College of Agricultural, Consumer
and Environmental Sciences
Table of Contents
Preamble ........................................................................................
3
Mission..............................................................................
4
Executive Summary............................................................
5
Academic Programs/Student Services ...........................................
8
Introduction...................................................................
8
2021 Recruitment Accomplishments..............................
9
Equity Inclusion and Diversity (EID) Initiatives Related
to Student Recruitment..................................................
10
2021 Retention Accomplishments..................................
10
EID Initiatives Related to Student Retention..................
11
2021 Career Placement Accomplishments......................
11
EID Initiatives Related to Student Placement.................
12
2021 Alumni Accomplishments......................................
12
EID Initiatives Related to Alumni Engagement..............
13
Agricultural Experiment Station ...................................................
14
Introduction...................................................................
14
Special Initiatives Update.................................................
16
Sustainability Initiatives..................................................
17
Agricultural Science Centers...........................................
18
AES Performance Metrics...............................................
21
AES 2021 Impact............................................................
21
Impact Highlights...........................................................
22
Cooperative Extension Services .....................................................
25
Introduction...................................................................
25
CES Performance Metrics...............................................
26
Food and Fiber Production and Marketing.....................
27
Water Conservation........................................................
31
Environmental Stewardship............................................
32
Family Development and Health of New Mexicans........
33
Youth.............................................................................
37
Center of Excellence in Sustainable Food and Systems ................
42
Introduction...................................................................
42
2021 Center Eforts.........................................................
43
Roadmap Teams..............................................................
44
Project Seed Funding......................................................
45
Community Outreach....................................................
48
CESFAS Faculty Impacts................................................
48
Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Initiative .....................................
50
Introduction...................................................................
50
Global Initiatives Program & Aggies Go Global ..........................
52
Introduction...................................................................
52
Indian Resources Development .....................................................
60
Introduction....................................................................
60
AG Modernization .........................................................................
67
ACES Organizational Chart ..........................................................
70
2021 Annual Report
College of Agricultural, Consumer
and Environmental Sciences
02
College of ACES
College of Agricultural, Consumer
and Environmental Sciences
Preamble
Tis annual report highlights impacts and accomplishments
from our three main areas and special programs in the
College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental
Sciences (ACES). Tese areas and programs include
Academic Programs – Student Services; the Agricultural
Experiment Station; the Cooperative Extension Service;
Indian Resources Development; the Center of Excellence
in Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems; the Equity,
Inclusion and Diversity Initiative; and the Global Initiatives
Program – Aggies Go Global. It provides an overview of
multiple accomplishments from 2021 such as impacts,
productivity, contributions, and goals for each unit.
Te year 2021 has been challenging due to all the changes
that the year and COVID-19 brought us; however, thanks
to ACES staf, faculty and students a wonderful job and
teamwork achieved the objectives for the College of ACES.
We succeeded!
Te importance of ACES for NMSU and the state of New Mexico is herein presented in a
succinct and visual manner. Te collaboration of the ACES team in the preparation of this
report and the accomplishment of our tasks and objectives cannot be praised enough.
Tere is a section on the building of the new facilities that will be a game changer for ACES
and NMSU. It is here that we want to give our most sincere thanks to New Mexico voters for
supporting our growth plans by overwhelmingly approving the GO Bond 2018. Also, we want
to thank our private donors for their contributions to the success of this project. Additional
contributions and donations are always welcome. Stay alert for the formal dedication for these
three buildings toward the end of the year.
Rolando A. Flores Galarza
Dean and Chief Administrative Ofcer
College of Agricultural, Consumer
and Environmental Sciences
New Mexico State University
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2021 Annual Report
ACES Mission
ACES Mission
The ACES College is an engine for economic and community development
in New Mexico, improving the lives of New Mexicans through research,
teaching and extension.
04
College of ACES
Executive Summary
ACES Executive Summary
Te College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) is broadly
organized into three interrelated functional areas: Academic Programs, the Agricultural
Experiment Station (AES), and the Cooperative Extension Service (CES). Te college structure
also includes special programs – Indian Resources Development (IRD), Global Programs (GP),
and the Center of Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (CESFAS) – and
special initiatives such as Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EID).
Teaching, research, and Extension eforts within the College are centered on four primary pillars,
with a foundation of education and training. Te four pillars are (1) food and fber production
and marketing, (2) water use and conservation, (3) family development and health of New
Mexicans, and (4) environmental stewardship.
