VOLUME 2023, ISSUE 2 02/01/2023 |
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| Dear Aggies and Friends of the ACES College, One month of 2023 is behind us and the College is moving forward. We are very optimistic and hopeful for the results of the legislative session. I appreciate sincerely all the support that the legislators and friends of the college have given and are providing in Santa Fe. Notice the programs that have been described in these past newsletters have hit the target with the legislators for support. It is critically important for the College of ACES and New Mexico that we continue developing and strengthening the four pillars of the college, since these are fundamental parts of the economic and community development for the state and the success of our students and future graduates. |
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Thank you all for your support, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions. |
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Rolando A. Flores Galarza Dean & Chief Administrative Officer |
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NMSU Extension team awarded NIFA grant for postfire response to establish virtual fencing Rebuilding after extreme weather events such as wildfires and flooding can be a tedious task. A new grant will help the Cooperative Extension Service at New Mexico State University aid agricultural producers with these efforts. NMSU’s project, “Implementation of virtual fencing technology to build resiliency of agriculture systems impacted by wildfire and subsequent flooding,” will receive $222,192 from the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Rapid Response to Extreme Weather Events Across Food and Agriculture Systems program. Craig Gifford, Extension beef cattle specialist, and Santiago Utsumi, Animal and Range Sciences associate professor, are leading the one-year project. Team members include Sara Marta, Sierra County program director; Doug Cram, Extension forest and fire specialist; Marcy Ward, Extension livestock specialist; Tom Dean and Marshal Wilson, co-directors of the Southwest Border Protection and Emergency Preparedness Center; and Casey Spackman, Extension range specialist. NMSU is one of two universities in the country that was awarded a grant from this program from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, contact Craig Gifford at cgifford@nmsu.edu. |
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Impact, outcomes, and challenges from the USDA-NIFA Water for Agriculture CAP Grants The NMSU College of ACES participated in one of a series of USDA-NIFA funded projects from the years 2015-2021 to address ongoing agricultural water challenges in the Rio Grande Basin of New Mexico. From a national view, these projects focused on solutions for conserving better quality water of sufficient quantity to provide a level of availability. Important to these projects was the understanding of human behavior and its influence on decision making for agricultural water uses. NMSU ACES and other awardees applied funding to the development of diverse and sophisticated teams that addressed intractable, often generational, water problems. The NMSU ACES work produced impactful management practices, technologies, and tools for farmers, ranchers, forest owners and managers, public decision-makers, public and private managers, and citizens to improve water resource availability. NIFA’s approach required the linkage of social, economic, and behavioral sciences with traditional biophysical sciences and engineering to address regional or national scale issues with shared hydrological processes, and meteorological and basin characteristics. This project of which NMSU ACES was a part addressed water issues in New Mexico that are globally relevant. Work toward solutions to these intractable problems is key to sustaining and improving agriculture across the U.S. Stakeholders in New Mexico can find out more about the work by accessing this link https://swim.cybershare.utep.edu/en/home Please see Frank A Ward for more information at fward@nmsu.edu |
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Donald C. Roush Teaching Award for Teaching Excellence We are delighted to announce the recipient of the Donald C. Roush Award, Dr. John Townsend. Dr. Townsend is a two-time graduate of the NMSU College of ACES with a bachelor's in Agriculture Extension and Education and an M.S in Agricultural Economics. Upon completing his PhD at Oklahoma State University, he began his teaching career at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where he served in the Agribusiness Department. When presented with the opportunity to return to his alma mater and teach, he jumped at the opportunity. He teaches and serves as undergraduate coordinator for the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business. He is thankful to give back to the institution and the people who started him on his career, and for the students who make teaching a joy. |
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Left to Right - Dean & Chief Administrative Officer Rolando A. Flores Galarza, College Professor Dr. John Townsend, Associate Dean & Director of Academic Programs Dr. Donald Conner. |
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Grants Committee Announces Recipients of the Bruce Briggs Memorial Scholarship for January 2023 Annual Meeting Laurie Rogers-Roach, Grants Committee Chair, reports that the Grants Committee received applications from a wide range of colleges and universities within the Western Region this year. Of the sixteen applicants, six were chosen to attend the 2023 Annual Meeting in Oregon. Scholarship recipients receive full registration and hotel accommodations for the annual meeting, along with a one-year student membership in the IPPS-Western Region. They also assist with various duties at the annual meeting. One of our very own students from NMSU was chosen. |
