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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
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Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development
Impact Reports
Weed Free Forage Program
The NMSU Seed Certification Program has conducted the New Mexico Certified Weed Free Program in order to supply New Mexico-grown noxious weed free forage to buyers. Hay growers may certify their crop as noxious weed-free in order to be able to market that hay accordingly. The agent worked with one alfalfa grower in south Chaves County throughout the summer months to certify one of his fields as noxious weed-free. This certification enables the producers to sell to a niche market and add value to the crop.
The NMSU Seed Certification Program has conducted the New Mexico Certified Weed Free Program in order to supply New Mexico-grown noxious weed free forage to buyers. Hay growers may certify their crop as noxious weed-free in order to be able to market that hay accordingly. The agent worked with one alfalfa grower in south Chaves County throughout the summer months to certify one of his fields as noxious weed-free. This certification enables the producers to sell to a niche market and add value to the crop.
Chaves County Cooperative Weed Management Area
The Chaves and Hagerman/Dexter Soil and Water Conservation Districts coordinate the Chaves County Cooperative Weed Management Area (CCWMA). The agent actively participated in the cooperative weed management area, cooperated with the weed management area coordinator and attended meetings throughout the year to assist with Chaves County’s noxious weed management. The agent conducted a presentation on noxious weed identification at the Noxious Weed Management and GPS Training that was planned by the CCWMA. The agent also served on the selection committee to hire a new weed management coordinator. This cooperative effort among agencies has heightened the awareness about noxious weeds and led to the treatment of numerous infested acres. The agent’s involvement in the program has furthered the public’s knowledge of noxious weed management.
The Chaves and Hagerman/Dexter Soil and Water Conservation Districts coordinate the Chaves County Cooperative Weed Management Area (CCWMA). The agent actively participated in the cooperative weed management area, cooperated with the weed management area coordinator and attended meetings throughout the year to assist with Chaves County’s noxious weed management. The agent conducted a presentation on noxious weed identification at the Noxious Weed Management and GPS Training that was planned by the CCWMA. The agent also served on the selection committee to hire a new weed management coordinator. This cooperative effort among agencies has heightened the awareness about noxious weeds and led to the treatment of numerous infested acres. The agent’s involvement in the program has furthered the public’s knowledge of noxious weed management.
Networking with Agencies
The monthly meetings of two Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the county are attended by the agent. Participating in these meetings gives the agent the opportunity to interact with county clientele that are on the board and be aware of producer activities and other agency events. The agent also participated in the Natural Resource Conservation Service work day to assist in prioritizing conservation practices to determine how federal money from the Farm Bill should be allocated for Chaves County. These activities further the impacts of the Extension Service by allowing networking with area agencies and individuals.
The monthly meetings of two Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the county are attended by the agent. Participating in these meetings gives the agent the opportunity to interact with county clientele that are on the board and be aware of producer activities and other agency events. The agent also participated in the Natural Resource Conservation Service work day to assist in prioritizing conservation practices to determine how federal money from the Farm Bill should be allocated for Chaves County. These activities further the impacts of the Extension Service by allowing networking with area agencies and individuals.
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
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.
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.