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.
Crop Production Improvement and Water Conservation in Eastern New Mexico (Curry County)
Plan Goals
To identify improved forage production systems for dairy silage operations that reduce water consumption, while maintaining milk profitability.
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Crop Production Improvement and Water Conservation in Eastern New Mexico
Impact Reports
Educational programs on various subjects related to irrigated and dryland field crops and weed management were presented at one large, regional, producer conference and one field day event on January 26-27, 2012, and August 3, 2012. The following events are included in this assessment:
Southwest Hay and Forage Conference, Ruidoso, NM - 175 attendees.
Annual Field Day, Clovis, NM - 104 attendees.
Surveys and follow up conversations indicated that over 90% of attendees had significantly increased in knowledge and that the programs were useful and relevant to their operations. Less than 15% indicated that they had only 'some' increase in knowledge. Almost all attendees indicated that they had an improved level of understanding with respect to water and resource conservation and crop management as related to alfalfa, corn and sorghum silage and grain, wheat, sorghum weed management. No one indicated that they did not learn anything or that the programs were not useful. Responses varied with respect to suggestions on what type of material could be covered better or more at future events. Those comments will be addressed at future events.
Greater than 90% of farmers/agencies recognize the need for more water conserving practices in order to maintain regional agriculture and economic stability. Easily, more than 10% of regional farmers have begun implementing water-conserving practices in their operations. Results from field day and workshop surveys indicate that greater than 70% of producers have changed to more water use efficient crops and methods in the past 5 years. Agriculture and regional economics have been maintained and, in some cases, improved through conservation efforts highlighted by this and other similar programs.
Weed management in sorghum continues to be the number one requested area among growers of sorghum for research improvements and updates. This program strives to highlight the benefits of new weed control technologies through research plots containing herbicide-tolerant sorghums and demonstrations to show the benefits of new technologies. A new project was begun in 2012 involving a relatively new herbicide chemistry that has not been tested on forage type sorghums. Information from this study will help facilitate new labeling for this expansive crop in the region. Many sorghum growers have indicted that they will utilize this or similar technology when it becomes available or labeled. As water continues to deminish, it is likely that sorghum acres will only increase in future years. The most requested aspects of these technologies are cost and availability of products, and varieties containing herbicide tolerance.
A second year of studies was completed in 2012 investigating the effects of ultra-low irrigation and dryland systems on corn and sorghum grown for grain. This project is irrigated via subsurface drip tapes and allows for multiple water treatments to be applied to the two crops (along with 2 varieties each and 2 seeding rates). It focuses on when and how much water is needed at different growth stages in order to utilize the low amounts most effectively. Preliminary results indicate that both corn and sorghum can be relatively productive with minimal amounts of water, with corn requiring slightly more to be economical. Grain sorghum is the most advantageous under true dryland conditions, but even small amounts of irrigation added to the system quickly makes corn just as competitive from a yield standpoint. This work is encouraging in that adequate yields were obtained with low irrigation both years in perhaps the worst two drought years on record for the Clovis station.
Positive feedback from area growers and dairymen on the type of research and extension efforts that are resulting from this program and other Clovis science center programs associated with this one indicate that these efforts are beneficial and necessary. Regional support (including funding) for programming in this plan of work has increased and includes contributions from organizations such as National Sorghum Producers (United Sorghum Checkoff Program), NM Sorghum Growers, and industry (DuPont and BASF).
Southwest Hay and Forage Conference, Ruidoso, NM - 175 attendees.
Annual Field Day, Clovis, NM - 104 attendees.
Surveys and follow up conversations indicated that over 90% of attendees had significantly increased in knowledge and that the programs were useful and relevant to their operations. Less than 15% indicated that they had only 'some' increase in knowledge. Almost all attendees indicated that they had an improved level of understanding with respect to water and resource conservation and crop management as related to alfalfa, corn and sorghum silage and grain, wheat, sorghum weed management. No one indicated that they did not learn anything or that the programs were not useful. Responses varied with respect to suggestions on what type of material could be covered better or more at future events. Those comments will be addressed at future events.
Greater than 90% of farmers/agencies recognize the need for more water conserving practices in order to maintain regional agriculture and economic stability. Easily, more than 10% of regional farmers have begun implementing water-conserving practices in their operations. Results from field day and workshop surveys indicate that greater than 70% of producers have changed to more water use efficient crops and methods in the past 5 years. Agriculture and regional economics have been maintained and, in some cases, improved through conservation efforts highlighted by this and other similar programs.
