Senator Stabenow Announces the Urban Agriculture Act of 2016

SUBJECT: Senator Stabenow Announces the Urban Agriculture Act of 2016 U. S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, announces that she will file the Urban Agriculture Act of 2016 sometime this week. A brief summary of the Urban Agriculture Act of 2016 can be found at: http://bit.ly/2d3qCkj Please do not hesitate to contact me whenever I can be of any assistance.

Is Alfalfa Futures contract in your Future by Mike Rankin Hay and Forage.

The thought of alfalfa being traded on the futures market is a concept that probably scares a lot of hay growers and marketers. After all, supply, demand, quality, and good old-fashioned one-on-one negotiations have carried the day for a long time when it comes to hay pricing. Bill Plourd, president of California-based El Toro Export LLC, isn’t sure one is needed either, but he is on a U.S. Forage Export Council (USFEC) exploration committee charged to collect input from various stakeholders and fact find the feasibility of implementing an alfalfa futures contract. “This is the start of a conversation,” Plourd said at the 2016 National Hay Association Convention held in Pasco, Wash. Though the committee is comprised of forage exporters, Plourd emphasized the importance of getting input from all sectors of the industry. This includes producers, traders, buyers — both foreign and domestic, retailers, and end users. “What’s changed now compared to the way we’ve been trading hay for the past many years is the rapid flow of information and greater market volatility,” Plourd said. “However, for this to work, all sectors of the industry are going to have to support the concept. If one sector doesn’t use it, then the chain fails.” Plourd pointed out that we now operate in a global market with instantaneous information exchange. “What our Federal Reserve chairman says in Washington, D.C., impacts the price of hay in Ellensburg, Wash. The difference between using words such as ‘stable’ or ‘robust’ to describe our economy immediately moves the market,” he explained. Unlike annual crops, there are currently no good price projection tools for alfalfa when we have to look long term. The only means of managing risk is to take physical possession of the crop. Plourd said that we don’t really have a system of projecting alfalfa prices beyond a couple of months. “Perhaps the biggest reason we need to consider an alfalfa futures contract is because of price volatility,” Plourd said. “The volatility of today’s markets are drastically more than they’ve ever been and we need to manage that price risk.” Showing data that alfalfa is the fourth largest value crop in the United States, Plourd noted that alfalfa passes the volume test needed for establishing a futures contract. In addition to discussing the concept of a potential alfalfa futures contract with the various stakeholder groups, Plourd said the USFEC committee was also charged with contacting the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) for the purpose of designing an actual contract. Once completed, it can be evaluated. There likely won’t be much movement on this effort until 2017. Plourd shared that he had found a paper from the University of California-Davis that discussed the concept of alfalfa future contracts and listed the elements needed for such a marketing tool to be viable. These included: ·Price uncertainty ·Demand and supply uncertainty ·Deliverability of the commodity ·Product homogeneity ·Availability of price information ·Trading opportunity The current alfalfa market meets all of these criteria, though the concept of crop homogeneity, or being the same, might present the biggest challenge. “I’m one of those people who thinks every stack of hay is different,” Plourd said. “The characteristics of hay are broader than, for example, No. 2 yellow corn.” Plourd surmised that a baseline quality would have to be established. He noted that a similar problem was overcome with cattle futures. “Still, it’s a bit of challenge with alfalfa compared to most other commodities,” he said. As for hay types other than alfalfa, Plourd noted that an alfalfa futures contract price could be used as a guide because most hay types follow similar price movement trends. Plourd also stated that a futures contract would enhance market transparency. “I say this because in some cases people don’t want transparency,” he said. “It’s sometimes easier to have your own little market niche and there not be a whole lot of price discovery.” Excessive speculation in futures markets is also a concern for some people. This type of activity has the potential to drive prices to values not reflective of the cash market. Plourd acknowledged the risk of this occurring but also noted that it is now easier for the exchanges to monitor such activity with our current electronic trading platforms. To conclude, Plourd noted that a futures market might make it easier for alfalfa to compete for acres against commodities that currently enjoy less pricing risk than hay. If you have an opinion on the viability of an alfalfa futures contract, feel free to leave a comment below or contact the USFEC. Halloween hay Previous

