VOLUME 2023, ISSUE 11 07/18/2023 |
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Greetings, Aggies and friends of the College of ACES, We are very happy to report and inform you that one of our own, Fabiola Cabeza de Baca (1894–1991), has been recognized by the board of directors of the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame and elected for induction for 2023. This is an incredible recognition of Fabiola’s accomplishments in the state of New Mexico and nationally. Many of you have seen the story of her life and work featured in the most recent ACES magazine, and several of our faculty are committed to spreading the word about the importance of this recognition of the first Hispanic female in the Agricultural Hall of Fame, no less than a true New Mexican and extension agent who dedicated all her life to sharing information with rural peoples, teaching food preservation and other important skills, while respecting and documenting traditional agricultural practices in New Mexico. She reached national and international audiences through her accomplishments as a writer, teacher, Peace Corps trainer, and more, as you can read in ACES Magazine. For me, it is a great opportunity to thank the team of the College of ACES and NMDA who put together the nomination. Specifically, I want to thank Director of Public Affairs Kristie Garcia and Director and Secretary of Agriculture Jeff M. Witte for bringing up the submission from NMDA – and from the College of ACES, Jeanne Gleason and Karim Martínez, who have been very instrumental in bringing Fabiola Cabeza de Baca into the limelight. The induction will take place on October 5, 2023, at the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Following the induction of Fabián García in 2021, this is another important recognition of one of the heroes of the College of ACES, and I really appreciate the work of NMDA and Secretary Witte and his team for being able to continue to bring up and stress the important contributions that faculty and alumni from the College of ACES have made to New Mexico, the country, and to agriculture in general! |
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Fabiola Cabeza de Baca (1894–1991) Photo courtesy of J. Paul Taylor. |
Rolando A. Flores Galarza Dean & Chief Administrative Officer |
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CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS |
The Farm Bill is critical to New Mexico State University’s ability to uphold our promise to New Mexico communities and our mission as a Hispanic and Minority Serving land-grant university. All components of the Farm Bill are critical; however, I want to refer to the importance of infrastructure needs on workforce development. Workforce Agriculture needs more students in the pipeline, but investing in research funding is no longer enough. If we want to diversify representation in the agricultural sciences at higher levels, the Farm Bill must support the research funding and infrastructure we need to attract and retain these students. Reauthorization of USDA’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program is one sensible and crucial step.
Infrastructure Modern agriculture research is an American success story. Land-grant universities like NMSU respond to local concerns and global issues alike, making US agriculture the best in the world. However, the need for investment in agriculture research facilities is an urgent need. In fact, dilapidated facilities lower the return on investment we get for research funding. Nationally, deferred maintenance at agricultural research facilities at our land-grants is conservatively estimated at more than $11 billion. Our ask for the Farm Bill is $5 billion in mandatory funding. It is not a matter of “if”, but “when” this vital investment will be made—before an agricultural crisis that will devastate our economy, or after when we are forced to look to industry, China, and other trade partners to address challenges and provide food for our population.
Broadband Congress has helpfully provided funding for rural communities to apply for grants to access broadband. Farmers and ranchers in New Mexico have benefited from some of these programs. But current legislation does not allow academic institutions to apply for these grants. NMSU has 12 agriculture research stations across the state, and not one of them is connected to broadband. This situation is not unique to New Mexico. It is a challenge, to put it mildly, for our researchers to provide the precision agriculture solutions farmers need when they cannot use the tools themselves. We hope the Farm Bill includes ways to allow academic agriculture research facilities to apply for broadband funding that has already been appropriated. If these urgent investments in facility needs at Hispanic and minority-serving land grant institutions are not made, the current gap between ours and larger land grant institutions will increase, negatively impacting the US food chain. Rolando A. Flores Galarza Dean & Chief Administrative Officer |
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Congressional Hispanic Caucus Hosts Farm Bill Roundtable with Democratic Leaders, Biden Administration Officials, and stakeholders to discuss issues impacting the upcoming Farm Bill for Latinos. |
XOCHITL TORRES SMALL SWORN IN AS FIRST LATINA TO SERVE AS USDA'S NO. 2 |