In Academic Programs, a theme for 2021 was “returning to a new normal” under COVID-safe
policies and procedures, including a return to in-person teaching (fall semester), recruiting and
related events to increase the visibility of ACES to potential students throughout New Mexico,
cultivate strong linkages with alumni and stakeholders, and promote ACES graduates as
“employees of choice” with potential employers.
In 2021, Agricultural Experiment Station faculty and staf generated extensive research,
education and training related to the four ACES pillars. Tese included tools for drought
monitoring and economic impact calculations; research on consumer preferences around spicy
pepper consumption; new herbicides for Roundup-resistant weeds; ways of optimizing water use
by turfgrass; new crops utilizing brackish groundwater reserves; methods of using agricultural
biomass in electricity generation; information on the health efects of COVID-19 among
agricultural producers; investigations into the increased nutritional value of local foods; programs
for creating resilient food networks in New Mexico; research to better understand and mitigate
the efects of invasive species; conservation of New Mexico freshwater fshes; and facilitating New
Mexicans’ access to site-specifc information about soils. Te Agricultural Experiment Station
includes scientists who work on facilities at the NMSU main campus in eight academic
departments as well as at twelve agricultural science and research centers throughout the state, on
fundamental and applied science and technology research to beneft New Mexico’s citizens in the
economic, social, and cultural aspects of agriculture, natural resource management, and family
issues. AES scientists develop research programs that address key needs identifed by advisory
committees and local stakeholders. Each Agricultural Science Center (ASC) responds to specifc
research needs under New Mexico’s varied geographical and environmental conditions. Tese
research eforts sustain and support New Mexico’s diverse environment, farms, ranches, forests,
and rural and urban communities.
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2021 Annual Report
Executive Summary
Te NMSU Cooperative Extension Service (CES) delivers practical, research-based knowledge
and programs that improve New Mexicans’ quality of life via federal, state, and county
partnerships. CES has staf in all 33 counties and many Tribal areas in New Mexico, and
collaborates with over 1,000 organizations, state and federal agencies, other universities, and
10,000 volunteers. Every year, Extension faculty reach over 400, 000 New Mexicans-more than
one-third of the state’s population who beneft from a wide range of CES educational programs
in areas such as economic and community development, human nutrition, agriculture,
environmental stewardship, and family and child development. In 2021, Cooperative Extension
Service faculty and staf generated 547 Extension publications and 220 conference presentations
and facilitated 2,573 workshops and presentations. Faculty and staf were awarded 69 grants and
contracts, totaling $17,873,700. In addition, cash and in-kind donations ofset total expenditures
of $24,208,037. CES provided educational programming to more than 700,000 New Mexicans
while also reaching people 11,814,386 times through various social media outlets.
NMSU’s Center of Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems coordinates the
expertise and eforts of faculty and staf throughout the NMSU system and other stakeholders in
developing solutions to problems facing New Mexico’s food and agricultural systems.
Coordination eforts include developing and supporting transdisciplinary “roadmap” teams,
providing seed funding for innovative research projects, and collaborating with other New
Mexico centers of excellence and other stakeholders. Over the past two years, roadmap teams
have been formed around the following topics: carbon sequestration; hemp production and
utilization; controlled-environment agriculture; food, water, and energy; sustainable agricultural
systems – dairy; conservation; and healthy soils, plants, and people. Center directors and staf
conduct outreach eforts with various New Mexico stakeholder groups to highlight the
importance of sustainable food and agricultural systems and share how New Mexico State
University is working to solve critical issues in the State’s food and agricultural Systems.
Te College of ACES Global Program (GP) aims to provide every student in the College of
Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences an opportunity to have an inspiring
international experience prior to graduation. Te ACES GP also participates in grant programs
to amplify the impact of research on society and the economy and to promote international
collaboration by accelerating technology and knowledge transfer. Global Programs also
collaborates with international companies, including three Israeli companies, Ndrip, Tal Ya and
Cropx, on projects related to increasing water conservation and crop water use efciency for the
specialty crops of New Mexico. To encourage global activities, including recruitment of faculty
and students, ACES GP has also initiated an annual Outstanding Global Work Award as well as
travel awards. In order to further its mission and expand outreach to ACES alumni, ACES GP
also gives an International Distinguished Alumni award.
