*The N.M. Environment Department is proposing a rule for a "cap-and-trade" program to "reduce greenhouse gas emissions" in the state. The program would "initially" apply to sources that emit 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon dioxide per year. Opponents of such programs point out that such an effort would only raise taxes and drive businesses out of the state. N.M. Farm Bureau policy strongly opposes such a program and says such drastic policy initiatives should be based on science rather than environmental politics.

*The N.M. Farm and Livestock Bureau this week participated in a national radio network news story that focused on the challenges of effective farm labor programs which included a backwards glance at the successful "bracero" program of the early 1960's.

*The Farm Bureau Prime Timers gathered at the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum to dine and socialize May 11th in Las Cruces. The guest speaker Col. Frank Geisel (Ret.) gave a demonstration on dowsing which involves using a divining rod to find sources of water. The Prime Timers are a group of retired farmers and ranchers who meet once a month to discuss issues and absorb new knowledge.

*In an interview for the NMFB weekly radio program "Newsline" Elephant Butte Irrigation District Manager, Gary Esslinger, noted that while water run-off from the north is flowing into the various lakes in the state he feels like the state is still on a drought footing because while the lakes are "starting to fill....they are not full." He said nothing would be better than a good monsoon season for the state's irrigators but predicting the fickle weather pattern is always a challenge.