Final report for WNM22-001
Project Information
The New Mexico State Development Program will provide training in sustainable agriculture concepts geared towards production in our arid environment, information on new crops to expand markets and economic opportunity, and engage community participants towards enriching the quality of life for New Mexicans. The training will be provided through the annual NM Sustainable Agriculture Conference that will be a two day event and include hands-on field exercises for in-person participants.
The objective of this project is to present training modules in key sustainable agriculture topics critical for agricultural professionals in New Mexico including:
- Measuring and building healthy soil in arid climates / field demonstrations in taking soil samples, measuring soil quality, cover crop options, and soil amendment options.
- Options for maximizing irrigation efficiency in arid land agriculture / field overview of the JFG drip irrigation system.
- Integrated pest management limiting chemical inputs / field tour of weed identification, how to diagnose diseases and disorders in the field.
- Alternative crops to expand marketing opportunities for local producers / field tour of underutilized and heat tolerant vegetables in production at the JFG.
The NM Sustainable Agriculture Conference was first initiated in 2004 with support from the New Mexico WSARE PDP program. The conference initially rotated throughout New Mexico to partner with different county Extension offices, then settled into Valencia County for several years. For the next three years, the NM WSARE Advisory Committee plans to hold the annual conference at the recently completed Las Cruces Convention Center. This complex is adjacent to both the New Mexico State University main campus and convenient lodging for the benefit of participants traveling to Las Cruces to attend the training. The Convention Center also neighbors the Jose Fernandez Garden (JFG) where field demonstrations will be presented to compliment conference presentations.
Advisors
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Education
The NM Sustainable Conference will be presented in a hybrid form with formal conference presentations being supplemented with hands-on training activities taking place in the neighboring JFG field. The conveniently located JFG maintains mixed trials of underutilized and heat tolerant vegetables, but was also established utilizing best production practices for sustainability in the arid, desert climate. The conferences will take place in early summer each year and will be two-day events to allow for the field training component.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
This event was designed to bring together agricultural professionals from around the state to discuss challenges to sustainable agriculture in NM, learn about WSARE and NM projects supported by this program, and identify priority areas for future projects.
On March 30, 2023, the western region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension New Mexico State Program (WSARE) coordinated a summit in Santa Fe, NM at the Cooperative Extension office (3229 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507). Participants were welcomed to the summit by Jeff Witte, New Mexico Dept. of Agriculture, Director and NM Secretary of Agriculture, and Jenna Meeks, Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Professional Development Program, Coordinator. Steve Kadas, previously with the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts Program Manager, and currently a Soil Health Specialist with Soil Health LLC, provided the opening address discussing key sustainable agriculture concerns in NM.
Invited panelists included past WSARE grant recipients and individuals who submitted proposals including:
- Cristóbal Valencia, Northern New Mexico Stockman’s Assoc., Researcher/Anthropologist; Carlos Salazar, Producer Representative Northern New Mexico Stockman's Association; Donald Martinez, Rio Arriba County Agricultural Extension Agent
WSARE PROJECT: The Future of Livestock Grazing on New Mexico's National Forests - Brian Schutte, New Mexico State Univ. Dept. of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science, Professor
WSARE PROJECT: On-farm investigation of stale seedbeds with biofumigation for improved management of weeds and soil-borne disease - Eva Stricker, Univ. of New Mexico, Biology Dept., Assistant Professor and Director of the Quivira Coalition's Carbon Ranch Initiative
WSARE PROJECT: Compost-derived microbial dispersal in rangelands - Marcy Ward, New Mexico State Univ., Dept. of Animal Sciences and Natural Resources, Extension Livestock Specialist
WSARE PROJECT: Evaluation of water and feed intake of purebred cattle in confinement and on arid rangelands, and its implications on selection principles - Charles Havlik, New Mexico State Univ., Los Lunas Ag. Science Center, Senior Research Specialist
WSARE PROJECT: Initiation of a New Mexico Participatory Vegetable Breeding Program
Following the panel discussion, participants brainstormed critical sustainable agriculture project needs for producers in NM, focusing on research and training needs not previously emphasized in past funding.
Topics that participants identified as critical but underfunded include:
Irrigation/Water Use Efficiency: Farmers in NM can increase their irrigation efficiency by adopting modern techniques and technologies developed for arid regions. For instance, implementing precision drip irrigation can significantly reduce wasted water by delivering water directly to the root zone and minimizing loss due to evaporation. Incorporating soil moisture sensor and weather-based irrigation controllers empowers farmers to synchronize irrigation schedules with actual crop needs and current weather to prevent overwatering. In addition, the investigation of drought tolerant crops and implementing crop rotation strategies that work in concert with water availability will also support long-term water conservation efforts. Financial support for education programs, incentives, and research are needed to support farmers in transitioning to more efficient irrigation practices.
Farm Economics, Direct Markets, Direct Sales: Providing training in alternative market venues for producers in NM was cited as a critical need. These venues are increasing in importance, but many producers need training in navigating these methods.