06
College of ACES
Executive Summary
Indian Resources Development (IRD) is a statewide program that ofers educational and
professional development opportunities for Native American students from New Mexico who
are in high school and college; and supports NM tribal nations in developing their own
technical and managerial expertise in agriculture, natural resources, engineering, energy, and
business.In 2021, Indian Resources Development (IRD) was able to advance its mission by
providing research and internship experiences for high school and college students, ofering
emergency scholarships and fnancial aid information, supporting the participation of college
students in professional development conferences and meetings, and – most importantly – by
serving as a connector between partners and collaborators. In 2021, IRD also secured federal
funding in collaborations with other high education institutions to ofer agricultural and
entrepreneurial camps and professional development workshops, as well as internships that aid in
keeping college students interested and focused on staying in college and graduating. Internally,
IRD put together communications and fund development plans, published the frst issues of its
newsletter, added informational resources to its web site, hosted its frst graduate student
assistant, and continued the work of expanding tribal advisory groups for the program.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EID) was named as a special initiative of the college of ACES
in August 2021. Te initiative’s two co-directors are charged with coordinating and managing
strategic activities within the college of ACES as well as serving as liaisons to campus-wide EID
initiatives. Goals of this initiative are to (1) review, evaluate, and recommend policies and
programs promoting diversity and inclusivity for ACES faculty, staf, and students and
(2) collaborate with the NMSU Vice President for EID, ACES Dean, Associate Deans, and unit
leaders on eforts to foster equitable and inclusive environments within the college as well as
externally with community stakeholders. In 2021, the EID directors and other ACES faculty
paticipated in professional development programs, including being trained as facilitators of a
national CES program called Coming Together for Racial Understanding (CTRU) and ofering
this program to 170 participants from the ACES college. Te EID directors also participated
in NMSU trainings from the Borderland and Ethnic Studies Program, the Teaching Academy,
Training Central, Chicano Programs, the VP for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Ofce, and the
College Assistance Migrant Program as well as from the following non-NMSU entities:
Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering
and Medicine; and the Michigan State University Ofce of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Te
co-directors met with administrators from ACES Academic Programs, the Agriculture
Experiment Station (AES), and the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) as well as with four
department heads to discuss needs for EID resources and professional development training.
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2021 Annual Report
Academic Programs
Introduction
A theme for 2021 was “returning to a new normal.” While many key ACES Academic
Program Ofce (ACES-APO) activities were signifcantly disrupted in 2020, we were able to
re-engage in many of these activities and initiatives in 2021, albeit under COVID-safe
policies and procedures. Of note, our College fully embraced the return to in-person teaching
(fall semester), which speaks highly of our faculty’s commitment to student learning. Overall, our
faculty and students were committed to this approach, and to that end the College experienced a
minimal level of issues related to COVID safety and compliance. Beyond the classroom, we held
recruiting and related events to increase the visibility of ACES to potential students through
out NM and beyond, implemented new initiatives to enhance student success and professional
development, and generally increased our level of personal engagement with stakeholders. In
summary, we began to see in 2021 some initial benefts of the integrated approach to the ACES
Academic Programs Ofce that was envisioned in 2019, and was established in 2020. Moving
forward, Academic Programs will continue to provide solid leadership to leverage these
advancements and accomplishments with defnitive goals to increase enrollment, instill an
attitude of excellence in our students and faculty, develop strong linkages with our alumni and
stakeholders, and promote our ACES graduates as ‘employees of choice’ with potential
employers.
08
College of ACES
Academic Programs
2021 Recruitment Accomplishments
In 2021, a more modern approach to student recruitment was adopted. No doubt, increasing
enrollment is critical to the future of the College. Tus, the College’s approach to student
recruitment is being revised with more emphasis on broadening our reach, developing focused
marketing strategies, and taking a more active (vs passive) approach. Of particular note, we
partnered with Keystone Academic Solutions to recruit undergraduate and graduate students
globally, re-established our participation in state fairs, increased social media activity, linked with
alumni to assist in recruitment, expanded the scope of ACES Ambassadors recruitment activities,
and established an ACES Recruitment Committee. Primarily due to the pandemic, our
undergraduate enrollment dropped for 2021, so reversing this trend is a priority.
While the primary responsibility for student recruitment, retention and placement lies with the
College,, the College must successfully partner with NMSU central ofces - namely Admissions,
Financial Aid, CAASS, Career Services and Student Records, to be successful. Very strong
working relationships with these ofces have been establihed, which in turn has allowed the
ACES College to be more responsive in meeting needs of our students and faculty. Tis bridge
building continues to be a work-in-progress and remains a high priority.
