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.
Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development (Sandoval County)
Plan Goals
Improve the sustainability and production potential of agronomic crops and improved pastures in order to improve the soil tilth, yield capability, crop or forage quality as well as the economic and environmental benefits to the land users.
- Owner
- Related Plans
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Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development
Impact Reports
2010 PRIVATE APPLICATOR TRAINING
The agent conducted a private applicator continuing education training for licensee who needed credits for license renewal. Topics included record keeping, mode of action by different chemicals, laws and regulations, weed control and calibrating sprayers. 26 attended and gained knowledge in each of the topics.
2010
Santo Domingo Pueblo has for the last two years requested that a demonstration hoop house construction program be done on the Pueblo. Del Jimenez, Rural Agricultural and Public Affair Project Specialist agreed to do a demonstration. Funding was received through a grant and a location was approved by the Santo Domingo Elementary/Mid High School. At the construction site there were about 15 adults and two classrooms also helped to build the structure. The teachers have plans to immediately start planting some greens and will start making plans for next spring. Principal was very excited to see the project and wants extension agents to speak to classes on 4-H membership and assist with speech contests and science fairs.
The agent conducted a private applicator continuing education training for licensee who needed credits for license renewal. Topics included record keeping, mode of action by different chemicals, laws and regulations, weed control and calibrating sprayers. 26 attended and gained knowledge in each of the topics.
2010
Santo Domingo Pueblo has for the last two years requested that a demonstration hoop house construction program be done on the Pueblo. Del Jimenez, Rural Agricultural and Public Affair Project Specialist agreed to do a demonstration. Funding was received through a grant and a location was approved by the Santo Domingo Elementary/Mid High School. At the construction site there were about 15 adults and two classrooms also helped to build the structure. The teachers have plans to immediately start planting some greens and will start making plans for next spring. Principal was very excited to see the project and wants extension agents to speak to classes on 4-H membership and assist with speech contests and science fairs.
2010 NATURAL RESOURCES
The Rio Rancho Library program director requested that agent give a series of talks on water issues. The agent came up with three topics that he felt were important for general public to know and gain a better understanding of how water is utilized and how we can make the best use of our water resources.
The first topoic was “Improving our soils to optimize water efficiency. Agent showed a model that shows how plant uses water and nutrients from the soil and oxygen from the air to manufacture carbohydrates, fats, proteins. The more it can manufacture the more food and fiber that plant can yield. It takes approximately the same amount of water to get good yields or poor yields if fertility is not there. About 30 residents showed up.
The second talk in the series was talking about Irrigation Basics. How and how to determine the water needed to maintain plant health. 22 attended this talk and gained knowledge of when and how to determine their own watering needs.
The last topic was “water supply and users”. This went into the earth’s water cycle and how this ends up in our homes, yards and farm land. For instance rainwater accounts for only 1% of the total water supply on earth. Agriculture is the biggest recycler of water back to aquifers and the ocean. Domestic use is the most inefficient use of water but steps are being taken to recycle a lot of water used in our homes. Only 15 attended this series of workshops.
The Rio Rancho Library program director requested that agent give a series of talks on water issues. The agent came up with three topics that he felt were important for general public to know and gain a better understanding of how water is utilized and how we can make the best use of our water resources.
The first topoic was “Improving our soils to optimize water efficiency. Agent showed a model that shows how plant uses water and nutrients from the soil and oxygen from the air to manufacture carbohydrates, fats, proteins. The more it can manufacture the more food and fiber that plant can yield. It takes approximately the same amount of water to get good yields or poor yields if fertility is not there. About 30 residents showed up.
The second talk in the series was talking about Irrigation Basics. How and how to determine the water needed to maintain plant health. 22 attended this talk and gained knowledge of when and how to determine their own watering needs.
The last topic was “water supply and users”. This went into the earth’s water cycle and how this ends up in our homes, yards and farm land. For instance rainwater accounts for only 1% of the total water supply on earth. Agriculture is the biggest recycler of water back to aquifers and the ocean. Domestic use is the most inefficient use of water but steps are being taken to recycle a lot of water used in our homes. Only 15 attended this series of workshops.
2009
AGRO-TERRORISM EDUCATION
Sandoval County has many small acreage farms. Most farm operators do not understand how vulnerable their farms are to agro-terrorism or to potential liabilities from the general public.
Agent and Southwest Border Food Safety and Defense Center joined forces to help farmers to be prepared for liabilities.
A workshop was held in Bernalillo, NM (Sandoval County) with 17 farmers attending. Topics covered were agro-terrorism on farms, food safety practices for food processing, good agricultureal practices and farm record keeping. One farmer suggested after workshop that this type of training be mandatory for vendors at farmers markets instead of being an educational program.
WESTERN PLANT DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHOP
Sandoval County farmers, ranchers and Master Gardeners attended a workshop conducted by Natalie Goldberg, NMSU Plant Pathologist.
The Western Plant Diagnostic network is establishing a "First Detector" network to help monitor the introduction of new plant pests or unusual pest outbreaks. First detectors are an integral part of the system and include growers extension crop consultants, pesticide applicators, and Master Gardeners.
As a result of the training, county agent and the plant diagnostic lab received a lot more plant and insect samples for diagnosis. Some new problems showed up as a result and remedial actions were taken.
AGRO-TERRORISM EDUCATION
Sandoval County has many small acreage farms. Most farm operators do not understand how vulnerable their farms are to agro-terrorism or to potential liabilities from the general public.
Agent and Southwest Border Food Safety and Defense Center joined forces to help farmers to be prepared for liabilities.
