Chewing The Cud

Tumbleweeds, rugged mountains and sloping sandhills weren't the only things greeting me as I arrived in Raton, New Mexico. I was welcomed into the state with a raging hail storm. This didn't damper the spirits of the New Mexico Cattlegrower's Association Members who had gathered for their mid-year meeting this weekend.

As their luncheon speaker, I had the privilege of taking part in industry forums on issues effecting the New Mexican region. I also was able to speak on KRTN and work with the Young Cattlemen's group on spokesperson training. Playing the part of "Sally Consumer", I asked the young cattlemen and women questions about animal welfare, new beef options, hormones and antibiotics, and beef nutrition. It is my philosophy that it only takes one voice to tell our beef production story, and I was so glad that more have joined the fight in telling the truth about animal agriculture.

I also had the opportunity to speak with the newly installed New Mexico Beef Ambassador, Leticia Verales. Leticia is a sophomore Ag Business student at New Mexico State University. Catch my interview with her on Chewing The Cud with Amanda Nolz.

Whether it be a rancher of fifty years or a college ambassador, at the New Mexico Cattlegrower's Association Mid-Year meeting, it was evident that passion runs deep among these beef enthusiasts. It certainly revamped by spirits and reminded me about why I'm so passionate about this great and vast industry.