NMSU to host 6th annual forage-growers workshop in Los Lunas on Dec. 1

NMSU to host 6th annual forage-growers workshop in Los Lunas on Dec. 1 DATE: 11/10/2015 WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Newt McCarty, 505-565-3002, jnewton3@nmsu.edu LOS LUNAS – Raising quality forage is an important part of New Mexico’s agricultural industry. Forage comprises the greatest amount of crop acres in the state and the overall crop value is second to none. To help forage producers to have the best yield and profitability possible, New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service will present its annual forage-growers workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 1, in Valencia County at UNM-Valencia Campus, 280 La Entrada Road. The workshop, hosted by NMSU Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service, NMSU Extension Plant Science and the NMSU Small Farm and Ranch Task Force, will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration fee is $20, which includes program materials and lunch. “With a more than $3 billion beef cattle and cow milk industry relying on its production, it is important that we provide our producers with the information and tools necessary to continue being successful,” said Newt McCarty, Valencia County Extension agricultural agent. Jon Boren, NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences associate dean and New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service director, will be the keynote speaker to open the workshop at 8 a.m. Presentation topics will range from soil test interpretation and applicator equipment calibrations to alfalfa diseases, alfalfa planting and variety trials, and management of weed and insect pests. In addition, representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide program up-dates. “This forage workshop is an excellent venue for all types of forage producers, both large and small, in New Mexico,” said Mark Marsalis, NMSU Extension forage specialist and superintendent of NMSU’s Agricultural Science Center at Los Lunas. “This program is diverse and is a great value. Popularity of the event is rapidly increasing, which speaks to the quality of information gained by the attendees,” Marsalis said. While pre-registration is not required, it is appreciated to assist with planning and meal preparation. Participants may register online at http://rsvp.nmsu.edu/rsvp/foragegrowers, or by calling 505-565-3002. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews