NMSU hosts college rodeo in Las Cruces Saturday

NMSU hosts college rodeo in Las Cruces Saturday DATE: 03/26/2018 WRITER: Savannah Montero, 575-646-1614, smontero@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Logan Corbett , 575-646-3659, lcorbett@nmsu.edu The New Mexico State University rodeo will be at the Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds at 12125 Robert Larson Blvd., at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 31. Tickets cost $5, and NMSU students and children 13 and under get in free. The NMSU rodeo Aggies have two rodeos left, and hundreds of contestants will strive for gold and the chance to qualify for the college finals in Casper, Wyoming, June 11-16. The Aggies will ride against the competitive colleges in the Grand Canyon Region of Arizona and New Mexico, Central Arizona College, Cochise College, Dine College, Mesalands Community College, Navajo Technical College, University of Arizona and other independent athletes. “The best college rodeo in the Grand Canyon Region rolls into Las Cruces this weekend, put on by your hometown Aggies and they are driving the train,” said Oobie Hawkes, NMSU assistant rodeo coach. “Be sure to come out and watch your Aggies dominate and see they are a force to be reckoned with.” The Frank Dubois Invitational Bronc Riding and Tie-Down roping jackpot takes place at 7 p.m. Friday, March 30, with 15 tie-down ropers and 12 saddle bronc riders competing for a winner-take-all title. During these two events, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association barrel man Greek Ellick will entertain the crowd. This week, March 27-30, NMSU rodeo athletes will be co-hosting the morning show from 8 to 9 a.m. on 99.5 FM. For more information on the rodeo, contact head coach Logan Corbett at lcorbett@nmsu.edu. Eddy County Extension Service and New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity employer and educator. Eddy County Government, New Mexico State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating, Extending Knowledge Changing Lives.

PECAN GROWER ROUND TABLE

PECAN GROWER ROUND TABLE Eddy County Extension is hosting a Pecan Grower Round Table discussion on March 29, 2018 at 7:00 pm in the meeting room of the Eddy County Extension Office. Dr. Heerema, Extension Pecan and nut specialist, as well as Dr. Jane Pierce, and Dr. Robert Flynn will be available to discuss general orchard, or tree management and care, soils and fertility of trees and pecan insects including pecan weevil. Each specialist will give a short presentation and then the floor will be open to discuss whatever concerns you may have or questions. This is for everyone from the one pecan tree in your yard to large orchard operations. There is limited space so if you wish to pre-register or if you are in need of special assistance due to a disability please contact the Eddy County Extension Office 887-6595 at least 1 day before the class. This and all programs are available to everyone regardless of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. New Mexico State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Eddy County Government Cooperating “to put knowledge to work”.

NMSU, NMDA agricultural leaders’ listening sessions begin in Roswell March 28

NMSU, NMDA agricultural leaders’ listening sessions begin in Roswell March 28 Woods Note: I will be leaving Carlsbad at 3:30 pm in time to have dinner somewhere if you want a ride up call the Extension Office, I can stop in Artesia as well. NMSU, NMDA agricultural leaders’ listening sessions begin in Roswell March 28 DATE: 03/09/2018 WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Rolando A. Flores , 575-646-3748, agdean@nmsu.edu New Mexico’s top agricultural leaders will be on the road again with stops in Roswell, Belen and Alamogordo for a second year of statewide listening sessions with agricultural producers. New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Dean Rolando A. Flores and New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte will host three sessions around the state to hear the concerns of farmers and ranchers. “As representatives of NMSU we voice the agricultural needs through research, teaching and extension,” Flores said. “The best way to know about the agricultural issues is to listen to the stakeholders in the state.” “We look forward to meeting with New Mexico residents across the state and listening to their concerns,” Witte said. “The listening sessions provide New Mexicans with the opportunity to engage in face-to-face conversation with us, while allowing us to answer questions they may have regarding agriculture in our state.” Last year’s topics and concerns included aging agricultural producers, access to federal land, lack of a meat processing plant, agriculture literacy, the general public’s lack of awareness of the economic impact of agriculture, water engineering and use, and the impact of the federal Farm Bill and foreign trade agreements. These topics and others were addressed during the listening sessions in Portales, Abiquiu and Las Cruces. “The sessions in 2017 were very informative and have assisted us in targeting some issues,” Flores said. “This year we are going to focus on explaining the importance of supporting the General Obligation Bond in November’s election because it will prompt a real transformation to agriculture in New Mexico that will positively impact communities and the economy.” Roswell will be the first 2018 session from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds. The next two sessions will be on May 31 in Belen and July 18 in Alamogordo. Time and place will be announced prior to the events. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews Eddy County Extension Service and New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity employer and educator. Eddy County Government, New Mexico State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating, Extending Knowledge Changing Lives.

DO PECANS HAVE FLOWERS?

DO PECANS HAVE FLOWERS? Yes, pecan have flowers. Most people don’t notice the pecan flower. Pecans have incomplete flowers in that the male and female parts are on different structures or what biologist call dichogamy. The absence of petals on the female flower causes this small, but important organ to go unnoticed. Female flowers existing as spikes on the side of the shoot near its apex have the potential of developing into nuts the grower hopes to harvest in 7 months. Without female flowers there are no nuts. Pecan trees should be breaking bud anytime now. There are fortunately two or three buds at each node on a shoot. The bud nearest the terminal end of the shoot usually is the most prominent and is known as the primary bud. The others are reserve buds and usually will not grow unless the primary bud or shoot with the primary but is destroyed by freeze, insects or other enemies. Thus pecans unlike fruit trees have a second chance to flower, and in some case a third chance after a late freeze or other damage. One caution however the secondary bud may produce female, but not male flowers when regrowth occurs following the loss of primary shoots. The number of secondary bud which sprouts may depend on how much carbohydrates are available in the root system of the tree. So if last year was an on year, had lots of nuts, and the trees was stressed it did not store a sufficient amount of carbohydrate before going dormant. This results in fewer secondary buds that will break. The variety of pecan determines when the male flower will shed pollen so production may be reduced after a late freeze. Fortunately Eddy county and most of New Mexico grow Western Schley with Wichita as pollinators and they shed their pollen in late April early May. Depending how Wichita trees are nearby may actually increase the number flowers that settle to produce a pecan. While the female flower is receptive a viscous fluid covers the uneven surface of the stigma which retains the pollen grains carried by wind, thus pollination. When receptivity has passed the stigmas are hard and brown. However, fertilization (union of the gamete and egg) can take place for 5 to seven weeks after pollination. For more on the flowering habits of pecan trees see guide H-622, click on publication from our web page http://eddyextension.nmsu.edu/ . This Thursday March 29 at 7:00 in the Extension Office there will be a Pecan Round Table topic such as this will be discussed. If you are in need of special assistance due to a disability in order to participate please contact the Eddy County Extension Office 887-6595 before Wednesday March 28. Subscribe to Eddy County Ag news at: http://nmsueddyag.blogspot.com/ Eddy County Extension Service, New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. All programs are available to everyone regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. New Mexico State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Eddy County Government Cooperating.

