LAS CRUCES – Two New Mexico veterinarians whose careers helped build the state’s livestock emergency response system were honored last Tuesday for decades of service protecting agriculture, rural communities and the food supply.
Jeff Witte presented the Secretary’s Agriculture Legacy Award to Tim Hanosh and John Wenzel during the conference of the New Mexico Agriculture Livestock Incident Response Team in Socorro as the organization marks its 20th anniversary in 2026.
“Dr. Hanosh and Dr. Wenzel have dedicated their careers to protecting New Mexico agriculture and supporting the people behind it,” Witte said. “Their leadership has created lasting benefits for producers, veterinarians and rural communities.”
Hanosh served as a private practitioner, assistant state veterinarian, director of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Diagnostic Services division and meat and poultry inspection director at the New Mexico Livestock Board. Wenzel has served as an Extension veterinarian with New Mexico State University as well as in private veterinary practice. Both were honored for their service to New Mexico agriculture and their leadership in NM-ALIRT since its founding in 2006.
NM-ALIRT is a statewide network of veterinarians and animal health professionals who coordinate rapid response during disasters, disease outbreaks and livestock emergencies, including wildfires and foreign animal disease threats. The program improves preparedness and response for incidents affecting both livestock and public health.
The Secretary’s Agriculture Legacy Award recognizes individuals whose service has had a lasting influence on New Mexico agriculture and the industries that support it.
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