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
- Owner
- Related Plans
-
Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development
Impact Reports
Alfalfa Weevil Biocontrol
The agent worked 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 be done during the next few seasons to determine if the insect numbers increase and any benefit is seen.
The agent worked 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 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. Six area farmers take soils temperatures each morning, Monday through Friday, for about 4 weeks beginning in late March or early April 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.
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. Six area farmers take soils temperatures each morning, Monday through Friday, for about 4 weeks beginning in late March or early April 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.
Pesticide CEU Workshop
The agent conducted a Pesticide Applicator License Continuing Education Workshop to assist New Mexico pesticide license holders in securing continuing education for their pesticide licenses. Topics included “Brush and Weed Control Basics”, “Reacting to our Soil”, “Developing Pest Management Tools for Insect Pests in New Mexico”, “Economic Do-It-Yourself Brush and Weed Control”, and “Chemical and Biocontrol of Field Bindweed”. Forty attendees received five CEU’s, making it possible to renew their pesticide license for the licensing period whiling gaining knowledge of pesticide laws and regulations, weed and insect management, safety, and application. License holders can significantly reduce pesticide application costs by applying pesticides themselves.
The agent conducted a Pesticide Applicator License Continuing Education Workshop to assist New Mexico pesticide license holders in securing continuing education for their pesticide licenses. Topics included “Brush and Weed Control Basics”, “Reacting to our Soil”, “Developing Pest Management Tools for Insect Pests in New Mexico”, “Economic Do-It-Yourself Brush and Weed Control”, and “Chemical and Biocontrol of Field Bindweed”. Forty attendees received five CEU’s, making it possible to renew their pesticide license for the licensing period whiling gaining knowledge of pesticide laws and regulations, weed and insect management, safety, and application. License holders can significantly reduce pesticide application costs by applying pesticides themselves.
Pesticide Licensing Workshops
One workshop was held by the agent during the reporting year to train and license agricultural commodity producers to be able to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides. A total of 8 persons attended the workshop 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.
The Chaves County Extension Office served as host to a pesticide training that was broadcast via polycom from the 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. Three individuals attended the day-long training at the Chaves County Extension Office and obtained continuing education for their pesticide license.
One workshop was held by the agent during the reporting year to train and license agricultural commodity producers to be able to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides. A total of 8 persons attended the workshop 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.
The Chaves County Extension Office served as host to a pesticide training that was broadcast via polycom from the 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. Three individuals attended the day-long training at the Chaves County Extension Office and obtained continuing education for their pesticide license.
Pecan Field Day
Pecan producers in the Pecos Valley account for approximately ten percent of the state’s pecans, harvesting five million pounds annually. 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, particularly in tough economic times. The Chaves and Eddy County extension agents cooperated to host a Pecan Field Day in Artesia. Topics covered included tree management basics, nutritional needs of pecan trees growing in New Mexico soils, the use of manure in orchards, and case bearer control and other insect pest problems. The Field Day also included a tour of two area orchards. Bringing NMSU’s pecan specialist and other speakers to Chaves/Eddy County allowed detailed information that was specific to the counties to be conveyed to the producers. Impacts are that producers can better solve problems and are better able to manage their pecan crops for production success.
Pecan producers in the Pecos Valley account for approximately ten percent of the state’s pecans, harvesting five million pounds annually. 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, particularly in tough economic times. The Chaves and Eddy County extension agents cooperated to host a Pecan Field Day in Artesia. Topics covered included tree management basics, nutritional needs of pecan trees growing in New Mexico soils, the use of manure in orchards, and case bearer control and other insect pest problems. The Field Day also included a tour of two area orchards. Bringing NMSU’s pecan specialist and other speakers to Chaves/Eddy County allowed detailed information that was specific to the counties to be conveyed to the producers. Impacts are that producers can better solve problems and are better able to manage their pecan crops for production success.