Sustainable Agriculture Field Day on Thursday, June 28th,

Good day, We wanted to invite you to a new exciting upcoming event- Join us for the first annual Sustainable Agriculture Field Day on Thursday, June 28th, 2018 from 8 am to 12 pm at the New Mexico State University Leyendecker Plant Science Research Station. Registration begins at 7:30 am. This free event is open to the public and sponsored by the western region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (WSARE). Come and learn about the latest sustainable agriculture research during field tour presentations on a variety of topics including building healthy soil, irrigation efficiency in pecans, and production of alternative crops. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, or directions, contact the Leyendecker center at 575-646-2281. We look forward to seeing you there. We have also attached a flyer with additional information. Thank you, Israel Joukhadar Vegetable Program Manager New Mexico State University, Las Cruces 575-646-1715 icalsoya@nmsu.edu

Clerks office open on some fri abriviated sechdule.

Commissioner Waltershid Sent me this: IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE: NOTICE: In an effort to better serve the residents of Eddy County the County Clerk’s Office located at 325 S. Main St. Carlsbad NM 88220 will be open to all customers on the following Fridays in 2018: May 25, 2018 10am – 4pm August 31, 2018 10am – 4pm November 9,2018 10am – 4pm December 21, 2018 10am – 4pm December 28, 2018 10am – 4pm We will be providing the following services 1. Recording and filing of documents. 2. Marriage licenses. 3. Copies. 4. The book room will be available for records search. 5. Voter registration. We will have limited staff and the hours will be from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 pm These days precede Monday Holidays designated by the Board of Commissioners. Please note the dates and times are separate from Early Voting Hours, those hours are posted 90 days prior to Election Day on our web and Facebook pages. If you have questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call me at 575-885-3383. Thank you, Robin Van Natta Eddy County Clerk Robin Van Natta Eddy County Clerk 325 S. Main St Carlsbad NM 88220 575-885-3383

NMDA seeks members for first-ever chef ambassador program Chefs have opportunity to provide taste of New Mexico agriculture Las Cruces, New Mexico – Calling all New Mexico chefs: grab your favorite recipes for the first-ever NEW MEXICO—Taste the Tradition® (NM-TTT) Chef Ambassador Program. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is looking for chefs who support New Mexico agriculture by serving New Mexico agricultural products in their restaurants. If you support New Mexico agriculture, then help NMDA promote the agriculture industry by applying to be a chef ambassador. Ambassadors selected through a competitive application process will serve a two-year term advocating for and promoting New Mexico agriculture at various events, such as the New Mexico State Fair, HomeGrown and industry conferences. In doing so, chef ambassadors will receive recognition and gain industry exposure while providing a voice for New Mexico agriculture. New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte said the chef ambassador program provides an opportunity for chefs to showcase how different foods and beverages grown and made throughout the state may be incorporated into various recipes. “New Mexico farmers and ranchers grow diverse and high quality agriculture products that make up the entire plate,” Witte said, “Our chef ambassadors are the ideal group to showcase these fine dishes.” Those interested in becoming an NM-TTT Chef Ambassador must demonstrate credentials as a chef, sous chef or pastry chef in the state of New Mexico. Please visit newmexicotradition.com or call Felicia Frost at 575-646-4929 for more information. Applications and necessary attachments must be emailed to tastethetradition@nmda.nmsu.edu by Saturday, June 30. For more information about NMDA, visit www.nmda.nmsu.edu. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/NMDeptAg and follow us on Twitter @NMDeptag.

H-2A Agricultural Worker Visa Modernization Joint Cabinet Statement

H-2A Agricultural Worker Visa Modernization Joint Cabinet Statement Secretary Acosta, Secretary Nielsen, Secretary Perdue, and Secretary Pompeo (Washington, D.C., May 24, 2018) — When President Trump addressed the American Farm Bureau Federation in January of this year, he reminded the audience that his commitment to our farmers has been clear since the day his Administration began: “From that day on, we have been working every day to deliver for America’s farmers just as they work every single day to deliver for us.” In keeping with that commitment, our Departments are working in coordination to propose streamlining, simplifying, and improving the H-2A temporary agricultural visa program – reducing cumbersome bureaucracy and ensuring adequate protections for U.S. workers. The Trump Administration is committed to modernizing the H-2A visa program rules in a way that is responsive to stakeholder concerns and that deepens our confidence in the program as a source of legal and verified labor for agriculture – while also reinforcing the program’s strong employment and wage protections for the American workforce. In addition, by improving the H-2A visa program and substantially reducing its complexity, the Administration also plans to incentivize farmers’ use of the E-Verify program to ensure their workforce is authorized to work in the United States. As the agencies tasked with administering or facilitating the H-2A visa program, and thus closest to farmer and labor stakeholders, the Departments of State, Agriculture, Labor, and Homeland Security are embarking on a process to modernize the H-2A visa program by clarifying and improving the regulations governing the program. We look forward to delivering a more responsive program soon.