2022–2025 Goals
In support of ACES Strategic Goals 1.1 and 1.3, the
ACES-APO will continue to bolster its recruitment
eforts. Undergraduate and graduate recruitment events
have begun to be re-established, with a particular focus
on in-person statewide events.
Strategies to improve responsiveness to student leads
will begin being utilized. By using resources within the
NMSU system and eforts within the ACES-APO we
will begin generating more personal responses to student
inquiries and applications. Eforts will also include an
increased social media presence.
To help leverage our recruitment eforts throughout the
state, we plan to continue improving our scholarship
award processes. Tis will allow scholarships to be given
to potential students by our College Recruiter and to
begin awarding scholarships earlier.
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2021 Annual Report
Academic Programs
Equity Inclusion and Diversity (EID)
Initiatives Related to Student Recruitment
ACES is home to eight academic departments that ofer 23 diferent undergraduate majors.
Terefore, our College appeals to and supports students representing diverse backgrounds and
academic interests. Tis is a message that needs to be well communicated to a broader audience.
To that end, recruitment eforts will be enhanced to target underrepresented students, with an
initial efort to increase recruitment of tribal students and military veterans.
2021 Retention Accomplishments
In the ACES-APO, the goal is to lead the College by our own examples. Tis comes in many
forms, including promoting an atmosphere of servant leadership and commitment to excellence.
An efort to develop a team approach to the Academic Programs Ofce continues. Tis entailed
integration of the Ag Ed/FFA ofce and Rodeo Team Coach as part of the ACES-APO team. For
2021, hiring a state leader for Ag Ed/FFA1 and a Rodeo Coach, both of whom are excellent,
represented key accomplishments.
Te College continued its commitment to student success through its ACES courses: ACES
1120 Freshman Orientation, ACES 1210 Financial Fitness for College Students, ACES 1220
Academic Excellence, ACES 301 Agricultural Leadership Development (ACES Mentors), and
ACES 305 Advanced Leadership and Communication (ACES Ambassadors). Tese courses
provided a means to develop students’ personal and professional success skills.
Even as we still see efects of the pandemic elsewhere, 373 total ACES students earned their
degrees in 2021. Tis speaks highly of the resolve and grit of our students and faculty.
Financial support is also critical to the retention of many ACES students and to that end,
the ACES-APO maintained a strong scholarship program. In 2021, the College provided
scholarships to 601 students, many receiving multiple scholarships, totaling $610,137. Tis
continues to one of the strongest scholarship programs at NMSU.
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College of ACES
Academic Programs
2022–2025 Goals
In support of ACES Strategic Goals 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, the ACES-APO will continue to work to
improve student success and professional growth. We are continuing to enhance our ACES
Student Success Center space and the equipment provided, as it has provided a great study area
for many of our students.
Te ACES-APO will continue to develop its use of new NMSU databases, namely Ad Astra to
optimize course scheduling/rotations and Curricular Analytics to reduce degree complexity
resulting in enhanced student success, including retention and graduation rates. Ultimately,
achieving solid student learning outcomes that support degree completion by our students is a
primary goal of the ACES teaching mission. In support of this goal, the ACES-APO will work
closely with each ACES academic department to improve its academic assessment process and
make appropriate improvements in developing class schedules and registration.
Additional goals will include making improvements in the graduate student experience through
timely progress reports; and continuing to strengthen our support of College- wide professional
development courses (ACES courses).
EID Initiatives Related to Student Retention
Consistent EID messaging is critical to current and potential students. Te ACES-APO
continues to work deliberately to ensure that consistent positive EID messages are provided
during all College-wide student programs (Orientation, Recruitment, etc.). Te goal of this
consistent messaging is to welcome each and every ACES student and help them feel respected
and valued, as well as provide an environment in which they can thrive and achieve personal and
professional aspirations. Additionally, we have begun exploring the opportunity to charter an
NMSU chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences
(MANNRS) and the establishment of a NM JR MANNRS (grades 7–12) chapter through
school ag programs.
2021 Career Placement Accomplishments
Te ACES-APO continued to work with potential employers, but with centralization of Career
Service/Experiential Learning, interaction was primarily via NMSU career events and not directly
with employers at the College level. Individual departments did host career fairs,
including Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management, and Animal Science.
Our ofce also continued assisting students in attaining needed knowledge and skills,
achieving their personal educational goals, developing professionally and advancing into
rewarding and meaningful careers. Notably these eforts are being supported by establishing
a proposal with the goal of hosting an ACES Career Fair at the beginning of the Spring 2022
semester.
