Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development

Pecan Production Program

Chaves County produces approximately 4 million pounds of pecans annually on 4000 acres in the Pecos Valley. The county has both large and small producers, plus homeowners with only a few trees in their yard, so demand for researched-base information is high. The agent coordinated a program on “Pecan Production for Small Growers”, which was presented for the public by the NMSU Pecan Specialist at the Chaves County Extension Office in Roswell. Topics included general tree care, fertilization, watering, pruning, insect control, and disease management. A total of 45 persons attended the training and gained knowledge that would enable them to better management their pecan crops for production success

Rise with Roswell – Agriculture Day

The agents in the Chaves County Extension Office have long cooperated with the Roswell Chamber of Commerce in promoting National Agriculture Week in Chaves County. National Agriculture Week is the third week in March and is conducted to promote and publicize agriculture. National Ag Day is the first day of spring and in Roswell is noted by the Chamber of Commerce hosting a chuckwagon breakfast for the public, which also includes a keynote speaker. The agent, along with the other agents in the Chaves County Office, assisted with table decorations denoting agricultural commodities produced in the area. The agent also assisted with a power point presentation about early agricultural production in the Pecos Valley. Approximately 185 persons attended the breakfast, coming together to promote the agriculture industry in Chaves County.

Weed Identification and Management Program

Once again, the agent was asked by the New Mexico Department of Transportation to present a program on “Weed Identification and Management” to DOT personnel and others from across the state at a Herbicide Application Workshop held at the NMDOT Training Academy in Roswell. The presentation covered plant classification, plant identification, and weed management principles. Approximately 40 persons gained weed management knowledge so that they could obtain a public pesticide applicator license through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. Since NMDOT employees are on the front lines of weed management along the highways in the state, they are an important part of noxious weed management in New Mexico. Being able to correctly identify noxious weeds and manage them correctly affects the spread of weeds throughout the state.

Pesticide Licensing Workshops

Five workshops were held by the agent throughout the reporting year to train and license agricultural commodity producers to be able to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides. A total of 32 persons attended one of the five workshops and gained information on the federal and state pesticide laws and regulations, labels and labeling, storage, application, personal protective equipment, pesticide formulations, and recordkeeping. Agricultural producers gained information about these subjects to enable them to be safe and knowledgeable pesticide applicators. All persons took the NMDA private pesticide applicator test and became a certified pesticide applicator.

Worker Protection Standard Training

The agent coordinated a workshop held in Roswell to train employers and their employees on the EPA Worker Protection Standard. The program was presented by the Eddy County Extension Agent, as he was certified as a third-party trainer. Seven persons were trained as an Agricultural Employer. Seventeen persons received Pesticide Handler Training. The training was delivered in both English and Spanish and training cards were issued. In addition, four of the attendees received continuing education units for their private pesticide applicator license. Those trained went away with an increased knowledge of safe pesticide handling to prevent accidental poisoning or exposure in an agricultural setting.