Alcalde Field Day Highlights Extension and Research Work

Date:  Aug. 5, 1997
Editor: D'Lyn Ford  (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu

LAS CRUCES -- Research ranging from medicinal herbs to elk control will be featured at a field day at New Mexico State University's Agricultural Science Center at Alcalde on Aug. 17 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Participants also will have a chance to learn more about NMSU's Cooperative Extension Service programs, said Steve Guldan, science center research leader.

"Extension's Rural Agricultural Improvement and Public Affairs Project, funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, has a number of activities in the region," he said. "Projects include rural community development, food processing, small business development and sustainable agriculture."

Other field day topics will include elk control and intensive livestock grazing, cool-season grass crops, invasive plants of concern in northern New Mexico, and the potential for raising medicinal herbs, Guldan said.

"We also have planted an apple variety trial here, and Extension faculty will be talking about fruit tree nutrition and pest management in orchards," he said. "We'll discuss some forage and grazing projects going on at the station and research involving interseeding chile crops with snap peas."

Many people are not aware that each county has an Extension office they can call for advice or information related to agriculture, nutrition, consumer and family issues and even 4-H and youth development, he said. "That's a very important part of the field day -- getting people in touch with what New Mexico State University can provide through research and Extension."

The field day is open to the public, Guldan said. A free barbeque dinner will be served at the end of the program. For more information, call Dora Valdez or Phyllis Moya at (505) 852-2668.