Guadalupe County Livestock Producers

April 10, 2007

Minutes of the Meeting

Members in attendance: Bill and Joan Ortiz, Max and Yolanda Tenorio, Don and Bonnie Thompson, Eduardo Lucero, Jerry Gallegos, Tony Gallegos, Filomeno Flores, Gino Lujan, Rick Flores, Joe Salas guest.

Approval of Minutes and Treasurer’s Report

The meeting was held at Santa Rosa Middle School. Max Tenorio called the meeting to order. Member reviewed the minutes of the December 2, 2006 meeting. Approval of minutes followed. The treasurer’s report: Balance on account as of 4/10/2007 $339.14. No outstanding bills.

Review Proposed Bylaws for GCLPO

Member in attendance reviewed and discussed the proposed bylaws. Motion to approve bylaws made by Gino Lujan, second Joan Ortiz, motion passed. The bylaws are posted on the website.

AI Presentation

The first item on the agenda was a presentation by Gino Lujan, Guadalupe Co. Extension Agent, on an AI program GCLPO is interested in starting. Gino reported on the available options. Option #1: NMSU professor Clay Mathis and grad students would work on AI-ing a selected number of heifers and follow progress through weaning. Option #2: Consultation with Edwin Gomez, NMSU Small Farm Task Force, would involve applying for $2000+ grant for purposes of buying equipment that can be used for storing AI supplies, etc. Option #3: Have AI School for GCLPO members in the county. Discussion followed. GCLPO appointed Jerry Gallegos to spearhead the committee by contacting GCLPO members that would be interested in participating in an AI program. Once the information is collected they can determine the logistics involved in getting this program off the ground.

Brand Book

Bill Ortiz suggested that GCLPO buy a brand book to maintain and update the local brand index. It was suggested to check into getting a used or discarded one. Motion by Jerry Gallegos to order a new one if a used one is not found. Motion seconded by Eduardo Lucero. Motion passed.

GCLPO Website

Joan Ortiz reviewed the website and ideas for accessing useful information. Gino Lujan requested that the NMSU logo be placed on the web as a cooperator. Gino made the motion to include the NMSU logo, Joan second. Motion passed. The NMSU logo will be placed on the GCLPO website. Gino invited members to take advantage of the learning center at the Guadalupe Co. Ext. Office. He will also submit a monthly article to the newsletter.

NAP Inspection Process

Jim Thorpe, GCLPO member, sent word with Bill Ortiz to the meeting regarding the NAP Inspection Process. Discussion followed, relating to the following: Guadalupe County was only rated at 60%, and the pasture that was inspected (resulting in the decision denying landowners payment under the program) had been recently ungrazed and was therefore unrepresentative of the county as a whole, shortchanging area landowners who had a much more serious loss due to the drought. It was suggested that ranchers use rain gauges and keep good records. GCLPO will address the inspection process and suggest improvements with a letter to the FSA. Motion made by Jerry, seconded by Eduardo. Bill and Max will draft a letter to address this issue.

NCOC (National Carbon Offset Coalition)

Bill Ortiz reported on the NCOC. He explained how the program could be beneficial to area landowners. Members in attendance received information and literature that will be helpful in determining the pros and cons of such a program. More information will be shared in the future. Members interested can get more information by going to their website www.ncoc.us. For more information contact Bill Ortiz.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Rick Flores, motion seconded by Bill Ortiz. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.