APHIS Establishes a Mexican Fruit Fly (Anastrepha ludens) Quarantine in the San Perlita Area of Willacy County, Texas

APHIS Establishes a Mexican Fruit Fly (Anastrepha ludens) Quarantine in the San Perlita Area of Willacy County, Texas To: State and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials Effective March 14, 2018, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) established a Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens or Mexfly) quarantine in a residential area of San Perlita, Willacy County, Texas. The quarantine area includes 1.5 acres of commercial citrus; therefore, APHIS is applying safeguarding measures and restrictions on the interstate movement or entry into foreign trade of regulated articles from this area. On March 14, APHIS confirmed one mated female adult Mexfly in the San Perlita area of Texas. In cooperation with Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), APHIS is responding to this confirmed detection with the establishment of a new quarantine area, which encompasses approximately 82 square miles of Willacy County. APHIS is working with TDA to respond to this detection following program survey and treatment protocols. This action is necessary to prevent the spread of Mexfly to non-infested areas of the United States. The establishment of this quarantine area is reflected on the following designated website, which contains a description of all the current federal fruit fly quarantine areas: Eddy County Extension Service and New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity employer and educator. Eddy County Government, New Mexico State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating, Extending Knowledge Changing Lives.

USDA Announces $8.4 Million to Support Veterans and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers

USDA Announces $8.4 Million to Support Veterans and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers WASHINGTON, March 26, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement (OPPE) today announced up to $8.4 million in available funding for training and technical assistance for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers. Funding is made through the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the 2501 Program). “The USDA is committed to reaching all farmers and ranchers,” said OPPE Director Diane Cullo. “Through the 2501 program, the USDA is building lasting relationships among these farmers and ranchers, the local organizations that serve them, and the USDA’s local, state, regional, and national offices.” The 2501 Program was originally authorized by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990. 2501 grants seek to enhance the equitable participation of socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers in USDA resources and programs, such as Farm Service Agency loans or grants through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). Projects may focus on conferences, training sessions, educational materials, or new programs to help these farmers and ranchers thrive and succeed. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, networks, or coalitions of community-based organizations; 1890 or 1994 institutions of higher education; American Indian tribal community colleges or Alaska Native cooperative colleges; Hispanic-serving institutions of higher education; other higher education institutions; Indian Tribes or national tribal organizations. Eligible entities must have experience in providing agricultural education or other agricultural-related services for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers. The deadline for applications is May 15, 2018. See the request for applications for full details. Learn more about this funding opportunity through two teleconferences on March 28, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. EST and April 25, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. EST. To join each session, call 1-888-455-1685 and use passcode 7087935. Examples of FY 2017 funded 2501 projects include a grant to the National Hmong American Farmers, Inc., to provide technical and direct assistance to Hmong farmers in central California who face barriers to successful farming due to poverty and cultural and linguistic isolation. A Florida State University project reached veterans with workshops, online agricultural courses, and 15 farm apprenticeships and managerial apprenticeships at private farms. #

Secretary Perdue Praises Section 199A Tax Code Fix in Omnibus

Secretary Perdue Praises Section 199A Tax Code Fix in Omnibus (Washington, D.C., March 23, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the fix of Section 199A of the federal tax code found in the omnibus spending bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald J. Trump: “Fixing Section 199A was a fundamental issue of fairness. We should not be picking winners and losers through the federal tax code by favoring one side over another. During my travels across the country, I met with countless farmers and members of the agriculture community who were affected by this so-called ‘grain glitch.’ I applaud Congress for hearing their voice.” Background The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in December of 2017 was meant to spur economic growth across the entire American economy, including the agriculture sector, and its positive results can already be felt. However, the unintended consequences of Section 199A, originally designed to preserve benefits for cooperatives and their patrons, disadvantaged the independent operators in the same industry. Many members of the agriculture community began to raise questions about the potential market effects on cooperatives and independent grain-related businesses. The solution passed by Congress, to equalize federal tax treatment of cooperatives and non-cooperates, is overwhelmingly supported throughout the agriculture community. Secretary Perdue and members of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leadership, including Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach, have voiced the agriculture community’s concerns throughout the year in statements and speeches across the country

EPA Announces Draft Pesticide Label Revisions on Respirators to Ensure Consistency between EPA and NIOSH

EPA Announces Draft Pesticide Label Revisions on Respirators to Ensure Consistency between EPA and NIOSH EPA is requesting public comment on revised respirator descriptions for pesticide labels. EPA is making these revisions, with the encouragement of state regulatory agencies, as part of our efforts to: • Bring the respirator descriptions on pesticide labels into conformance with the current National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) respirator language; • Ensure that pesticide handlers and their employers have the information they need to identify and buy the respirator required to provide needed protection; • Delete outdated statements referring to respirators that no longer exist; and • Clarify and update language to ensure easy compliance with the guidance. After considering comments, EPA will update Chapter 10, “Worker Protection Labeling,” of the Label Review Manual (LRM). After releasing the revised chapter, EPA will ask registrants submitting labels for other reasons to revise their personal protective equipment (PPE) statements to include the updated descriptions at the same time. Those registrants who wish to revise only the PPE statements to incorporate the new respirator descriptions will be advised to submit a fast-track amendment with the changes. For existing products not otherwise updated, EPA will require the submission of labels with the revised descriptions of respirators during the registration review process. Please submit comments on the revised respirator section by May 22, 2018, to opprespiratortable@epa.gov. We are requesting comment from regulators, registrants, pesticide users, safety educators and other stakeholders on the revised respirator descriptions for the LRM. Read the proposed revisions: Label Review Manual Chapter 10; Revised Respirator Descriptions for Public Comment.Eddy County Extension Service and New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity employer and educator. Eddy County Government, New Mexico State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating, Extending Knowledge Changing Lives.

NMSU AFROTC to host exhibition

WOODS NOTE: Most do not know that NM A&Ma ROTC unit was pressed into federal service to pursue Poncho Via after the raid on Columbus NM, thus the only ROTC unit to see combat duty since the Civil War. NMSU AFROTC to host exhibition DATE: 03/20/2018 WRITER: Billy Huntsman, 575-646-7953, wthv8420@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Evin Greensfelder, egreens@nmsu.edu The New Mexico State University Air Force ROTC detachment will host a military and law enforcement exhibition and recruiting event on Thursday, March 29, from 1–4:30 p.m. on Pride Field. The event is called A&M Day, reminiscent of when NMSU was known as New Mexico A&M with a focus on military training. The event is free and open to the public. There will be two food trucks, La Ristra Express and Luchador, and music. The event also will feature an Air Force UH-1N helicopter landing in the middle of the field; demonstrations of the explosive-ordinance disposal mission by Holloman Air Force Base; a Homeland Security mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) truck on display; military working dogs; and attendees will be able to try on chemical-warfare suits. Attendees and those interested in joining any branch of the military will be able to talk with helicopter crewmen, special operators, recruiters, as well as Homeland Security personnel. The NMSU Fire Department will also be at the event and will be available to answer any questions for those interested in joining emergency response services. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews

USDA Seeks Applications for Funding to Increase Access to E-Connectivity/Broadband in Unserved Rural Areas