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| Tyra Trumble New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico Tyra is a student at New Mexico State University and plans to graduate in May 2023 with a BS in Horticulture. She was recognized as an American Society for Horticultural Sciences Scholar in 2021 and 2022. Tyra currently serves as Vice President of NMSU’s Horticulture Forum, which is a student organization that conducts greenhouse propagation and production projects to benefit the community. She is an undergrad assistant for a project studying about phytophthora effects on cultivated varieties of chile pepper. In this role, Tyra works in the greenhouse germinating and caring for plants, as well as in the lab growing cultures of isolates. After graduation, she plans to work for a commercial greenhouse and knows that propagation will be an important part of her job. |
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AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION (AES) |
The Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) is the principal research unit of ACES. The AES system consists of scientists from NMSU’s main campus in the College of ACES and twelve agricultural science and research centers throughout the state. Research programs focus on four identified critical issues for New Mexico that will also have a global impact. These programs are (1) Food & Fiber Production and Marketing, (2) Water Use and Conservation, (3) Family Development and Health of New Mexicans, and (4) Environmental Stewardship, all of which are based on the foundation of education and training of qualified professionals in the field of agriculture. These critical issues help guide research initiatives for federal capacity funded research through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). NIFA capacity projects can include Hatch, Hatch multistate, McIntire-Stennis, Animal Health and Renewable Resources Extension programs. Each of these programs has specific distinctions for a research focus. The AES has 48 projects ongoing in various areas of research. Here are two examples of ongoing NIFA Hatch projects that directly impact the New Mexico agricultural industry. |
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Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a significant health concern in the cattle industry, affecting more than 20% of cattle and costing the US beef industry more than $600 million annually. Typically, calves entering feedlots are at risk because of the stress associated with weaning, comingling, and transportation. Researchers hypothesize that highly stressed and immune-challenged calves will have altered rumen microbial nutrient metabolism in addition to altered host animal nutrient metabolism, and that supplementation with nutrients that support immune function will improve calf health and performance. ACES research focuses on alternative nutritional management strategies to better prepare immune-compromised calves to fight infections and help reduce the US beef industry’s up to $900 million in annual economic losses due to the cost of BRD in feedlot cattle. If nutritional strategies utilizing specific nutraceuticals are developed to increase immunity and reduce BRD in cattle by 5% annually, this could save the US beef industry more than $30 million annually. |
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| Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout (RGCT) are a popular sport fish in New Mexico and Colorado and are the state fish of New Mexico, with social and cultural importance throughout the state. Nonnative Brook Trout threaten the persistence of native RGCT via competition and predation. To conserve RGCT, a suppression program involving mechanical removal and introduction of Myy Brook Trout was implemented in northern NM. NMSU researcher, Dr. Zachary Klein is investigating the validity of using Myy Brook Trout for suppressing nonnative Brook Trout. The Myy project benefits the public by ensuring the continued persistence of native species and biodiversity of the state. Projects such as this one that are designed to conserve the species indirectly influence the sustainability of fisheries that encourage tourism and outdoor pursuits in the state. |
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For more information, contact AES Program Operations Director Claire Montoya at ccortner@nmsu.edu. |
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COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE (CES) |
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County Extension Directors participate in NMC Conference Extension directors from all 33 counties and several Cooperative Extension Service department heads participated in the New Mexico Association of Counties 2023 Legislative Conference Jan. 18-19 in Santa Fe. During a two-day affiliate meeting, they discussed mindfulness on diversity and inclusion, led by Linda Scholtz, NMSU Vice President for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity. There was also a discussion on emotional intelligence for leaders. “The annual Association of Counties CES affiliate meeting is an opportunity for County Program Directors to gather valuable recourses that are specific for their roles as managers and leaders in their own county programs,” said Christina Turner, CES Northern District department head. “In addition to the CES affiliate meeting, Association of Counties helps bridge the gap between CES and our county government officials. Coming together at this annual event emphasizes the partnership that we maintain with our local communities.” For more information, contact CES Program Operations Director Julie Hughes at juhughes@nmsu.edu. |
