FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Kristie Garcia
Public Affairs Director, New Mexico Department of Agriculture
krgarcia@nmda.nmsu.edu
575-339-5011

Nov. 6, 2020

New Mexico agricultural producers encouraged to attend drought management virtual sessions

Northern New Mexico producers invited to Nov. 10 session

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LAS CRUCES – New Mexico agricultural producers are invited to attend virtual sessions regarding drought management and the water outlook in the state. The Southwest Border Food Protection and Emergency Preparedness Center at New Mexico State University will host the sessions via Zoom.

The next session is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 and is intended for Northern New Mexico producers. Experts from the following agencies will discuss forecasts, drought updates and risk management tools available:

• New Mexico Acequia Association
• New Mexico State University’s Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde
• National Weather Service
• United States Department of Agriculture–Farm Service Agency

Producers who want to join the Nov. 10 session must register at http://nmsu.life/waterZOOM2  in advance to receive the link.

Plans are underway to host a Zoom call for producers in the Eastern part of the state as well. Experts specific to that location will present during the session. Details will be announced as soon as they are available.

“As of October 20, nearly two-thirds of New Mexico is classified in extreme or exceptional drought,” said Kerry Jones of the National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “The record-breaking winter storm system brought much needed precipitation to a majority of the state; however, long-term precipitation deficits and a winter outlook that will tilt the odds toward a drier than normal winter calls for drought conditions to persist through at least February.”

The first session for Southern and Central New Mexico producers was held Nov. 5 and featured experts from Elephant Butte Irrigation District, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, National Weather Service and United States Department of Agriculture–Farm Service Agency.

For more information about the Zoom sessions, please call 575-646-5949 or 575-339-5035.

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Find us at:
www.nmda.nmsu.edu
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NMDeptAg
YouTube: NMDeptAg
LinkedIn: New Mexico Department of Agriculture

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NMDA Contact: Brandon Larrañaga
Communications Assistant, New Mexico Department of Agriculture
blarranaga@nmda.nmsu.edu
575-339-5011 (Kristie Garcia, Public Affairs Director)

Oct. 27, 2020

New Mexico Department of Agriculture hosts pesticide disposal events in November

Events to be held in Vado Nov. 10; Los Lunas Nov. 12 

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LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture will host two pesticide disposal events in the state during the month of November. The disposal events will allow agricultural producers, licensed pesticide dealers, pest control companies, golf courses and homeowners to properly dispose of unwanted pesticides at no cost to participants.

The first event will take place in Vado on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nutrien Ag Solutions, located at 8601 Highway 478. The second event will take place in Los Lunas on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Mexico State Agricultural Science Center, located at 1036 Miller Road. Agricultural plastics recycling will be available at the Vado event only. Participants can bring clean, empty and rinsed jugs for recycling.

“The NMDA Pesticide Disposal Program is in its 13^th year, and this program provides a safe avenue for pesticide waste disposal to homeowners and the many industries we serve that use pesticides,” said Stephen Baca, NMDA Pesticide Compliance Section Assistant Division Director. “We are happy to partner with US Ag, who will provide plastic recycling at the southern disposal event in Vado.”

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, participants are asked to follow all proper COVID-safe practices and procedures. Staff will direct the flow of traffic, and participants should not leave their vehicles unless otherwise instructed. Face masks/coverings are required to be worn when interacting with all staff and disposal assistants. No registration is required. For more information, please call 575-646-2134 or email pesticides@nmda.nmsu.edu.

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Find us at:
www.nmda.nmsu.edu
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NMDeptAg
YouTube: NMDeptAg
LinkedIn: New Mexico Department of Agriculture

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contacts:
Kristie Garcia
Public Affairs Director
New Mexico Department of Agriculture
krgarcia@nmda.nmsu.edu
575-339-5011

Matt Nerzig
Deputy Director of Communications and Media Strategy
Office of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
Matt.Nerzig@state.nm.us
505-699-1135

Oct. 23, 2020

USDA approves New Mexico hemp production regulatory plan

NMDA aims to implement new plan for growers licensed after Oct. 31, 2020

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LAS CRUCES – The United States Department of Agriculture approved the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s state hemp production regulatory plan last week.

