New Mexico
Rep. Leger Fernandez discusses Farm Bill with Clovis farmers
CLOVIS, N.M. — Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez met with farmers and ranchers in Clovis Thursday about some of the challenges they face.
“One thing without a doubt, the past two years has been drought, we’ve dealt with a lot of drought, a lot of dryness, you know, we don’t seem to get the rains as we used to,” said Mike Cone, a farmer and rancher.
The Farm Bill is coming up for renewal.
Eastern New Mexico has the biggest production of agriculture in our state. Leger Fernandez says the Farm Bill should have been passed a year ago but those efforts have slowed down.
That concerns farmers if they continue to have issues with drought.
“The security of the Farm Bill means a lot to us. Our business is very labor-intensive and capital-intensive. We spend lots of money and we have to have some way to make those payments if we don’t make a crop,” said Rick Ledbetter, the owner of a farm ranch operation.
If not passed, the bill will also affect people who use SNAP benefits.
“I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that we keep the nutrition programs, because so many New Mexicans rely on those nutrition programs,” Fernandez said.
She hopes talking to farmers and getting to the root of the problem will help get the bill over the finish line.
SANTA FE, N.M. – Santa Fe County and Edgewood approved a new agreement and ordinance that secures ongoing fire and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
According to a joint announcement from the Town of Edgewood and Santa Fe County on June 19, the two governments negotiated and adopted a new Joint Powers Agreement and ordinance to keep the Santa Fe County Fire Department serving the town.
County and town representatives drafted the agreement together. The town adopted the ordinance unanimously at a special meeting on June 16, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty.
Santa Fe County District 3 Commissioner Camilla Bustamante said, “I believe we are all relieved to know that the people of Edgewood will continue to have the fire and EMS services necessary to protect their homes, their families, and their community. This community deserves nothing less.”
The announcement said the ordinance takes effect five days after final publication. The statement also said no further action or approval is needed to guarantee continued fire suppression, fire prevention, and EMS services for Edgewood residents.
Both governments noted the agreement will continue indefinitely unless either side ends it with five years’ notice.
New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico leaders are backing a bipartisan bill after 12 confirmed U.S. screwworm cases, including one case in a Lea County dog.
New Mexico State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck said the parasite has spread to New Mexico, though officials say they have not found any human cases.
“This is also not a political issue this is a nationwide issue that we all need to address because it affects all warm blooded animals including humans,” Holeck said.
U.S. Reps. Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Leger Fernandez support the Protect America’s Herds Act.
The bill would create a grant program to train people to identify, treat, prevent and report screwworm. It would also support more livestock inspections and education for ranchers.
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez said she heard concerns from tribal leaders about the cost of protecting cattle herds.
“I spoke with one of our tribal leaders today and they have cattle operation and they’re worried, and they’re talking about how much more money they’re having to pay to go make sure they check on their herds and there are extra costs,” Leger Fernandez said.
Funding would prioritize states and tribal communities most at risk for screwworm outbreaks.
State health officials said screwworm is not a food safety issue. They also said ranchers should stay alert but not alarmed.
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