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.
Agriculture as Economic Development
Plan Goals
To work with producers, planners and public officials in New Mexico metropolitan regions to develop and demonstrate mechanisms and strategies for enhancing the viability and competitiveness of agriculture as a viable economic alternative.
Impact Reports
Patrick Kircher has signed on to support Agriculture as Economic Development within Roosevelt County.
• Continued assisting, networking with, and participating in numerous groups involved in agricultural sustainability throughout Bernalillo County.
• Agent is a member of the Mid-region Council of Governments Agriculture Collaborative which interacts regularly with local farmer’s market leadership and producers.
• Participated in a “Discovery Conference” conducted by NMSU’s Dr. Rossana Alvarez-Diemer to identify issues and prioritize actions affecting agricultural sustainability in the South Valley area of Bernalillo County. The results of this research will help to begin to develop a comprehensive plan for NMSU’s involvement in agriculture in the Middle Rio Grande region.
• Agent is a member of the Governing Board of the New Mexico Food and Agriculture Policy Council. The council has been successful in developing policies that benefit both producers and consumers across the state. Examples include assessing New Mexico’s food gap; limiting the amount of "junk food" available to schoolchildren and replacing it with healthy alternatives; the Seniors Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program; the NM Tribal Extension Initiative; NMSU’s Small Farm Institute and several others. Work is on going to implement some while others will require more time.
• Agent is a member of the Mid-region Council of Governments Agriculture Collaborative which interacts regularly with local farmer’s market leadership and producers.
• Participated in a “Discovery Conference” conducted by NMSU’s Dr. Rossana Alvarez-Diemer to identify issues and prioritize actions affecting agricultural sustainability in the South Valley area of Bernalillo County. The results of this research will help to begin to develop a comprehensive plan for NMSU’s involvement in agriculture in the Middle Rio Grande region.
• Agent is a member of the Governing Board of the New Mexico Food and Agriculture Policy Council. The council has been successful in developing policies that benefit both producers and consumers across the state. Examples include assessing New Mexico’s food gap; limiting the amount of "junk food" available to schoolchildren and replacing it with healthy alternatives; the Seniors Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program; the NM Tribal Extension Initiative; NMSU’s Small Farm Institute and several others. Work is on going to implement some while others will require more time.
NMSU Goes to Harding
Harding County struggles with a continued decline in population and youth not returning to the community. Several efforts are underway in the county to sustain business, grow businesses, and get the kids back to the county.
Agent collaberated with NMSU representitives on 2 day tour to Harding County. Items of business included: paving the way for NMSU to be a factor in rural areas with distance education. Both Roy and Mosquero schools are involved with TV courses through other colleges and NMSU needs to try and get on board. As a result, NMSU could have a presence with distance ed on the entire eastern portion of the state. This in turn would help with recruiting efforts. A second item was securing help from NMSU with growing our metal fabrication business, ecotourism businesses, gas and convenient store business, and green house business. The college of engineering and the Arrowhead center could possibly help with this in the form of business plans and feasibility studies. Another item of business concerned the Mesa Theatre and the college of arts could possibly help with planning and other efforts. As a result, a line of communication was made between Harding county and NMSU colleges and the foundation was laid for outreach efforts among several colleges at the university. A meeting is being set up at the college to further these discussions and jumpstart the ideas.
Harding County struggles with a continued decline in population and youth not returning to the community. Several efforts are underway in the county to sustain business, grow businesses, and get the kids back to the county.
Agent collaberated with NMSU representitives on 2 day tour to Harding County. Items of business included: paving the way for NMSU to be a factor in rural areas with distance education. Both Roy and Mosquero schools are involved with TV courses through other colleges and NMSU needs to try and get on board. As a result, NMSU could have a presence with distance ed on the entire eastern portion of the state. This in turn would help with recruiting efforts. A second item was securing help from NMSU with growing our metal fabrication business, ecotourism businesses, gas and convenient store business, and green house business. The college of engineering and the Arrowhead center could possibly help with this in the form of business plans and feasibility studies. Another item of business concerned the Mesa Theatre and the college of arts could possibly help with planning and other efforts. As a result, a line of communication was made between Harding county and NMSU colleges and the foundation was laid for outreach efforts among several colleges at the university. A meeting is being set up at the college to further these discussions and jumpstart the ideas.
NMACAA Natural Resource Tour
The New Mexico Agriculture Agents Association is the professional development organization for New Mexico Ag Agents. This allows members to be recognized for strong programming, service awards, and gives members the opportunity to interact with other agents at the national convention. The tour objective was to disseminate information to ag agents about natural resources and conservation practices in New Mexico. Myself, and the natural resource committee scheduled a two day tour in Northern New Mexico showcasing different operations. The participants learned about fire ecology, small diameter wood products, elk population control and salt cedar eradication and control. Fifteen agents attended the tour. Agents reported that it was beneficial to see the affects of salt cedar removal, habitat control, small business economic development and were inspired to take ideas back to their own counties.
The New Mexico Agriculture Agents Association is the professional development organization for New Mexico Ag Agents. This allows members to be recognized for strong programming, service awards, and gives members the opportunity to interact with other agents at the national convention. The tour objective was to disseminate information to ag agents about natural resources and conservation practices in New Mexico. Myself, and the natural resource committee scheduled a two day tour in Northern New Mexico showcasing different operations. The participants learned about fire ecology, small diameter wood products, elk population control and salt cedar eradication and control. Fifteen agents attended the tour. Agents reported that it was beneficial to see the affects of salt cedar removal, habitat control, small business economic development and were inspired to take ideas back to their own counties.
Jeff Bader has signed on to support Agriculture as Economic Development within Bernalillo County.