Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development

As this agent was seeking input on programming for the 2008 Ag Expo Educational Series; the topic of Biofuels came up from several different sources. After discussion with various interest groups it was decided to offer a lecture on Biofuels. With holding true to the mission of Extension in providing research based, unbiased information the decision was made to utilize Extension personnel as opposed to private industry for presenting the lecture. As a result of the lecture those in attendance came away with a greater understanding of the realities of Biofuels and the potential for this area. It was also shared with this agent that a farmer in attendance had sought help from one of the researchers present to assist with a small scale Biofuel pilot project.

Kyle Tator has signed on to support Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development within Valencia County.

Pesticides are an important piece of the management tools available to row crop producers, but it order to use them they must have a license. One component of keeping that license is to continue to further their education of proper pesticide use and management. This agent hosted a class for those producers that had not received enough credits to renew their license. Five producers attended the training meeting with 4 of those producers completing their CEUs and renewing their licenses. Because of their attendance at this class those who completed their training were better prepared to manage their farming practices and gained knowledge that would improve their business.

Coordinated a two-day Progressive Agriculture Safety Day in Clovis for third grade students from Curry, Roosevelt, and Quay counties in New Mexico and Parmer County in Texas. 1154 youth, teachers, presenters, group leader and volunteers were exposed to learning stations of electrical, grain entrapment, ATV, 9-1-1, water, firearm and hearing protection, fire, farm equipment and lawnmower and chemical look-a-likes. Twelve Agencies collaborate for the success of this program. The impact of this program saves lives of our farm children, and they in turn take the message home to their parents and grandparents. The topics are discussed by the families with hopes of changing farm habits to be more safe and therefore fewer accidents and deaths on the local farm and ranch. 60% of parents requested additional information from the national organization for preventing farm accidents.

Assist with coordination and funding of Progressive Agriculture Safety Days across Eastern New Mexico in eleven counties plus neighboring counties in the panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma. Over 4300 youth and teachers, as well as 650 presenters, group leaders and volunteers are provided an educational opportunity to gain knowledge needed to reduce farm accidents by youth across our state.

Assisted 30 local specialty crop producers with the management of the Clovis Farmers Market. Piloted the statewide initiative for a market EBT card and Senior Adult program, which is similar to the WIC program. These programs bring additional consumers to the market. The extension staff provided examples for cooking and preparing the many various fruits, vegetables and breads at the market grand opening. Flyers and handouts were distributed to over 200 county residents by the local master gardeners, in addition to answering questions about the growing of crops. Over 50% of local growers surveyed would indicate the definate benefits to them as growers from participating in the local market.