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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Saving New Mexico Ranches From the Bulldozer

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Friday, October 7, 2011   

LAS CRUCES, N. M. - What once were the wide open spaces of New Mexico are slowly being sold off, as ranches are turned into housing developments instead of being passed on to heirs. It's a change in the times noted at the recent Agricultural Land Conservation Forum hosted by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.

Landowners in attendance learned about using agricultural conservation easements and related tax incentives to conserve their property. A group of New Mexico ranchers and farmers participated in a panel discussion about their experiences successfully using such easements, which also keep land in production. Among them was Dale Armstrong, who ranches near Magdalena.

"I think that future generations will be very grateful that some people did this to preserve the open space, and I think the government recognized that you giving up that value, and that's why there is some tax benefit to it."

For those who want to continue ranching, Armstrong explains, they can lower their tax burden by promising to keep the land in agricultural use under a conservation easement.

"There's a federal tax deduction when you earn income, then there is the estate tax credit and you can actually sell those credits, so it can pay for the profits of getting the easement put on."

While some ranchers may be hesitant about the easements, Armstrong notes he hasn't experienced anything negative. He runs cattle and says operations have continued on his ranch without interruption.



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