Organic Production Issue meeting with NMDA

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is conducting follow-up meetings to the ones held at the beginning of August. The purpose of the meetings are to provide information on additional funding alternatives to the New Mexico Organic industry, to keep the New Mexico Department of Agriculture Organic Program (Program) operating in a positive cash-flow. NMDA cordially invites you to participate in any or all of the planned meetings to discuss these options. If you are unable to attend the meetings, NMDA will once again offer the meeting through web-cast during the Las Cruces meeting only. To access the web-cast, please contact us at http://nmsu.adobeconnect.com/organiccommmeeting/ . We look forward to seeing or hearing from you at the following meetings. City Date Time Location Las Cruces October 6 1 to 3 p.m. NMDA Conference Room 3190 South Espina St. Portales October 10 3 – 5 p.m. Roosevelt County Extension Office 705 East Lime Street Albuquerque October 11 1 to 3 p.m. Bernalillo County Extension Office 1510 Menaul Blvd NW Santa Fe October 11 5 to 7 p.m. Santa Fe County Extension Office 3229 Rodeo Rd.

HORNED CATERPILLARS ON THE RANGE

I was sent some photos of a strange striped caterpillar found out in out range land here in Eddy County, and as a cattle grower they want to know what they were eating because there were lots of them. This insect is scientifically classified as Hyles lineata, white lined sphinx moth, a species in the Order Lepidoptera (moths & butterflies) and the Family Sphingidae (sphinx moths, hummingbird moths, hornworms). This moth must first develop as a caterpillar, which is the major feeding form. The caterpillars have many color forms, from a bright yellow-green with black spots or stripes on the back, to almost entirely black with only glimpses of yellow breaking up the black. Each caterpillar has a posterior horn as decoration. This horn is flexible and sometimes brightly colored, but it is NOT a stinger. These caterpillars are not poisonous, but if too many were eaten one might get an upset stomach. It is quite interesting to now learn that the Tohono Oodham a native American tribe in Arizona many years ago would harvest these larvae, dry and braid them and use them for food. Also when one learns the nutritional value of insects; they serve many peoples better than fast foods of today. In Eddy County, we do not know how many generations may occur in a year, but it is typically the July-August brood of caterpillars that are most noticed. As the monsoon season draws towards a close, we start to notice in different desert regions a massive movement of caterpillars. These caterpillars have fed on a multitude of plants found in the desert, and when they do wander into a residential neighborhood, they may feed a bit on landscape plants, but will have little effect on those plants. Why do these caterpillars pick a certain area? Good question for which we have no answer. Do they pick the same area year after year? It doesn't seem to be that, way, probably because plant communities’ change year to year and the adults may go to another food source to lay eggs, and thus the caterpillars will be in a new place next time. It may seem whimsical but the patterns of use may have real but undetected characteristics. It is random distribution, the luck of the draw! The adult moths also present an interesting sight. The moths have a very streamlined look, with forewings gray with various white stripes and bands breaking up the outline, and with smaller hind wings that are dominated by pink. These moths are seen both day and night hovering around many of our desert plants, especially four o'clocks and Desert Willows here in Eddy County, where they appear like a multitude of hummingbirds. The moths have a long tongue (proboscis) coiled beneath head, that unfurls when they approach a plant. They dip this tongue into the nectaries and drink the sweet fluids. These moths are some of the most important pollinators of desert plants here in Eddy County. Enjoy don't fear this fantastic display by the insects. Nature is a wonder always if one can just rekindle the interest and enthusiasm for all kinds of life. These insects are not harmful, and represent wildlife that is extremely important to the success and survival of the Sonoran Desert. This is one of the great wonders of living in the desert, the rancher who sent me the photos live here their whole life and this is the first time they have seen them in such numbers. So expect to see lots of sphinx moths in the near future or we don’t know this late in the season they may burrow in the soil and over winter to next spring and emerge as moths then. 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.

