VOLUME 2023, ISSUE 9 06/07/2023 |
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Greetings, alumni and friends of the College of ACES, We have water flowing again in the Rio Grande, and with this all the summer activities are in full force in the College of ACES. We started with our field days not too long ago, the Leyendecker Field Day May 24, and today, June 7, the Fabian Garcia Onion Field Day, with many more to come. The college has been hiring new faculty and staff, and some of the new hires will be featured in this or future newsletters. Last week we made a visit to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) at which all the deans from NMSU met with their counterparts in UTEP, which was a very productive meeting. We have a lot of common activities and work to do with UTEP, in particular in water management and water-related issues. This week I will be traveling with Provost Dr. Alan Shoho to visit several of our science centers and extension offices along with some stops at pueblos and Navajo reservations in New Mexico. This is the first time Provost Shoho will be visiting outside of the Las Cruces campus and the ACES facilities. The college has been working closely with the Farm & Ranch Museum, and last week the museum had a new exhibit in which they feature historical heroes of the College of ACES that we have mentioned. They did an outstanding job. It is great to see all these individuals who in one way or another – but all in great way – have contributed to New Mexico agriculture. Also, in this issue we have an op-ed regarding the farm bill and how important this bill is to ACES and New Mexico. Please continue providing feedback like many of you have done; we really appreciate it. We also encourage you to attend our field days in the coming months, as they occur in each of your communities. Have a great summer! |
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Rolando A. Flores Galarza Dean & Chief Administrative Officer |
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Farm bill vital to supporting NMSU’s mission The Farm Bill is pivotal to New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), our ability to uphold our promise to New Mexico communities, and our mission as a land-grant university. The farm bill authorizes federal appropriations to be designated for land-grant universities to receive capacity funds, which includes Hatch, Hatch Multistate, McIntire-Stennis, Animal Health, and Smith-Lever Funds. These funding sources support research projects and Extension programs across New Mexico. 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. ACES critical issues include Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and Conservation, Family Development and Health of New Mexicans, and Environmental Stewardship, all of which are based on the foundation of education and training of qualified professionals in the field of agriculture. These 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 funding sources has specific distinctions for a research focus. These funds are leveraged with state funds to support additional research and outreach and enables the state Agricultural Experiment Station to pivot in response to unexpected events (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires). The NMSU AES has 48 projects ongoing in various areas of research. |
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The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) provides a critical link between the research performed at public land-grant institutions and its implementation in local communities. The New Mexico Cooperative Extension utilizes Smith-Lever funding through the Farm Bill to provide practical, research-based knowledge and programs to serve the citizens of New Mexico. CES has staff in all 33 counties and many Tribal areas in New Mexico, and collaborates with more than 1,000 organizations, state and federal agencies, other universities, and 10,000 volunteers. We focus on collaboration to foster economic, educational, and community development, keeping the needs of our neighbors at the forefront of our work. Extension agents and specialists have worked during the last couple of years to create effective ways for youth to access science, technology, art, and math education opportunities as well as identify and address behavioral health concerns for not only our children and families, but also in our agricultural communities. CES has worked in numerous ways to assist our communities hit the hardest by devastating wildfires and continues to work with multiple state agencies to protect our food supply and develop programs to address a wide range of potential threats to our agricultural infrastructure. CES specialists continue to address the challenges of making critical management decisions through extended drought conditions and work to promote economic development through agriculture. As the NMSU College of ACES continues to serve the state by fostering excellence in research innovation while providing avenues to train future global leaders in agriculture and provide practical education to our communities, these federal funding resources are as important to the success of our mission as they were more than a hundred years ago. For more information contact, Dean & Chief Administrative Officer from the College of ACES, Dr. Rolando A. Flores Galarza at acesdean@nmsu.edu, Cooperative Extension Service Associate Dean & Director Dr. Jon Boren at jboren@nmsu.edu or Agricultural Experiment Station Associate Dean & Director Dr. Leslie Edgar at ledgar@nmsu.edu. |