Non-traditional production: Urban Agriculture, Greenhouses/Container Farming, Perennial/Agriforestry production systems are increasing in importance for local food production. Additional research and training in these areas was cited as a critical need in NM.
Pest management: Producers face significant challenges in protecting their crops and livestock from competing pests. In particular, keeping wildlife separate from livestock and production fields, keeping troublesome birds out of production acreage, and bindweed/deep rooted perennial weed management without herbicides were cited as critical needs in NM.
Labor aids, Technology Adaptation: Routinely used by larger operations, smaller-scale farmers and ranchers need access to advanced technology to deal with increasing production challenges and enhance their productivity and efficiency. To bridge the technology gap, technologies in mechanical harvest, robotics, and artificial intelligence need to be affordable, accessible, and producers need to be trained in their use.
Generational Transfer and Access to Land: Access to land is a serious impediment to producers wishing to begin a career in crop and livestock production. The high cost of land, inheritance practices, bureaucratic complexities and navigating legal requirements discourage both beginners and those wishing to continue established, family operations. Addressing these challenges is critical to support the next generation of producers and was cited as a priority for production sustainability in NM.
The objective of this project is to present training modules in key sustainable agriculture topics critical for agricultural professionals in New Mexico including:
-Measuring and building healthy soil in arid climates / field demonstrations in taking soil samples, measuring soil quality, cover crop options, and soil amendment options.
-Options for maximizing irrigation efficiency in arid land agriculture / field overview of drip irrigation systems.
-Integrated pest management limiting chemical inputs / field tour of weed identification, how to diagnose diseases and disorders in the field.
-Alternative crops to expand marketing opportunities for local producers / field tour of underutilized and heat tolerant vegetables in production.
The 2023 NM Agriculture Sustainability Workshop was held at the Los Ranchos Agri-Nature Center in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, near Albuquerque, NM, May 17-18, 2023.
Conference presenters and presentations included:
Leslie Beck - Extension Weeds Specialist, Extension Plant Sciences, NMSU
-Weeds Walk (field)
-OMRI Approved Herbicides (inside)
Gabriella Coughlin - Soil Lab Manager, Agronomist, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District
-Interpreting Soil Analysis (inside)
-Soil Pit Analysis (field)
Steve Glass – Chair on the Board of Supervisors for the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District
-Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District (inside)
Casey Holland - Head Farmer, Chispas Farms
-Alternative Marketing Options (inside)
Joanie King – Extension Entomology Specialist, Extension Plant Sciences, NMSU
-Insect Walk (field)
-Insect Pest Management: Aphids, Squash Bugs, Grasshoppers, Beet Leafhoppers (inside)
James MacDonald - Professor Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
-Incorporating /Animal Husbandry and Crop Production (inside)
Joshua O’Halloran - Agricultural Program Manager, Larry P. Abraham Agri-Nature Center
-Farm Tour with Beekeeping Demo (field)
Delia Pastran-Garcia - Engineer, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA
-Irrigation Demonstration (field)
Kelvin Shenk - Farm Manager, Rio Grande Community Farm
-Tools, Implements & Small Equipment (field)
Blair Stringam - Professor, Plant & Environmental Sciences, NMSU
-Irrigation Systems for Small Farms (inside)
Joran Viers - Horticultural Consultant, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
-Fruit Tree/Bush Options for New Mexico (inside)
-Fruit Tree/Bush Management (field)
Jaime Welles - Executive Director, Rio Grande Community Farm
-Farm Tour / Farm Incubator (field)
Based on pre- and post- evaluations, workshop participants reported an increased level of understanding in topics presented as follows:
Sustainable Agriculture Concerns in NM = 38%
Understanding of the Rio Grande Community Farm = 68%
Animal Husbandry and Crop Production = 53%
Cuidad Soil and Water Conservation District = 68%
Interpretation of Soil Analysis = 46%
Irrigation Systems for Small Farms = 61%
Beekeeping in New Mexico = 36%
Weeds in New Mexico = 25%
Insects and Insect Issues in New Mexico = 36%
Alternative Marketing Options = 43%
OMRI Approved Herbicides = 47%
Fruit Tree and Bush Options and Management in New Mexico = 33%
The objectives of the New Mexico Smart Farm Project were:
1) Provide a high-level overview of how IoT systems work and how they can be used in agricultural operations including costs and benefits
2) Provide hands-on opportunities for participants to build and interact with a simple sensor example
3) Tour the IoT system currently operating at the Rio Grande Community Farm
4) Gather farmer feedback on the material and activities covered in the workshop to better understand opportunities and barriers to the technology
The workshop was an engaging and informative one-day event hosted at the Rio Grande Community Farm Albuquerque, NM on October 30, 2024, designed to explore the intersection of technology and agriculture. The event featured a series of presentations and hands-on demonstrations that showcased a variety of Internet-of-Things (IoT) hardware and software solutions tailored to enhance agricultural operations. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge IoT devices, such as soil moisture sensors, weather stations, and automated irrigation systems, which are revolutionizing the way farmers monitor and manage their crops.
The main presentation and tour was led by Dr. Brian Naughton, wind and energy engineer who shared insights on what IoT technologies are and how they can be used for agricultural applications.