Eddy County Extension Phones

Well we kinda have phone back, if you call and the 887-6595 line and no one answers, it is in use. call 887-6597 it is not routing to secondary lines.

Lesser Prairie Chicken management

Grazing for Lesser Prairie-Chicken Habitat Outline: Principles of Range Management and Their Application for Lesser Prairie-Chicken Habitat A. Ecological Site Descriptions, Soil Surveys, State and Transition Models, Plant succession B. Plant Physiology a. Functional groups, their responses to grazing i. Grasses ii. Forbs iii. Shrubs b. Cool season versus warm season c. Plant strategies to deal with grazing C. Monitoring a. Cover i. Relative versus absolute ii. Basal cover versus canopy cover iii. Percent shrub and forb cover at different scales b. Frequency c. Density d. Biomass – stocking rate calculations, exclusion cages e. Height / Shrub crown dimensions (grass height- where and when to measure) f. Which measurements are important for Lesser Prairie Chicken habitat monitoring D. Stocking rates a. Importance of and literature synthesis discussion b. Energy flow budget/trophic level c. Forage determination d. Terms (intensity, density, animal units) e. Calculations (1000lb versus 1300lb cow) f. Stocking rates and Lesser Prairie-Chicken habitat requirements E. Grazing Distribution a. Historical range management i. Even utilization ii. Collateral damage (wolfy plants, ice cream plants, sacrifice areas) b. New paradigm i. Uneven utilization and diversity – Implications for Lesser Prairie-Chickens ii. Manipulating distribution F. Timing of Use a. Residual biomass – Lesser Prairie-Chicken nesting, brood-rearing, and fall/winter habitat b. Nest loss due to trampling G. Grazing systems a. Terminology: deferred, rested, rotation, duration, etc. b. Basic types (HILF, mob, etc.) i. What they can do (timing of grazing, change selectivity, change distribution) ii. What they don’t do (hoof action – water infiltration, double stocking rates) c. Which types work for Lesser Prairie-Chickens H. Animal species selection, diet selection and nutrition a. Ruminant versus hindgut fermenter b. Concentrate selectors versus roughage eaters/ grazers c. Can we change selectivity? i. Grazing systems and burning d. Nutrition i. Total Digestible Nutrients, Crude Protein (National Research Council requirements for beef cattle) ii. Contrast cow/calf (throughout year) versus yearling stockers I. Vegetation management methods a. Mechanical b. Chemical c. Biological d. Prescribed Fire e. Integrated Location: USDA Agriculture Research Service, Cooper Wildlife Management Area (Woodward OK), or Beaver River Wildlife Management Area (Beaver, OK) Schedule: Early October 2016 Day 1 1pm– 5pm Classroom - Instruction on A, B, C, and D from outline above Day 2 8am – 12pm Classroom – E, F, G, H, and I from outline above 1pm – 5pm Field – Ecological Site Descriptions, Succession, and Vegetation Measurements Day 3 8am – 9am Classroom – Calculate stocking rates based on clipped vegetation 9am – 12pm Field – Vegetation management techniques • Herbicide - Sand sage or sand shinnery oak • Prescribed fire/wildfire effects Materials: 1. Manual (Power point notes and additional reading material for each section) 2. CD (PDFs of all materials) Budget: If you are alright with opening the training up to managers outside of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative then we can cover it with some grant funds. Agency personnel would need to cover their own travel and hotel. Maximum number of attendees: 15 - 20

