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 (Chaves County)
Plan Goals
Improve the sustainability and production potential of agronomic crops and improved pastures in Chaves County 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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- Related Plans
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Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development
Impact Reports
Pecos Valley Water Issues
The agent was appointed this year as a representative for Chaves County on the Pecos Valley Water User’s Association. This association is a very important group as they are the body that wrote the regional water plan for the Chaves and Eddy County areas. The group is very aware of water demands on the area due to litigation about Pecos Valley water that has occurred through the years and realizes that their actions would affect water usage for all in the Pecos Valley. The group continues to work with the regional water plan and plans to update as funds allow.
The agent was appointed this year as a representative for Chaves County on the Pecos Valley Water User’s Association. This association is a very important group as they are the body that wrote the regional water plan for the Chaves and Eddy County areas. The group is very aware of water demands on the area due to litigation about Pecos Valley water that has occurred through the years and realizes that their actions would affect water usage for all in the Pecos Valley. The group continues to work with the regional water plan and plans to update as funds allow.
Networking with Agencies
The monthly meetings of two Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the county are attended by the agent. Participating in these meetings gives the agent the opportunity to interact with county clientele that are on the board and be aware of producer activities and other agency events. These activities further the impacts of the Extension Service by allowing networking with area agencies and individuals.
The monthly meetings of two Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the county are attended by the agent. Participating in these meetings gives the agent the opportunity to interact with county clientele that are on the board and be aware of producer activities and other agency events. These activities further the impacts of the Extension Service by allowing networking with area agencies and individuals.
Alfalfa Weevil Biocontrol
The agent continued to work with the entomologist from the Artesia Ag Science Center on releasing a parasitoid to control alfalfa weevil in the Pecos Valley. One species of parasitoid is present in the area, but research shows that two different species are needed to keep up with control until after the first cutting of alfalfa. To establish the second species, insects were released on one producer’s alfalfa. Field monitoring will continue to be done during the next few seasons to determine if the insect numbers increase and any benefit is seen.
The agent continued to work with the entomologist from the Artesia Ag Science Center on releasing a parasitoid to control alfalfa weevil in the Pecos Valley. One species of parasitoid is present in the area, but research shows that two different species are needed to keep up with control until after the first cutting of alfalfa. To establish the second species, insects were released on one producer’s alfalfa. Field monitoring will continue to be done during the next few seasons to determine if the insect numbers increase and any benefit is seen.
Soil Temperatures
For years, the Chaves County Extension Office has performed a public service for the area by monitoring and publicizing soil temperatures in the spring to advise farmers on temperatures for planting. Gardeners and other home owners are now interested in this information and our office fields numerous phone calls about soil temperatures during the spring time. Six area farmers take soils temperatures each morning, Monday through Friday, for about 4 weeks, and call those temperatures into the office so that the numbers can be averaged and sent to the local media. The information is sent to 4 radio companies, 2 TV stations, and 1 newspaper. The information is also posted on our extension office website, along with historical data from the past three years.
For years, the Chaves County Extension Office has performed a public service for the area by monitoring and publicizing soil temperatures in the spring to advise farmers on temperatures for planting. Gardeners and other home owners are now interested in this information and our office fields numerous phone calls about soil temperatures during the spring time. Six area farmers take soils temperatures each morning, Monday through Friday, for about 4 weeks, and call those temperatures into the office so that the numbers can be averaged and sent to the local media. The information is sent to 4 radio companies, 2 TV stations, and 1 newspaper. The information is also posted on our extension office website, along with historical data from the past three years.
Pesticide Applicator’s Training
The Chaves County Extension Office again served as host to a pesticide training that was broadcast via polycom from New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs. The agent coordinated with the Extension Pesticide Training and Certification Specialist to assure that logistics of the program were completed. One individual attended the day-long training at the Chaves County Extension Office and obtained continuing education for his commercial pesticide license.
The Chaves County Extension Office again served as host to a pesticide training that was broadcast via polycom from New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs. The agent coordinated with the Extension Pesticide Training and Certification Specialist to assure that logistics of the program were completed. One individual attended the day-long training at the Chaves County Extension Office and obtained continuing education for his commercial pesticide license.