Pecan Nut Case Bearer Spray Time

Pecan Nut Case Bearer Spray Time Carlsbad, NM, — It is that time of the year again to be thinking about spraying for Pecan Nut Case bearer (PNC). Populations appear to be lighter this year based on shoot damage from over-wintering larvae and the number in shucks from the end of last year. Using a Heat unit model developed by Texas A & M Cooperative Extension Service, the Eddy County Cooperative Extension Service predicts the Pecan Nut Case bearer would be little later this year. Based on this model crop protection chemical should be applied May 27 to June 10th. However, based on reported moth counts in pheromone traps we think you should be spraying starting May 21 to June 5 th. Computer predictions are best used to decide when to set out pheromone traps, look for eggs and to plan insecticide application but should not be used as the only source of information to make application decisions. This year proves that. Orchard scouting for eggs should begin two weeks before the predicted spray date as unusual weather conditions near the spray date, can either accelerate or delay egg-laying activity. Most Case bearer eggs are found at the tip of the nut let, either on the top or hidden just under the tiny leaves at the tip of the nut let. A good hand lens is necessary to determine their development, (hatched, white, or pink). Also, look for bud feeding just below the nut cluster to detect the presence of newly hatched larvae. You should examine 10 nut clusters per tree. A cluster is considered infested if it has a Case bearer egg or nut entry. If two or more clusters are infested, insecticide applications may be necessary. Application should be two days after the eggs hatch. When no infested clusters are found you should check again two days later. Keep checking until June 20, which then if an infestation is not found insecticide application should not be required, for the first generation. Scouting for the seconded generation should start July 4th as currently predicted by the heat unit model. Insecticide selection for backyard trees should be done with caution because of the great potential for spray drift onto nearby garden, pets, and living areas. Only products containing Carbaryl, and Malathion, are labeled and packaged for homeowner for control of pecan nut Case bearer in urban areas. Refer to label instructions for mixing and application rates and precautions. It is in violation of federal law to apply any chemical in any manner except what is on the label. For Commercial Orchards many insecticides are labeled for controlling pecan nut case bearer on pecan. Base your insecticide choice on applicator safety, grazing restrictions if livestock are present, and potential impact of the insecticide on beneficial insects and other pests. Insecticides labeled for pecans to control pecan nut case bearer include Interpid, Chlorpyrifos (Lordsban), Confirm 2F, Pyrethroid or Spintor insecticide. Intrepid is an insecticide, which is labeled for Pecans. This product has a very good residual and is very effective and much safer then Oregano Phosphates and is the current product of choice. It does not harm predatory insects. This product is very safe for use around people. Thorough spray coverage, accurate timing to treat hatching larvae, using recommended insecticide rates, and proper sprayer calibration are critical for achieving good control of the pecan nut case bearer. The use of parathyroid (e.g., Asana®, Ammo®, Warrior®) or carbaryl (e.g., Sevin®) insecticides has sometimes been followed by outbreaks of aphids or spider mites in pecans. For this reason, using these insecticides for the pecan nut case bearer is discouraged, especially if the orchard has a history of aphid or mite problems. If you use parathyroid insecticides, apply them no more than once per season. Insecticide labels can change from year to year so it is the user’s responsibility to follow current label directions for worker safety, grazing restrictions and application rates for target pests. Pecan nut Case bearer is one of the most important nut infesting insect pests of pecans. It is found in most the pecan growing areas from the east coast to Eddy County New Mexico. The Case bearer larva tunnels into nut lets shortly after pollination, often destroying all of the nut lets in the cluster. The most effective and reliable method of control is a well-timed insecticide application(s) made in the spring to kill hatching larvae before they tunnel into the nut lets. However, insecticides should only be applied if an infestations and nut load justify treatment. 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.

Perdue Statement on Farm Bill Vote in House of Representatives

Perdue Statement on Farm Bill Vote in House of Representatives (Washington, D.C., May 18, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement regarding the initial vote on the 2018 Farm Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives: “A Farm Bill is necessary to provide our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers with the stability and predictability they need. Our farmers feed the people of this nation and the world, and they deserve the certainty of a Farm Bill.”

