While there’s been a lot of talk about the oil and gas industry, Carlsbad’s potash market is also seeing the impact of the conflict in Eastern Europe.
That’s because both Russia and Russian ally Belarus are major potash producers. According to a Jan.25 article in “Investing News” Belarus was already being subjected to sanctions before the crisis in Ukraine, both by Europe and by the United States. Potash prices went up to $650 per ton for the first time since 2008. That was before the present conflict. Potash, which is used as fertilizer, is an especially difficult commodity. If prices get too high, many farmers simply won’t plant crops that year,
Belarus is the third leading potash producer in the world, following Canada and Russia. Eddy County has some of the best potash reserves in the United States. This is certainly another example of how a resource in Southeast New Mexico is vital to our nation.
***
New Mexico lawmakers will be back up in Santa Fe in just a few weeks for a special session. Last week, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a session that will begin on April 5. The agenda will consist of two items- handling the $50.4 million “junior bill” that the governor vetoed and consideration of an inflation relief bill on residents. We will keep you updated on developments related to this session.
***
Baseball results over the weekend: Carlsbad beat Goddard, 4-1, on Friday and then stopped Santa Teresa, 10-0, on Saturday. The Cavemen now have an 11-2 overall record.
The Carlsbad Cavegirls beat Los Lunas, 18-0, over the weekend and still have a perfect record. They are also ranked as the state’s best softball team.
The CHS Dance Team also took third place at their state competition in Albuquerque. Congratulations to everyone involved. Competitors were Hannah Brown, Sydney Hanway, Hana Holman, Kailey Lambert, Aspen Martino, Bailey Moisa and Marley Suggs. Coaches are Sarah Edmondson and Cheri Young. The cheer team also competed over the weekend and did a great job.
Baseball and softball teams held opening ceremonies across Carlsbad over the weekend and Monday. It’s exciting to see this major part of our community back to normal.
***
James Knott, a long serving member of our important Planning and Zoning Commission, has passed away. Knott was also a very involved local businessman, and he has played a significant role in Carlsbad’s growth over the past few decades. We offer our condolences to his friends and family members.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway