The New Mexico State Fair and New Mexico Department of Agriculture announced the 2023 New Mexico Farm and Ranch of Families of the Year Sept. 14.
Bob and Sandra Mayberry, longtime residents of Artesia, have been named Farm Family of the Year. The Mayberrys have been farming in Artesia since the late 1980s, beginning with cotton and alfalfa as the farm’s main focus. Since 2020, the family has shifted to farming high quality alfalfa that is sold in horse, ranch and feed store markets.
In addition to farming, Sandra has served on the board for Habitat for Humanity, currently serves on the board of The Bridge and works with Celebrate Recovery, which both provide sober living homes in the Artesia area.
Bob has served on various boards and committees within the agricultural industry. He has served on the boards of American Cotton Producers and New Mexico Cotton Growers. He is currently Chair of the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, as well as the New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program at New Mexico State University. Additionally, Bob serves as the Treasurer of the Board for The Bridge and helps with Celebrate Recovery. Both Bob and Sandra have been involved with Eddy County Farm Bureau to promote youth involvement in agriculture.
Michael and Connie Perez, owners and operators of Perez Cattle Company in Nara Visa and Encino, N.M., have been named New Mexico Ranch Family of the Year. The Perez family has over 45 of years of experience breeding registered seedstock with the same philosophy; line up as many good cows as you can in one pedigree.
The Perez Cattle Company has two bull sales each year and sells more than 180 bulls annually. To learn more about Perez Cattle Company, visit PerezCattleCo.com.
The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Families of the Year will be honored at the New Mexico State Fair Thursday, Sept. 14.