(CNN) — Xochitl Torres Small was sworn in as deputy agriculture secretary of the US Department of Agriculture on Monday, making history as the first Latina in the No. 2 position. Her ascension to the position comes amid efforts by the USDA to rectify decades of discrimination against farmers of color and as the department seeks to increase diversity in a workforce that is predominantly White. It also comes as farmers and ranchers grapple with the effects of climate change, particularly in the West, which is facing wildfires, drought and extreme heat. Torres Small, who has been under secretary for rural development at the USDA since October 2021, was confirmed by the Senate as deputy agriculture secretary last week with large bipartisan support. She succeeds Jewel Bronaugh, the first Black woman in the No. 2 position at the USDA, who stepped down in February. “My mission is to serve the people of USDA every single day,” Torres Small said to a crowd of employees, supporters and family. “I’m thrilled to get to work on behalf of the people of the people’s department,” she added. During her time leading rural development, Torres Small oversaw 4,000 employees and various programs, including those to expand broadband internet access to rural communities. She will now oversee a vast workforce of over 100,000 employees across 29 agencies, which has seen a slight uptick in the number of employees of color in recent years. According to USDA data from February 2023, 73% of USDA employees are White, 28% are employees of color including 10% who identify as Latino. Forty-five percent of USDA employees are women. Published 1:37 PM EDT, Mon July 17, 2023 To read the full article visit the following link : Xochitl Torres Small sworn in as first Latina to serve as USDA's No. 2 | CNN Politics |
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Xochitl Torres Small is sworn in as the Department of Agriculture's deputy secretary at USDA in Washington, D.C., on July 17. She was sworn in by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. |
ACES Academic Programs Office Hosts the University of Florida CALS Faculty Development Program On June 20th, the ACES Academic Programs Office was pleased to host a group of eleven people, including Dean Elaine Turner and Associate Dean Al Wysocki, from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida. The group spent the afternoon learning about some of the innovative teaching approaches and initiatives in ACES. Featured ACES faculty members included: Keith Mandabach, Gaby Phillips, Hannah Bilovesky, Barbara Chamberlin, Martha Desmond, Karim Martinez, Newt McCarty, Brian Schutte, Shannon Norris-Parish and Jennifer Hernandez Gifford. |
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THE FIX, an Aggie Chile Roast On August 19th, the official aroma of New Mexico comes to the capital city! The Sam Steel Society, the College of ACES and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture have joined forces to host THE FIX, an Aggie chile roast. Happening in Alexandria, VA at the Harris-Teeter Neighborhood Food & Pharmacy located at 4641 Duke Street, chile lovers can preorder green chile and pick it up on August 19th, freshly roasted that day. Alumni and friends, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to fill your freezer and enjoy the aroma of roasted green chile wafting through the air. At the same time, you’ll be supporting the College of ACES and student scholarships funded by the Sam Steel Society. Ordering is now open! All purchasing will take place online in advance of the event. There will be no day-of chile sales, so don’t miss your opportunity to order! TO ORDER CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK (tickets will not be available for purchase until tomorrow): New Mexico State University Chile Roast Registration, Sat, Aug 19, 2023 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite Be sure to follow NMSU ACES and the Sam Steel Society on social media for the most up-to-date information. Don’t forget to share this information with anyone you know in the Washington DC metro area. They’ll surely thank you for the chance to experience New Mexico, if only for a moment. GO AGGIES!! |
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ACES Global Initiatives Activities In Latin America and Africa University of La Salle, Colombia awarded 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund New Mexico State University and Universidad de La Salle-Colombia will collaborate on the development of a faculty-led program titled "Utopia: Leveraging the Advancement of Rural Irrigation Systems in Cocoa Plantations Through International Collaborations" whereby 10 undergraduate and graduate students will participate in visits to the partner universities along with faculty members from each institution. Under the program, credit-bearing courses on Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability will be offered and research activities will be conducted providing a rich immersive cultural experience for all. The activities are aimed at designing innovative ways to provide precision irrigation methods that support cacao production in Colombian regions affected by drought. Dr. Shukla added that all activities will be directed by a coordination committee that will ensure that the objectives of this project are achieved. New Mexico State University and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria Collaboration The NMSU and OAU have agreed to collaborate on faculty and student exchange, and joint research and advising of graduate students. A virtual meeting was held last month, and faculty counterparts from both sides have been identified. According to Dr. Shukla, Director ACES Global Program, Mrs. Faturoli, a faculty member at OAU with a masters degree, will do a PhD at NMSU through the split program that is specially aimed at faculty members from a foreign university. For more information, contact Director of ACES Global Program Dr. Manoj Shukla at shuklamk@nmsu.edu. |
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION (AES) |
The Corona Range and Livestock Research Center has been very active with outreach and research projects throughout the summer months. Some of these highlights include: |