NMSU researchers to hold workshop for general public on subsurface drip irrigation

NMSU researchers to hold workshop for general public on subsurface drip irrigation DATE: 05/17/2018 WRITER: Melissa R. Rutter, 575-646-4211, mrrutter@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Bernd Leinauer, 575-646-2546, leinauer@nmsu.edu New Mexico State University Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist Bernd Leinauer and Research Assistant Professors Elena Sevostianova and Matteo Serena will be holding a workshop Saturday, June 2, at the J. Paul Taylor Academy located at 402 W. Court Avenue. The workshop is being held for the general public to learn more about subsurface drip irrigation and how to install the efficient and water-saving alternative to sprinkler systems. “Some homeowners and contractors are opposed to this technology because they have never seen it and they are unaware of it. Others don’t see a sprinkler spraying water so they don’t think the system is working properly. We want to address those concerns at this workshop. Attendees will be able to see how we plan such a system, design it, and put it in the ground and hopefully this will take away the intimidation,” Leinauer said. The hands-on workshop will begin at 8 a.m. and run until noon. Space is limited to 15 people so attendance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are asked to bring water and whatever outdoor gear they think is necessary for the day. A landscape contractor from Water Smart Landscaping, who is familiar with the installation process of such a subsurface irrigation, will be on hand to answer questions from attendees as well. “Subsurface drip irrigation is currently the most efficient way to irrigate the landscape. It can also be used for flower beds and other areas, such as vegetable gardens. Water distribution is not affected by wind or evaporation, there is no over spray onto the sidewalk. For all those reasons, you can conserve between 30-50 percent of water. That’s why this needs to be promoted and used more and this is why we hold the workshop,” Leinauer said. To register for the workshop, call the Extension Plant Sciences Department’s main office at 575-646-1715.

New Publicaton from NMSU

Good morning, The following CES publication has been revised and is now available online in PDF and HTML formats. Guide B-221: Minimizing Weaning Stress on Calves Craig Gifford (Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Dept. of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources) Shiann Burns (M.S. student, Dept. of Extension ASNR) Marcy Ward (Extension Livestock Specialist, Dept. of Extension ASNR) PDF: http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_b/B221.pdf HTML: http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_b/B221/welcome.html

Secretary Perdue Applauds Red Tape Reduction for Farmers

Secretary Perdue Applauds Red Tape Reduction for Farmers (Washington, D.C., May 17, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded the removal of a burdensome regulation that has long plagued family farms. The rule requiring producers to obtain Data Universal Number System (DUNS) and System for Award Management (SAM) numbers to participate in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs has been eliminated. Congress included this repeal in the FY 2018 Omnibus spending package, USDA’s official regulatory change will be published in the Federal Register tomorrow. “I’m pleased Congress helped us to achieve one of our regulatory goals of cutting red tape for producers utilizing conservation programs by exempting them from SAM and DUNS requirements,” Secretary Perdue said. “These numbers were designed for billion-dollar government contractors, not everyday farmers trying to support their families. These changes help streamline the customer experience for farmers, which is a top priority at USDA.” Prior to this rule change in the 2018 Omnibus spending bill, DUNS and SAM numbers were required for any federal contract application. This became an onerous regulation for small farms, when it was intended for large government contractors. DUNS and SAM registration is still required for the following: • Partnership agreements entered through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). • All agreements with eligible entities under the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) • Agreements under the Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) component of ACEP. • Partnership agreements under the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) component of ACEP-Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE). • Watershed operations agreements with project sponsors. • Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) agreements with project sponsors, including Recovery and Floodplain Easements. • All cooperative, contribution, interagency, or partnership agreements of Federal contracts used by NRCS to procure goods or services. NRCS advises participants in its programs to ignore any emails, phone calls or other communications from third-party vendors offering assistance for registering in SAMS or applying for a DUNS number. To learn more about NRCS financial and technical assistance, go to www.nrcs.usda.gov. ### ________________________________________

