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 | Producing Sustainable Agronomic Crops in New Mexico (Quay County) |
| Date | October 27, 2011, 9:58 pm |
| For Objective | Short-term Show short-term objectives |
| Impact Report | Dry land wheat production in Quay County serves two purposes. The first is for winter grazing for livestock and the second is grain for marketing in the spring. Over 60,000 acres of dry land wheat are planted annually in the southern part of the county known as the Caprock area. Producers of wheat and sorghum rely on only a handful of varieties to plant and in many years keep what seed is produced for next year’s planting. Extension education encourages farmers to widen their variety selection and to plant those seed varieties that have been certified and treated for pest and disease. Using a wider genetic selection of varieties lessens the chances of any one crop to be devastated by adverse weather and other natural disasters. As a result Quay County Extension agent along with director of the Tucumcari/Clovis Research Centers and Extension Agronomist Specialist Mark Marsalis coordinated the counties first wheat variety trial. In conjunction with a local producer a combination of six varieties of wheat were decided upon taken from suggestions from local and area growers. The cooperative landowner dedicated one quarter section of land, labor and the use of his equipment to plant the trial in mid- September. Harvest in spring brought about the “Wheat Field Day and Variety Evaluation” educational program. Local and area producers were invited to view the varieties at pre – harvest along with other interesting topics. Subject matter for the wheat field day included; Pest Management in Wheat and Small Grains, Wheat Market Outlook, and a individual evaluation and description of varieties. Wheat producers in attendance were intrigued by the visual differences and noted on evaluations they would consider such varieties come planting time next year. Upon harvest a comparative analysis of varieties was made measuring bushels per acre, protein content, and overall performance of each variety. It should be said here that upon introduction of speakers Rex Rush, cooperating producer, felt the need to voice his opinion. Rex went on to say how he was pleased with the trial and with NMSU Extension personnel and their hard work in helping put on this program. He also mentioned how he was glad to work with NMSU and thought the trials were a real benefit to producers in the area. These trials are in its third year of production. Other activities and training that pertain to this plan include help in planning and presenting in the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Workshop in Clovis, attendance at the NM Sorghum Growers Association meeting, and Pesticide Applicators Workshop held here in Tucumcari. |