States that seek to have primary authority over the regulation and production of hemp in their home jurisdiction were required by the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill to complete a state plan for review and approval by the USDA.

The hemp industry has potential for more job opportunities in the future, whether it’s field production or greenhouse production, or value-added products from extractors, manufacturers, specialty stores and hemp breeding operations. The New Mexico Economic Development Department expects to generate some 400 jobs from hemp-related businesses throughout New Mexico from its Local Economic Development Act funding.

“I have prioritized hemp production since day one,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “It can be an economic game-changer for our agricultural communities, creating jobs and building opportunity. I’m grateful for this next step and I look forward to more.”

“New Mexico joins 27 other states who have had their plan approved by USDA,” said New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte. “Allowing the state to continue regulatory oversight is ideal for producers and others involved in the New Mexico hemp industry. USDA-approved plans provide uniformity among states, as everyone is held to the same standards.”

Although New Mexico’s hemp statutes, rules and policies implemented for the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons already closely aligned with the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, the newly-approved state plan provides more clarity.

The approval of the state plan is encouraging for banks, as they work with the emerging hemp industry, according to Jerry Walker, Independent Community Bankers Association of New Mexico President and Chief Executive Officer.

“The USDA’s approval of New Mexico’s hemp plan is good news for growers and producers of hemp in our state and for our community banks who provide loans and other banking services to this burgeoning industry,” said Walker. “The diligent efforts of the NMDA will pay dividends for years to come as the industry grows and matures. New Mexico’s community banks have been pleased to support this effort and the economic development that will benefit many areas of the state. ”

New Mexico’s Hemp Manufacturing Act and Hemp Cultivation Rule legalizing and regulating hemp were initially promulgated in 2018. The first production licenses in New Mexico were issued in January 2019.

New Mexico’s plan may be viewed in its entirety at https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/NewMexicoHempPlan.pdf.

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Find us at:
www.nmda.nmsu.edu
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NMDeptAg
YouTube: NMDeptAg
LinkedIn: New Mexico Department of Agriculture

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Tracey Stone
The Nature Conservancy
tstone@TNC.ORG
602-738-1586

Oct. 14, 2020

Grant Opens Door to Find Ways to Improve Our Land, Water and Economy

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ALBUQUERQUE – Actions that create healthy soil for agriculture, clean air to breathe and that prevent severe wildfires that send dangerous smoke into the atmosphere are universal and immediate goals. Yet climate change looms large, threatening our health and economy. Thanks to a United States Climate Alliance grant, new doors will open to meet ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals in New Mexico and Colorado.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in New Mexico and Colorado, along with New Mexico’s Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department, are collaborating on a project that will improve working lands – ranches, farms and productive forests – for generations to come.

“We have a long way to go and not very much time,” said New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Our planet, and our state’s priceless natural resources, require diligent and science-driven action. With aggressive clean energy goals, we’re on our way. And when the stakes are this high, every step in the right direction is meaningful.”

How will the partners accomplish this? First, we need science. Using publicly available data, remote sensing, and advanced climate modelling, TNC will generate estimates of carbon reductions through agricultural practices, forest management and avoided land conversion. Then, a broad group of stakeholders will develop and vet scenarios.

“By quantifying the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we can develop and promote practices and policy that will create a cleaner and stronger economy,” added Nina Carranco, TNC’s director of external affairs in New Mexico. “Natural climate solutions will play a key role as they draw on the power of nature to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in healthy soils and forests.”

“This grant aligns with our Healthy Soil Program, which supports improved watersheds, reduced soil erosion, and increased climate resilience,” says Jeff Witte, New Mexico’s secretary of agriculture. “The grant also provides an opportunity for us to work together with our Colorado neighbors to determine what we can all do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Whether it’s working with another state, or our continued participation on the Natural and Working Lands Climate Action Team, partnerships are important to NMDA’s mission of working cooperatively with both public and private sectors.”

“New Mexico has ambitious plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions in multiple sectors and reliable data is the basis for all our work,” said Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department Cabinet Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst. “This partnership between state agencies and non-governmental organizations is necessary to provide the scientific basis for measuring the contributions of natural climate solutions such as voluntary changes in agricultural practices, avoidance of mega-fires, and land protections that reduce carbon emissions.”