(202) 690-1756 USDA Seeks Applications for Funding to Increase Access to E-Connectivity/Broadband in Unserved Rural Areas WASHINGTON, March 20, 2018 – Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to fund broadband infrastructure projects in unserved rural communities. “E-connectivity is essential to the economic vitality and quality of life in rural communities,” Hazlett said. “Investing in broadband can strengthen rural economic growth and improve critical access to jobs, education, health care and social services.” USDA is accepting applications through May 14 in the Community Connect program. Grants from $100,000 to $3 million are available to state and local governments, federally-recognized tribes, nonprofits and for-profit corporations. Applicants must be able to provide a 15 percent match on the desired grant amount. The funds must be used to provide broadband service at a minimum rate-of-data transmission of 25 megabits downstream and 3 megabits upstream, which is the speed benchmark that the Federal Communications Commission has officially adopted for broadband connectivity. Awardees must use USDA funding to offer free broadband service to all critical community facilities in their proposed service areas for two years and provide a community center with free broadband service for two years. Examples of past Community Connect Grant successes include: Alaska’s Matanuska Telephone Association used a Community Connect grant to expand a fiber network. As a result, web-based content has been developed for an array of local businesses. Tennessee’s North Central Telephone Cooperative (NCTC) received a grant to offer gigabyte speed internet at reasonable rates. Today, the company provides e-connectivity services such as high-speed broadband, television, security and cloud systems. NCTC was recognized nationally in 2014 when it received a Smart Rural Community Showcase Award. In North Dakota, the BEK Communications Cooperative used a Community Connect grant to install 462 miles of fiber. The new internet service has many uses, such as enabling Barnes County students to take online courses to qualify for college credits. For more details on this grant opportunity, see page 11494 of the March 15 Federal Register (PDF, 247 KB). In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force. To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB). USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. #

PECAN FERTILIZER NEEDS

PECAN FERTILIZER NEEDS The size and quality of pecans are influenced by the leaf-nut ratio (the number of leaves per nut). Roughly 10 compound leaves, each consisting of 9 to 13 leaflets, are required to produce and support a medium-size pecan. More are needed for large nuts. Pecan clusters are borne terminally on new shoots, and most of the leaves have already formed on a tree when the cluster develops. The soil needs to be fertile to stimulate this strong, vigorous growth and provide a generous number of leaves to support the tree and enable it to mature a good crop of pecans. All plants and animals including pecans require 17 essential elements for growth: carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), chlorine (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn). However, most pecan research has shown increases in yield and nut quality only when a few of these elements are supplied to orchard trees. The greatest response reported has been from using nitrogen (N) on soils deficient in this element. Pecan trees are usually slow to respond to nitrogen fertilizer applications and response may not be apparent for several years, especially on fertile soils. Zinc (Zn) deficiency in pecans is well-known and occurs frequently in most pecan growing areas. Pecan trees with sufficient zinc tend to have bigger leaves than zinc-deficient trees. Foliar zinc sprays have become standard practice by most growers. Response of pecans to phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are reported infrequently, although these elements are used by plants in relatively large amounts. Because the pecan tree’s root system invades a large volume of soil, it has been assumed that pecan trees need not receive some nutrients in large amounts, i.e., potassium, phosphorus, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). This statement is true, in general, but soils vary in chemical composition, and a nutrient believed to be at adequate levels may be lacking in some soils. Soil and leaf analyses are helpful in determining causes of a problem or potential problems. It is highly desirable to have the right nutrient levels in the tree to prevent negative effects on tree growth and yield. Soil and leaf analyses help a grower learn about the fertilizer needs of pecan trees. All of Eddy County has a high pH, this makes our soil alkaline. Because our pH is greater than 7.3 zinc and iron are not readily available as they are at lower pH. The pH in our soil cannot be changed because it is between 10- and 15 % calcium carbonate. This is what Carlsbad Caverns is made of and it act as a buffer when we add acid to our soil. We still want to use acid base fertilizer however. Some fertilizers will interact with the calcium carbonate and make the ground hard. Salt accumulation (conductivity above 4 E.C. × 103 ) will impair water infiltration and will cause stress on the trees. The application of sulfur or sulfur containing fertilizers react with the calcium carbonate to make gypsum which help improve soil structure so water can penetrate it. High sodium content (greater than 20 percent exchangeable sodium) will flocculate clay particles in soil, increase soil compaction and decrease soil permeability. When fertilizing Pecan you have to apply the right kind, at the right place, at the right time, in the right amounts. To learn about this and more come to the Eddy County Pecan Growers Round Table March 29, at 7:00 pm in the Eddy County Extension Office. If you have a disability or need special assistance contact Robin before March 27. Subscribe to Eddy County Ag news at: http://nmsueddyag.blogspot.com/ Eddy County Extension Service, New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. All programs are available to everyone regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. New Mexico State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Eddy County Government Cooperating.

NM, feds reach agreement on wolf releases

NM, feds reach agreement on wolf releases Albuquerque Journal By Maddy Hayden The U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS), New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and Arizona Game and Fish Department signed a memorandum of agreement to “clarify the commitment” of each entity in determining the circumstances of wolf releases. The agreement states that “decisions regarding the timing, location and circumstances” of Mexican wolf releases will be based on input from both the federal and state agencies...The new recovery plan stipulates that population levels reach an average of at least 320 in the U.S. and 200 in Mexico for eight consecutive years to be taken off the endangered species list, along with other criteria. Once the species has recovered, management will be transferred from Fish and Wildlife to the state. At last count, 114 Mexican gray wolves were roaming the U.S., a growth of just one since the prior year. At least 51 of those live in New Mexico

NMAITC and NMSU HRTM Partner on Fundraiser Dinner

NMAITC and NMSU HRTM Partner on Fundraiser Dinner NMF&LB Press Release We're excited to announce that New Mexico Ag in the Classroom is teaming up with the NMSU School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management to host a Farm to Fork fundraiser dinner in Las Cruces on April 14th. Proceeds from this unique dining experience will benefit NMAITC's education efforts and provide scholarships for HRTM students. All ingredients will be sourced locally for this five-course meal featuring New Mexico wines. Tickets are only $100 per person, or a table of eight can be purchased for $750. Your support is extremely important to us. All proceeds from the dinner will go directly to education efforts made by both programs. Please call us now at (575) 532-4708 to reserve your space for this local dining experience that benefits two wonderful causes.

Red Chile and Paprika Production in New Mexico

Guide H-257: Red Chile and Paprika Production in New Mexico Stephanie J. Walker (Extension Vegetable Specialist, Dept. of Extension Plant Sciences) PDF: http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h/H257.pdf

USDA Designates Four Counties in New Mexico as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States

USDA Designates Four Counties in New Mexico as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States WASHINGTON, March 16, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Curry, Quay, Roosevelt and Union counties in New Mexico as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties in Chaves, Colfax, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Lea and San Miguel in New Mexico also qualify for natural disaster assistance. Farmers and ranchers in the contiguous counties in Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas also qualify for natural disaster assistance. Those counties are: Colorado Baca and Las Animas Oklahoma Cimarron Texas Bailey, Cochran, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Hartley, Oldham and Parmer Qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA’s) emergency (EM) loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration of March 15, 2018, to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the EM loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from the impacts of this disaster. Other FSA programs that can provide assistance, but do not require a disaster declaration, include: Operating and Farm Ownership Loans; the Emergency Conservation Program; Livestock Forage Disaster Program; Livestock Indemnity Program; Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program; and the Tree Assistance Program. Interested farmers may contact their local USDA service centers for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available online at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov. FSA news releases are available on FSA’s website at www.fsa.usda.gov via the “Newsroom” link. # USDA is an equal opportunity lender, provider and employer.

