Project Overview
Annual Reports
Commodities
- Agronomic: corn, cotton, peanuts, grass (misc. perennial), hay
- Fruits: apples
- Nuts: pecans
- Vegetables: beans, sweet corn, tomatoes
- Additional Plants: ornamentals
- Animals: bees, bovine, sheep
- Animal Products: dairy
Practices
- Animal Production: manure management, pasture fertility, range improvement, grazing - rotational, watering systems, feed/forage
- Crop Production: windbreaks
- Education and Training: demonstration, extension, on-farm/ranch research, technical assistance
- Farm Business Management: whole farm planning, budgets/cost and returns
- Natural Resources/Environment: grass waterways
- Pest Management: biological control, integrated pest management, traps
- Soil Management: organic matter, soil analysis
- Sustainable Communities: new business opportunities, partnerships, community services
Abstract:
This project allowed Extension agents and other agency personnel working with producers to observe first-hand the sustainable agriculture practices used throughout NM. Opportunities for learning, collaboration, and discussion among individuals who normally work independently were made possible. A website supported the project. Thirty agricultural occupation-related professionals participated. Interest and planning of more educational programs related to sustainable agriculture were a direct outcome including:
"Survival Strategies for Limited Farmers and Ranchers Conference"
An Herb Seminar
Workshop in Sustainable Agriculture
Organic Workshop: Practices and Principles for Southwest Agriculture Professionals.
Project objectives:
- To increase the opportunity to learn more about sustainable agriculture practices, 40 New Mexico Agriculture Extension Agents and related agency personnel will be trained through farm tours, online education, and printed materials that will include hands-on learning experiences.
To build a network of sustainable agriculture information among Extension agents and related agency personnel.
To create a dissemination vehicle for innovative and up-to-date sustainable agriculture information.
To create avenues for Extension Agents and related agency personnel to teach farmers and ranchers the best sustainable agricultural management practices.