Mental Health First Aid Classes offered its CPR for the mind.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID CPR FOR THE MIND Carlsbad United way and Eddy County Extension are offering a Mental Health First Aid Class.One in five adults in the United State will suffer from a mental illness this year. Mental health disorders are more common than heart disease and cancer combined. You are more likely to see or be with someone having a panic attack than you to see someone having a heart attack. Yet most of us lack the knowledge and skills to appropriately respond. This class is intended for a variety of professions such as law enforcement, human resources persons, educators, faith communities, friends and family of individual with a mental illness or addiction or just about anybody who work with people as a supervisor of employer. Everyone can benefit form this training. Mental health first aid is based on the goals of traditional first aid: to create an environment where people know how to help someone in emergency situations. It is not intended to make you a mental health professional. This is an eight hour course that will be taught a half a day one day and a half a day the next. The next class will be offered from 1 to 5 pm on June 6 and from 9 am to 1 pm on June 7, and participants must attend both sessions. They will be held in the large meeting room of the Eddy County Extension Office 1304 West Stevens in Carlsbad NM. There is limited seating so you must register by calling 575-887-6595, preregistration the class is free, it is $10 at the door. If you are in need of special assistance due to a disability in order to participate please tell us when you register for this class. 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.

Secretary Perdue Kicks Off Fourth "Back to Our Roots" Tour in New Mexico on MONDAY

ADVISORY: Secretary Perdue Kicks Off Fourth "Back to Our Roots" Tour in New Mexico on MONDAY (Washington, D.C., May 11, 2018) -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will be in New Mexico on MONDAY, May 14th to visit Santa Fe national forest headquarters, tour the Santa Fe watershed, and participate in a roundtable discussion with Governor Susana Martinez and New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. Secretary Perdue is embarking on his fourth "Back to Our Roots" tour to hear ideas and concerns from local farmers, ranchers, producers, foresters, agriculture students, business owners, community leaders, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees. The tour will last through Thursday and include stops in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. During different segments of the tour, Secretary Perdue will also be joined by Governor John Hickenlooper (CO) Governor Pete Ricketts (NE), Agriculture Commissioner Don Brown (CO), Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto (WY), Director of Agriculture Steve Wellman (NE), and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall. This is Secretary Perdue’s fourth “Back to Our Roots” tour since taking office just over a year ago. On his first tour in August of 2017, Secretary Perdue toured Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. In September of 2017, Secretary Perdue traveled on his second tour to Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Most recently, Secretary Perdue visited Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky during his third tour in early April. *NOTE: Media interested in covering any of the following events must RSVP to press@oc.usda.gov prior to the event. MONDAY, May 14th NEW MEXICO Secretary Perdue Visits Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters WHAT: Secretary Perdue will participate in a meet and greet with Santa Fe National Forest employees and cooperators during the annual Forest Management Plan consultation meeting. WHEN: MONDAY, May 14th at 10:15 a.m. MDT WHERE: Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87508 Secretary Perdue and Governor Martinez Tour Santa Fe Watershed WHAT: Secretary Perdue will meet Governor Martinez for a briefing and tour of the Santa Fe Watershed and forest treatments. WHEN: MONDAY, May 14th at 11:00 a.m. MDT WHERE: Santa Fe Water History Park, 1209 Upper Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501 Secretary Perdue, Governor Martinez, and Secretary Witte Participate in Roundtable Discussion with New Mexico’s Agriculture Leaders WHAT: Secretary Perdue, Governor Martinez, and Secretary Witte will visit the New Mexico State Capitol for a roundtable discussion with the state’s agriculture leaders. WHEN: MONDAY, May 14th at 12:30 p.m. MDT WHERE: New Mexico State Capitol, 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501 COLORADO Secretary Perdue Visits Hirakata Farms

Udall Secures Commitment from Zinke to Improve Public Input Process for Leasing Public Land

NOTE: Rarely is this good for the existing permittee VIDEO: Udall Secures Commitment from Zinke to Improve Public Input Process for Leasing Public Land Also receives agreement from Zinke to heed concerns from park service and local community about drilling near Carlsbad Caverns WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tom Udall, the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees funding for the Department of the Interior (DOI), secured a commitment from DOI Secretary Ryan Zinke to improve public input while considering lease sales on public land, after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) updated its guidelines to severely limit public input. Questioning Zinke about BLM’s new guidelines for considering lease sales on public lands Udall said, “In January, BLM issued new guidance about how to conduct oil and gas lease sales. This guidance makes public participation optional, allows only 10 days for the public to protest a lease sale, directs agencies to avoid doing any new environmental review. Just to name a few things. This takes away flexibility from the field staff to use their best judgement about where, when, and how to lease parcels. I understand under this new process decisions on removing parcels from lease sales must be made by the Deputy Secretary, not the local, field or state director, as has previously been the case…. Secretary Zinke, why has your administration taken these steps to limit the public process for oil and gas leasing? Doesn’t the public have a right to comment on the development of their public lands? Will you commit to allowing for broader public comment and returning to a minimum of 30 days of public comment on draft lease sales and 30 days to lodge protests?” In response, Zinke agreed to work with Udall on the public input process saying, "Public land deserves public input." Video of the exchange is available HERE. Udall also pressed Zinke on recent reports of a lease sale scheduled near Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Zinke agreed to heed the concerns of the National Park Service and community members that drilling near the caverns could cause damage to the cavern systems, while his agency considers the lease sale. “I have heard that some of the potential parcels could impact the cavern systems, or are located in other environmentally sensitive areas. I also understand that the Park Service has shared its concerns with BLM about the impacts to this cave and karst ecosystem from oil and gas drilling,” Udall said during the hearing. “Are you aware of these objections? Will you heed them and delay leasing around Carlsbad Caverns National Park until a full assessment can be done, as we have done around Chaco, to ensure that development will not jeopardize the national and natural treasure that Carlsbad Caverns is?” Zinke agreed to work with Udall on the issue to ensure Carlsbad Caverns is not harmed, saying, “there are some places that oil and gas production is fine and other places that are too sensitive…. If there’s a legitimate reason – based on science, on either cultural or scientific impact – we withdraw it.” Video of the exchange is available HERE. Udall’s opening remarks and video of the full hearing are available HERE.