The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces opened a new exhibit that uses the inspirational stories of seven remarkable individuals to explore the importance of agricultural research in an everchanging world. “Beyond the Farm: Groundbreaking Agriculture” opened in the north corridor of the Museum on June 2. Dean & Chief Administrative Officer Rolando A. Flores Galarza from the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences gave opening remarks. Farmers and ranchers keep us fed, clothed, and sheltered. With fewer farmers, less land in agriculture, and more people to feed, the demand to increase efficiency and productivity is clear. Through the support of land grant universities like New Mexico State (NMSU) in Las Cruces, researchers have increased our quality of life and continue to work towards solving worldwide challenges like hunger and disease. “New Mexico State University has supported the groundbreaking research and discoveries of several agriculturalists and food scientists,” said Farm & Ranch Museum Executive Director Heather Reed. “The individuals featured have a unique story to tell as they overcame challenges, broke barriers, and made contributions to agriculture that paved the way for future scientists and healthier generations.” The Beyond the Farm exhibit shares the individual stories of a diverse group of people connected to NMSU, including: —Fabián García (1872–1948) —Sam Steel (1876–1893) —Fabiola Cabeza de Baca (1894–1991) —Roy Nakayama (1923–1988) —Jessie Fitzgerald (1930–2013) —Rose Marie Valdes Pangborn (1932–1990) — Anthony “Tony” Bellotti (1937–2013) |
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AMPING UP EFFORTS TO RECRUIT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS |
College of ACES at the 87th Convención Nacional Ganadera The College of ACES was invited to attend the LXXXVII Convención Nacional Ganadera hosted in Chihuahua, Mexico from May 21 to 25, which brought together livestock producers from all over the country and is organized by the National Confederation of Livestock Organizations (CNOG). Erika De La O. Medina, Planning Officer, and Senior Program Specialist Heber Lara traveled to attend this convention to promote NMSU and the College of ACES to potential international students interested in areas of study related to agriculture. The presence of the Secretary of the Interior at this event underscores the strategic importance that the government attaches to the livestock sector and its commitment to promote its growth and development for the benefit of Chihuahua and Mexico as a whole. U.S Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE), with the assistance from Juan Sanchez, Sr. Marketing Specialist for New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA), were important contributors in helping the College of ACES be present at this convention. |
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In 2022, NMSU AES submitted 15 research impact statements to elevate awareness of land-grant research across the United States. Four of these were picked up at the national level to be used as examples for land-grant research communication pieces. Here is an example of one of the research stories that has been distributed nationally: Burrowing owls are a species of conservation concern that is increasingly coming into conflict with urban and commercial development. A mitigation strategy to manage owl populations involves relocating owls to new sites away from the development. For example, in the greater Phoenix area, 100–400 owls are translocated each year due to development. However, methods for doing this had not been evaluated. In response, researchers at NMSU spent two years (2017–2019) evaluating the survival, site fidelity, nest survival, and productivity of burrowing owls translocated from areas undergoing development compared to nearby resident “wild” owls in the Phoenix area. They tracked the fates of 43 translocated and 42 resident owls over 56 weeks to determine survival, fidelity to the study area, nest establishment, nest survival, and the number of young produced. The results suggest group releases of burrowing owls (8–10 adults in a release group) during the breeding season is not an appropriate translocation method. Translocation of burrowing owls should take place in the non-breeding season and should be restricted to single individuals or male-female pairs. The researchers recommend that owls be released in sync with the ecological timeframe of dispersal and movements of wild owls in the region. Researcher Contact: Martha Desmond (mdesmond@nmsu.edu) For full details on other impact statements submitted by NMSU, visit: https://landgrantimpacts.tamu.edu/impacts/search |
