Farmer named volunteer of year

CLOVIS — A longtime Clovis farmer was named volunteer of the year by the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau, according to a bureau release.

Steve Myrick, co-owner of Myrick Farms, received the award at the bureau’s recent annual meeting. The bureau, founded in 1917, includes 20,000 members ranging from farmers and ranchers to citizens interested in property rights and local food supply.

Myrick has been a member of the bureau since 1966, joining as a high school student because his father thought he needed insurance for his own farm. He has served on the Curry Bound F&LB board in 1997, and has served on various committees.

“Steve has a huge heart for Farm Bureau,” says Traci van der Ploeg, Curry County F&LB Secretary. “He’s spent numerous hours traveling to Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Las Cruces. He has been instrumental in assuring the success of our county board and is adept at bridging the gap between our younger and older members.”

Myrick Farms, which Steve Myrick purchased with his brother in 1967, grows wheat, corn and forage sorghum for local dairies.

“Mr. Myrick is extremely deserving of this award recognizing the time and expertise he shares with New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau,” Chad Smith, NMF&LB CEO, said in the release. “Our organization would cease to exist without dedicated volunteers such as Steve and we’re thankful for his involvement.”