SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Center at Farmington is consistently engaged in research and community outreach activities. The center will present several of these projects at its annual field day on June 27.

This year’s event will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center, located at 300 Road 4063 in Farmington, New Mexico. The center occupies 254 acres leased from the Navajo Nation and is notable for being the only science center west of the Continental Divide that operates directly on sovereign First Nations land.

One of the key research projects featured this year is the Winter Malting Barley Trial, a collaboration led by the University of Minnesota involving public and private breeders as well as other agricultural science centers nationwide. Interest in malting barley has surged with the rise of the craft brewing industry. In 2022, New Mexico Craft Breweries had an economic impact of $338 million with 104 craft breweries operating within the state. Winter barley yields more than spring types and aids soil stabilization during winter, allowing for an earlier harvest and enabling growers to plant a second crop within the same year.

Another project highlighted during this year's field day focuses on ancient and heritage grains, which also provide soil cover and erosion control and can be harvested shortly after winter barley.

“Ancient and heritage grain varieties are older varieties that have been grown in the past and are experiencing a resurgence in interest,” said Kevin Lombard, research director for the Agricultural Science Center at Farmington. “As consumers become more attracted to localized food production, older crop varieties are gaining favor.”

Lombard noted that ancient grain varieties hold potential for inclusion in various foods and beverages due to their nutritional and flavor profiles. Recently, funding from the New Mexico Legislature enabled the center to purchase a small plot combine, aligning it with peer institutions researching these grains.

Viticulture research is another topic of high interest at this year's field day. Due to northwest New Mexico's high elevation and low humidity, growers face challenges cultivating various grape types. Several viticulture studies aim to identify suitable cultivars for this region.

In 2022, New Mexico’s wine producers generated approximately $1.12 billion in total economic activity, up from $876 million in 2020, according to the National Association of American Wineries.

“Before considering grapes, growers are encouraged to know what their soil conditions are and their site temperatures,” Lombard said. “Planting grapes is a considerable investment.”

Other presentations will include potato trials, cover crops, and sweet potato trials.

“Dr. Koffi Djaman is especially involved with the potato trials, an important crop grown in the region,” Lombard said.

The event will also feature table presenters such as Transformation Network and Wonders on Wheels mobile museum. This year’s keynote speaker is Miss Navajo Nation Amy Naazbah Reeves-Begaye.

“The ASC Farmington staff do a tremendous year-round job, and there will be opportunities to see other projects along the field day tour route and opportunities to network with researchers,” Lombard said.

Farmington’s field day will also offer live music; lunch will be provided. A continuing education credit (CEU) opportunity will follow from 1 to 2 p.m.

For further information or directions to the center, visit https://farmingtonsc.nmsu.edu/. Individuals with disabilities needing auxiliary aid or service should contact Corey Benally at 505-960-7757.

___