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Agrivoltaics Research When solar panels are combined with agriculture (such as row crops or livestock), the resulting system is called agrivoltaics. Solar panels that can harvest energy while also shading plants are particularly suited to our hot and sunny climate. Shade can reduce evapotranspiration (ET) demand, so that plants require less water and are less stressed. NMSU researchers in Plant and Environmental Science and Engineering recently installed an initial set of solar panels in a chile field at the Leyendecker Plant Science Center. Work in this area is set to expand dramatically with recently received Congressionally Directed funding to develop the NMSU Agrivoltaics Research Program. Supported by Senators Heinrich and Luján, the $844,000 in funding will support research on best practices for the collocation of solar panels with agriculture in New Mexico and will expand opportunities to install agrivoltaics at science centers across the state. Senators Heinrich and Braun have recently introduced a bipartisan bill to support agrivoltaics research and demonstration. NMSU College of ACES feels hopeful that these efforts will have positive impacts on agricultural producers in New Mexico. Agrivoltaics have the potential to support rural, agriculture-based economies while meeting demands for energy production. When farmers and ranchers can diversify their income sources, they are less vulnerable to changes in price, inputs, and water availability. For more information, contact Lara Prihodko at prihodko@nmsu.edu |
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Initial agrivoltaic installation at Leyendecker Plant Science Center. |
Save the day! John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center in Mora, NM Wednesday, June 14, 2023 | 9 AM - 12 PM
This is a day to highlight the importance of New Mexico's forests and honor the Trambley family in support of these efforts. Come learn more about ongoing forestry research at the center and talk with collaborative partners from New Mexico. To register click on the following link: Mora Forestry Day (nmsu.edu) To learn about future field days click on the following link: Field Day/Event Schedule | New Mexico State University - BE BOLD. Shape the Future. (nmsu.edu) |
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Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Presentation at NERAO Conference Dr. Laura Bittner, interim 4-H and youth development department head, and Dr. Karim Martinez, Extension family life and child development specialist, currently serve as co-directors for the ACES equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) initiative. In May they were invited to present at the National Extension Research Administrative Officers Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. This annual conference provides professional development opportunities for Cooperative Extension staff in the fields of fiscal management, grants (competitive and capacity), administrative management, communications and marketing, and human resources management. Fifty-two people attended their presentation titled, “Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity: A Dialogue Approach,” which provided an overview of the ACES EID initiative, shared resources, and practiced activities to promote dialogue and build connections. Participant feedback was positive, and several attendees have contacted the presenters requesting additional resources. |
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New Technologies for Making Better Ice Cream Sergio Martinez-Monteagudo, associate professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, is using new technologies to manufacture ice cream with improved creaminess and reduced melting without the addition of synthetic additives. Sergio’s work involves applying acoustic technologies (ultrasound and cavitation) that are known to create several fluid dynamics phenomena. These effects can be put to work to induce molecular modification that results in favorable attributes. The ability to obtain desired creaminess and slowed melting of ice cream by controlling the molecular modifications of ice cream ingredients will allow commercial manufacturers to eventually phase out of using additives. Sergio’s non-additive approach has generated significant attention within the national industry. Last week, the CEO of Wells Enterprises Inc. and other executive directors toured Sergio’s laboratory and formalized a research agreement to develop this concept further. For more information, contact Sergio Martinez-Monteagudo at sergiomm@nmsu.edu. |
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Helping Students See Themselves in Agricultural Careers Researchers in the Innovative Media Research and Extension department are listening to student experiences to understand cultural, linguistic, gender-based and other biases and factors students may have experienced that have impacted their choices to pursue agricultural careers. From Fall 2021 to Spring 2023, the team conducted seven hour-long focus groups with participants from around the university (most from within the College of ACES). The focus groups included strong representation from our most underserved student populations. Transcriptions from these conversations are currently being analyzed to gather findings. The study informs the creation of digital learning labs which will provide students the opportunity to virtually conduct research in the laboratories of historical figures in agriculture who came from marginalized communities in New Mexico: chile pioneer Fabián García, food preservation expert Fabiola C. de Baca, and plant breeder Roy Nakayama, along with modern researchers studying similar topics. This work is part of the USDA-NIFA-funded grant “Innovators from Marginalized Communities Interactive Labs Which Help Students See Themselves in Agricultural Careers.” For more information, contact Dr. Pamela Martinez, Assistant Professor, Extension Learning Technologies Specialist, pamelmar@nmsu.edu. |