NMSU Extension and Resarch water survey

Below is a survey sent out by NMSU. You can copy and past to the e-mail below. If you have question you can call me at 575-887-6595 toll free 877-887-6595 Questions regarding NMSU and New Mexico Water Issues New Mexico State University (NMSU) conducts research and Extension/outreach programs to provide unbiased, science-based information to all people of New Mexico. NMSU does not have legislative, regulatory, or enforcement responsibilities. Please answer the following questions, keeping in mind NMSU’s role. 1. What are your top two water issues/most important water concerns for New Mexico? 2. What NMSU water-related programs are you familiar with? 3. What NMSU water-related programs do you use? 4. What do you consider to be the top NMSU-related water research, Extension, or outreach needs? 5. Any other comments? I am/represent (please check one of the following boxes): □ rancher/farmer or other private landowner □ county, state, or federal agency □ non-agricultural industry □ university □ other Please return form to facilitator. You may send additional comments to: sloring@nmsu.edu.

EPA data review finds no cancer link for glyphosate

EPA data review finds no cancer link for glyphosate Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc. By Stephen Davies Data reviewed by the Environmental Protection Agency on the safety of glyphosate fail to prove or even suggest the herbicide causes cancer in humans, according to an agency paper posted online in advance of a meeting of EPA scientific advisers next month. “The available data at this time do no support a carcinogenic process for glyphosate,” the report said. In addition, “Based on all of the available data, the weight-of-evidence clearly do not support the descriptors ‘carcinogenic to humans' and ‘likely to be carcinogenic to humans' at this time,” according to EPA's paper. More here

EPA Encourages Homeowners and Communities to Maintain Septic Systems during SepticSmart Week

EPA Encourages Homeowners and Communities to Maintain Septic Systems during SepticSmart Week WASHINGTON —Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -- in conjunction with federal, state and local government and private sector partners -- is kicking off its fourth annual SepticSmart Week to encourage American homeowners and communities to properly maintain their septic systems. More than 26 million homes in the United States -- one in five households -- depend on septic systems to treat wastewater. If not maintained, failing septic systems can contaminate groundwater and harm the environment by releasing bacteria, viruses and household hazardous waste to local waterways. Proper septic system maintenance protects public health and the environment and saves the homeowner money through avoided costly repairs. “By taking small steps to maintain septic systems, homeowners not only protect our nation’s public health and keep our water clean, but also save money and protect their property values,” said Joel Beauvais, Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water. Simple tips for homeowners: • Protect It and Inspect It: Homeowners should generally have their system inspected every three years by a qualified professional or according to their state or local health department's recommendations. Tanks should be pumped when necessary, typically every three to five years. • Think at the Sink: Avoid pouring fats, grease, and solids down the drain. These substances can clog a system’s pipes and drainfield. • Don’t Overload the Commode: Only put things in the drain or toilet that belong there. For example, coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts, and cat litter can all clog and potentially damage septic systems. • Don’t Strain Your Drain: Be water efficient and spread out water use. Fix plumbing leaks and install faucet aerators and water-efficient products. Spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day: too much water at once can overload a system that hasn’t been pumped recently. • Shield Your Field: Remind guests not to park or drive on a system’s drainfield, where the vehicle’s weight could damage buried pipes or disrupt underground flow. EPA’s SepticSmart program educates homeowners about proper septic system care and maintenance all year long. In addition, it serves as an online resource for industry practitioners, local governments and community organizations, providing access to tools to educate clients and residents. For information on SepticSmart Week or tips on how to properly maintain your septic system, visit www.epa.gov/septicsmart. R139

Pecos Valley Water Users Organization

Well I am waiting to find out the schedule of when and where we are to present the updated revision of the Lower Pecos Regional Water Plan. If you recall the Interstate Stream Commission was to get back with us in late August or Early September so we could select our representatives and plan the presentation. I have contacted Hanna at the OSE and she has not been able to get me any information except that planner the OSE had hired has take a position in another state. So if you think we should have a regular quarterly meeting e-mail me and I will send out a doodle poll on dates.

Eddy County Extension Office Has Phones Again!

Eddy County Cooperative Extension Office has reestablished Phone service and can now receive phone calls at 575-887-6595 or toll free at 1877,877-6595 and fax at 575-887-3795.

