This week, as the election draws to a close, we will find out who our national leader is going to be. The historical election on Nov. 6 will have a major impact on our domestic and global policies and economy. I cannot recall when an election has been so close, as many polls were claiming an even tie six days before Super Tuesday.

With drought conditions forecasted to impact over 70 percent of cattle production across the nation, it is no surprise to New Mexico’s ranchers that the drought from last summer will be felt through the foreseeable future.

Much has already been written about the impact of the 2010-2011 Texas/Oklahoma-based drought and this year’s most widespread drought in 59-plus years. Drought has forced cow/calf operators to cull cows, retain fewer heifers than expected, and thus reduce their herds for another year.

First and foremost, follow vaccine guidelines as directed by product labels and your veterinarian. Vaccines should be stored in the refrigerator and placed on icepacks if being transported for longer than 20 minutes. Make sure to check the label for an expiration date, and do not use vaccines that have passed this time.

While President Obama did mention the Land Grant College initiative in the first debate, I have to wonder how many Americans even know what it is.

Va l u ebased marketing of fed cattle is quickly becoming the norm, so genetically designing cattle that pay premiums on such a marketing system should be a consideration for cow/calf producers in order to add value to their calf crop.

Snow is starting to fly and winter is just around the corner. By now, most of you all should have your winter feed secured so you can keep that valuable cow herd intact. It’s going to be tough if you haven’t got your plan figured out.

“We spend about 7 percent of our disposable income to feed our families,” he said. “In Europe they spend anywhere from 13 percent to 28 percent of their income. What am I getting at? One, we take food for granted. Two, it’s cheap. And three, we always expect it to be there.

We are halfway through the fall semester, so students are busy learning. The reality of skipping class or slacking off is starting to show up for some. For others, the self-fulfilling rewards of better understanding how the world works is becoming evident.

Since the first of September, I’ve been to more than 30 auctions and the driving point at each of these has been clear: the homework must have been done! What I mean is that whoever is holding the sale must have marketed the event through advertising as well as personal contact to customers.