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| Dr. Adam Summers and doctoral student Taylor Andrews concluded another year of a multi-year heifer development project in May. This experiment included ovary collections and the isolation of the oocytes (egg) from the ovary. Immediately after collection, the oocyte is transported to Albuquerque to be shipped to the USDA-ARS Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, NE for further analysis. Dr. Robert Cushman from the USDA was in Corona to help with the collections. This work seeks to determine the impact of protein supplementation in grazing heifers and the impact of growth-promoting implants and protein supplements on ovary development. |
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Dr. Eric Scholljegerdes and doctoral student Clayton Bedke concluded an experiment in May looking at the impact of feeding ruminally protected amino acids on the uterine environment of 2-year-old beef cows. This experiment seeks to determine if specific nutrients in the diet can alter the uterine environment during the breeding season in an effort to improve fertility and conception in young beef cows. |
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A group of graduate students from the NMSU Department of Art, in conjunction with the NMSU Art Museum, traveled to Corona to visit with station faculty and staff about the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Land Grant mission. The group also toured the newly constructed wind farm and historical sites on the ranch. For more infomation, contact AES Communications and Reporting Director Claire Montoya at ccortner@nmsu.edu. |
ACES Science Center Field Day/Event Schedule Most AES Agricultural Science Centers host annual field days in the late summer or fall. As events are scheduled, the information will be updated. The current Field Day/Event Schedule for 2023 is posted below. August 1: Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center & Clovis Agricultural Science Center August 8: Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center August 9: Alcalde Agricultural Science Center August 17: Farmington Agricultural Science Center To view the science centers click on the following link: Off-Campus Science Center Websites. For more infomation, contact AES Communications and Reporting Director Claire Montoya at ccortner@nmsu.edu. |
PLANT & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (PES) |
Is Soil Carbon Sequestration Possible In Dry Environments? A Review and Synthesis of Global Data Arid and semi-arid regions cover more than 40% of the world. The western half of the United States is dry and experiences frequent and intense droughts, strong winds, and high-intensity, short-duration rainfall during the wetter months. With increasing attention to climate change mitigation and soil and environmental health, there is growing interest in soil carbon sequestration in arid and semi-arid regions. NMSU has established the National Center on Carbon Management and Soil Health in Arid and Semi-Arid Environments to identify, verify, and disseminate cost-effective practices to sequester carbon in major land uses in dry regions. The center is still in its infancy. However, researchers are working on various carbon sequestration and soil health projects. In collaboration with scientists from Australia and New Zealand, researchers at the center synthesized global data on soil organic carbon sequestration potential of conservation agriculture in dry environments. Their study shows the mean SOC sequestration rate of 271 kg C ha-1 yr-1 and 235 kg C ha-1 yr-1 in 0–30 cm soil depth under cover cropping and crop rotation diversification, respectively. The sequestration rate was even higher when cover cropping or crop rotation was integrated with reduced and no-tillage management. For more information about this study, visit https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014019632300099X?via%3Dihub or contact Rajan Ghimire via email: rghimire@nmsu.edu |
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Graduate students and researchers collecting soil samples at ASC Clovis |
Distribution of cover cropping and diverse crop rotation studies across the arid and semi-arid regions of the world overlaid on the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon stocks sourced from SoilGrids version 2.0 for the top 100 cm (Poggio et al., 2021). The white (blank) area in the figure represents the region outside of arid and semi-arid environments, which is beyond the scope of the current review. |
AGRICULTURAL & EXTENSION EDUCATION (AXED) |
Nineteen students in “ACOM 3115/5115: Global Issues in Agricultural Communications” visited Spain and Portugal in May 2023 for a faculty-led international program (FLIP) led by Drs. Shannon Norris-Parish and Lacey Roberts-Hill from the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education. As part of the largest FLIP program on NMSU’s campus in Spring 2023, students toured agricultural production facilities that specialized in unique communication and marketing strategies across Lisbon, Porto, and Viseu, Portugal, and Salamanca, Toledo, and Madrid, Spain. Some tour stops included agencies supporting food safety and economic surveillance in the European Union, urban gardening initiatives, olive orchards and mills, and marketing strategies for world famous regions of viticulture. Natalia Molinar, a junior studying agricultural and extension education with a focus in agricultural communications, was also selected as a recipient for the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Congratulations, Natalia! |
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ACOM at the Madrid Cathedral in Spain |
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ACOM at the Centro de Información y Educación Ambiental El Huerto de El Retiro in Madrid. |
| ACOM at the Royal Palace in Madrid |
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Dr. Clint Loest and Dr. Shannon Norris-Parish, professors at NMSU, are working with three other universities to launch a collaborative project called “LEADING Hispanics” in Fall 2023. The project has many benefits for undergraduate and graduate students, including scholarships, graduate assistantships, and USDA internship opportunities. The LEADING Hispanics project will be advertised in the first few weeks of the Fall 2023 semester. To help get the word out and to make sure everyone has info about the project, follow the project's Instagram: @leadinghispanics. LEADING Hispanics (@leadinghispanics) • Instagram photos and videos |
