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 (Valencia 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.
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Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development
Impact Reports
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 2009, Valencia CES Agriculture Programs provided CEU training required for license renewal to 24 local agricultural producers.
Valencia County agriculture is predominantly small farm (less than 50 acres) forage crop production. This results in a variety of plant and soil related questions, as well as requests for continuing education units required for NMDA private pesticide applicator license renewal. Forage crop educational programs, clientele interaction including field and office visits, phone calls, workshops, and weed, pest, and disease services account for approximately 20% of the extension agriculture agents work load. Additionally, 33 soil tests, 15 weed identifications, and 2 disease identifications were conducted over the past year.
As a result, a large program designated to meet the educational demands of local forage and irrigated pasture producers and managers was developed. In July 2009, over 70 producers attended the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop. The majority of attendees pleased with the quality of information provided, and reported high level (95%) of knowledge gained in agronomy that would be applied to improve their forage crop and/or irrigated pasture operation in Valencia County. Speakers included specialists from NMSU-CES, NMDA, and USDA-NRCS. Workshop evaluation indicated an overall strong desire for the continuation and/or development of similar programs in the County.
*Over 70% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (43%) or strongly agreed (47%) they gained an awareness of NMSU program and services offered through their county office.
* Approximately 93% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (45%) or strongly agreed (49%) they gained knowledge in the latest permanent pasture management and improvement practices and techniques.
* Roughly 88% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (41%) or strongly agreed (47%) they gained knowledge of annual forage crop production best suited for Valencia County by attending the session.
* At least 87% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (43%) or strongly agreed (44%) they gained knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM), beneficial insects, and proper pest management best suited for forage crops/irrigated pasture production in Valencia County by attending the session.
* Over 95% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (27%) or strongly agreed (68%) they gained knowledge in weed identification and control in forage crops/pasture production by attending the session.
* Over 79% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (37%) or strongly agreed (42%) they gained awareness of USDA conservation programs available to small farm producers and landowners.
* Approximately 95% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (46%) or strongly agreed (49%) they gained an awareness and knowledge of effective irrigation management in forage crops/pasture production
* Over 95% of attendees also reported gaining valuable knowledge in water conservation specific to flood irrigation and proper soil management by participating in the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop
As a result, a large program designated to meet the educational demands of local forage and irrigated pasture producers and managers was developed. In July 2009, over 70 producers attended the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop. The majority of attendees pleased with the quality of information provided, and reported high level (95%) of knowledge gained in agronomy that would be applied to improve their forage crop and/or irrigated pasture operation in Valencia County. Speakers included specialists from NMSU-CES, NMDA, and USDA-NRCS. Workshop evaluation indicated an overall strong desire for the continuation and/or development of similar programs in the County.
*Over 70% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (43%) or strongly agreed (47%) they gained an awareness of NMSU program and services offered through their county office.
* Approximately 93% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (45%) or strongly agreed (49%) they gained knowledge in the latest permanent pasture management and improvement practices and techniques.
* Roughly 88% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (41%) or strongly agreed (47%) they gained knowledge of annual forage crop production best suited for Valencia County by attending the session.
* At least 87% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (43%) or strongly agreed (44%) they gained knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM), beneficial insects, and proper pest management best suited for forage crops/irrigated pasture production in Valencia County by attending the session.
* Over 95% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (27%) or strongly agreed (68%) they gained knowledge in weed identification and control in forage crops/pasture production by attending the session.
* Over 79% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (37%) or strongly agreed (42%) they gained awareness of USDA conservation programs available to small farm producers and landowners.
* Approximately 95% of the producers attending the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop on crop and pasture improvement reported they agreed (46%) or strongly agreed (49%) they gained an awareness and knowledge of effective irrigation management in forage crops/pasture production
* Over 95% of attendees also reported gaining valuable knowledge in water conservation specific to flood irrigation and proper soil management by participating in the 1st Annual Valencia County Forage Workshop
Kyle Tator has signed on to support Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development within Valencia County.
Long term objective:
The long term objective is to improve the life style and structure of the producer and his family by providing more efficient means of creating income and sustainability on specific farm sites.
Collect information on sustainability for various regions of New Mexico to help both small as well as large and medium sized operations to fit into the economic future of the state.
To introduce new technology for ease and economics to the producer by showing how simple soil and water testing can optimize his operational needs to provide a better lifestyle for his family and himself.
To work as a change agent in offering alternatives to current operations that are struggling with sustainability by seeking a better fit enterprise or method to farming and ranching that will help in minimizing input costs and optimizing gains in economics, soil tilth, operational efficiency and time spent in running the whole farm operation.
The long term objective is to improve the life style and structure of the producer and his family by providing more efficient means of creating income and sustainability on specific farm sites.
Collect information on sustainability for various regions of New Mexico to help both small as well as large and medium sized operations to fit into the economic future of the state.
To introduce new technology for ease and economics to the producer by showing how simple soil and water testing can optimize his operational needs to provide a better lifestyle for his family and himself.
To work as a change agent in offering alternatives to current operations that are struggling with sustainability by seeking a better fit enterprise or method to farming and ranching that will help in minimizing input costs and optimizing gains in economics, soil tilth, operational efficiency and time spent in running the whole farm operation.
Medium term objective:
* After participation in the whole farm programming within this objective, the producer should be able to identify not only improvements in his operation, but also how rotations over multiple years can benefit the sustainability of his operations.
Pasture improvement programming will insure less New Mexican land is erodible to wind damage and thus will improve the soil tilth by maintaining better water holding capacity, using nutrients more efficiently and choosing better fitted crops and pasture forages for the site.
By working with clients over a season, the producers understanding of the use of total cropping inputs and cost-benefits will be increased by 20% and the appreciation of soil improvements will increase by 40%.
* After participation in the whole farm programming within this objective, the producer should be able to identify not only improvements in his operation, but also how rotations over multiple years can benefit the sustainability of his operations.
Pasture improvement programming will insure less New Mexican land is erodible to wind damage and thus will improve the soil tilth by maintaining better water holding capacity, using nutrients more efficiently and choosing better fitted crops and pasture forages for the site.
By working with clients over a season, the producers understanding of the use of total cropping inputs and cost-benefits will be increased by 20% and the appreciation of soil improvements will increase by 40%.