CALLING ALL STOCKMEN

CALLING ALL STOCKMEN Due to a number of stock related issues a number of Eddy County Stock producers would like to reorganization of the Eddy County Stockman’s Association. A reorganization meeting is going to be held September 22 at 7:00 pm in the meeting room of the Eddy County Fair Grounds Community Center, 13 th and fair grounds road. There is an interest and by laws will be presented. There are lots of issues that an organized cooperative effort will make business better for all producers. If you cannot attend this meeting please call the Extension office and voice if you support such an effort or not. Thanks. 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.

PESTICIDE TRAINING PROGRAM OFFERED

PESTICIDE TRAINING PROGRAM OFFERED Eddy County Extension Service will be conducting pesticide applicator training on October 13, November 17 and December 13 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Cost is $10 per person. This class is good for 5 CEU’s. Private applicator testing will be available on November 17 after the class and all other exams must be arranged with NMDA 575-646-3007. The information presented may help you prepare for the exams. These will be in Carlsbad at the Eddy County Extension Office 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 7 days before the class. 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. NOTE: Our telephone system has received major damage and may not be functioning until 19 September 2016, you can email to whoughto@nmsu.edu.

Eddy County Extension Office Phone are disconected

We had a recent truck accident inv9olving our office. As a result the phone lines were pulled from the wall and overhead line are now on the ground. This happened last Thursday September 8th and it may be a while until communication is reestablished. Call me on my cell phone if you need me. If you have been trying I was in district court all day so I have not had a phone today. My cell is 575-361-2852

USDA Announces Rural Water and Waste Infrastructure Investments

USDA Announces Rural Water and Waste Infrastructure Investments ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 12, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making investments to improve water and waste infrastructure for 168 small towns across the country, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The investment, totaling $283 million, is made through USDA Rural Development's Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, which provides assistance and financing to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems for communities with 10,000 or fewer residents. "Strong infrastructure is critical to keeping America's communities of all sizes thriving, and USDA is proud to partner with the National Rural Water Association to help improve the livelihood of our smallest towns by providing access to reliable water and wastewater systems," said Vilsack. "Projects like these are critical to the economy, health and future of rural America, and today 19 million residents now have improved water and wastewater services in their communities thanks to investments USDA has made since 2009." USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Brandon McBride made the announcement on Vilsack's behalf here at the National Rural Water Association's WaterPro conference. The city of Monticello, Ill., for example, is receiving a $14.3 million USDA loan to construct a wastewater treatment plant to benefit the city's 5,500 residents. The funding will help the city expand its sewage capacity and comply with environmental regulations. In Mississippi, the Mt. Olive Water Association, a non-profit organization serving approximately 368 customers, is receiving a $297,000 loan and a $238,000 grant for a water systems improvement project. The funding will provide a water storage tank, fire hydrants and a generator for this small system. Mt. Olive is one of the first applicants to use Rural Development's new online application system, RD Apply. In this new process, applications can be submitted by anyone, anywhere in the country, any time of day. That means even the most remote rural communities can submit an application as long as they have access to the internet. USDA's Water and Environmental Programs division launched RD Apply at the National Rural Water Association's WaterPro conference in Oklahoma City on Sept. 28, 2015. Funding for each project announced today is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan, grant or loan/grant agreement. In 2015, the Ozark Mountain Regional Public Water Authority completed a water treatment plant to bring safe and plentiful water to Boone, Newton and Searcy counties in northwest Arkansas. USDA provided $62 million in loans and grants. The rural water systems in these counties were plagued by excessive amounts of naturally occurring radon, radium and fluoride in their groundwater supplies, causing them to be under administrative orders from the state health department. Approximately 20,000 rural Arkansas residents now have a safe, dependable supply of water as a result of USDA's investment. Newton and Searcy counties are persistent poverty counties and are within USDA's StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity initiative. Launched in 2010, StrikeForce is part of the Obama Administration's commitment to address persistent poverty across America. Today's funding builds on USDA's historic investments in rural America over the past seven years. Since 2009, USDA has worked to strengthen and support rural communities and American agriculture, an industry that supports one in 11 American jobs, provides American consumers with more than 80 percent of the food we consume, ensures that Americans spend less of their paychecks at the grocery store than most people in other countries, and supports markets for homegrown renewable energy and materials. Since 2009, USDA Rural Development (@USDARD) has invested $13.5 billion for 5,739 water and waste infrastructure projects, benefiting 19.1 million rural residents; invested nearly $13 billion to start or expand nearly 112,000 rural businesses; helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes; funded nearly 9,200 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; and helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses. USDA also has invested $31.3 billion in 963 electric projects that have financed more than 185,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines serving 4.6 million rural residents. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/results. #