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The Agricultural Science Center at Los Lunas (LLASC) has an engaging outreach tool called the Learning Garden. This garden is a wonderful way to educate and show Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in action. There is a diverse range of over 50 plant species which encompasses native grasses, flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and cacti. It is the perfect place to observe beneficial insects such as pollinators and natural enemies of pests. Of special note, many native species of bees, which are important pollinators in New Mexico, can be observed. Extension Entomologist, Dr. Joanie King, easily observed 25 insect species in as many minutes the last time she visited the Garden. It truly is a great place to experience hands-on learning in a beautiful environment. The Learning Garden was created in 2018 by then IPM Specialist Dr. Ashley Bennett and Extension Master Gardener Program Manager Kelly White with USDA NIFA Extension Implementation Project funding. It is currently managed by Urban Horticulture Extension Specialist Dr. Marisa Thompson, her team, and a fun group of dedicated volunteers. For more, follow @NMDesertBlooms and @NMSU_IPM on social media or visit https://ipm.nmsu.edu |
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photo taken by Dr. Marisa Thompson |
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photos taken by Dr. Joanie King |
The Aggie Fashion Club at New Mexico State University will once again start planning their 2024 Sustainable Spring Fashion Show. Our fashion students understand their social responsibility in combating negative impacts the fashion industry has on our environment. Their goal is to create community awareness on upcycling and recycling clothing. The Fashion Merchandising and Design program has added a 1-credit-hour design course focused on creating sustainable recycled garments in design. Lizette Arenas, Adjunct Professor, will instruct students in how to recycle and up-cycle materials for design, and find a “longevity of usage” in the cycle of a garment. This course will enhance and add knowledge to the designers' experience, leading into the 4th year of the fashion show. It will add to the mission of the fashion show to upcycle, recycle, and create sustainability in fashion. The FMAD design students will work with paper, bubble wrap, product packaging, retail bags, tin cans, vintage fabrics, gently used linens, soft toys, thrifted clothing and trash bags. The Remade Runway Fashion Show will take place in Spring 2024. For more information, contact Kelley Coffeen at kcoffeen@nmsu.edu, Dr. Insook Ahn at iahn@nmsu.edu or Lizette Arenas at larenas@nmsu.edu. |
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INNOVATIVE MEDIA RESEARCH & EXTENSION (IMRE) |
IMRE Receives National Awards for Work The Association for Communication Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences (ACE) recognized several products developed by the Innovative Media Research and Extension department with awards in multiple categories. Don't Wash Your Chicken!, a social media toolkit debunking common misconceptions about handling raw poultry, won a Gold Award for Social Media Campaign. Math Snacks: Game Over Gopher, a new version of the beloved math game re-programmed for the modern web, with updated accessibility features, won a best-of-class, Professional Skill Award and a Gold Award in Innovative Use of Communication Technology. Vietnamese Nail Salons and Workers' Rights, a video in English and Vietnamese designed to be culturally appropriate for its audience, won a Gold Award in Electronic Media for Diverse Audiences. Here to Help New Mexico, part of the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, won a Gold Award for Graphic Design: Logos. Cleaning and Sanitizing Farm Tools and Equipment, an interactive training tool to help agricultural producers maintain clean and sanitary equipment, won a Silver Award for Website. MyPlate MyDay, designed to empower learners to make healthier food choices through effective meal planning, including culturally important foods, won a Silver in Interactive Media Program and a Bronze in Electronic Media for Diverse Audiences. This tool is currently available for New Mexico and Puerto Rico food choices and can be customized for other regions. |
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NEW MEXICO FFA ASSOCIATION |
NMFFA Leadership Camp New Mexico FFA members had an absolute blast at Leadership Camp at the end of June! Held in Cloudcroft at the Aspendale Mountain Retreat Center, over 140 campers were able to attend. Members were split into camp groups with state officers to lead them through the week. This year’s camp was Star Wars themed and the force was definitely with these campers as they climbed through a ropes course, sang a lot of camp songs, performed skits, and played their hearts out in the camp olympics. Campers also participated in leadership workshops hosted by visiting state officers and past state officers. Leadership camp is a great experience for NMFFA members to get a chance to make new friends and new memories. It allows for so many laughs and even allows campers to break out of their comfort zone. These moments will surely carry them through the summer until the next NMFFA event. |
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For more information about NMFFA and pictures from Leadership Camp visit the website and follow along on our social media pages! Website: http://www.nmffa.org Facebook: New Mexico FFA Instagram: @newmexicoffa |
SCHOOL OF HOTEL, RESTAURANT & TOURISM MANAGEMENT (HRTM) |