Drought Stragies

Thursday, May 31, 2018, 9:00-4:30pm MRGCD Irrigation Outlook Drought Monitor and Climate USDA Farm Service Agency Programs Herd Management Rangeland Stocking Looking Back: Panel Discussion Stay for Dinner and Join Dr. Rolando A. Flores Dean, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences New Mexico State University and Jeff Witte, New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Agriculture Listening Session, 6:00-800pm “The best way to know about the agricultural issues is to listen to the stakeholders in the state.” Dr. Rolando A. Flores For Information Contact: Newt McCarty (505) 565-3002 or Caiti Steel (575) 646-4144 Register at https://goo.gl/LZ93vq If you are an individual with a disability and need auxiliary aid or service please contact Newt McCarty at 505.565.3002 or jnewton3@nmsu.edu, by May 15, 2018. New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer an educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. City of Belen Convention Center 719 S Main St, Belen, NM 87002 All About Discovery!™ College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Cooperative Extension Service Valencia County Extension Service

MALTA STAR-THISTLE INVASION

Malta star-thistle (Centaurea melitensis L.) was first found in Eddy County around 2003 or so along the truck by pass in Carlsbad. I carry a hoe in the truck for such occurrence and have rouged out a number of new invasive weed when I see them. I was too late for this one however; I did rouge out a patch only to find 20 or more patches down the highway. Since that time this weed has been the target of the Eddy County weed management group who have done their very best to stop this weed. The fact it has taken 13 years for it to become a major concern is a testament to their work. But like the Russian thistle (tumble weed) it can now be found in the just about everywhere in the county and is moving from disturbed site such as road sides into fields and landscapes. I brought some into my driveway I am sure on tires and two years ago had two plants. I took care of them in the same area last year I had 10 plants, this year I had a ½ a 55 gallon drum full after hoe them out. I have been watch and sprayed at first sight. That is how aggressive and difficult this weed is to kill. It is a winter annual with a spiny yellow flowered head that reaches about 3 feet higher but under good growing condition can reach 4 feet. The spins are less than a 1.5 inches, which distinguishes it from its cousin yellow star-thistle. It reproduces by seed and can produce 1-60 seeds per flowering head. The leaves are withered usually by flowering time. This is a tricky weed though. It germinates in the fall, like the mustard, as soon as it has two true leaves it bolt and send up one flower that will have 1-5 seed in it and it is at ground level 1/8 of an inch above the crown. So it is difficult to mow this flower off and it a guaranteed species survival for another year or more. If you look now you will see at least one flower down there. There have been six biological control insects released for yellow star thistle. These insects feed on the seed thus reducing seed production. It is a wait and see if they can also help with Malta, so far as I know we don’t have any in the state yet. Chemical control if applied at the right time of year works well. The systemic herbicides clopyralid or picloram work well when applied between December to April in rangeland or roadside applications. These chemicals will kill trees and other desirable broad leaf plants so don’t use them if you will be planting desirable vegetation. Once the flower is set, chemical application don’t do the job. I rouged one out before flower and leaf wilt, put it on top of a large rock in the sun, two weeks later with no soil, no moisture the flowers were open and three weeks they were mature and viable. I did the same after treating with three different herbicides, including paraquat. To stop seed production is almost imposable but you can reduce it. In alfalfa fields the use of the mustard herbicides when there is mustard weed present may help, in the late fall when it first germinates. Clorpyralid and picloram will kill alfalfa and other perennial broad leaf plants like pecan trees, so you cannot use these herbicides in vary many places. Sheep and goat like to graze this weed until it gets the spiny flower. It has no toxic effect but once the spine form they can lodge in the mouth and tong causing problems; however, most animals will not try it. Cattle don’t seem to have any desire to feed upon it at any stage. This weed is almost imposable to control by mechanical methods. For homeowner in landscape situations all you can do is hoe of cut the tops off catching the seed head and disposing them in a dumpster, but as described earlier there are those survival seeds that are produced without much notice. Because of flooding in the past there is a lot of seed in the fields and if you do not spry for mustard it will get worse. The seed will not germinate until late fall. You can control the mustard and this weed too hopefully with good applications. I think Prowl H2O with the last water in the fall is a worthwhile effort, but I have no science to back that up. I have seen this weed all up and down the irrigation main channel. 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.

