A pioneer in livestock trade between the U.S. and Mexico passed away Monday, December 16, 2024. Raul B. Tellez, 84, Las Cruces, New Mexico died after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy of trade relationships and improvement in the cattle industry on both sides of the border.

The New Mexico native retired in 2010 from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) after 26 years as a marketing specialist but ever since kept focused on the cattle business.

“Raul was a leader in the development of agricultural trade, not just in New Mexico but around the nation,” said Edward Avalos, former Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs serving with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack during the Obama years.

“Raul had incredible energy, with a unique talent for understanding the needs of both buyers and sellers,” added Avalos. “He maintained a network of hundreds of livestock producers on both sides of the border. Raul was highly respected for his brokering skills and knowledge of agricultural, and all the rules and regulations surrounding trade.”

Tellez’s main activity was in helping U.S. seedstock producers find Mexican ranchers who needed to improve their herds through better genetics.

“Raul’s work greatly helped improve the quality of the cattle that end up in U.S. feedyards and wheat pastures,” said Daniel Manzanares, director of the Santa Teresa (New Mexico) International Export/Import Livestock Crossing. “He was a man who could bridge nations and cultures and bring people together.”

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Up to literally days before his passing, Tellez was instrumental in helping BEEF magazine editors sort out the impacts of the recent U.S./Mexico border closure due to discovery of New World Screwworms.

Benji Segovia, of Las Cruces worked with Tellez for 16 years at NMDA. They teamed up in organizing both inbound and outbound agricultural trade missions. “Raul was passionate about his work and knew everyone in the business,” said Segovia. “His networking skills were legendary. To say he will be missed is an understatement.”

Tellez leaves behind his wife Gloria and a close-knit family of four daughters, Patricia, Sandra, Anne Marie and Monique as well as numerous grandchildren.