A workshop was held in Bernalillo, NM (Sandoval County) with 17 farmers attending. Topics covered were agro-terrorism on farms, food safety practices for food processing, good agricultureal practices and farm record keeping. One farmer suggested after workshop that this type of training be mandatory for vendors at farmers markets instead of being an educational program.
WESTERN PLANT DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHOP
Sandoval County farmers, ranchers and Master Gardeners attended a workshop conducted by Natalie Goldberg, NMSU Plant Pathologist.
The Western Plant Diagnostic network is establishing a "First Detector" network to help monitor the introduction of new plant pests or unusual pest outbreaks. First detectors are an integral part of the system and include growers extension crop consultants, pesticide applicators, and Master Gardeners.
As a result of the training, county agent and the plant diagnostic lab received a lot more plant and insect samples for diagnosis. Some new problems showed up as a result and remedial actions were taken.
ALFALFA VARIETY TRIALS
The purpose of this project is to determine which Alfalfa varieties will produce the most tonnage per acre and also have less problems with diseases. Several Indian forage producers are testing two varities each as part of agricultural research project. Soil tests were done and will be repeated in the next growing season to check for any differences. Agent provided information on variety selection, seeding rates and irrigation requirements.
IRRIGATED PASTURES
Presentation on irrigated pastures to 10 Native American's in Jemez Pueblo. They were looking to get rid of Alfalfa crops due to lack of irrigation water but wanted an alternative crop to reduce feed costs and also to keep animals close to home. At present they graze in allotments without water so they felt with fuel prices being what they are they could reduce costs of transporting water for livestock.
SAN FELIPE HOOP HOUSE CONSTRUCTION
30 residents attended and participated in the construction of a hoop ohouse at San Felipe Pueblo. The purpose of the project was to provide a list of materials needed, estimated costs and to show the case of construction. Attendants were impressed with how the work was done and expressed to agent that they felt comfortable going home and building the same prototype.
PRUNING
Demonstrations on pruning are always in demand. there are many new residents that have started small orchards and want the knowledge to maintain their new trees.
CORRALES VEGETABLE LECTURE
Agent conducted a program on how to grow vegetables to 25 residents of Corrales. They have a good farmers market and many felt they could look for a crop that would have the potential for a niche crop they could sell.
AG BUSINESS COMMITTEE
Agent is a member of the middle Rio Grande Council of Governments AG Business Committee. Meetings are held every second Wednesday of the month. The purpose is to help establish markets for local grown food, food products and preservation of farm land.
The purpose of this project is to determine which Alfalfa varieties will produce the most tonnage per acre and also have less problems with diseases. Several Indian forage producers are testing two varities each as part of agricultural research project. Soil tests were done and will be repeated in the next growing season to check for any differences. Agent provided information on variety selection, seeding rates and irrigation requirements.
IRRIGATED PASTURES
Presentation on irrigated pastures to 10 Native American's in Jemez Pueblo. They were looking to get rid of Alfalfa crops due to lack of irrigation water but wanted an alternative crop to reduce feed costs and also to keep animals close to home. At present they graze in allotments without water so they felt with fuel prices being what they are they could reduce costs of transporting water for livestock.
SAN FELIPE HOOP HOUSE CONSTRUCTION
30 residents attended and participated in the construction of a hoop ohouse at San Felipe Pueblo. The purpose of the project was to provide a list of materials needed, estimated costs and to show the case of construction. Attendants were impressed with how the work was done and expressed to agent that they felt comfortable going home and building the same prototype.
PRUNING
Demonstrations on pruning are always in demand. there are many new residents that have started small orchards and want the knowledge to maintain their new trees.
CORRALES VEGETABLE LECTURE
Agent conducted a program on how to grow vegetables to 25 residents of Corrales. They have a good farmers market and many felt they could look for a crop that would have the potential for a niche crop they could sell.
AG BUSINESS COMMITTEE
Agent is a member of the middle Rio Grande Council of Governments AG Business Committee. Meetings are held every second Wednesday of the month. The purpose is to help establish markets for local grown food, food products and preservation of farm land.
ALTERNATIVE AGRICULTURE - ISSUE
Alfalfa or grass hay is produced on more than 70% of the irrigated agricultural lands in Sandoval County. The lack of alternative crops limits producers options when hay prices fall or rain damage occurs. This situation is compounded by costs to purchase property. Because the wine industry is a fast growing industry, Sandoval County producers and many wanting to do something with non agricultural lands attended a workshop held in Bernalillo. 78 residents attended the workshop on how to grow grapes, how marketing contracts work and soil fertility issues. There has been an increase of approximately 100 acres planted in grapes this past year. This is a 40 percent increase over the previous year. Retail value of wine produced is predicted at over $300,000 from this increase in vineyards.
With the assistance of the fruit specialist at New Mexico State University and publications by extension, we have seen an increase in raspberry and blackberry production. One producer has gone on to produce an organic value added jam that is sold nationally.
Alfalfa or grass hay is produced on more than 70% of the irrigated agricultural lands in Sandoval County. The lack of alternative crops limits producers options when hay prices fall or rain damage occurs. This situation is compounded by costs to purchase property. Because the wine industry is a fast growing industry, Sandoval County producers and many wanting to do something with non agricultural lands attended a workshop held in Bernalillo. 78 residents attended the workshop on how to grow grapes, how marketing contracts work and soil fertility issues. There has been an increase of approximately 100 acres planted in grapes this past year. This is a 40 percent increase over the previous year. Retail value of wine produced is predicted at over $300,000 from this increase in vineyards.
With the assistance of the fruit specialist at New Mexico State University and publications by extension, we have seen an increase in raspberry and blackberry production. One producer has gone on to produce an organic value added jam that is sold nationally.