New Mexico 4-H ambassadors, diplomats take on new leadership roles

New Mexico 4-H ambassadors, diplomats take on new leadership roles DATE: 03/16/2018 WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Amy Zemler, 575-646-5204, azemler@nmsu.edu Local, state and national leaders of tomorrow are being formed today through the 4-H Youth Development program in New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Besides developing life skills through 4-H club activities and personal projects, the youth learn leadership skills, such as communication, cooperation, organization and teamwork. Each year, 4-H members, ages 14-18, have the opportunity to apply for a state diplomat or ambassador position. Along with a team activity, the candidates participate in interviews that ask them about their mastery of teamwork and leadership skills through 4-H and how they would possibly apply them in promoting and educating people about 4-H. During the 2018 Senior Leadership Retreat a judging committee selected this year’s ambassadors and diplomats. The 2018 ambassadors are Annick Ambrose of Sandoval County, Kaitlyn Kircher of Roosevelt County, Evan Webster of Union County and Jeremiah Woodall of Dona Ana County. The 2018 diplomats are Leah Elsey of Lincoln County, Randy Halvorsen of Dona Ana County, Alyssa McAlister of Roosevelt County and Hallie Vigil of Rio Arriba County. The new ambassadors and diplomas also serve as 4-H club officers and county officers. With the new roles of ambassador and diplomat come new responsibilities. “They present leadership workshops to counties and assist the state officers with responsibilities for the State 4-H Conference,” said Amy Zemler, 4-H youth activities specialist. Other responsibilities will include putting on workshops at “Journey: Opportunities for Leaders of Tomorrow” in Arizona, and assisting with events at the New Mexico State Fair that include the livestock shows, McDonalds Farm, which involves educating young children about agriculture, and at the NMDA building. At the end of their term, they will plan and host the 2019 Senior Leadership Retreat, a leadership and personal growth event for 4-H senior-age youth.

USDA Announces Regionalization Agreement with South Korea to Help Protect U.S. Trade During HPAI Detections

USDA Announces Regionalization Agreement with South Korea to Help Protect U.S. Trade During HPAI Detections WASHINGTON, March 15, 2018 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced an agreement with the government of South Korea that significantly reduces negative impacts on trade should another detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) occur in the United States. The agreement will allow for trade restrictions at the state level instead of the country level during any future HPAI detections. This action bolsters the already strong trade relationship between the United States and South Korea and will prevent a repeat of trade actions taken in 2015 when all U.S. poultry, poultry products and eggs were banned as a result of a detection of HPAI. “Limiting trade restrictions during future HPAI detections to only those states with positive detections will help keep trade flowing,” said Greg Ibach, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “The new science-based agreement will allow unaffected U.S. producers to keep poultry, poultry products and eggs going to South Korea. This helps us meet Secretary Perdue’s vision of doing right and feeding the world.” “Trade is critical for the health of American agriculture, and to support vibrant rural economies. Keeping markets open to exports of U.S. poultry is an important part of that story,” said USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney. “This success with South Korea, a top ten market already for poultry products, means we will continue to grow exports to a critical market.” USDA plays a vital role in ensuring the free flow of agricultural trade by certifying that the millions of U.S. agricultural and food products shipped to markets abroad meet the importing countries' entry requirements. USDA also keeps export markets open for American agricultural products by addressing concerns about plant and animal health raised by U.S. trading partners. Under the new agreement, if there is an HPAI detection in the United States, unaffected states would continue to trade with South Korea. Background: In 2014, the last full year without any HPAI-related trade restrictions in place, South Korea purchased $122 million in U.S. poultry and products, including eggs, making it the United States’ tenth-largest market. South Korea’s imports from all sources were nearly $426 million in 2017, but only $46 million came from the United States. In August 2017, South Korea lifted its most recent HPAI-related ban on imports of U.S. poultry, poultry products and fresh eggs, imposed in response to an HPAI outbreak in March 2017. # ________________________________________

New Mexico First will host a statewide town hall on higher education and workforce development

Calling all community members, educators, tribal representatives, family and labor advocates, elected officials, government professionals, and STUDENTS! You are invited! New Mexico First will host a statewide town hall on higher education and workforce development in spring 2018. Our state is rich in education and career opportunities but also faces challenges. New Mexico First is actively working to overcome those challenges by researching barriers to progress and convening a statewide deliberation on solutions. The town hall will begin with data-driven analyses and informed resident deliberations. It will result in consensus-supported direction and actionable policy recommendations for education, community, business and policy leaders seeking optimal alignment of education and the workforce, as well as statewide economic prosperity. When education and workforce align, New Mexico communities and families will thrive. Topics: Town hall participants will focus on key issues surrounding higher education in New Mexico: Student success and completion (community college and four-year); Leadership, governance, and finance of the higher education system; Workforce integration and alignment; Healthcare workforce and Energy workforce. Dates: 10-Apr-2018-11-Apr-2018 Times: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM Location: Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid, 5151 San Francisco Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 Registration fee: $100* We have student and need-based scholarships available!* We have a limited number of registration waivers for students and those that have a financial need. Please go to our registration page to learn more. Student scholarships may provide travel and accommodations.

Statement of Under Secretary Greg Ibach on Section 199A Tax Code Fix Agreement

Release No. 0055.18 Contact: USDA Press Email: press@oc.usda.gov Statement of Under Secretary Greg Ibach on Section 199A Tax Code Fix Agreement (Washington, D.C., March 14, 2018) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach today issued the following statement regarding an agreement among Congressional leaders to address concerns with recent changes to Section 199A of the federal tax code. Some agriculture stakeholders had raised questions about potential market effects on cooperatives and independent grain-related businesses. Ibach’s statement is as follows: “The sweeping tax cuts and reform package championed by President Trump and passed by Congress is already working as designed, empowering growth across all economic sectors, including agriculture. An unintended consequence of the new law caused disparate treatment among independent operators and cooperatives in the same industry. Federal tax policy should not be picking winners and losers in the marketplace. We applaud Congress and stakeholders for coming together and agreeing to a solution for the good of all agriculture. At USDA, we will provide whatever information is necessary to support Congress in their efforts to have the proposal included in the Omnibus appropriations bill.” #

Secretary Perdue Statement on Extension of Agriculture Exemption from ELD Mandate

