Profitable Livestock Production (Harding County)

Agent attended summer meeting of NMCGA as board member. There are many challenging issues facing landowners and livestock owners that extension needs to be aware of in order to report back to cliental. Agent gathered information on TB and COOL issues (to name a few) and reported back to county via newsletter and personal contact about issues. Many producers increased their understanding of TB and current issues by 50% because of this. As a result, Harding County producers will be ready to adapt and overcome change do to disease regulation and restrictions and marketing issues.

New Mexico Cattle Growers fights for cattle producers in New Mexico. Once per year, NMSU offers an educational component via the Mid year meeting of NMCG. As chair of the Promotion and Marketing Committee, agent attended the mid year meeting and introduced session on Beef Checkoff Compliance, State of the New Mexico Beef Industry, and other issues. As a result, agent is more informed on happenings in the NM ag industry and can take this information to Harding county people.

Drought continues to be a problem for North Eastern NM producers. Many have sought alternative money making opportunities if they have to liquidate their herds. One of the newest things to supplement producers on the range is carbon sequestration and carbon offset payments. Agent worked with National Carbon Offset Coalition and assistants to host a carbon offset training in Harding County. Over 25 producers attending the course to learn how they could take advantage if desired. Producers learned how the process worked and were given application forms. Producers left well informed and as a result could seek to become certified for carbon payments in the future.

The North Eastern NM Livestock Association meets annually in Harding County. It is made up of about 5 counties and dues go to support a scholarship for a graduation senior in the area. Harding once again hosted the meeting and extension provided a program and setup the meeting. Over 50 producers showed up for the meeting which, this year was held in conjunction with a NE NM Cattle Growers meeting. Attendence was excellent. Producers gained insight into the meat industry and learned about beef tenderness and quality and also enjoyed sampling different beef products. They also learned about carbon credits, livestock disease issues Ag emergency management, and were updated on current policies or legislative agendas affecting cattle producers. As a result, producers left the meeting knowing 75% more about the subject matter and can use the material presented to improve management of operations.

Agent collaborated with extension vet., one specialist, another agent, and one USDA employee to host a Trich. and Feral Hog workshop in Harding County. These persons presented information on the disease trichamonaisis and increased the producers understanding of this by 75%. The group increased the awareness and understanding of feral hog issues by 100% and provided timely and relevant information. The Harding County 4-H council served dinner as a money making project and over 35 producers were in attendance. As a result of this workshop, producers will be able to prevent irreversible monetary loss and damage to their cow-herds and land.