Extension Office phone are down

Well our phone line have been removed from connection to our building. Not sure when they will be back in order. My cell Phone is 575-361-2852

NMSU experts offer tips to safely store green chile

NMSU experts offer tips to safely store green chile DATE: 09/07/2016 WRITER: Adriana M. Chavez, 575-646-1957, adchavez@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Nancy Flores, 575-646-1179, naflores@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Cindy Schlenker Davies, 505-243-1386, csdavies@nmsu.edu Green chile is everywhere, fresh from the farmer’s market or your favorite grocery store. Some stores are selling it by the 25-pound box and offer roasting as well. How do you make sure you can enjoy one of New Mexico’s best products year round? Experts at New Mexico State University recommend freezing or canning green chile. Freezing is probably the most popular method of processing green chile, and will prolong its shelf life for about a year. “The most important step in processing green chile is removing the outer skin, which is necessary before further cooking or canning,” said Nancy Flores, extension food technology specialst in the Department of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences at NMSU. “The skin is not easy to chew or digest, and can affect the texture and appearance of dishes.” Flores recommends selecting chiles that are mature, heavy for their size, smooth, symmetrical, bright green, fresh and crisp. Avoid misshapen pods (to ensure even roasting), shriveled skin, mold, soft spots and bruises. Cindy Schlenker Davies, Family and Consumer Sciences agent for the Bernalillo County Extension Service, said she recommends blistering chiles in order to remove the tough skin. Wash and dry chile, then use a knife to make a small slit in the side to allow steam to escape. Using a very hot heat source such as an oven broiler, stovetop burner or outdoor grill, place chiles in a single layer and roast for six to eight minutes, turning them frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even blistering of the chile skin. Once the skin is evenly blistered, remove chiles from heat and place in a plastic grocery bag to steam the chiles for about 10 minutes. The skins should then slip right off the chiles, Davies said. At this point, the chile is good to freeze or dehydrate. Chiles can also be prepared for peeling by using a microwave. Place chiles in a microwave-safe dish on the microwave’s rotating plate. Cover with a secure lid to allow for steam to build up and microwave for seven to eight minutes. Blistering is not apparent using this method, but the skin will have a tougher, more brittle texture. Microwave roasted peppers should be cooled before peeling. When peeling spicy chile, protect your hands with a thin layer of solid fat or wear rubber gloves. Keep your hands away from your eyes while working with chile. The blistered skin will pull off the chile flesh with a gentle tug and an occasional rinse with water, Davies said. In areas that did not completely blister, the skin can be removed by scraping with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Chiles should be refrigerated within two hours of roasting. Chiles may be frozen peeled or unpeeled, but must be completely cooled in an ice bath or refrigerator to less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit before freezing. Chiles may be stored in plastic freezer containers with lids or plastic freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to reduce the amount of surface crystallization to reduce freezer burn during frozen storage. Chiles can be stored safely in the freezer for up to a year. Chiles may also be canned for storage. For more information about canning green chile, visit http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_e/E308.pdf. Additionally, roasted and peeled chile peppers can be dried in the sun or using a home dehydrator. See details for drying at http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_e/E322.pdf. When depending on chile vendors to roast your chiles, Flores and Davies recommend providing your own food-safe containers such as a large roasting pan, clean ice chest or pillowcase to collect the roasted chiles. Some vendors use garbage bags to hold roasted chiles, but Flores and Davies warn this practice is dangerous because plastic polymers and chemicals such as pesticides embedded in the plastic can be released into the chiles. Specific steps for chile processing is found at http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_e/E324/ .

