Good Fruit Grower

November 2011

Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/45659

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 24 of 47

READ more A rizona Chamber of Commerce Presi- dent Glen Hamer describes the impact on business of his state's "go it alone" approach to immigration reform—a Web exclusive at www.goodfruit.com. Roxanne Bell photographs a Double Z ranch foreman who is peering through the steel fence—just feet from where it trails off to twisted strands of often-cut barbed wire. to illegal entry, such as fence repairs and replacing stolen or damaged equipment, amount to about $75 of his per calf expenses. Recently, intentionally set wildfires have been added to both the dangers and the costs. Drug traffickers and criminals crossing his property have started range fires to either cover their route or to attract attention if they fear starvation and death. Bell said that two-thirds of his 34,000-acre ranch burned in fires between March and June of this year. Two were proven to be set by illegals who were in distress and used them to attract help, two originated in staging camps in Mexico where coyotes were preparing for the crossing, one fire was from an immigrant's campfire that got away, and two were from unknown sources. They, too, were likely human caused, since they did not occur during the fire season. Dangers One of the worst experiences Bell has faced occurred a few years ago when he and his ranching neighbors from Mexico were reconstructing the barbed wire fence that serves as the actual border demarcation. The materials were delivered via helicopter into one of the most remote sections on the ranch, an area two hours by horseback from the near- est road, then another 45-minute drive to the nearest phone service. He and one of his employees were on their way by horseback to retrieve the slings and cables used to transport the supplies, when they came face-to-face with a group of AK- 47–toting smugglers, who, he assumes, were carrying marijuana into the United States. "We immediately turned our horses and rode perpendicular from them into the brush," said Bell. "No words were exchanged and no hostile actions were taken, but when you're out in the middle of nowhere, your mind and heart start racing. You ask yourself, 'What direction do I go and what route am I going to take to get back to my vehicle?' Ever since that incident, I find myself creating a game plan in my mind whenever I go out in the remote areas." He also makes sure his route and estimated return time are known by others. "We fear the unknown," said Bell. "That became a reality when my friend Rob Krentz was murdered on his ranch on March 27, 2010. We can't assume that when we come across undocumented aliens that they are merely here to find work. We fear for our fam- ilies, our employees and their families, and all of our neighbors who ranch along the border." • Members of the International Leadership Alumni toured the Double Z Ranch following their annual conference in August. This feature originated with that tour. Several miles of steel fencing have been constructed along the international border near heavy narcotic trafficking areas such as Nogales, Arizona, which is visible on the eastern horizon. Despite the efforts however, it is estimated that only 10 percent of drug trafficking is prevented from reaching American users. www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER NOVEMBER 2011 25 "We fear the unknown." —Dan Bell jim black jim black jim black

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Good Fruit Grower - November 2011