New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Center at Farmington is constantly brimming with research and community outreach activities. The center will showcase a few of those projects at its annual field day June 27.
This year’s field day is taking place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 27 at the center, 300 Road 4063 in Farmington, New Mexico. The center is situated on 254 acres leased from the Navajo Nation, and is the only science center west of the Continental Divide. It is also the only 1862 land-grant science center to work directly on sovereign First Nations land.
Among the research projects being highlighted at this year’s field day is the Winter Malting Barley Trial, a collaboration led by the University of Minnesota involving public and private breeders, and other agricultural science centers across the country.
Interest in malting barley has boomed in recent years with the growing popularity of the craft brewing industry. In 2022, New Mexico Craft Breweries had an economic impact of $338 million with 104 craft breweries operating in the state. Winter barley is higher yielding than spring types and helps with soil stabilization during the winter. Winter barley also allows for an earlier harvest, meaning New Mexico growers can plant a second crop in the same year.
Another project that will be presented during this year’s field day are ancient and heritage grains, which also provide soil cover and erosion control, and can be harvested a week or two 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 said that in New Mexico, there is potential for ancient grain varieties to be included in various foods and beverages due to their nutritional and flavor profiles. Recently, the New Mexico Legislature provided funding for the center to purchase a small plot combine, which brings the center up to par with peer institutions also researching ancient and heritage grains.
A topic that is of high interest, along with barley and heritage and ancient grains, is the center’s viticulture research. Due to the high elevation and low humidity in northwest New Mexico, growers often experience challenges in growing a variety of grapes. Determining the best cultivars for the reason is the main objective of a number of viticulture studies.
In 2022, New Mexico’s 57 wine producers and associated hotel, restaurant and tourism industries generated about $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 in a considerable investment.”
Other research presentations that will be featured 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.
There will also be table presenters, including the Transformation Network and the 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 the researchers,” Lombard said.
Farmington’s field day will also feature live music and lunch will be provided. There will also be a continuing education credit (CEU) opportunity following the end of the field day from 1 to 2 p.m.
For more information and directions on how to get to the center, visit https://farmingtonsc.nmsu.edu/ . If you are an individual with a disability and in need of an auxiliary aid or service to participate, contact Corey Benally at 505-960-7757.
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-farmington-field-day-to-highlight-research--collaborations/s/9ae037da-01cb-40ba-a4af-b8c1c2dff4bf