Civil Rights Concerns Headline Latino Farm, Ranch Gathering – Associated Press
Leaders of minority farm and ranching groups say the U.S. Department of Agriculture hasn't done enough to address discrimination and civil rights violations that have affected Latinos and women.
They're expected to discuss the issue during a news conference today as the National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association kicks off its annual meeting in Albuquerque.
Groups representing black and Native American farmers and ranchers also are expected to attend.
The Latino association pointed to a 2013 federal review that showed the U.S. Forest Service in New Mexico and Colorado wasn't complying with several civil rights requirements.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said addressing civil rights is part of a broader effort toward cultural transformation within the agency, but critics say that transformation has yet to happen.
New Mexico State Fair Attendance Up From Previous Year – Associated Press
Preliminary figures show attendance at the most recent New Mexico State Fair topping last year's number.
Fair officials say 460,468 people visited the fair during its 11-day run, from Sept. 10 through Sept. 20. That's an increase of more than 2,000 over last year's attendance of 458,379 when the fair lasted 12 days.
Paid attendance this year was 414,932 compared with 420,624 last year.
Fair manager Dan Mourning says promotional efforts, the reputation of the fair and a new midway operator added to the success.
Reithoffer Shows Inc. began a multi-year contract this year to operate the carnival. Fair officials say they're expecting a 10 percent increase in revenue from the carnival this year.
Next year's state fair will be held Sept. 8 through 18.