Field Day at NMSU’s Artesia Science Center provides updates on insects, cotton, cover crops

Field Day at NMSU’s Artesia Science Center provides updates on insects, cotton, cover crops DATE: 09/06/2016 WRITER: Darrell J. Pehr, 575-646-3223, pehr@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Robert Flynn, 575-748-1228, rflynn@nmsu.edu The latest research activity related to glandless cotton, cover crops and jujube fruit trees, as well as an insect safari for children and other activities, will be the focus of the Field Day Thursday, Sept. 8, at New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Center. The Field Day will start with registration at 4 p.m. Supper, provided by the Yucca Cowbelles, will be at 5. The science center is south of Artesia, at 67 E. Four Dinkus Road. After a welcome and introductions at 5:30, barn talks will be presented by Chance Mitchell, District 5 FFA president, and NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Dean Rolando Flores. Other topics will include weed and plant identification and “Know Your Crops.” The field visits will begin with the insect safari for children, followed by a presentation on jujube fruit trees by Shengrui Yao, associate professor in Extension Plant Sciences at NMSU’s Agricultural Science Center at Alcalde. Jane Pierce, NMSU Extension entomologist at Artesia, will give an insect update. Robert Flynn, interim superintendent at the Artesia Center and NMSU Extension agronomist, will discuss glandless cotton research. John Idowu, NMSU Extension specialist/agronomist, will make a presentation on cover crops. NMSU’s Tom Dean, co-director of the Southwest Border Food Protection & Emergency Preparedness Center, also will speak during the event. Visitors also will learn about the latest on algae, whether food or fuel, which will be presented by Doug Lynn, executive director of CEHMM in Carlsbad. A talk on hi-tech aerial field scouting also will be given. For more information on the field day, contact the Artesia Center office at 575-748-1228.

Falling Pecans

PECANS ARE FALLING. Pecan nuts grow in two phases. The first phase includes pollination, nut enlargement, and water stages. This usually occurs between the dates of May 1 to August 15. Phase II is kernel filling and shell hardening. This usually occurs from August 15 to November 1. Close to the date when the first phase of nut development is complete, the third nut drop, called the August drop occurs. This usually occurs from August to mid September. It causes greater concern to pecan growers and homeowners because of the large size of the nuts at this time. Although the percentage shed is generally low, 8 to 10 percent. Some trees in the area this year have had very high percent shed however. Embryo abortion is considered to the reason for this late drop. By the time August drop takes place, the embryo has attained full size, the ovary has about completed its enlargement and the pecans will soon begin to harden. Premature shedding will occur when something affects the embryo. If the embryo aborts after the shell hardens, the nut usually matures, but will be hollow or what is commonly called a pop. Although the causal factors for embryo abortion are not known, some researchers consider the following situations, to be related to embryo abortion: • A severe drought or later stress. This is more likely to occur in poor soils and it frequently takes place during the water stage. • A prolonged period of excess moisture. Lack of air in the soil impairs the root system capacity to absorb water and nutrients required by the pecan tree. • Hot, dry winds can increase water loss by increasing the pecan tree moisture requirements due to high transpiration rates. • Insects (Shuck-worm, southern green stinkbug, pecan weevil). Puncturing of the ovary wall, the future nutshell will cause nuts to fall in 3 or 4 days. • Any physical damages that can disturb the ovary wall (shell) of pecans. In general this has been a stressful year due to the changes of temperature cool then hot, and water requirements of the trees. Rainwater not only helps supply water to the trees it also has a higher leaching capacity for leaching salts from around the roots. Salt can cause a physiological drought in the trees, which cause embryo abortion. With the rains some people did not keep up with the water requirement of the trees. Look at a sampling of the fallen nuts and check for insect damage to the shuck or the shell. Pecan Weevil has increased its territory in Texas so if you find a whole in the nut and a grub inside bring that to the Extension Office. If you are having a high August nut drop, all you can do is water correctly, not to much, and not to little and take care of the crop you have left. 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.