Secretary Perdue Statement on Extension of Agriculture Exemption from ELD Mandate (Washington, D.C., March 13, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao for her announcement of an additional 90-day extension of the agriculture exemption from the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate. Agricultural compliance with the mandate, particularly the hours-of-service requirements, would have been problematic for the agriculture industry. The ELD rule went into effect in December 2017, with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) granting the agriculture industry an initial exemption that was set to expire on March 18, 2018. With the granting of another extension, the agriculture industry will now have additional time to comply. Secretary Sonny Perdue issued the following statement: “The ELD mandate imposes restrictions upon the agriculture industry that lack flexibility necessary for the unique realities of hauling agriculture commodities. If the agriculture industry had been forced to comply by the March 18 deadline, live agricultural commodities, including plants and animals, would have been at risk of perishing before they reached their destination. The 90-day extension is critical to give DOT additional time to issue guidance on hours-of-service and other ELD exemptions that are troubling for agriculture haulers.” “Current ELD technologies do not recognize the hours-of-service exemptions for agriculture that are in federal law, leaving drivers to do twice the work by requiring use of both the ELD and traditional paper logs. This is a classic example of a one-size-fits-all federal regulation that ignores common sense to the detriment of sectors like agriculture. “I applaud Secretary Chao for recognizing these obstacles and giving extra time for compliance while DOT issues guidance. While public safety is a critical concern for all of trucking, the safety of living agricultural commodities in transport must also be considered.” BACKGROUND: Agriculture haulers operating within 150 air miles of the source of their agriculture products or livestock do not have to comply with DOT’s hours-of-service regulation, which limits driving hours to only 11 hours after being off duty for more than 10 consecutive hours. For more information on the hours-of-service exemption for agriculture shipments, visit this U.S. DOT web page: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/eld-hours-service-hos-and-agriculture-exemptions. For more information on agriculture commodities that are transported to domestic and foreign markets, visit this USDA webpage: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis. ###

Produce Safety Alliance’s Food Safety Modernization Act training

Woods Note: Currently Pecan are not included in this because USDA does not think Pecan are eaten raw. Peanuts also are not included. Any produce that is eaten raw is. So if you are selling product for raw consumption you need to attend. Almonds, pastichos are under this requirement.

The Produce Safety Alliance’s Food Safety Modernization Act training will be conducted next week in Las Cruces, NM for Grower Training and Train-the Trainer training. The training is to help growers meet the requirements of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. NMSU personnel are also encouraged to attend so that they are familiar with these grower requirements. The classes will be held in Domenici Hall. The agenda is attached and the registration link can be found at the conclusion of this email. Who Should Attend: Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’ The registration link is https://ezregister.com/register/order/24168/0/05752fcac40c13bea126ae018f28cc0f0af6752d/

PECAN GROWER ROUND TABLE

PECAN GROWER ROUND TABLE Eddy County Extension is hosting a Pecan Grower Round Table discussion on March 29, 2018 at 7:00 pm in the meeting room of the Eddy County Extension Office. Dr. Heerema, Extension Pecan and nut specialist, as well as Dr. Jane Pierce, and Dr. Robert Flynn will be available to discuss general orchard, or tree management and care, soils and fertility of trees and pecan insects including pecan weevil. Each specialist will give a short presentation and then the floor will be open to discuss whatever concerns you may have or questions. This is for everyone from the one pecan tree in your yard to large orchard operations. There is limited space so if you wish to pre-register or if you are in need of special assistance due to a disability please contact the Eddy County Extension Office 887-6595 at least 1 day before the class. This and all programs are available to everyone regardless of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. New Mexico State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Eddy County Government Cooperating “to put knowledge to work”.

USDA Decides Not to Impose Additional Regulatory Requirements for Organic Producers and Handlers

Email: press@oc.usda.gov USDA Decides Not to Impose Additional Regulatory Requirements for Organic Producers and Handlers WASHINGTON, March 12, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the decision to withdraw the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule published on January 19, 2017. The rule would have increased federal regulation of livestock and poultry for certified organic producers and handlers. The withdrawal becomes effective May 13, 2018. Significant policy and legal issues were identified after the rule published in January 2017. After careful review and two rounds of public comment, USDA has determined that the rule exceeds the Department’s statutory authority, and that the changes to the existing organic regulations could have a negative effect on voluntary participation in the National Organic Program, including real costs for producers and consumers. “The existing robust organic livestock and poultry regulations are effective,” said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Program Undersecretary Greg Ibach. “The organic industry’s continued growth domestically and globally shows that consumers trust the current approach that balances consumer expectations and the needs of organic producers and handlers.” According to USDA reports for 2017, the number of certified organic operations increased domestically by seven percent and globally by 11 percent. Industry estimates show that organic sales in the United States reached almost $47 billion in 2016, reflecting an increase of almost $3.7 billion since 2015. The Department carefully considered public comments and the relative costs and benefits for both producers and consumers of imposing the proposed additional regulations. More information on the OLPP final rule is available in the March 12, 2018, Federal Register, and on the USDA National Organic Program web page. #

PLEASE ANNOUNCE: Udall Recruiting Summer Session Interns for Washington, D.C., Office

PLEASE ANNOUNCE: Udall Recruiting Summer Session Interns for Washington, D.C., Office WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall invites New Mexico college students interested in gaining legislative or press relations experience to apply for summer internships in his Washington, D.C., office. For more information and to apply for an internship, please visit https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/help/internships. During the upcoming summer internship program, Udall's office in Washington, D.C., will host two summer internship sessions: May 29 – June 29, and July 2 to Aug. 3. There may also be limited availability for students who prefer an internship for the full summer. Applications and letters of recommendation for either summer internship session must be submitted by March 18, 2018. "Internships on Capitol Hill offer students a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the inner workings of our government and the day-to-day operations of a Senate office,” Udall said. “During these internships, students will have the chance to assist in every aspect of my office functions. They are able to attend committee hearings and House and Senate floor proceedings, learn how to write a press release, research legislation and draft correspondence. For young people interested in a career in public service or government, interning on Capitol Hill is an invaluable educational experience. Interns are critical to the daily operations of my office, and I encourage all interested college students to apply." Students of all majors are accepted; internships may count toward college credit. Students should check with their respective college or university for requirements.

NMSU, NMDA agricultural leaders’ listening sessions begin in Roswell March 28

NMSU, NMDA agricultural leaders’ listening sessions begin in Roswell March 28 DATE: 03/09/2018 WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Rolando A. Flores , 575-646-3748, agdean@nmsu.edu New Mexico’s top agricultural leaders will be on the road again with stops in Roswell, Belen and Alamogordo for a second year of statewide listening sessions with agricultural producers. New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Dean Rolando A. Flores and New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte will host three sessions around the state to hear the concerns of farmers and ranchers. “As representatives of NMSU we voice the agricultural needs through research, teaching and extension,” Flores said. “The best way to know about the agricultural issues is to listen to the stakeholders in the state.” “We look forward to meeting with New Mexico residents across the state and listening to their concerns,” Witte said. “The listening sessions provide New Mexicans with the opportunity to engage in face-to-face conversation with us, while allowing us to answer questions they may have regarding agriculture in our state.” Last year’s topics and concerns included aging agricultural producers, access to federal land, lack of a meat processing plant, agriculture literacy, the general public’s lack of awareness of the economic impact of agriculture, water engineering and use, and the impact of the federal Farm Bill and foreign trade agreements. These topics and others were addressed during the listening sessions in Portales, Abiquiu and Las Cruces. “The sessions in 2017 were very informative and have assisted us in targeting some issues,” Flores said. “This year we are going to focus on explaining the importance of supporting the General Obligation Bond in November’s election because it will prompt a real transformation to agriculture in New Mexico that will positively impact communities and the economy.” Roswell will be the first 2018 session from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds. The next two sessions will be on May 31 in Belen and July 18 in Alamogordo. Time and place will be announced prior to the events. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews