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Fabiola C. de Baca as a young woman (NMSU Archive). |
NEW MEXICO FFA ASSOCIATION |
New Mexico FFA 95th Annual Convention This week, 621 FFA members, their teachers, and supporters traveled to Las Cruces for the 95th annual New Mexico FFA Convention. Members competed in various competitions in hopes of walking the stage. Supporters of the organization and its members were recognized, as well as past agricultural educators. The members brought so much energy and excitement into the week to celebrate the past year. Many reunited with old friends and made new ones. NMFFA would like to thank everyone who contributed to such a great convention and year as a whole. Congratulations to all who took part in the competitions and were recognized at the convention. |
To see results, meet the new officers, and take a look at the accomplishments made through the year, visit the NMFFA website and social media pages. |
Website: http://www.nmffa.org Facebook: New Mexico FFA Instagram: @newmexicoffa |
The School of HRTM returns from the annual National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, IL Every year the School of HRTM is excited to provide the opportunity for staff, faculty and – most importantly – students, to attend the National Restaurant Association Show. In addition to being able to travel and see new places, it is an incredible chance to learn about trends, technology, and opportunities within the restaurant and food service industry. We also have an exhibitor booth to promote NMSU and the HRTM program for those seeking continuing education or to hire and recruit students and alumni. This year’s attendees consisted of both main campus and NMSU Global undergraduates, graduate students, and recent alumni. They experienced the show including amazing chef demonstrations, a tour of the connecting hotel, restaurant and event venue of the Hyatt at McCormick Place, and dinner at Beatrix Fulton Market. We were also able to connect with additional hospitality schools at a reception of the Eta Sigma Delta honorary society held at Depaul University. For more information about the reception and show, click on the following links: https://www.nationalrestaurantshow.com/ , ESD Reception |
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WOMEN IN AG LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE |
“Tools to Positively Leverage Your Stress” Presented at Women in Ag Leadership Conference Dianne Christensen, Bernalillo County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, and Karim Martinez, Extension Family Life and Child Development Specialist, were invited to present a session at the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau Women in Ag Leadership Conference in Albuquerque, NM. Participants who attended their session, “Tools to Positively Leverage Your Stress,” learned how stress affects the body, practical tools to positively leverage stress for positive outcomes, the importance of self-care, and strategies to nurture mental health and well-being. Dianne and Karim also promoted the Here to Help NM resource for supporting mental health in Agricultural communities https://www.nmflb.org/Get-Involved/Here-To-Help-NM. Here to Help NM is a collaboration between New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, and the NMSU College of ACES. For more information contact Dianne Christensen, diannec@nmsu.edu, or Karim Martinez, karmarti@nmsu.edu. |
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Left to Right - Bernalillo County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Dianne Christensen and Extension Family Life and Child Development Specialist Dr. Karim Martinez. |
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| Audrianna (Audri) Giron is the new addition to the Office of Business and Resource Planning and is currently pursuing a degree in Agricultural & Extension Education (AXED). Prior to her employment at NMSU, Audri spent a few years in the fast-paced logistics field under the umbrella of MVT Holdings, where she learned the ins and outs of the transportation field – along with basic accounting skills – and took on fiscal tasks that helped her become a part of the ACES family. Outside of her career, she enjoys cooking and spending time with family. She has a lovely three-year-old daughter, Ella, who is the light of her life. She looks forward to learning about her new position and getting to know her colleagues. |
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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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