Military Service Academy Information Session For High School Students Interested

Hi there! Senator Udall's staff is hosting information sessions across the state for high school students and recent graduates who are interested in applying to enter a military academy in the fall of 2019. I wanted to flag that he’ll be holding an information session in Carlsbad on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Carlsbad High School. Additional details and a quote from Senator Udall are below, and the flyer is attached. Here are the logistics for Tuesday: Tuesday, May 8 WHAT: Military Service Academy Information Session WHEN: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. WHERE: Carlsbad High School Theater 3000 W. Church St. Carlsbad, NM Please let us know if you need any other information. Thank you, Zoë Wilson-Meyer U.S. Senator Tom Udall

NMSU students place in regional entomology contest

NMSU students place in regional entomology contest DATE: 05/04/2018 WRITER: Melissa R. Rutter, 575-646-4211, mrrutter@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Scott Bundy , 575-646-3171, cbundy@nmsu.edu Five New Mexico State University students placed at the 66th Annual Meeting of Southwestern Branch of the Entomological Society of America. The branch meeting, which takes place every year, was held in Albuquerque March 25-29. Research on entomology is presented by students and faculty from universities across New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Mexico. NMSU competed alongside teams from Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. Each brought over 20 students to the competition, while NMSU had eight students, leaving the university with an overall higher percentage of awards won by any university at the meeting. Danielle Lara, a master’s student, placed second in the Master’s Oral competition. Lara’s research covered taxonomy, life history and egg morphology of assassin bugs. Scotty Bundy, professor of entomology at NMSU and Lara’s mentor, said he was happy with how well the students placed in the research competition. “I love watching how well our students present themselves and their research. Danielle’s work advances our knowledge of an important, but understudied group of insects. Her research on its unique egg morphology has been particularly exciting. It is an interesting story to tell, and I greatly enjoyed watching her present it to the scientific community,” Bundy said. Maria Gonzalez, a master’s student, placed first in the Master’s Oral competition. Gonzalez studied the involvement of detoxifying enzymes in insecticide resistance in bed bugs. Resistance has been said to be a big problem for the management of bed bugs in field conditions. Alvaro Romero, assistant professor of urban entomology at NMSU, said he is proud of Gonzalez’s win and said the university’s wins show how students can compete against bigger universities with a long history of entomology. “I am very proud. Maria is part of the Natural Resources Career Track Program, a USDA-funded project that supports minority students for graduate formation in the areas of agriculture and entomology,” Romero said. “These wins are also telling us that we are doing a good job recruiting outstanding students who can compete with students from other universities with a long tradition in entomology.” Nubias Rivas, a senior biology major, placed first in the undergrad poster presentation. Rivas conducted research in the Stress Physiology Lab with assistant professor of animal physiology Giancarlo Lopez. The research looked at fruit fly models that have Parkinson’s disease symptoms and exposed them to tiny amounts of X-rays that were equivalent to CT scans or MRIs. “Winning first place means that other people were able to recognize my hard work. It gives merit to the type of research you are conducting and reassures you that the type of work you are doing means something,” Rivas said. Ramon Zepeda placed third in the undergrad oral with his presentation being focused on establishing a method to evaluate natural repellents aimed at controlling horn fly infestations on cattle. His research showed that he could successfully interpret product-specific performance under controlled environmental conditions, which utilized on-animal applications in the laboratory. Diego Garcia placed first in the Master’s Poster contest with a focus on general control options for horn flies on cattle. Garcia’s project looked at maximizing synergistic effects of piperonyl butoxide used in combination with lambda-cyhalothrin, a common pyrethroid used for the control of horn flies on cattle. He evaluated various combinations of these compounds and identified the most effective ratios against permethrin resistant and susceptible horn flies. Brandon Smythe, program manager of the Veterinary Entomology Research Laboratory at NMSU, mentored both Zepeda and Garcia and said both students made him proud and represented the university to the best of their abilities. “I am extremely proud of both Ramon and Diego. Not only did they place in their respective competitions, but I received many compliments about the quality of their work and their presentations from other professionals in this field. They both did a fine job of representing NMSU and the College of ACES at this meeting,” Smythe said.

