Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development

Pesticide Licensing Workshops

Two workshops were 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 18 persons attended workshops 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. The NMDA inspector was on-site and administered the private pesticide applicator test to those attendees wishing to become certified applicators.

Weed Identification and Management Program

For the third year, the agent was asked by the New Mexico Department of Transportation to present a program on “Weed Identification and Management” to DOT personnel and others from across the state at a Herbicide Application Workshop held at the NMDOT Training Academy in Roswell. The presentation covered plant classification, plant identification, and weed management principles. Approximately 40 persons gained weed management knowledge so that they could obtain a public pesticide applicator license through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. Since NMDOT employees are on the front lines of weed management along the highways in the state, they are a significant player in noxious weed management in New Mexico. Being able to correctly identify noxious weeds and manage them correctly impacts the spread of weeds throughout the state.

Soil Temperatures

The Chaves County Extension Office has long coordinated volunteers to take soil temperatures throughout the Chaves County area to monitor temperatures for planting. The activity began years ago when cotton was king in Chaves County and many, many acres of the crop were planted and harvested each year. The agent coordinated five individuals to take soil temperatures early each morning and report those temperatures to the office. The temperatures are then averaged and sent to the radio stations and newspaper before 9:00 AM each day so both farmers and urban dwellers can utilize the information for spring planting. Information on soil temperatures were also discussed on two area radio stations by the agent to teach people about the importance of soil temperature for proper germination. The impact of this knowledge allows people have greater success at planting time.

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.

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.