back to campus this year. We will be expanding the program to two full days with more hands on and demonstration. Below is a tentative agenda… Wednesday August 2nd 8:00 am to Noon – Horsemanship with Curt Pate (open to public with separate fee charged) 1:00pm to 5:30 – Stockmanship with Curt Pate (Ag Day program begins) 5:30 meal and entertainment at the college ranch (?) Thursday August 3rd 8:00 – 5:00 “Classes in Animal Science and Natural Resources” (official schedule TBA) • Could offer a block of time for Pesticide Training (have 4 – 5 hrs available) Will make CE eligible • BQA Certification • Policy Discussion Panel Friday August 4th 8:00 to noon Hands on sessions Animal Health Chute Side Tack and Saddle Fitting Brush spraying Plant Identification(?) or Livestock Facility Design(?) All of the Friday presentations would be provided by our sponsors. Before we commit to adding the pesticide training, we would like to hear from you on the need of this training? There is some planning that will be needed in order to coordinate this option. We are happy to pursue it if you think it will help. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks! Marcy Marcy Ward, PhD Extension Livestock Specialist New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM 88003 (O) 575-646-5947 (Cell) 575-644-3379 maward@nmsu.edu

SPINOSE EAR TICKS IN EDDY COUNTY

SPINOSE EAR TICKS IN EDDY COUNTY The most common tick in Eddy county and New Mexico is Spinose Ear Tick, (Octobius megnini). Ticks frequently use wild animal hosts to maintain tremendous populations near treated cattle herds. Ticks produced on wildlife can re-infest treated cattle, and they continually pose a problem for Eddy County and New Mexico cattle producers. Some species of ticks are also capable of transmitting diseases such as anaplasmosis to cattle however, there is no know disease transmitted by Spinose Ear Tick. The life cycle of ticks starts out as larval ticks, which are six-legged and 0.5 mm long, hatch in three to eight weeks from eggs laid on the ground and climb anything vertical and patiently await passing potential hosts. Wooden coral posts, gates, barn siding. They can survive several months without a feed or moisture. When a suitable host becomes available, they make their way to the ear and attach just below the hairline. Grooves and folds in the ear canal are favored sites. I have dug them out from deep within the ear. After sucking blood for about a week and growing to about 4 mm they molt to the first nymph stage. The first stage nymphs remain in the ear without feeding and molt seven to ten days later to the second nymph stage. Second stage nymphs suck blood for one to seven months, growing to about 8 mm long, and it is this stage, which is most likely to be observed. They are big and plump looking. After exiting the ear and dropping to the ground, they hide in cracks, crevices, beneath rocks and under bark before maturing to adults in one to six weeks, depending on environmental conditions. Adults are free living and eat nothing. They mate on the ground and females can survive up to two years, laying 500–1500 eggs. The Spinose Ear Tick first appeared in New Mexico during the drought years of the early 1930s when Texas cattle were imported to this area to obtain water. Infestations were somewhat localized. During the 1960s, the range of infestation appeared to spread statewide. Now they in every county in New Mexico, and in every state in the Union as well as Canada, Mexico, India, and Australia. Parasitic larvae and nymphs of this species cause serious damage to livestock. The wounds can become infected with pus-forming organisms that give rise to a condition known as canker ear. The constant irritation causes animals to become dull, unthrifty and even to lose weight. Infested animals shake their heads and rub their ears in an attempt to relieve the irritation. This species of ticks are not known to be vectors of disease thankfully because they are hard to control once established in a heard. However, tick infested animals are subject to secondary microbial infections due to feeding wounds and the accumulation of tick feces and cast exuviate from molting. In addition, severely infested animals are prone to maggot infestations as a resulting from flies laying eggs in the deteriorating environment. They can but do not often infect human, dog, cats or sheep. I have found extensive populations in horses. They are reported in mules, goats, lama, elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, mountain sheep and goats. Infestation is spread by introduction of an infested animal or animals into previously un-infested herds. Bulls and replacement heifers that are to be kept for some time are most likely to be involved. Since the nymphs may remain in the ear for four months, any animal kept on a farm or ranch for that period of time could provide the source for infestation of the whole herd. It take vigilance over a long period of time to break the life cycle and “clean up” a herd because of the long life cycle and wildlife host source. Controlling ticks is difficult and generally requires a combination of cultural, preventive, and pesticide control methods. Ear ticks on livestock can be controlled with systemic or contact insecticides. However, re-infestation makes this method expensive. Insecticide impregnated ear tags help prevent ear infesting ticks fairly well. For more information see Texas Extension publication http://livestockvetento.tamu.edu/files/2010/10/Managing-External-Parasites-of-Texas-Cattle.pdf For non-cattle infestations controlling tick-infested vegetation around the home and using contact residual insecticides in the spring on the fringe areas of the yard when ticks are most abundant reduces tick infestation of children, adults, and pets. Insect repellents for humans and shampoos or collars containing insecticide for pets can help control or reduce tick infestations. Subscribe to Eddy County Ag news at: http://nmsueddyag.blogspot.com/ Eddy County Extension Service, New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. All programs are available to everyone regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. New Mexico State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Eddy County Government Cooperating.

Wild Life Meeting Carlsbad June 6, 7:00 pm

Wildlife meeting On June 6 Tues there will be a meeting concerning wildlife issues with NMSU Cooperative Extension Specialist Dr. Sam Smallidge at 7:00 pm in the auditorium of the Eddy County Cooperative Extension Service, 1304 West Stevens. In his presentation, Dr. Smallidge will be discussing a variety of topics depending on the needs and wants of those in attendance. He will discuss rattlesnakes, around the home. Gophers control in landscape and farms, squirrels and if time permits birds. This is a great opportunity to get advice from a very good speaker and knowledgeable person. If you plan to attend, contact and /or if you are in need of special assistance due to a disability in order to participate please contact the Eddy County Extension Office 887-6595 or 1-877-8876595 before June 2. Subscribe to Eddy County Ag news at: http://nmsueddyag.blogspot.com/ Eddy County Extension Service, New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. All programs are available to everyone regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. New Mexico State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Eddy County Government Cooperating.