USDA Helps Cotton Producers Maintain, Expand Domestic Market

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. You are subscribed to USDA Office of Communications. Contact: USDA Press Email: press@oc.usda.gov USDA Helps Cotton Producers Maintain, Expand Domestic Market (MEMPHIS, TN, March 3, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced at the 66th Annual Mid-South Farm and Gin Show the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking action to assist cotton producers through a Cotton Ginning Cost Share (CGCS) program in order to expand and maintain the domestic marketing of cotton. “America’s cotton producers have now faced four years of financial stress, just like the rest of our major commodities, but with a weaker safety net,” Perdue said. “In particular, cotton producers confront high input and infrastructure costs, which leaves them more financially leveraged than most of their colleagues. That economic burden has been felt by the entire cotton market, including the gins, cooperatives, marketers, cottonseed crushers, and the rural communities that depend upon their success.” The sign-up period for the CGCS program runs from March 12, 2018, to May 11, 2018. Under the program, which is administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), cotton producers may receive a cost share payment, which is based on a producer’s 2016 cotton acres reported to FSA multiplied by 20 percent of the average ginning cost for each production region. Perdue added, “I hope this will be a needed help as the rural cotton-growing communities stretching from the Southeastern U.S. to the San Joaquin Valley of California prepare to plant. This infusion gives them one last opportunity for assistance until their Farm Bill safety net becomes effective.” The CGCS payment rates for each region of the country are: Region States Costs of Ginning per Acre CGCS Payment Rate Southeast............................................... Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia.. $116.05 $23.21 Mid-South.............................................. Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee...... $151.97 $30.39 Southwest.............................................. Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas $98.26 $19.65 West....................................................... Arizona, California, New Mexico............................. $240.10 $48.02 CGCS payments are capped at $40,000 per producer. To qualify for the program, cotton producers must meet conservation compliance provisions, be actively engaged in farming and have adjusted gross incomes not exceeding $900,000. FSA will mail letters and pre-filled applications to all eligible cotton producers. The program was established under the statutory authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act. To learn more about the CGCS program, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/cgcs or contact a local FSA county office. To find your local FSA county office, visit the USDA’s new website: https://www.farmers.gov/. ### ________________________________________ Contact Us STAY CONNECTED: SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences | Delete profile | Help ________________________________________ This email was sent to whoughto@nmsu.edu using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: USDA Office of Communications · 1400 Independence Ave SW · Washington DC 20250 If you have questions about USDA activities, please visit our Ask the Expert page. This feature is designed to assist you in obtaining the information you are seeking. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

Cattle Growers Honor Ray Keller at Convention

Here’s The Moos…. For Immediate Release / February 26, 2018 From the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association P.O. Box 7517 / Albuquerque, New Mexico 87194 For further information, contact: Caren Cowan 505.247.0584 phone / nmcga@nmagriculture.org email Ray Keller, Carlsbad, received the 2017 Ayudando Siempre Alli Award from the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association (NMCGA) at the Joint Stockmen’s Convention, recently held in Albuquerque. “We truly appreciate the work that Ray has put into improving landscapes in southeastern New Mexico,” said Tom Sidwell, NMCGA President, Quay. “He helped bring together landowners, local businesses and industry, land management agencies, private organizations and state and local officials work cooperatively on invasive species control, and much has been accomplished. Ray’s ability to lead by example has inspired industry, agencies as well as landowners to improve stewardship of the lands that we all depend upon.” Keller, who will soon retire from the Carlsbad office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), spearheaded the Restore New Mexico program that put funds from the National Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) EQIP program together with private dollars to change the face of the landscape of southeastern New Mexico. Over the years, he has worked with more than 300 partners including Soil & Water Conservation Districts in several counties in New Mexico and groups including the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts (NMACD), CEHMM (Center of Excellence), the Wild Turkey Federation, New Mexico State University, Dow Chemical, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NRCS, Watershed Alliance, Bureau of Reclamation, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, and the New Mexico Highway Department. Through his efforts, over 3 million acres have been treated with programs ranging from invasive species control – mesquite, cat-claw/creosote, and shin-oak; noxious weed treatment – African Rue, Malta Star-thistle, salt cedar; and restoration and reclamation – including abandoned well pads, caliche pits and oil field roads. Keller worked cooperatively with the Carlsbad Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) as well as other State and Federal agencies to treat and eradicate salt cedar and Russian olive infestations along the Pecos River, the Delaware River, and the Black River. His efforts and multiple year work with an in-house crew resulted in the Delaware River receiving a National Riparian award from the American Fisheries Society. In addition, he laid the ground work for all the Federal lands in Eddy County along the Pecos River to be aerially sprayed in the fall of 2003. “Nearly every day one or more of our members are interacting with US Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management staff on a wide variety of challenges and opportunities from regulations to restoration and enhancement of these lands,” Sidwell noted. “The results of Ray Keller’s hard work, and willingness to work with anyone who was interested in helping are visible and ongoing today. It’s a great example of how relationships between land management agencies and others should work, and we’re glad to have the opportunity to say thank you.” The Ayudando Siempre Alli Award (Always There Helping) is given by the Association each year to an individual who has given of their time and talents on behalf of the industry, but is not necessarily actively involved in cattle production. Some years, the winner is a NMCGA member, but often they are not. Past winners include bankers, elected officials, an attorney, an artist, a publisher, state legislators and other agricultural organizations. The award is sponsored by Farmway Feed Mills, Las Vegas, NM. “There are countless people behind - and sometimes in front - of the scenes who support and make the work of the New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association possible,” Boone pointed out. “These people come from all walks of life and all sorts of careers but they all care about ranchers and our families. Some of them we have known forever, others are newer friends, but they all give of themselves for our benefit --- they are always there.” The NMCGA has represented the beef industry in New Mexico and the West since 1914 and has members in all 33 of the state’s counties as well as some 14 other states. The Association participates in venues necessary to protect beef producers and private property rights including litigation, state and federal legislation and regulatory affairs. You can visit or join the NMCGA online at www.nmagriculture.org. -30-

Time to apply for NMSU’s New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp

Time to apply for NMSU’s New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp DATE: 03/02/2018 WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Jack Blandford, 575-546-8806, jbland@nmsu.edu For 16 years teenagers have learned the science behind ranching at the New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp conducted by New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Now is the time for youth ages 15-19 to apply for a life-changing experience at the June 10-15 camp where they will be introduced to the many aspects of running a ranch, from financial statements and marketing strategies to producing quality beef and managing natural resources and wildlife. Online registration deadline is April 15. Visit nmyrm.nmsu.edu for more information and to register. A total of 30 participants will be invited to this year’s camp with three of the openings reserved for out-of-state youth. The camp is held at the CS Cattle Company’s 130,000-acre ranch at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range near Cimarron. “This location allows our campers to see a real-life working ranch,” said camp director Jack Blandford, NMSU Cooperative Extension Service program director in Luna County. “The CS, a cattle and hunting operation, has been family owned and operated since 1873.” Collaboration between NMSU Extension specialists, county Extension agents and members of the ranching industry provides an opportunity for youth to learn about the many aspects of ranching. “We are proud to offer this one-of-a-kind program for the future cattle producers of our state,” said Jon Boren, NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences associate dean and director of the Extension service. “What we are finding, from the more than 150 youth who have participated in past ranch camps, is that they have gained a greater appreciation of the science and opportunities in agriculture,” Boren said. “It is also a win-win for our aging agricultural industry with more young people having an interest in going into this type of work.” During the first four days, the youth compile information necessary to manage a ranch. The college-level hands-on curriculum includes all things beef, marketing and economics, natural resources and range land management. At the end of each day, one camper receives the Top Hand award for their outstanding participation in that day’s activities. Each evening they are using that day’s information to design their team’s own ranch management plan, which they present on Friday to a panel of judges from the beef industry and NMSU in competition for the coveted team jacket. “You don’t have to just be in ranching to attend this camp. It offers a wide variety of career avenues,” Blandford said. “I encourage any youth within the age group to apply.” The camp is sponsored by NMSU’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico Beef Council, New Mexico Cattle Growers Association and New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau, and several beef industry companies