Weed management in sorghum continues to be the number one requested area among growers of sorghum for research improvements and updates. This program strives to highlight the benefits of new weed control technologies through research plots containing herbicide-tolerant sorghums and demonstrations to show the benefits of new technologies. A new project was begun in 2012 involving a relatively new herbicide chemistry that has not been tested on forage type sorghums. Information from this study will help facilitate new labeling for this expansive crop in the region. Many sorghum growers have indicted that they will utilize this or similar technology when it becomes available or labeled. As water continues to deminish, it is likely that sorghum acres will only increase in future years. The most requested aspects of these technologies are cost and availability of products, and varieties containing herbicide tolerance.
A second year of studies was completed in 2012 investigating the effects of ultra-low irrigation and dryland systems on corn and sorghum grown for grain. This project is irrigated via subsurface drip tapes and allows for multiple water treatments to be applied to the two crops (along with 2 varieties each and 2 seeding rates). It focuses on when and how much water is needed at different growth stages in order to utilize the low amounts most effectively. Preliminary results indicate that both corn and sorghum can be relatively productive with minimal amounts of water, with corn requiring slightly more to be economical. Grain sorghum is the most advantageous under true dryland conditions, but even small amounts of irrigation added to the system quickly makes corn just as competitive from a yield standpoint. This work is encouraging in that adequate yields were obtained with low irrigation both years in perhaps the worst two drought years on record for the Clovis station.
Positive feedback from area growers and dairymen on the type of research and extension efforts that are resulting from this program and other Clovis science center programs associated with this one indicate that these efforts are beneficial and necessary. Regional support (including funding) for programming in this plan of work has increased and includes contributions from organizations such as National Sorghum Producers (United Sorghum Checkoff Program), NM Sorghum Growers, and industry (DuPont and BASF).
The below impact report is from Thomas Dominguez, Quay Co. Agric. Agent.
Dryland wheat production in Quay County serves two purposes. The first is for winter grazing for livestock and the second is grain for marketing in the spring. Over 60,000 acres of dry land wheat are planted annually in the southern part of the county known as the Caprock area.
Producers of wheat and sorghum rely on only a handful of varieties to plant and in many years keep what seed is produced for next year’s planting. Extension education encourages farmers to widen their variety selection and to plant those seed varieties that have been certified and treated for pest and disease. Using a wider genetic selection of varieties lessens the chances of any one crop to be devastated by adverse weather and other natural disasters.
As a result Quay County Extension agent along with director of the Tucumcari/Clovis Research Centers and Extension Agronomist Specialist Mark Marsalis coordinated the counties first wheat variety trial. In conjunction with a local producer a combination of six varieties of wheat were decided upon taken from suggestions from local and area growers. The cooperative landowner dedicated one quarter section of land, labor and the use of his equipment to plant the trial in mid- September.
Harvest in spring brought about the “Wheat Field Day and Variety Evaluation” educational program. Local and area producers were invited to view the varieties at pre – harvest along with other interesting topics. Subject matter for the wheat field day included; Pest Management in Wheat and Small Grains, Wheat Market Outlook, and a individual evaluation and description of varieties. Wheat producers in attendance were intrigued by the visual differences and noted on evaluations they would consider such varieties come planting time next year. Upon harvest a comparative analysis of varieties was made measuring bushels per acre, protein content, and overall performance of each variety.
It should be said here that upon introduction of speakers Rex Rush, cooperating producer, felt the need to voice his opinion. Rex went on to say how he was pleased with the trial and with NMSU Extension personnel and their hard work in helping put on this program. He also mentioned how he was glad to work with NMSU and thought the trials were a real benefit to producers in the area. These trials are in its third year of production.
Other activities and training that pertain to this plan include help in planning and presenting in the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Workshop in Clovis, attendance at the NM Sorghum Growers Association meeting, and Pesticide Applicators Workshop held here in Tucumcari.
(Progress towards the short-term objectives.)
Permalink - Posted October 27, 2011, 3:58 pm
Dryland wheat production in Quay County serves two purposes. The first is for winter grazing for livestock and the second is grain for marketing in the spring. Over 60,000 acres of dry land wheat are planted annually in the southern part of the county known as the Caprock area.