Following the main presentation, all participants had the opportunity to engage in a practical, hands-on activity: setting up and installing a sensor system designed for real-world farm use. This interactive session allowed attendees to apply the knowledge they had just gained by working directly with the technology. Under the guidance of experienced facilitators, participants learned how to assemble, configure, and deploy sensor systems, such as soil moisture monitors or environmental sensors, which are critical for optimizing farm operations.
The activity provided a step-by-step walkthrough of the installation process, from selecting the ideal location for the sensors to connecting them to a central data collection platform. Participants also explored how to troubleshoot common issues and ensure the system was functioning correctly. This hands-on experience not only deepened their understanding of IoT technology but also gave them the confidence to implement similar systems on their own farms.
By the end of the session, attendees had not only gained valuable technical skills but also left with a tangible sense of accomplishment, knowing they had successfully set up a tool that could directly contribute to improving their agricultural practices. This practical exercise underscored the workshop's goal of making advanced technology accessible and actionable for farmers of all experience levels.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of 20 participants, including 9 producers, 5 technicians working in open spaces across the city, 5 members of the interested public, and 1 extension agent. Pre-survey results revealed that 81% of participants had no prior experience using sensors for agricultural applications, yet 100% expressed a desire to adopt sensors or automation in their farming practices. However, they identified cost, complexity of use, and lack of knowledge as major barriers to adoption.
Post-survey results showed significant progress, with 100% of participants reporting a marked improvement in their understanding of sensors and automation for agricultural applications. Many expressed enthusiasm about applying what they learned, with one participant planning to purchase basic supplies to collect soil data and another intending to implement sensors for irrigation on their farm. Despite this progress, some concerns remained, including worries about sensor accuracy, longevity, and the complexity of setup. Participants emphasized the need for continued technical support and additional hands-on workshops to build confidence and overcome these challenges. Overall, the workshop successfully introduced participants to the potential of agricultural sensors and automation while highlighting the importance of ongoing education and support for broader adoption.
The workshop aimed to achieve several key goals to enhance sustainable weed management practices. These included providing participants with comprehensive knowledge on identifying and controlling noxious and invasive weed species, equipping them with effective strategies to manage weeds across diverse environments such as rangelands, agricultural fields, and urban landscapes. Additionally, the workshop sought to showcase the use of advanced tools, including drones, for monitoring and managing weed populations more efficiently. Finally, it aimed to deliver practical insights into seedbed preparation techniques, helping participants optimize their agricultural operations for improved productivity and sustainability.
The workshop was a two-day event hosted at the New Mexico State University Fabian Garcia Research Science Center on December 12-13 2024, focusing on in-depth weed management practices for rangeland and agricultural settings. Featuring four expert presenters—Dr. Leslie Beck, Dr. Casey Spackman, Dr. Brian Schutte, and Dr. Marisa Thompson—the program covered essential topics such as identifying and controlling noxious and invasive weeds, effective weed identification techniques, urban weed management strategies, and integrated approaches for rangeland and agricultural weed control.
In addition to presentations, the workshop included interactive walking tours that demonstrated practical applications of drone technology and seed bank management methods. These hands-on sessions allowed participants to see how advanced tools and sustainable practices can be applied in real-world scenarios. Attendees were encouraged to engage with the experts, fostering a collaborative learning environment and enabling them to leave with actionable insights. The workshop not only deepened participants' understanding of weed management but also inspired the adoption of innovative techniques, such as mulch applications and seed bank management, to improve their operations.
The workshop successfully enhanced participants' knowledge of weed identification, control of noxious and invasive species, and sustainable management strategies across rangeland, agricultural, and urban environments. Attendees gained hands-on experience with practical techniques, including seedbed preparation and drone applications for weed management. By the end of the event, participants were equipped with actionable strategies to improve weed control, boost land productivity, and promote environmental stewardship in their respective fields.
Participants:
The workshop attracted 17 participants, including professionals and individuals interested in sustainable weed management.
Pre-Survey Results:
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80% of participants reported having little to no prior experience in weed management.
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100% expressed a strong interest in adopting sustainable weed management practices in their work.
Post-Survey Results:
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100% of participants reported a significant improvement in their understanding of weeds and weed management.
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Participants praised the presenters, with one noting, “I learned the most from Dr. Beck; she is energetic and explains things so well. Her information is highly relevant to my field of work.”
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Another participant highlighted the value of the integrated weed management section, stating, “I enjoyed and learned a lot, especially about the new methods.”
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Overall, feedback was highly positive, with comments like “Great presenters!” underscoring the quality of the workshop.
The event not only expanded participants' knowledge but also inspired them to implement innovative and sustainable practices in their professional roles.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
Face of SARE
The WSARE New Mexico State Program is promoted in several ways including:
-Advisory Committee members widely share information on upcoming events with their internal connections and their client database.
-Press releases are prepared by NMSU Communications and shared widely with media outlets for each event coordinated.
-The WSARE NM State Program maintains a website to archive program events.
-Program events are shared on social media including New Mexico State University's 'Desert Blooms'.