New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute hosts conference in Las Cruces in June

New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute hosts conference in Las Cruces in June DATE: 05/31/2017 WRITER: Kristie Garcia, 575-646-4211, kmgarcia@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Jesslyn Ratliff, 575-646-1194, jesslynr@nmsu.edu The New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute at New Mexico State University is hosting the New Mexico Evapotranspiration Conference June 6 and 7 at the Las Cruces Convention Center. The New Mexico Evapotranspiration Conference program is designed to help choose an evapotranspiration model for the New Mexico Statewide Water Assessment (SWA). Discussion amongst the experts at the conference will aid in this decision. The SWA is a three-year project that has been supported by the New Mexico Governor and the New Mexico Legislature. The SWA is an effort that will complement existing state agency water resource assessments. It will provide new, frequently updated, spatially representative assessments of water budgets for the entire state of New Mexico. Evapotranspiration (ET) is one of the components of the model. ET is the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants. The conference will address how other states are using ET and what has been learned. Discussions will include the latest ET developments, how land-management practices can be impacted by ET estimates and why obtaining better ET data is important. The conference is 8 a.m to 5 p.m. June 6. The conference begins at 8 a.m. June 7 and concludes with a field trip to NMSU’s Leyendecker Research Center starting at 12:45 p.m. Field trip participants will view ET measurement techniques, a new weather station and an alfalfa field. Conference presenters and moderators are from Arizona State University, Elephant Butte Irrigation District, Jornada Experimental Range, Kipp & Zonen, NASA, New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, New Mexico Pecan Growers, New Mexico Tech, New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute, NMSU Department of Animal and Range Sciences (College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences), NMSU Department of Civil Engineering (College of Engineering), University of Idaho, University of Maryland, University of New Mexico, U.S. Department of Agriculture Southwest Climate Hub and U.S. Geological Survey. For a complete agenda and list of speakers, visit https://et.nmwrri.nmsu.edu/program/ Registration is $55 and includes three meals. For those only attending the field trip, registration is $20 and includes transportation and lunch. To register for the conference, visit https://et.nmwrri.nmsu.edu. For more information, call 575-646-1194 or email jesslynr@nmsu.edu. The New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute was established in 1963 by the New Mexico Legislature and approved under the 1964 Water Resources Research Act. The NM WRRI funds research conducted by faculty and students from universities across the state to address water problems critical to New Mexico and the Southwest. The institute also participates in joint efforts to solve water-related problems along the U.S./Mexico border. Visit nmwrri.nmsu.edu for more information. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews

Public Informaton and Hearing on listing of the Texas Horn Shell muscell on the Balck River Eddy County NM

A public informational session from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a public hearing from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 15, 2017, At the Pecos River Conference center in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Federal Register on proposed rules Texas Horn Shell mussel

24654 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 102 / Tuesday, May 30, 2017 / Proposed Rules DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [Docket No. FWS–R2–ES–2016–0077; 4500030113] RIN 1018–BB34 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the Texas Hornshell AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of comment period; public hearings. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the comment period for our August 10, 2016, proposed rule to list the Texas hornshell (Popenaias popeii) as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also are notifying the public that we have scheduled informational meetings followed by public hearings on the proposed rule. Comments previously submitted on the proposal need not be resubmitted, as they are already incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in our final determination. DATES: Written comments: The comment period on the proposed rule that published August 10, 2016 (81 FR 52796), is reopened. We request that comments on the proposal be submitted on or before June 29, 2017. Comments submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES section, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. Public meetings and hearings: We will hold two public informational sessions and public hearings on the proposed listing rule: (1) A public informational session from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a public hearing from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 13, 2017, in Laredo, Texas (see ADDRESSES); and (2) A public informational session from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a public hearing from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 15, 2017, in Carlsbad, New Mexico (see ADDRESSES). People needing reasonable accommodations in order to attend and participate in the public meetings should contact the Texas Coastal Ecological Services Field Office, at 281– 286–8282, as soon as possible (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). In order to allow sufficient time to process requests, please call no later than 1 week before the meeting date. ADDRESSES: Document availability: You may obtain copies of the proposed rule and Species Status Assessment Report on the Internet at http:// www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS–R2–ES–2016–0077, or by mail from the Texas Coastal Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Written comments: You may submit comments by one of the following methods: (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS–R2–ES–2016–0077. You may submit a comment by clicking on ‘‘Comment Now!’’ (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–R2–ES–2016– 0077; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803. We request that you send comments only by the methods described above. We will post all comments on http:// VerDate Sepwww.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see the Information Requested section below for more information) Public meetings and hearings: The public informational meetings will be held on the following dates and locations: 1. A public informational session from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a public hearing from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Student Center Ballroom #203, Texas A&M International University, 5201 University Blvd., Laredo, Texas 78041, on June 13, 2017. 2. A public informational session from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a public hearing from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Pecos River Village Conference Center, 711 Muscatel Ave., Carlsbad, NM 88220, on June 15, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chuck Ardizzone, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Coastal Ecological Services Field Office, 17629 El Camino Real #211, Houston, TX 77058; by telephone 281–286–8282; or by facsimile 281–488–5882. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339.