NMSU Extension conducting survey on cattlemen’s bull management

NMSU Extension conducting survey on cattlemen’s bull management DATE: 03/02/2018 WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Tom Dominguez , 505-471-4711, tdomingu@nmsu.edu Bovine trichomoniasis is endangering New Mexico $895 million cattle industry. It can impact a herd’s annual calving rate and even destroy a cattle producer’s genetic herd. Controlling sexually transmitted trich requires awareness and vigilance on the part of the rancher. New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences is conducting a survey to determine needs of producers in the area of bull management in regards to trich. NMSU’s Small Farm and Ranch Task Force, which includes Extension agricultural agents for the northern counties, has received a grant from Western Region Extension Risk Management Education to conduct a survey to determine the degree that ranchers are informed about the disease and what percentage have tested their herds. “There are 14 questions ranging from asking ranchers about their herd management practice, limitations and their general knowledge about trich,” said Tom Dominguez, NMSU Cooperative Extension Service agricultural agent in Santa Fe County. The survey can either be filled out manually and mailed in, or online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nmsutrich. Dominguez stresses that the survey is completely confidential and anonymous. No personal information is to be provided. “Hopefully this survey will determine where we need more educational programs and where we need to dispel myths,” said John Wenzel, NMSU Extension veterinarian. “We are hoping to be able to increase testing so we can find some of the hidden areas where trich still resides and then clean up those areas.” Trich can be economically devastating. “It is a big problem in New Mexico,” Dominguez said. “I have seen the impact to a cattle operation when this disease gets into a herd. It can impact 10 to 50 percent of a calf crop in a year.” Trich is a parasite venereal disease that moves from infected bull to a cow, or can be transmitted to an uninfected bull from an infected cow. Neither the bull nor the cow exhibit visible symptoms, until the cow aborts a calf, or is open when given a pregnancy test. “Of the 12,000 bulls tested by the state diagnostic service, 1.5 percent had trich,” Wenzel said. “Around the state there are hotbeds where the incidents are greater.” In 2016, 84 premises were quarantined. That number was decreased to 42 by the end of 2017. “This is not a single ranch’s problem, it’s an area problem,” Wenzel said. “We’ve had success in eliminating the disease when the cattle producer, New Mexico Livestock Board and veterinarians all work together.” There is still work to be done. First finding the hotbeds and then eliminating the disease. “The larger ranches are getting a handle on controlling trich in their herds,” Dominguez said. “It’s the smaller herds, especially those that mingle with other herds while grazing on federal land that are having the problems. We’re trying to find out what factors mostly affect the absence of testing bulls for trich.” Wenzel and Dominguez are hoping the survey will help them identify the limiting factors that are affecting testing and what tools producers need in addressing those limitations. “Producers have to understand the importance of testing their bulls and then what the procedure is for cleaning up their cows so the animals will not continue the cycle of infection,” Dominguez said. Once the survey data has been studied, Dominguez hopes to apply for and obtain a second grant that will help with the control and management of the disease. For additional information about bovine trich, visit aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_b/B230/.

The College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Scicences Open House.

I hope everyone has added the first ever ACES Open House, April 14, to their calendars! This event is a great opportunity to showcase our college activities and impacts in research, Extension and teaching, to the greater NMSU community and to the public. April 14th will be here in a blink and we need to have all hands on deck to help make this a successful event! The event will take place within all of the college buildings from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. We will start with a welcome from Dean Flores at 1:00 PM in the GT Auditorium, followed by an overview of the college and the event. About 1:30 PM, participants should start moving around visiting the buildings and viewing displays. Educational displays and posters are planned for Skeen Hall, Gerald Thomas Hall, Knox Hall and the Judging Pavilion. In addition, we will have many of our labs and auxiliary services, including but not limited to the Animal Facilities, Chile Pepper Institute, Sam Steele Café, Fido Lab, Arthropod Museum, Wildlife Museum (and more), open for tours throughout the afternoon. There will also be a Horse Carnival that afternoon that will provide an opportunity for kids to ride and paint horses! Refreshments will be provided in Skeen Hall, Gerald Thomas Hall and Knox Hall. There will also be a poster competition for undergraduate and graduate students. The college will provide a $1,000 first place prize and a $500 second place prize in each category (undergraduate competition and graduate student competition). ACES will provide the winners with a “scholarship” in their NMSU account and they will be able to use their prize to support their education as needed. In addition to student posters, faculty are encouraged to set up posters and/or displays. There is no size limit for posters. However, if new posters are printed we are encouraging that they to be no larger than 40” wide X 42” high (this matches the URC requirements). Additionally, all posters must contain a public value/impact statement – this is a brief, one to two sentence summary, in layman’s terms with no acronyms or jargon, about the value/importance of the work to the public. If the poster was printed for another activity, the public value statement can be included as a separate part of the display. MARCH 28 is the deadline for notifying your department head that you will have a poster/display for the Open House. Additionally, students wishing to be in the competition must provide their name, department and poster title to their department head by the MARCH 28 deadline. Students who miss this deadline may display their poster, but will not be included in the competition. Below are some key points to remember about the event: • Faculty are strongly encouraged to make this a priority event. • All posters and displays must have a person attending who can answer questions about the display. • If you are willing to open your “lab” for tours, please notify your department head by MARCH 28 – If your lab is open for tours, an employee must be present to discuss the activities of the lab. • All faculty and staff will be asked to help promote the event. Marketing and Communications will provide social media posts and e-invite’s which can be distributed to electronic mailing lists. The first of these materials should be ready within a couple of weeks. • Building activities are being coordinated by co-chairs noted below. Please contact these co-chairs for questions regarding plans and displays in these areas: o Skeen Hall (PES, EPPWS, EPS and “plant science related” ASCs) – Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire and Dr. Jerry Sims o Gerald Thomas Hall (AEAB, FCS, EFCS, AXED, HRTM, 4-H, county extension offices) – Dr. Jean Hertzman and Dr. Steve Beck o Knox Hall and the Judging Pavilion (FWCE, ANRS, EASNR, and “animal science related” ASCs) – Dr. Shanna Ivey and Dr. Kathy Stoner If you have any questions about this event, please do not hesitate to contact me (ngoldber@nmsu.edu, 646-3125) THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE for helping to make this a successful event! Natalie