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The NM EDGE Celebrates January 2023 Graduates On Thursday, January 19th, the NM EDGE program, joined by Dr. Jon Boren, celebrated fifteen graduates during the 2023 New Mexico Counties Legislative Conference in Santa Fe. Graduates were recognized for earning one or more NM EDGE public official oriented certifications during the second half of 2022. NM EDGE, a service of New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service, is a program designed to provide a comprehensive course of study to administrators, managers, elected officials, and staff in local, state, tribal, and national government, through which participants can acquire and apply the best practices and theory to their management behaviors and strategies, using the highest professional standards. Hundreds of New Mexico public officials take NM EDGE classes each year, and we celebrate those who have completed all classes required for certification. For more information about NM EDGE please visit https://nmedge.nmsu.edu/. |
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INNOVATIVE MEDIA RESEARCH & EXTENSION |
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5 million+ plays of our digital learning tools in 2022 Educational games, apps, videos, and interactive web modules developed by Innovative Media, Research and Extension and its Learning Games Lab were played or downloaded more than 5 million times in 2022. Popular YouTube videos developed by the team, in collaboration with Extension and research faculty from our college, include the Science of Soil and Science of Agriculture collections and Southwest Yard & Garden, which together had half a million plays in 2022. Virtual labs and educational games produced by the team were played 1.7 million times and covered topics such as irrigation water, farm sanitizing, public health, and Navajo rangelands. Apps developed by the team were downloaded 250,000 times and addressed STEM learning, financial literacy, nutrition and physical activity, and early childhood. The team also reached audiences with social media campaigns, blog posts, and in-person programs.
NMSU IMRE educational products are available free at innovativemedia.nmsu.edu, on YouTube (channels: LearningGamesLab and nmsuaces), on the Apple Store (search for “Learning Games Lab, NM State University”) and on Google Play (search for “NM State University”).
For more information, contact Interim Department Head/Professor Dr. Barbara Chamberlin at
bchamber@nmsu.edu. |
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INTERNATIONAL FOOD RESEARCH WORKSHOP |
The 3rd International Food Research Workshop in the Chihuahua Desert Region of North America (IFRW) will take place in Las Cruces, NM on February 23 and 24, 2023. The workshop is looking forward to gathering students and researchers working in food science and technology in the Chihuahua desert region to share results, discuss common problems/subjects, and create and feed a regional network of friends and colleagues. Those interested in presenting, please fill out the form available at 3rd International Food Research Workshop In The Chihuahua Desert Region of North America (office.com). The deadline to respond is February 13. |
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DACC To Offer Aerial Drone Workshop This Spring Doña Ana Community College will offer a one-credit, aerial drone workshop called "Taking Cameras to New Heights" this spring. The workshop will help photographers and cinematographers capture images from exciting, unique perspectives. Using the latest cutting-edge technology, this workshop will provide participants an innovative opportunity to share ones creative vision.
This introductory workshop is designed for emerging drone photographers and cinematographers. Students will be introduced to the FAA regulations, licensing and national airspace as well as an understanding of drone aerial photography and filmmaking. From equipment, take-off, flight techniques and image capture, students will develop skills to operate a drone in national airspace for the creation of commercial aerial photography and cinematography.
For more information, contact Matt Byrnes at 575-527-7573 or mbyrnes@nmsu.edu |
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New Mexico State University and nonprofit AI4ALL have partnered to offer NMSU and DACC students the opportunity to apply to the College Pathways Discover AI program. NMSU is again part of the AI4All Discover AI program – which provides free access to an introductory course on AI (and an entry point towards opportunities for internships). The course is designed to be accessible to students from any major, and with a particular emphasis on engaging students from traditionally underrepresented groups. To learn more and apply click on the following link: Spring 2023: New Mexico State University AI4ALL - Discover AI Application (smarterselect.com) |
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Nominations Sought For Ralph B. Crouch Award Do you know an employee that deserves recognition for their work? Nominating someone for a formal award is a great way to show appreciation.
