Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development (Valencia County)

The agent has been actively involved in promoting and assisting farmers with information and field consults who have interest or have planted high-value crops such as berries, certain vegetables, and pecans on their property. The agent developed a farm plan for 3 acres of brambles in the county planted in spring 2011. Due to low numbers of farms (<20) adopting these crops, these consults are currently done on an individual basis as needs arise.

Private Applicator CEU Workshops: When applied correctly the application of restricted use pesticides provides a reliable and cost-effective method of weed and pest control for agricultural producers. In 2011, Valencia CES Agriculture Programs provided CEU training required for license renewal to 29 local agricultural producers.

Integrated Pest Management: IPM Bug Nights: The agent collaborated with the Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center and NMSU Small Farm IPM Specialist to hold monthly ‘Bug Night’ workshops during the 2011 growing season. These workshops focused on a hands-on approach identifying beneficial and problem insects for small farm gardeners, as well as offered a discussion of effective control strategies. Many participants who attended all 4 trainings witnessed several different stages of insect development and damage symptoms. Further, many participants commented that many perceived ‘bad’ insects were actually beneficial insects, and control strategies would be changed immediately.
Over 80 participants attended the monthly workshops with a mean increase in knowledge gained of 59%, as determined by pre- and post-course quizzes. Some unsolicited comments from participants included “(I) enjoyed the class and would to return next year”, “(I) thoroughly enjoyed the class, teachers, participants and facility!”, and “Great hands-on class!”

Apple Maggot Workshop: In spring 2011, the agent and IPM Small Farm Specialist collaborated to host a apple maggot educational day for local commercial apple orchards. The apple maggot was first identified in Valencia County in fall 2010. Orchard operators were informed of the new pest life stages, damage symptoms, and control strategies. Further, attendees formed an ‘apple maggot’ contact list among producers to keep members informed of pest occurrences during the growing season, which extension faculty offered timely control strategies to mitigate damage.

When used correctly the application of restricted use pesticides provides a reliable and cost-effective method of weed and pest control for agricultural producers. In 2010, Valencia CES Agriculture Programs provided CEU training required for license renewal to 37 local agricultural producers.

Although the majority of agriculture is forage related products, a large component of Valencia County’s agronomic profile is small farm or backyard gardening (less than 1 acre). Although often considered non-commercial producers, many of these individuals are beginning to sell their excess produce at local farmers markets, generating supplemental income from agriculture. Subsequently, information related to reducing risk, improving crop production and subsequent economic returns on small farm fruit and vegetable operations is increasingly requested, and handled by the agriculture agent on an individual basis. These topics include business planning, resource allocation, and effective cultural practices including but not limited to variety selection, crop diversification, disease and pest control, high-value crops, planting and harvesting dates, soil testing and amending, and effective irrigation. In addition, the agent has been actively involved in Hoop House construction demonstration workshops throughout the state, which are designed to teach clientele how to extend their growing season and increase profitability. Personal contact from small farm fruit and vegetable producers accounts for approximately 15% (an increase of 5% from previous year) of extension agent incoming phone calls, and clientele field and office visits.

Another aspect of Valencia County agriculture is the adoption of high-value crops on small acreage farms. The agent has been actively involved in promoting and assisting farmers with information and field consults who have interest or have planted high-value crops such as berries, certain vegetables, and pecans on their property. Due to low numbers of farms (<20) adopting these crops, these consults are currently done on an individual basis as needs arise.

Valencia County commercial agriculture is over 90% small farm operators (less than 10 acres), with the majority of farms in forage crop production. This results in a variety of plant and soil related questions, as well as requests for continuing education units required for NMDA private pesticide applicator license renewal. Forage crop educational programs, clientele interaction including field and office visits, phone calls, workshops, and weed, pest, and disease services account for approximately 20% of the extension agriculture agent’s work load. Additionally numerous tests and services (soil tests, weed and disease identification) were conducted over the past year.
As a result, an annual program designated to meet the educational demands of local forage and irrigated pasture producers and managers was developed in 2009. The reports summarize the 2010 (2nd Annual) Valencia County Forage Workshop.
Over 75 producers attended the 1 day workshop, with the majority of attendees pleased with the quality of information provided. The program was evaluated using a survey at the end of the day. One program participant stated “I just wanted to thank you and all who organized, donated and spoke at this conference. It was incredibly informative and I learned more than I ever anticipated!” Other similar comments were documented.
All program participants consistently ‘agreed or strongly agreed’ they gained significant knowledge in all agronomy topics that could be used to improve their forage crop and/or irrigated pasture operation. Program participants learned of cultural methods to improve their agronomic crop operation, which can directly contribute to improved water management, drought mitigation strategies, higher yields, lower input costs, and the overall productive capability and economic value of their particular crop.
Topics included: Weed Identification and Control, Herbicide Usage, Forage Insects, Soil Health, Post-Harvest Management, Alfalfa Production, Annual Crop Production, Livestock Poisoning Plants, and Horse Forages

Although the majority of agriculture is forage related products, a large component of Valencia County’s agronomic profile is small farm or backyard gardening (less than 1 acre). Although often considered non-commercial producers, many of these individuals are beginning to sell their excess produce at local farmers markets, generating supplemental income from agriculture. Subsequently, information related to reducing risk, improving crop production and subsequent economic returns on small farm fruit and vegetable operations is increasingly requested, and handled by the agriculture agent on an individual basis. These topics include business planning, resource allocation, and effective cultural practices including but not limited to variety selection, crop diversification, disease and pest control, high-value crops, planting and harvesting dates, soil testing and amending, and effective irrigation.

In addition to small acreage produce farming, the extension agriculture agent has been involved in the development, feasibility, and implementation of high-value, low acreage alternative crops in the county. Technical assistance, field visits, NMSU lab services, and assistance in allocating grant funding were demonstrated at a local commercial hop farm, which experienced a successful harvest and significant success. A crop not known to be commericially grown in the state of New Mexico.

Personal contact from small farm fruit and vegetable producers accounts for approximately 10% of extension agent incoming phone calls, and clientele field and office visits.