History

More Than a Century of Standing Together

For more than 110 years, the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association has served as a unified voice for New Mexico’s cattle producers.

Founded in 1914, NMCGA was created by ranchers who recognized that the challenges facing one producer could affect the entire livestock industry. Their answer was simple: stand together.

That principle remains at the heart of NMCGA today.

1914 — Where It Began

The story of NMCGA began in southwestern New Mexico.

Following a meeting with the Gila National Forest Supervisor on November 17, 1914, stockmen from Grant, Sierra and Socorro Counties came together to form the Southwestern New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association.

The organization was established with a broad purpose: to promote the interests of cattle and horse growers, encourage sound breeding and livestock production, assist the state's livestock regulatory efforts, and work for laws that would protect and foster New Mexico's livestock industry.

The original organization began with approximately 40 members. Within its first year, membership had grown to 137 producers from across New Mexico.

The organization was soon renamed the New Mexico Cattle and Horse Growers’ Association in 1915 and ultimately became the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association in 1929.

A Voice During Changing Times

The early years of the Association coincided with some of the most challenging periods in New Mexico's cattle industry.

The cattle business faced economic hardship throughout the 1920's, followed by the challenges of the Great Depression and changing federal agricultural policies in the 1930's.

A 1951 University of New Mexico history of the Association documents how NMCGA developed during these early decades, including its growth during the stronger cattle markets of the late 1920's and the challenges producers faced during the Depression and New Deal era.

Through changing markets, regulations and government policies, the need for producers to have a collective voice remained constant.

Protecting the Industry

Throughout its history, NMCGA has worked on issues affecting the ability of cattle producers to raise livestock, manage their operations and remain on the land.

The Association's work has included state and federal legislation, regulations, natural resources, livestock health, grazing, private property rights and other issues affecting New Mexico's ranching families.Over the decades, NMCGA has also participated in legal and administrative matters affecting the livestock industry. Its work has extended beyond the New Mexico Legislature to federal agencies, Congress and the courts.

The goal has remained consistent: protect the ability of New Mexico's cattle producers to operate and preserve a viable livestock industry for future generations.

More Than Advocacy

NMCGA's history is not only a history of policy and advocacy. It is also a history of people.

For generations, the Association has brought cattle producers together to share information, develop leaders, educate the next generation and strengthen relationships throughout the agricultural community. That tradition continues through programs such as Cattlemen's College, leadership development, scholarships, internships, youth programs and educational events.

NMCGA has also invested in developing future agricultural leaders, recognizing that the strength of the cattle industry depends on preparing the next generation to carry it forward.

A Statewide Organization

What began with a group of southwestern New Mexico stockmen has grown into a statewide membership organization.

Today, NMCGA has members in all 33 New Mexico counties, as well as members outside the state. The Association represents cattle producers and supporters from the ranch to the Roundhouse in Santa Fe and the halls of Congress.

The issues may change. The regulatory landscape may change. Markets change.

But the fundamental reason NMCGA exists has not changed. Cattle producers are stronger when they stand together.

1914–Today

More than a century after its founding, NMCGA continues the work started by those original stockmen in 1914. Their vision was to build an organization that would promote the livestock industry, bring producers together and protect the future of cattle ranching in New Mexico. Today, NMCGA carries that responsibility forward.