Editor’s Note: See Cibola Living B-Section in today’s Beacon for articles on the farmer and rancher of year.

Rancher of the Year, Miriam M. Goetting BEACON / COURTESY

    GRANTS - San Mateo rancher and author Abe Pena said, “No more mutton in this house” was a common remark made by World War II veterans returning home. Limited military refrigeration facilities meant Australian mutton was a main food staple for South Pacific servicemen.

    Pena's comments were part of his historical perspectives on centuries of human interactions with domestic livestock.  His presentation opened the 63rd annual Landowners' Banquet for the Lava Soil and Water Conservation District at La Ventana Steak House. On  Oct. 4, more than 70 LSWCD members celebrated the year's accomplishments and honored the district's 2009 outstanding conservationists.

    Patty Black and Amy Cameron, Mesa View Elementary School teachers, received awards for their contributions to conservation education. For its on-going support of AG Days, a 12-year educational tradition, Grants-Cibola County Schools were honored. Student Cassandra Gutierrez received an award for her AG Day science fair project presentations. Alex Gonzales, New Mexico Association of Conservation District's second-longest serving supervisor, was recognized for more than 40 years of service.

    Bernard Valdo, Pueblo of Acoma, is the 2009 Farmer of the Year. He began farming in 1999 on a small tract near his family home. Since 2003, he has participated in LSWCD programs with 30 acres of cropland.

    Miriam M. Goetting, 2009 Rancher of the Year, a third generation rancher with a 4,000 acre cow and calf operation, lives near Laguna. She was recognized as a progressive, motivated rancher active in conservation practices and supportive of her community.

    A power point presentation illustrating management programs concluded the evening's event. Conservation practices such as drip irrigation, fire as a rangeland management tool, arroyo erosion control and livestock watering systems were highlighted in the 38 photos.

    This annual banquet has been a tradition for more than 25 years. Grants State Bank sponsored the 2009 event. A different local facility is chosen each year for the banquet site. In 2008 it was held at the Knights of Columbus hall.

For more information about Lava Soil and Water Conservation District call 287-4045.