NMSU’s pecan conference to host regional speakers

NMSU’s pecan conference to host regional speakers DATE: 03/01/2018 WRITER: Melissa R. Rutter, 575-646-4211, mrrutter@nmsu.edu CONTACT: John M. White , 575-640-7555, jmwhite@utep.edu CONTACT: Richard Heerema , 575-646-2921, rjheerema@nmsu.edu An update on the western pecan weevil insect, how farming is adapting to city standards and a discussion on the roots of pecan trees will be among the presentations at this year’s annual Western Pecan Growers Association conference and trade show March 4-6. “Dona Ana County is the largest pecan-producing county in the nation, so there’s a greater concentration here than any other county in the country,” said Richard Heerema, New Mexico State University’s pecan specialist. “El Paso County also is the largest producing pecan county in Texas and one of the largest in the nation as well. It’s a very important crop for us locally and statewide – it is the top crop in the state.” The conference and trade show will be hosted at Hotel Encanto, 705 S. Telshor Boulevard, with events beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 4, with a sponsored conference reception for attendees. Parking at the hotel is limited to hotel guests and vendors, but limited overflow parking can be found at the Mesilla Valley Mall where a shuttle will bring guests back and forth to the conference. Heerema is the organizer of the conference’s educational program that will be on Monday and Tuesday. The program will include 17 presentations by experts from NMSU, the University of California, Texas A&M and the University of Arizona along with representatives from the American Pecan Council and U.S. Pecan Growers Council. “We try to get a range of speakers who cover a lot of different topics and areas. We want to include some basic research, so we have some research presentations that will be presenting cutting-edge research that is happening in the pecan industry,” Heerema said, “including Professor Astrid Volder from the University of California, Davis who will talk about root biology. She studies how roots grow underground and that’s exciting because it is the least understood part of the tree.” Along with the educational programs a trade show takes place both inside and outside of the hotel. Vendors are changed every year to make sure there’s a variety of items and equipment being sold. “We’re going to have harvesters and equipment for picking pecans off the ground along with some bigger and longer tree shakers. We are also going to have some pretty large sprayers that hold about 1,000 gallons of spray material and it’s a runoff of the tractor’s power unit, so they can do the orchard spray in a relatively short amount of time,” said John M. White, director of the Western Pecan Growers Association. A baking contest will also be held the first day of the conference. The contest is from 9 a.m. to noon, there is no cost to enter and prize money will be awarded for different categories. For full information on the baking contest and a copy of the conference’s agenda, visit westernpecan.org or contact White directly at 575-640-7555 or director@westernpecan.org. Interested individuals and groups can register at the door with discounted rates offered for groups. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews

Over 600 people attend New Mexico Organic Farming Conference Feb. 16-17

Over 600 people attend New Mexico Organic Farming Conference Feb. 16-17 Several individuals received awards at the event in Albuquerque (Albuquerque, New Mexico) – Over 600 people attended the New Mexico Organic Farming Conference Feb. 16-17 in Albuquerque. Attendees learned about soils, pollinators, worker safety, meat/specialty processing, water harvesting, carbon farming, organic importing, pastured poultry, greenhouse construction, compost, farm diversification, microscopes and much more. Along with conference facilitator Sage Faulkner, organizers included the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service and Walking Trout Farm. Steve Ela of Ela Family Farms and Silver Spruce Orchards was the keynote speaker. Ela manages a 100-acre organic family fruit farm in Hotchkiss, Colorado. Following is a list of award recipients: Good Earth Award, Charlie Mallery and Rebecca Allina This award is presented to an organic farmer who exemplifies caring stewardship of the land, has a deep understanding of the principles of organic agriculture and serves as an inspiration. Mallery and Allina operate the Certified Organic Range-Fed Beef El Morro Valley Ranch, located in the Zuni Mountains of Western New Mexico. The ranch encompasses over 20,000 acres of grazing land and runs about 150 Black Angus cows. They operate their ranch as soil builders first and grass farmers second, using cattle as a tool to improve grasslands and support an ecosystem that invests carbon into soil, rather than depleting it. Mallery and Allina strive to support regional food systems and to provide quality, grass-fed beef to the region. Educator of the Year Award, Ron Boyd and Billy Kniffen Boyd grew up around farming along the Arkansas River east of Pueblo Colorado, and he moved to Taos in 1986. By the early 1990s, he was supplying greens to local restaurants and helped initiate “Taos Growers Association,” which then became the Taos Farmers Market. By the early turn of the century, he and his wife Debora began the work creating the Mer-Girl Gardens farm, which has become about six acres of biodynamic practices and is certified organic. Kniffen is a water resource associate in the Texas A&M (TAMU) AgriLife Extension Service. He has served as a water resource specialist and county agent for Extension for 30 years. His efforts have been directed toward rainwater harvesting and watershed stewardship. Kniffen has conducted programs, workshops and has installed numerous demonstration rainwater collection systems in New Mexico. Through his involvement with the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA), he has conducted educational workshops, trainings and the installment of demonstration rainwater collection systems across 30 different states in the United States. He co-authored the “Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning” manual used in training for rainwater professionals and in technical trainings provided by ARCSA. Young Organic Farmer of the Year Award, Sean Ludden This award was initiated four years ago by the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau and Farm Bureau Financial Services–Fred Porter. Ludden cultivates the intensive and biodiverse Nepantla Farms in the Alamedan Valley, where regionally-adapted edible and medicinal crops are cultivated for acupuncturists, herbalists, nurses and value-added producers. He has experimented with techniques, cultivars and timing over seven seasons in the pursuit of a climate-resilient, arid-land adapted production system to supply local food and medicine to the Middle Rio Grande Valley. Ludden created Las Huertas Farmer Training Program in 2016, which is teaming up with Bernalillo County’s Grow the Grower program this year to train aspiring farmers. Friend of Organic Agriculture Award, Gordon Tooley and Margaret Yancey This award is presented to a person or persons who, over many years, provided leadership, inspiration and assistance to organic producers in New Mexico. Tooley’s Trees is a family-run, 10-acre tree nursery located in Truchas, New Mexico. Tooley and Yancey grow drought tolerant trees and shrubs in fabric root bags on drip irrigation. They currently have about 6,000 plants, and they plant 2,000 to 3,000 more every year. Their trees are grown in native soil following holistic growing practices. Tooley’s methods result in healthier plants and soils, higher water quality and beneficial insect populations. They have built their own Keyline Plow and hire out with tractors and plows to other farms and ranches. They have offered an apprenticeship through the Quivira Coalition’s New Agrarian Program since 2015. Organic Farmer of the Year Award, Gary Gundersen Owner of Mr. G’s Organic Produce, Gundersen received a certificate in biological horticulture from the University of California Santa Cruz Farm Project. He spent six years landscaping, specializing in herbaceous borders and drought tolerant design schemes in the Santa Cruz area. He met his future wife, Natasya, while planting a downtown community garden. He moved with Natasya to Hawaii in 1989, where they began farming on leased land on the island of Kauai. His farm was one of the first certified organic farms on Kauai. He eventually purchased 13 acres and specialized in mixed vegetables for local markets and ginger root, which they shipped wholesale all over the United States. He moved to the Santa Fe area in 2001, where he downsized to two acres for intensive vegetable production. Including Hawaii and Santa Fe, his farms have been certified organic for 29 years. For more information about the conference, visit www.nmofc.org or contact Faulkner at 505-490-2822 or sagefaulkner@yahoo.com For more information about NMDA, visit www.nmda.nmsu.edu. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/NMDeptAg and follow us on Twitter @NMDeptAg.