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 | Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development (Valencia County) |
| Date | October 13, 2011, 8:22 pm |
| For Objective | Medium-term Show medium-term objectives |
| Impact Report | The agent has been actively involved in promoting and assisting farmers with information and field consults who have interest or have planted high-value crops such as berries, certain vegetables, and pecans on their property. The agent developed a farm plan for 3 acres of brambles in the county planted in spring 2011. Due to low numbers of farms (<20) adopting these crops, these consults are currently done on an individual basis as needs arise. Private Applicator CEU Workshops: When applied correctly the application of restricted use pesticides provides a reliable and cost-effective method of weed and pest control for agricultural producers. In 2011, Valencia CES Agriculture Programs provided CEU training required for license renewal to 29 local agricultural producers. Integrated Pest Management: IPM Bug Nights: The agent collaborated with the Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center and NMSU Small Farm IPM Specialist to hold monthly ‘Bug Night’ workshops during the 2011 growing season. These workshops focused on a hands-on approach identifying beneficial and problem insects for small farm gardeners, as well as offered a discussion of effective control strategies. Many participants who attended all 4 trainings witnessed several different stages of insect development and damage symptoms. Further, many participants commented that many perceived ‘bad’ insects were actually beneficial insects, and control strategies would be changed immediately. Over 80 participants attended the monthly workshops with a mean increase in knowledge gained of 59%, as determined by pre- and post-course quizzes. Some unsolicited comments from participants included “(I) enjoyed the class and would to return next year”, “(I) thoroughly enjoyed the class, teachers, participants and facility!”, and “Great hands-on class!” Apple Maggot Workshop: In spring 2011, the agent and IPM Small Farm Specialist collaborated to host a apple maggot educational day for local commercial apple orchards. The apple maggot was first identified in Valencia County in fall 2010. Orchard operators were informed of the new pest life stages, damage symptoms, and control strategies. Further, attendees formed an ‘apple maggot’ contact list among producers to keep members informed of pest occurrences during the growing season, which extension faculty offered timely control strategies to mitigate damage. |