USDA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule for National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

USDA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule for National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard WASHINGTON, May 3, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today invited public comment on the proposed rule to establish the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard mandated by Congress in 2016. The standard will provide a uniform way to offer meaningful disclosure for consumers who want more information about their food and avoid a patchwork system of state or private labels that could be confusing for consumers and would likely drive up food costs. “This rulemaking presents several possible ways to determine what foods will be covered by the final rule and what the disclosure will include and look like,” said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. “We are looking for public input on a number of these key decisions before a final rule is issued later this year.” The proposed rule is open for comment for 60 days. Due to the Congressionally mandated timeline for this rulemaking, the comment period will not be extended, so it is important that anyone interested file comments in a timely manner. Comments may be submitted online through the Federal eRulemaking portal www.regulations.gov. Comments may also be filed with the Docket Clerk, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 4543-South, Washington, DC 20250; Fax: (202) 690-0338. The deadline for comments is July 3, 2018. The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard Law was enacted by Congress on July 29, 2016. The proposed rule previewed in the May 3, Federal Register. #

New publicaton on Dodder

Guide A-615: Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) Biology and Management Leslie Beck (Extension Weed Specialist, Dept. of Extension Plant Sciences) PDF: http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_a/A615.pdf

New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Lab receives international accreditation

New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Lab receives international accreditation Certification marks first ever for NMDA’s Veterinary Diagnostic Services Division (Albuquerque, New Mexico) – For the first time in its existence, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Diagnostic Services Division is a fully-certified International Organization for Standardization (ISO) laboratory. The ISO 17025 certification means that the Veterinary Diagnostic Services (VDS) lab – which consists of a staff of 14 – has met specific criteria to qualify as an accredited testing lab. The accreditation demonstrates the lab’s capacity to deliver reliable results. Dr. Tim Hanosh, NMDA’s VDS Division Director, said the certification process took many years and was an amazing effort by the staff. “People do not realize how much time and effort the laboratorians, the administrative staff and everyone in the lab dedicated to attain this goal,” said Hanosh. “Saying I’m proud is an understatement. The certification speaks for itself.” Located in Albuquerque, the VDS lab tests numerous animal samples, including carcasses for necropsies (animal autopsies), tissue samples, bacterial swabs, as well as bodily fluids, such as blood, serum and plasma. The ISO 17025 standards include developing a quality management system, which determines how the laboratory will operate. “The reason we need a quality management system is to ensure that our quality is at the highest level and to ensure that everybody in the laboratory follows the same standard operating procedures (SOPs),” said Hanosh. “We spent many years putting together this quality system, and it took a lot of time and a lot of effort.” The document known as the quality manual is the framework for the lab. Everyone is required to read the manual and sign off that they understand it. Lab employees have to prove that they can perform the work successfully. Proficiency tests are administered and have to be successfully completed annually, at minimum. The VDS staff also has a test on the quality management system and on its iPassport database. The test is created by lab staff. “Everybody supplies questions and answers and has to support their answers,” said Hanosh. “We compile everyone’s questions, we create a test from those questions, and everybody must pass.” Once the quality system was established, a third party that specializes in ISO 17025 certification performed an audit. The audit included reviewing documentation and standards, as well as observing procedures and interviewing all the employees and laboratorians, in order to determine whether the lab met the ISO standards. Hanosh said the key to achieving the accreditation was buy-in. “When we’re going after something with such a magnitude, two different areas are involved – one of those areas is our upper management,” he said. “We must have support from up above, so we have to have buy-in from our secretary of agriculture, our deputy secretary of agriculture and from other key people within NMDA, which we have. And the second area is the lab. What makes it work is that everybody in the lab has to buy in and take some sort of ownership.” New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte said the accreditation reflects the high quality at which the lab operates. “The accreditation verifies that we have a lab operating at the highest level with a dedicated and professional staff,” said Witte. “We are proud of the services that VDS provides to our citizens and the work they do for animal health.” Hanosh said depending on the area of the lab in which they work, employees have to read, understand and prove that they’re able to follow certain SOPs that apply to those specific areas. “So, if you work in the molecular biology lab, you would read all of the molecular SOPs,” he said. “If you worked in administration, you would read all of the admin SOPs, so on and so forth.” The accreditation is valid for two years. During that time, the same accrediting body will perform a re-audit to ensure the lab continues to meet the standards. Then it will alternate between an on-site audit one year and an online audit the next year. Hanosh said the accreditation shows the lab is self-critical and also gives the public peace of mind. “We want to test ourselves to ensure we’re doing the best that we possibly can,” he said. “As far as the public is concerned, New Mexico residents need to know that we have attained the highest level possible for our laboratory. They should have comfort in that the results we produce from our lab are meeting the highest standards possible.” For more information about VDS, visit www.nmda.nmsu.edu/vds/. Like NMDA on Facebook www.facebook.com/NMDeptAg and follow us on Twitter @NMDeptAg.

