Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.
Impact Report
| For plan | Brush and Weed Control Education Program (Taos County) |
| Date | October 9, 2008, 10:31 pm |
| For Objective | Medium-term Show medium-term objectives |
| Impact Report | The problem with weeds is that no matter how much you plan to control or eradicate them, they always seem to be one step ahead! Given this aspect of job security, the County Agent met with the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s Weed Specialist, a representative from the Alternative Weeds Committee, Mr. Linus Myer from the BLM, and, an instructor from the UNM-Taos who teaches weed physiology. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the need for, and agreement to the establishment of a Cooperative Weed Management Agreement. This agreement, while not obligating in any way, brings together those agencies and organizations with the common goal of doing all that is necessary to combat the problem of noxious weed management. This committee and its work will take about two years to get in full motion, however the NMDA representative will serve as the primary coordinator toward this end for the initial part of this endeavor. The County Agent along with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services and the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District presented training for individuals from various agencies and government programs that use or supervise the use of chemicals for weed, ornamental, insect, brush, or rodent control. These individuals are called public applicators and must be certified to use any chemicals on public facilities, whether general use or restricted use chemicals. Representatives included the Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde, New Mexico Transportation Department, Town of Taos Parks and Recreation, Taos Regional Airport, Taos County General Services, Taos Soil & Water Conservation District and the Taos Municipal Schools. The County Agent also tested one individual for Private Applicator Licensing. This licensing will allow the farmer to purchase, use and supervise the use of material not ordinarily available to the public. This farmer in particular, has worked to provide weed-free hay for use in public lands and this is one more tool available to accomplish this task. Last year, the County Agent, who is also a certified Weed-Free Hay Field Inspector, inspected several fields to help provide applicants an opportunity to sell weed-free hay which is all that will be allowed on public lands from now on. This helps producers obtain a premium for their hay thus boosting their income from agricultural production. |