Both Colorado and New Mexico have adopted bold greenhouse gas reduction goals. In January 2019, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham set a bold energy and climate agenda for the state to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. In May 2019, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed the ambitious Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution by at least 50% by 2030.

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News Release

Oct. 12, 2020

WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu
CONTACT: Phillip Lujan, 575-646-1822, pl11@nmsu.edu

NMSU Extension to provide pesticide applicator training online

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The pesticide safety education program at New Mexico State University is now offering workshops two ways online.

Pesticide applicators may earn continuing education units by attending a webinar series or pre-recorded presentations.

“Because of the COVID-19 social distancing requirements, we have developed two ways for public and private pesticide applicators to earn their CEU requirements,” said Phillip Lujan, NMSU Extension pesticide safety education program manager. “They may attend weekly live two-hour webinars or view pre-recorded one-hour workshop sessions at their convenience.”

The five-part webinar series will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday, beginning Oct. 28. The session will be hosted by NMSU Cooperative Extension Service and presented by Extension specialists and New Mexico Department of Agriculture specialists.

To register, visit pesticide.nmsu.edu. Two CEUs per week are available for participation.

Session topics will be:

–       Oct. 28: “Rangeland IPM and Rodent Control Part 1,” presented by Casey Sparkman, NMSU Extension range specialist, and Sam Smallidge, NMSU Extension wildlife specialist.

–       Nov. 4: “Yard and Garden,” presented by Marisa Thompson, NMSU Extension urban horticulture specialist, and Carol Sutherland, NMSU Extension entomologist.

–       Nov. 11: “Irrigated Pasture,” presented by Mark Marsalis, NMSU Extension forage specialist, and Jane Breen Pierce, NMSU Extension entomologist.

–       Nov. 18: “IPM for Urban and Small Farms and Rodent Control, Part 2,” presented by Smallidge and Amanda Skidmore, NMSU Extension integrated pest management specialist.

–       Dec. 2: “Pesticide Management,” presented by Steve Baca, NMDA pesticide compliance program manager, and Cary Hamilton, NMSU Extension IR-4 Program.

Eight pre-recorded presentations for one CEU credit each are available on the pesticide safety education website.

“A person can pick the sessions that are appropriate for their needs,” Lujan said. “They can access the training at their convenience up until November 15.”

To access the sessions, visit pesticide.nmsu.edu, click on upcoming workshops and follow the directions.

CEU credit courses for individuals already licensed include:

–       “Weed Control in Alfalfa and Other Forage Crops,” presented by Mark Marsalis, NMSU Extension forage specialist.

–       “Pesticides in Aquatic Systems: Best Management Practices for Protecting Water Quality,” presented by Rossana Sallenave, NMSU Extension aquatic ecology specialist.

–       “Weed Updates for 2020 and Beyond,” presented by Leslie Beck, NMSU Extension weed specialist.

–       “Disease and Disorder Management in Chile Pepper,” presented by Stephanie Walker, NMSU Extension vegetable specialist.

–       “Tree Selection & Care: Avoiding Probable Pests and Disasters,” presented by Marisa Thompson, NMSU Extension urban horticulture specialist.

–       “2020 Insect Update from NMSU,” presented by Carol Sutherland, NMSU Extension entomologist.

–       “Introduction to Integrated Pest Management,” presented by Amanda Skidmore, NMSU Extension IPM specialist.

–       “Assessment-Based Prevention, Control & Management of Vertebrate Pests in New Mexico,” presented by Sam Smallidge, NMSU Extension wildlife specialist.

Four sessions for pre-license training are also available through the pesticide education website. Topics of the sessions are:

–        “Principles of Herbicides,” presented by Leslie Beck, NMSU Extension Weed specialist.

–       “Basic Entomology, Ornamentals, and Turf, Category 3A, Part 1 and 2,” presented by Carol Sutherland, NMSU Extension entomologist.

–       “New Mexico Pesticide Laws and Regulations,” presented by Matteo Serena, NMSU Extension plant sciences.

–       “Pesticide Safety and Labeling, Part 1, and Personal Protective Equipment, Part 2,” presented by Serena.

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