Perdue Announces Additional Hurricane and Wildfire Recovery Details

Perdue Announces Additional Hurricane and Wildfire Recovery Details (Washington, D.C., May 1, 2018) – Under the direction of President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced new details on eligibility for a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster program, 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP). In total, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will deploy up to $2.36 billion that Congress appropriated through the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 to help producers with recovery of their agricultural operations in at least nine states with hurricane damage and states impacted by wildfire. Following the announcement, Secretary Perdue issued this statement: “Last year our nation experienced some of the most significant disasters we have seen in decades, some back-to-back, at the most critical time in their production year. While USDA has a suite of disaster programs as well as crop insurance available to help producers manage their risk, Congress felt it was important to provide extra assistance to our nation’s farms and ranches that were the hardest hit last year,” Secretary Perdue said. “At President Trump’s direction, our team is working as quickly as possible to make this new program available to farmers in need. Our aim is to provide excellent customer service, building on efforts which began the day the storm hit.” Key Updates Include: • Hurricane Recovery: To be eligible a crop, tree, bush or vine must be located in a primary disaster county with either a Presidential declaration or a Secretarial designation due to a 2017 hurricane. Crops, trees, bushes or vines located in other counties may also be eligible if the producer provides documentation the loss was caused by a 2017 hurricane. • Wildfire Recovery: Any crop, tree, bush or vine, damaged by a 2017 wildfire is eligible. • Eligible Producers: Eligibility will be determined on an individual basis, using the level of insurance coverage purchased for 2017 for the total crop acres on the area for which the WHIP application is made. Eligible producers who certify to an average adjusted gross income (AGI) of at least 75 percent derived from farming or ranching, including other agriculture and forestry-based businesses during the tax years 2013, 2014 and 2015, will be eligible for a $900,000 payment limitation with verification. All other eligible producers requesting 2017 WHIP benefits will be subject to a $125,000 payment limitation. • Crop Insurance Requirement: Both insured and uninsured producers are eligible to apply for WHIP. However, all producers opting to receive 2017 WHIP payments will be required to purchase crop insurance at the 60% coverage level, or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) at the 60% buy up coverage level if crop insurance is not available. Coverage must be in place for the next two applicable crop years to meet program requirements. • Acreage Reporting Requirements: In addition, for the applicable crop years, all producers are required to file an acreage report and report production (if applicable). • Payment Formula: FSA will calculate WHIP payments with this formula: Payment = Expected Value of the Crop x WHIP Factor - Value of Crop Harvested - Insurance Indemnity The WHIP factor ranges from 65 percent to 95 percent. Producers who did not insure their crops in 2017 will receive a 65 percent WHIP Factor. Insured producers, or producers who had NAP, will receive between 70 percent and 95 percent WHIP Factors; those purchasing higher levels of coverage will receive higher WHIP Factors. Other USDA Disaster Assistance: Drought, wildfires and other disasters continue to impact farmers and ranchers, and 2017 WHIP is just one of many programs available through USDA to help with recovery. From crop insurance to on-the-ground rehabilitation programs like the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), USDA is here to help. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 provided funding for ECP and the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. The Act also provided amendments to make programs like the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program, Tree Assistance Program and Livestock Indemnity Program even more responsive. More Information: FSA will hold a sign-up for 2017 WHIP no later than July 16. Additional information on WHIP is available on FSA’s 2017 WHIP webpage. For immediate assistance under any of our other disaster programs, please contact a local USDA service center or learn more at www.fsa.usda.gov/disaster.