SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University, in collaboration with the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, is set to sponsor a smart farming workshop on October 30 at the Rio Grande Community Farm in Albuquerque. The event aims to provide farmers and agricultural professionals with insights into modern farming technologies.

Scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the workshop is free of charge, though pre-registration is required by October 18. Interested participants can register by emailing icalsoya@nmsu.edu.

Israel Joukhadar, a senior research scientist in Extension Plant Sciences, emphasized the benefits of the workshop. “Farmers and agricultural professionals will be exposed to affordable and accessible technologies, which can enhance efficiency, productivity and sustainability in their farming operations,” he said. Joukhadar believes this knowledge is crucial for small-scale farmers aiming to remain competitive and adapt to contemporary agricultural practices.

The workshop will feature presentations, a farm tour, and hands-on demonstrations focused on hardware and software solutions for agriculture. Participants will learn about sensor technologies that monitor essential farming conditions. The technologies highlighted include irrigation management systems and weather monitoring tools designed to assist farmers in making informed decisions regarding planting, harvesting, and crop protection against extreme weather.

Brian Naughton from Rio Grande Community Farm is leading the event alongside Joukhadar.