Producers of wheat and sorghum rely on only a handful of varieties to plant and in many years keep what seed is produced for next year’s planting. Extension education encourages farmers to widen their variety selection and to plant those seed varieties that have been certified and treated for pest and disease. Using a wider genetic selection of varieties lessens the chances of any one crop to be devastated by adverse weather and other natural disasters.
As a result Quay County Extension agent along with director of the Tucumcari/Clovis Research Centers and Extension Agronomist Specialist Mark Marsalis coordinated the counties first wheat variety trial. In conjunction with a local producer a combination of six varieties of wheat were decided upon taken from suggestions from local and area growers. The cooperative landowner dedicated one quarter section of land, labor and the use of his equipment to plant the trial in mid- September.
Harvest in spring brought about the “Wheat Field Day and Variety Evaluation” educational program. Local and area producers were invited to view the varieties at pre – harvest along with other interesting topics. Subject matter for the wheat field day included; Pest Management in Wheat and Small Grains, Wheat Market Outlook, and a individual evaluation and description of varieties. Wheat producers in attendance were intrigued by the visual differences and noted on evaluations they would consider such varieties come planting time next year. Upon harvest a comparative analysis of varieties was made measuring bushels per acre, protein content, and overall performance of each variety.
It should be said here that upon introduction of speakers Rex Rush, cooperating producer, felt the need to voice his opinion. Rex went on to say how he was pleased with the trial and with NMSU Extension personnel and their hard work in helping put on this program. He also mentioned how he was glad to work with NMSU and thought the trials were a real benefit to producers in the area. These trials are in its third year of production.
Other activities and training that pertain to this plan include help in planning and presenting in the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Workshop in Clovis, attendance at the NM Sorghum Growers Association meeting, and Pesticide Applicators Workshop held here in Tucumcari.
(Progress towards the short-term objectives.)
Permalink - Posted October 27, 2011, 3:58 pm
Educational programs on various subjects related to irrigated and dryland field crops and weed management were presented at one producer conference and two field day events on January 13-14, 2011, May 13, 2011 and August 12, 2011. The following events are included in this assessment:
Southwest Hay and Forage Conference, Ruidoso, NM - 196 attendees.
Annual Field Day, Clovis, NM - 121 attendees.
Wheat Production Workshop, Forrest, NM - 15 attendees.
Surveys and follow up conversations indicated that over 95% of attendees had significantly increased in knowledge and that the programs were useful and relevant to their operations. Less than 10% indicated that they had only 'some' increase in knowledge. Almost all attendees indicated that they had an improved level of understanding with respect to water and resource conservation and crop management as related to alfalfa, corn and sorghum silage and grain, wheat, sorghum weed management. No one indicated that they did not learn anything or that the programs were not useful. Responses varied with respect to suggestions on what type of material could be covered better or more at future events. Those comments will be addressed at future events.
Greater than 90% of farmers/agencies recognize the need for more water conserving practices in order to maintain regional agriculture and economic stability. Easily, more than 10% of regional farmers have begun implementing water-conserving practices in their operations. Results from field day and workshop surveys indicate that greater than 70% of producers have changed to more water use efficient crops and methods in the past 5 years. Agriculture and regional economics have been maintained and, in some cases, improved through conservation efforts highlighted by this and other similar programs.
Weed management in sorghum continues to be the number one requested area among growers of sorghum for research improvements and updates. This program strives to highlight the benefits of new weed control technologies through research plots containing herbicide-tolerant sorghums and demonstrations to show the benefits of these technologies. This was conducted for a second year in 2011. Over 95% of sorghum growers have indicted that they will utilize this technology when it becomes available. Most requested aspect of this technology is cost and availability of products, and varieties containing it.
Research results from this program have clearly shown that farmer inputs (other than water) in corn and forage sorghum silage systems can be reduced significantly without detriment to yields and end-product quality. For example, seed and fertilizer inputs may be reduced as much as 25% in limited irrigation systems without negative effects. This is very significant, especially with respect to fertilizer as this is one of the most expensive inputs on a farm. This information will continue to be presented to farmers and agricultural professionals in an effort to broaden resource conservation and profitability in the region.
