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Impact Report

For plan Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development (De Baca County)
Date October 22, 2009, 4:52 pm
For Objective Short-term Show short-term objectives
Impact Report 2008/2009 Producer Newsletter. The agent produces a newsletter for agriculture producers on a bi-annual basis. The agent wanted to increase to a quarterly publication, but was only able to sustain and increase to a tri-annual publication in 2008/2009. A newsletter was published in fall, 2008; winter, 2009 and Spring 2009. The newsletter targets both livestock and crop producers with pertinent information on production strategies, industry and extension educational programs, research trial information, etc. Sent out 2 mailing of 96 newsletters to county producers. The agent visited with 25% of recipients and was informed about the relative nature of the newsletters as they pertain to production practices, being commended on the information included. The agent utilizes area NMSU research facility specialists as well as NMSU specialist to compile pertinent information distributed. Local Farm visits--the agent worked with 10 area producers this year to improve crop production practices and problem solve. Several hay and wheat producers sought expertise from the Extension serve in trouble-shooting problem areas in their individual fields. In a couple of scenarios, the producers were applying fertilizer inconsistently. Two other producers were finding problems areas in their alfalfa fields that were receiving inconsistent irrigation. In another situation, a producer was having problems with land leveling and inquiring about the flood basin in the area. Another producers was having problems with pecan production where as another producer inquired about of cash crop fruits that may have some sustainability in the area. NMSU Specialist and research specialist from both the Clovis and Tucumcari research stations were enlisted in the problem solving efforts by the Agent. In the area of pest management, the agent directed local producers to area workshops that offered the CEU credits they needed to keep their license updated. In addition, the local USDA pesticide applicators curriculum and CEU trainings are not being handled as much by the local Extension Service. The agent will hold local CEU training every 2 years and 2009 was an off year for that training. Several County producers took advantage of the USDA private applicators licensure program and others that needed CEU attended workshops that were within one to two-hours of their residence. Most local pest questions were related to yard and garden home-owners and the agent worked with Carol Sutherland at NMSU and Curtis Smith, Horticulture Specialist, to assist clientele with their questions concerning yard and garden pest management.