USDA Announces Availability of Additional Farm Loan Funding

USDA Announces Availability of Additional Farm Loan Funding 09/02/2016 11:00 AM EDT WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that additional funding will be made available to assist more than 1,900 approved applicants who are awaiting farm operating loans. The funds, which were reprogrammed by FSA with the approval of Congress, will leverage up to $185 million in additional lending for direct and guaranteed farm operation loans and will allow the agency to address up to 30 percent of its projected shortfall of funds until the next federal fiscal year resumes on Oct. 1.

Mexican agriculture secretary to visit NMSU, sign agreement with APLU

Mexican agriculture secretary to visit NMSU, sign agreement with APLU DATE: 09/01/2016 WRITER: Adriana M. Chavez, 575-646-1957, adchavez@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Cornell Menking, 575-646-7041, cmenking@nmsu.edu José Eduardo Calzada Rovirosa, a New Mexico State University graduate and minister of the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food, will visit the NMSU campus Sept. 9. During his visit, Calzada Rovirosa and Peter McPherson, president of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, will sign a memorandum of understanding committing to strengthening communication; promoting scientific research, knowledge transfer and technological innovation; and collaborating with Latin America, the Caribbean and other countries on research, extension, training and assessment. The signing will take place at 10 a.m. Sept. 9 in Hadley Hall, Room 130. The public is invited to attend. During his visit, Calzada Rovirosa is scheduled to meet with NMSU Chancellor Garrey Carruthers, Provost Dan Howard and Rolando Flores, the new dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. “We’re very excited that the Secretary of Agriculture would come back to visit NMSU where he earned his MBA and return to where his daughter was born,” Carruthers said. “We know he is very fond of the university and we have a fondness for the people of Mexico as we continue to work together on a number of efforts.” Calzada Rovirosa will also speak with NMSU students during a Domenici Institute Forum at 2 p.m. at the KRWG-TV studio in Milton Hall. Calzada Rovirosa will join Edward Avalos, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the United States Department of Agriculture, and Jeff Witte, New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture, at the Domenici Institute Forum, which is sponsored by First National Rio Grande. A reception and question-and-answer session with additional students will follow at Domenici Hall. The public is invited to attend both events. In August 2015, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto appointed Calzada Rovirosa, who holds a master’s degree in business administration from NMSU, as the country’s agriculture secretary. From 2009 until his appointment, Calzada Rovirosa was the governor of the Mexican state of Querétaro. In 2009, Calzada Rovirosa received an honorary degree from NMSU in recognition for his dedication to serving the people of Mexico, especially in his home state of Querétaro. During his career in public service, he has focused on economic reforms and championed worker’s rights and environmental causes, all while continuing to show support of NMSU. Calzada Rovirosa is married to Sandra Albarran. They have three children, Sandra (born in Las Cruces), José and Diego. Calzada Rovirosa’s niece and brother both attended NMSU as well, graduating in 2008 and 1982. NMSU’s Office of International and Border Programs, along with the College of ACES and the NMSU President’s office, are helping coordinate Calzada Rovirosa’s visit. “We are delighted to help Chancellor Carruthers host Secretary Calzada at NMSU. While he was governor of Queretero he received a delegation led by interim NMSU President Manuel Pacheco and we are delighted to have the opportunity to reciprocate and receive him in Las Cruces,” said Cornell Menking, associate provost of International and Border Program. “It is also well-timed to receive the Secretary of Agriculture of Mexico since we are involved in many exciting initiatives in Mexico, including some involving agriculture and extension at a national level.” Calzada is expected to attend the Sept. 10 football game against UNM at Aggie Memorial Stadium.