Positive feedback from area growers and dairymen on the type of research and extension efforts that are resulting from this program and other Clovis science center programs associated with this one indicate that these efforts are beneficial and necessary. Regional support (including funding) for programming in this plan of work has increased and includes contributions from organizations such as National Sorghum Producers, NM Sorghum Growers, and industry (DuPont).
Southwest Hay and Forage Conference, Ruidoso, NM - 196 attendees.
Annual Field Day, Clovis, NM - 121 attendees.
Wheat Production Workshop, Forrest, NM - 15 attendees.
Surveys and follow up conversations indicated that over 95% of attendees had significantly increased in knowledge and that the programs were useful and relevant to their operations. Less than 10% indicated that they had only 'some' increase in knowledge. Almost all attendees indicated that they had an improved level of understanding with respect to water and resource conservation and crop management as related to alfalfa, corn and sorghum silage and grain, wheat, sorghum weed management. No one indicated that they did not learn anything or that the programs were not useful. Responses varied with respect to suggestions on what type of material could be covered better or more at future events. Those comments will be addressed at future events.
Greater than 90% of farmers/agencies recognize the need for more water conserving practices in order to maintain regional agriculture and economic stability. Easily, more than 10% of regional farmers have begun implementing water-conserving practices in their operations. Results from field day and workshop surveys indicate that greater than 70% of producers have changed to more water use efficient crops and methods in the past 5 years. Agriculture and regional economics have been maintained and, in some cases, improved through conservation efforts highlighted by this and other similar programs.
Weed management in sorghum continues to be the number one requested area among growers of sorghum for research improvements and updates. This program strives to highlight the benefits of new weed control technologies through research plots containing herbicide-tolerant sorghums and demonstrations to show the benefits of these technologies. This was conducted for a second year in 2011. Over 95% of sorghum growers have indicted that they will utilize this technology when it becomes available. Most requested aspect of this technology is cost and availability of products, and varieties containing it.
Research results from this program have clearly shown that farmer inputs (other than water) in corn and forage sorghum silage systems can be reduced significantly without detriment to yields and end-product quality. For example, seed and fertilizer inputs may be reduced as much as 25% in limited irrigation systems without negative effects. This is very significant, especially with respect to fertilizer as this is one of the most expensive inputs on a farm. This information will continue to be presented to farmers and agricultural professionals in an effort to broaden resource conservation and profitability in the region.
Positive feedback from area growers and dairymen on the type of research and extension efforts that are resulting from this program and other Clovis science center programs associated with this one indicate that these efforts are beneficial and necessary. Regional support (including funding) for programming in this plan of work has increased and includes contributions from organizations such as National Sorghum Producers, NM Sorghum Growers, and industry (DuPont).
On November 10, 2009 a day-long County Agent Training in Forages was conducted in Albuquerque, NM to train agents on basic forage production information in an effort to better equip them to be a resource for forage producers in their counties. Forage classes and trainings have been historically missing in NM and there is a great need to educate agents and producers alike on best management practices of the diverse forage systems in New Mexico. It is the hope of this training's coordinators that information presented will be transferred to growers throughout the state and will evenually lead to improved sustainability and economic viability of forage production systems.
Seminars and study materials/resources were given to the agents. A post-training survey was conducted to evaluate the impact of the sessions. 89.5% of attendees said that their level of understanding was improved in the areas of 'matching forage goals to water', 'perennial forage species', and 'annual forage species'. 95% had an improvement in understanding in the area of 'forages for horses'. All respondents indicated that the material presented was relevant to their respective county programs and they would like to see more events of this kind.
We are presently seeking funding to continue such forage trainings for NM county agents.
Seminars and study materials/resources were given to the agents. A post-training survey was conducted to evaluate the impact of the sessions. 89.5% of attendees said that their level of understanding was improved in the areas of 'matching forage goals to water', 'perennial forage species', and 'annual forage species'. 95% had an improvement in understanding in the area of 'forages for horses'. All respondents indicated that the material presented was relevant to their respective county programs and they would like to see more events of this kind.
We are presently seeking funding to continue such forage trainings for NM county agents.
Educational programs on various subjects related to field crops, biofuel feedstock production, and weed management were presented at one producer conference and two field day events on January 14-15, 2010, May 13, 2010 and August 12, 2010. The following events are included in this assessment:
Southwest Hay and Forage Conference, Ruidoso, NM - 206 attendees.