This year, nominations for the Ralph B. Crouch Memorial Award are currently being solicited for outstanding non-exempt employees of the New Mexico State University system. The recognition includes a cash award. Information, eligibility requirements, and the nomination form are on the Crimson Recognition Program’s Formal Awards page.
Nominations will be accepted no later than March 3. Please submit all nomination forms to the Center for Learning and Professional Development by email to trainingcentral@nmsu.edu. Include “Crouch Nomination – Attn: Jagan Butler” in the subject line.
For more information, contact Jagan Butler at 575-646-7176 or jabutler@nmsu.edu |
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PES Master’s student McKenzie Stock took part in the Graduate Research and Arts Symposium on November 17, 2022. She combined her abilities in botanical illustration and scientific research to create A Field Guide to Pecan Orchard Fungi in the Southwest, a collection of watercolor paintings related to her thesis work. Her exhibit featured mushrooms, root diagrams, and pecan trees, along with descriptions and field notes with the goal of presenting research in a beautiful and approachable way to interest more people in the field of environmental science. McKenzie won second place in the Arts division of the symposium along with a scholarship. She is working with Drs. Pietrasiak, Heerema, Randall, and Romero, and her research and program is supported by NM Dept of Ag and ACES AES. |
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SCHOOL OF HOTEL, RESTAURANT, AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT (HRTM) |
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HRTM Spring Meals and Events The School of HRTM is excited to welcome the NMSU campus, industry partners, and local community to join us for our Spring 2023 semester events. We will resume our International Lunches in 100 West Café from Noon-1pm on Wednesdays and Fridays from March 1st until May 5th featuring our new faculty member, Danielle Young, as the chef instructor. TAP Happy Hours will be held in the Café on one Friday per month beginning February 3rd. They feature beer, wine, cocktails, and free snacks with the purchase of a beverage. Our largest event of the year, our annual Chef Artist Dinner and Silent Auction, is on April 27th at the Las Cruces Convention Center. For more information on these events, please visit our website at https://100west.nmsu.edu/index.html |
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Senior Leadership Retreat (SLR) was held January 20-22 in Albuquerque for senior age (13-18 year old) 4-H members. During the retreat, participants explore careers, participate in workshops, and make connections with employers and other youth. New Mexico 4-H was honored to host a delegation of 27 participants representing Oklahoma 4-H during the event. Three hundred seventy-five participants explored behind the scenes touring the Albuquerque International Sunport, BioPark Zoo, Walmart Distribution Center, Explora, a paper company, Rio Grande Nature Center, and UNM Communications. Youth also attended workshops provided by SW Border Protection and Emergency Preparedness Center; NMSU School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management; 4-H STEM; NMSU Collegiate 4-H; NM 4-H Leadership Team; OK 4-H Leadership Team, and the NMSU College of Nursing. Melvin Adams, former Harlem Globetrotter, provided an inspiring closing session sharing ideas for staying positive including, “No one is a born a winner or a loser; you’re born a chooser!” |
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2023 NEW MEXICO CHILE PEPPER CONFERENCE |
New Mexico State University will host the 2023 New Mexico Chile Conference Feb. 6–7 at the Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave., in Las Cruces. This year’s conference, co-hosted by NMSU’s Chile Pepper Institute and Extension Plant Sciences Department, will feature nearly 20 different speakers and presentations. The conference will kick off at 4 p.m. on February 6 with opening remarks from Stephanie Walker, NMSU professor, Extension vegetable specialist and conference chair. Derek Barchenger, vegetable breeder at the World Vegetable Center and NMSU alumnus, will then give a talk on world chile production. Presentations will begin at 8:15 a.m. on February 7 after opening remarks from Leslie Edgar, director of the NMSU Agricultural Experiment Station. A complete list of speakers and presentations is available at https://cpi.nmsu.edu/2023NMCCProgram.pdf. Registration is now open online at https://chilepepperinstitute.ecwid.com/2023-New-Mexico-Chile-Conference-c122975504. For more information, visit https://cpi.nmsu.edu or call 575-646-3028. |
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COLLEGE OF ACES MAGAZINE – FALL 2022 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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