The Mobile “Matanza” held its first demonstration on February 23, 2007, over sixty five (65) ranchers, regulators and interested parties gathered at the ranch of Mr. Erminio Martinez to showcase this state of the art, risk management tool in action.  On that day 2 beef and 1 lamb were slaughtered under the careful eye of two inspectors from the NM Livestock Board. The inspectors took this opportunity to conduct a mini workshop with the ranchers.  Appropriate guidelines and regulations were reviewed in preparation for the upcoming operations where ranchers’ livestock will then be taken to an approved age/hang cut/wrap facility and prepared for commercial markets.
The demonstration of the Mobile Matanza was carried out by TCEDC’s new Matanza Manager and Butcher/Driver, Mr. Gilbert Suazo Jr. was hired as the full time Mobile Matanza/Ag manager and Mr. Victor Mascareñas was hired part time as the Mobile Matanza Butcher/Driver and Assistant Ag Manager.  This team will work together with the ranchers and farmers to implement risk management strategies and implement the programs and projects.  Both the Manager and Butcher/Driver went to Washington State’s Lopez Island Growers Coop run by Mr. Bruce Dunlop for 2 weeks of intense training on their mobile unit and the completer USDA process that has been so successful in that area.  Training was from March 23, 2007 thru April 7, 2007.  Both have returned to continue outreach activities and begin scheduling services to our ranchers.

TCEDC is confident that the “Mobile Matanza” Project will benefit limited-resource ranchers by cutting costs and focusing energy and resources around outreach, training and education.  The overwhelming response to this project from ranchers wanting to utilize this service is exciting and proof that ranching, farming and working on the land is still a desired lifestyle and intervention strategies can make a critical difference.  Through the provision of accessible and affordable facilities and a fully contained process, ranchers will be able to go from on-site slaughter to market, creating opportunities for increased income.

Our goal is to increase income to limited resource ranchers and farmers through participation in TCEDC’s “OSO GOOD FOODS”™ cause marketing program.  To this end TCEDC has purchased a refrigerated “Product Delivery Vehicle” through funding received from a USDA/RBEG Grant.  TCEDC staff has completed training and provided information to Food Center clients wishing to expand their markets under the “OSO GOOD FOODS”™ label.  New regional markets have been identified in Colorado as well as in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.