Annual Field Day, Clovis, NM - 116 attendees.
Wheat Production Workshop, Clovis, NM - 27 attendees.
Surveys and follow up conversations indicated that over 90% of attendees had significantly increased in knowledge and that the programs were useful. Less than 10% indicated that they had only 'some' increase in knowledge. Almost all attendees indicated that they had an improved level of understanding with respect to water and resource conservation and crop management as related to alfalfa, corn and sorghum silage, wheat, sorghum weed management and biofuels. No one indicated that they did not learn anything or that the programs were not useful. Responses varied with respect to suggestions on what type of material could be covered better or more at future events. Those comments will be addressed at future events.
Greater than 90% of farmers/agencies recognize the need for more water conserving practices in order to maintain regional agriculture and economic stability. Easily, more than 10% of regional farmers have begun implementing water-conserving practices in their operations. Results from field days and workshops indicate that greater than 60% of producers have changed to more water use efficient crops and methods in the past 5 years. This is important in that if 10% of crops are conserved in the region, greater than $30 million is conserved annually for the state of NM. If the livestock that are dependent upon these crops are considered, then over $175 million is preserved annually. Agriculture and regional economics have been maintained and, in some cases, improved through conservation efforts highligted by this and other similar programs.
Weed management in sorghum continues to be the number one requested area among growers of sorghum for research improvments and updates. This program strives to highlight the benefits of new weed control technologies through research plots containing herbicide-tolerant sorghums and demonstrations to show the benefits of these technologies. Over 95% of sorghum growers have indicted that they will utilize this technology when it becomes available. Most requested aspect of this technology is cost and availability of products, and varieties containing it.
Research results from this program have clearly shown that farmer inputs (other than water) in corn and forage sorghum silage systems can be reduced significantly without detriment to yields and end-product quality. For example, seed and fertilizer inputs may be reduced as much as 25% in limited irrigation systems without negative effects. This is very significant, especially with respect to fertilizer as this is one of the most expensive inputs on a farm. This information will continue to be presented to farmers and agricultural professionals in an effort to broaden resource conservation and profitability in the region.
Southwest Hay and Forage Conference, Ruidoso, NM - 206 attendees.
Annual Field Day, Clovis, NM - 116 attendees.
Wheat Production Workshop, Clovis, NM - 27 attendees.
Surveys and follow up conversations indicated that over 90% of attendees had significantly increased in knowledge and that the programs were useful. Less than 10% indicated that they had only 'some' increase in knowledge. Almost all attendees indicated that they had an improved level of understanding with respect to water and resource conservation and crop management as related to alfalfa, corn and sorghum silage, wheat, sorghum weed management and biofuels. No one indicated that they did not learn anything or that the programs were not useful. Responses varied with respect to suggestions on what type of material could be covered better or more at future events. Those comments will be addressed at future events.
Greater than 90% of farmers/agencies recognize the need for more water conserving practices in order to maintain regional agriculture and economic stability. Easily, more than 10% of regional farmers have begun implementing water-conserving practices in their operations. Results from field days and workshops indicate that greater than 60% of producers have changed to more water use efficient crops and methods in the past 5 years. This is important in that if 10% of crops are conserved in the region, greater than $30 million is conserved annually for the state of NM. If the livestock that are dependent upon these crops are considered, then over $175 million is preserved annually. Agriculture and regional economics have been maintained and, in some cases, improved through conservation efforts highligted by this and other similar programs.
Weed management in sorghum continues to be the number one requested area among growers of sorghum for research improvments and updates. This program strives to highlight the benefits of new weed control technologies through research plots containing herbicide-tolerant sorghums and demonstrations to show the benefits of these technologies. Over 95% of sorghum growers have indicted that they will utilize this technology when it becomes available. Most requested aspect of this technology is cost and availability of products, and varieties containing it.
Research results from this program have clearly shown that farmer inputs (other than water) in corn and forage sorghum silage systems can be reduced significantly without detriment to yields and end-product quality. For example, seed and fertilizer inputs may be reduced as much as 25% in limited irrigation systems without negative effects. This is very significant, especially with respect to fertilizer as this is one of the most expensive inputs on a farm. This information will continue to be presented to farmers and agricultural professionals in an effort to broaden resource conservation and profitability in the region.