Summer Studies in Florence FLIP (Faculty Led International Program) In May, nine students led by Chef Pete Mitchell set off for a unique learning-by-experience opportunity in Italy, studying at the Florence University of the Arts (FUA). They each took a three-hour class Monday to Friday on topics such as retail marketing, fashion design, and food and beverage operations. They visited museums including the Accademia Gallery of Florence, home of Michelangelo’s David and Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum. They made frequent visits to the restaurants and merchants selling meats, seafood, and vegetables at the Piazza del Mercato Central Market. Students enjoyed the local cuisine in restaurants such as IL Bottegone and Osteria del Fiore where beef is served Italian style. They traveled by Italy’s excellent rail system to other cities including Rome, Venice, and Pisa. https://hrtm.nmsu.edu/academics/study-abroad.html On their way to an engagement at the prestigious James Beard House in NYC, chefs from FUA will be in Las Cruces on September 23 to perform demonstrations for HRTM students and host an exclusive Italian appetizer and wine tasting for community guests. Details of the event, time, and price will be available on our website at the beginning of the semester. https://100west.nmsu.edu/events/international.html |
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Chef Pete Mitchell and the students attempting to hold up the Leaning Tower of Pisa |
| Final Night Cooking Class with FUA Chef Sean |
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Truth, Trust and Hope Nobel Prize Summit 2023 NMSU ACES stakeholders might be interested to know that a Nobel Prize Summit was held in Washington, DC this last May. Its theme was “Truth, Trust and Hope,” a global conversation on promoting honest science and building trust in science. Hosted by the Nobel Foundation and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the three-day summit was held in Washington, D.C., and virtually, attracting more than 700 in-person attendees and over 10,000 online participants from more than 70 countries. NMSU ACES faculty member Frank A. Ward was invited by the organizers to attend. From attending, he can share a few resources: - A feature story that explores a few of many initiatives sparked by the summit to promote more trust in science, as well as ideas on the summit from the leaders of the Nobel Foundation and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.
- Archived video of the discussions and sessions
To stay up to date on the work of the National Academies – including other projects and activities on trust-building in science – sign up for the organizers’ weekly newsletter, or follow them on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook.
For more Nobel Prize related news, some important to NMSU stakeholders, please visit nobelprize.org or follow the Nobel Prize on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. For more information, contact Frank A. Ward at fward@nmsu.edu. |
NMSU launches survey to improve accessibility needs in Hispanic communities New Mexico State University in collaboration with the University of Florida and the University of Arizona have launched a Hispanic needs assessment survey as part of a federal grant. This initiative, integrating NMSU’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and Cooperative Extension Service, will identify natural resource extension, wildlife and agricultural needs in Hispanic communities. The survey is intended only for Hispanic adults living in New Mexico, Arizona or Florida and takes 15 minutes to complete. To take the survey, visit https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6kU8XpglqIpuBDw. Based on the results of the survey, the universities’ goals are to provide translated documents that will improve these communities’ accessibility to areas of knowledge in natural resource extension, wildlife and agriculture. “Despite many efforts, there is still several barriers to the effective delivery of extension programming to members of Hispanic communities,” said Alvaro Romero, urban entomology associate professor. “Including lack of awareness of the most salient issues, unfamiliarity among Hispanic community members of the role of natural resource extension and lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate extension resources.” This initiative is funded by a United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant: “Developing a National Program for Providing Extension Resources in Spanish: Innovative Approaches to a Program Delivery.” If you have any questions about the survey, you can contact the team by email at e.ellington@ufl.edu. Media contact, Student writer Elizabeth McCall. |
Click on the following link to give to the College of ACES. Give Now | New Mexico State University Foundation (nmsu.edu) You can also contact Planning Officer, Erika De La O. Medina at erikadlo@nmsu.edu for more information on how to give to the College of ACES. |
The College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) annual report provides an overview of accomplishments during 2022, including impacts, productivity
and goals for each unit, area and program. These accomplishments reflect our work in
teaching, research and extension. To view our College of ACES 2022 Annual Report click on the following link: Annual Reports | New Mexico State University - BE BOLD. Shape the Future. (nmsu.edu) |
Our department of Innovative Media Research & Extension produced a great video demonstrating our college. You can access the video by clicking on the following link: ACES About Home (nmsu.edu) |
COLLEGE OF ACES MAGAZINE – SPRING 2023 ISSUE |
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The College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences is an engine for economic and community development in New Mexico, improving the lives of New Mexicans through academic, research, and Extension programs. |
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