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A MEMORIAL

DECLARING JANUARY 31, 2008 AS "FARM AND RANCH WORKERS' DAY"

AT THE SENATE

WHEREAS, agriculture's contribution to New Mexico's

heritage and economic health is well known; and

WHEREAS, in 2005 the farm and ranch community had

product sales totaling two billion six hundred million

dollars ($2,600,000,000); and

WHEREAS, major farm production in New Mexico includes

cattle, sheep and wool, dairies and dairy products, alfalfa

and other hays, wheat, sorghum, cotton, chile, pecans,

lettuce, corn and onions; and

WHEREAS, the production of many of these products would

not be possible without the approximately twelve thousand

farm and ranch workers in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, farm and ranch workers in New Mexico have been

tending crops and livestock for more than ninety years, when

large-scale agriculture began in this state; and

WHEREAS, during this time, farm and ranch workers have

been the backbone of much of the farming and ranching

industries; and

WHEREAS, farm and ranch workers labor in one of the most

dangerous occupations in the nation and each year one hundred

twenty thousand agricultural workers suffer disabling

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injuries from work-related accidents; and

WHEREAS, many farm and ranch workers earn an income that

is well below the poverty line; and

WHEREAS, farm and ranch workers receive little

recognition for their work; and

WHEREAS, all New Mexicans benefit from the labor of farm

and ranch workers;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that January 31, 2008 be declared "Farm

and Ranch Workers' Day" at the senate to honor these

hard-working people who play an important role in New

Mexico's economy.