Guadalupe County Livestock Producers Organization

March 3, 2009

Regular Meeting

Meeting called to order by Max Tenorio. Minutes of the October 6, 2008 Meeting were reviewed by all present. Motion by Bill Ortiz to approve minutes, motion seconded by Connie Guinn. Treasurer Yolanda Tenorio, reported that the balance on the GCLPO checking account was at $499.96 as of March 3, 2009.

Wolf Reintroduction

by Gino Lujan

Gino Lujan, Guadalupe County Extension Agent, reported on the discussion at January 2009 Guadalupe County Commission Meeting about the Wolf Recovery program. The U.S Fish and Wildlife has proposed the possibility of expanding the wolf recovery program from the southern part of the state. Collin Alcott, County Attorney, urged GCLPO to inform the GC Commission on their interest opposing such a movement. Gino Lujan encouraged GCLPO to write a letter to the GC Commissioners both collectively and individually stating our opposition to such a proposal. Robert Hall suggested a letter be drafted on behalf of GCLPO. Yolanda found a letter that the GCLPO had written to the County Commission in January of 2008 expressing opposition to the wolf expansion area, but it was decided that reiterating the thought would be a good idea. Jim Thorpe motioned to have Bill and Max contact Tom Sidwell in Quay County and get ideas from him.  Martin Honegger seconded the motion.

Organizing Watershed Teams

by Don Thompson

Don Thompson reported on conservation efforts they have undertaken at the Pintada watershed. He stated Gino Lujan has been very instrumental with his assistance. He reported the Pintada watershed includes 650,000 acres and much is lost in the Pecos. They have cleared cedar and thrown the cut down trees in the arroyos. The benefits are immediate; trees are away from the grass, and erosion control is implemented. He mentioned possible positive results, such as live springs returning after such measures have been taken in similar situations. Don stated that there is 4x the amount of forage on cleared vs non-cleared land. Jim Thorpe stated there are organizations that are already discussing watershed management and suggested GCLPO form a committee. Motion to form committee made by Jim Thorpe, motion seconded by George Gonzales.  Members that agreed to serve on the committee are: Don Thompson (Chair),  Jim Thorpe, Manuel Apodaca, and George Gonzales.

Discussion on Predator Problems

Max Tenorio led a discussion on the problem that ranchers are having with coyotes. Pete Marez, USDA Animal Control, was on hand to share information on how his agency can help with the situation. Jim Thorpe suggested that ranchers track predator kills and inform other ranchers to do the same. He stated that Game and Fish wants records and good documentation of coyote or lion kills. Suggestions for tackling the problem included coyote drives, hunting competitions and aerial hunts by USDA. Issues about liabilities and other legal practices were discussed. There was also a discussion on issues that other counties are having with feral pigs. Gino will request to be on the agenda at the next County Commission meeting.  Jim Thorpe moved that GCLPO be involved in requesting a county ordinance that would ban or control importation of feral pigs. Robert Hall seconded motion. Motion to adjourn by Bill Ortiz, Gino Lujan seconded motion. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm

A program on “The Beef Industry” presented by Del Jimenez, NMSU Alcalde Research Station, followed. Everyone present enjoyed the informative program.