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2021 Annual Report
Academic Programs
2022–2025 Goals
Many traditional employers of ACES students are seeking a stronger connection at the College
level; therefore, in the future the ACES-APO will take a leadership role in establishing career fairs
at the College level. Tis goal will support ACES Strategic Goal 1.1, specifcally by increasing
internship opportunities and the awareness of these opportunities through the establishment of
career fairs, Alumni and Stakeholder connections, and promoting faculty grant proposals. To this
end, the College has already begun working with NMSU Career Services/Experiential Learning,
ACES departments and potential employers.
In addition to these career placement eforts, the ACES-APO will continue to support eforts to
enhance the preparation of our students for lifelong career mobility and success. Specifc tactics
related to this goal will include using the NMSU system for tracking Social Mobility and setting
benchmarks for ACES; and ofering workshops to students relevant to workplace preparations.
EID Initiatives Related to Student Placement
Given NMSU’s status as an HSI, ACES already works well with a variety of government agencies
related to internships and permanent placement. We are now focused on determining how to
best align our EID eforts with those of Non-Governmental Organizations and Industry, primary
employers of our graduates. Chartering a MANNRS chapter at NMSU would allow our
students to tap into the many employment opportunities provided at the national level. Te
possibility of partnering with emerging programs such as Together We Grow, a consortium of
ag/food companies, NGOs, and academia, centered at Colorado State University, will also be
explored. Te goal of the latter organization is to help build a skilled, diverse and inclusive
workforce to support American agriculture. Alignment of ACES eforts with the goals of our
employers will assist in insuring good placement and mobility of ACES graduates.
2021 Alumni Accomplishments
Since 2020, the ACES-APO has continued facilitating ACES Alumni Relations (Sam Steel
Society/Council). Together our groups have developed goals and activities designed to engage
ACES alumni with the students in ACES, as well as helping with recruitment eforts.
2022–2025 Goals
By developing a strong working relationship between the ACES-APO and the Sam Steel
Council, achievement of ACES Strategic Goal 1.3 will be facilitated.
Specifcally, the ACES-APO will continue to meet monthly with the Council and provide
updates related to achievement of recruiting and placement goals. Te ACES-APO plans to
engage alumni in specifc student recruitment and placement events. A particular activity will be
to engage ACES alumni in hosting NM regional recruiting events. Alumni will be very efective
in promoting the College and career opportunities to students and potential students.
12
College of ACES
Academic Programs
EID Initiatives Related to Alumni Engagement
Given that alumni know and represent the “traditions” associated with the College of ACES,
alumni will be engaged in a conversation on how to improve the College’s ability to attract and
include a broader representation of students from diverse backgrounds. Tese conversations will
focus on ensuring that the College continues to meet the educational and workforce needs in
New Mexico and beyond.
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2021 Annual Report
Agricultural Experiment Station
Introduction
Te Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) is the principal research unit of ACES. Te AES
system consists of scientists who work on facilities at the NMSU main campus in eight academic
departments and at twelve agricultural science and research centers throughout the state. Te AES
system supports fundamental and applied science and technology research to beneft New Mexico’s
citizens in the economic, social, and cultural aspects of agriculture, natural resource management,
and family issues. AES scientists develop research programs that address key needs identifed by
advisory committees and local stakeholders. Each Agricultural Science Center (ASC) responds to
specifc research needs under New Mexico’s varied geographical and environmental conditions.
Tese research eforts sustain and support New Mexico’s diverse environment, farms, ranches,
forests, and rural and urban communities.
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College of ACES
Agricultural Experiment Station
Figure 1: AES is part of the NMSU land-grant tripartite system
with a mission to teach, conduct research, and provide extension
and outreach to communities.
Figure 2: NMSU AES consists of 12 agricultural research and science centers, VERL, and eight academic departments
within ACES.
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2021 Annual Report
Agricultural Experiment Station
AES was created by the federal Hatch Act of 1887 and was constitutionally mandated in New
Mexico in 1915. In 2021, the AES total amount of operating revenue was $38.2 million (see
Figure 3 for a complete breakdown of operating revenue sources). Te College of ACES continues
to lead NMSU in grants awarded and expended; ACES faculty, staf, and students work hard to
ensure New Mexico’s investment in AES is matched by more than a 1:1 ratio.
Figure 3: AES Operating Revenue Sources Breakdown.
Special Initiatives Update
Te NMSU AES will receive funding from the $1.5 trillion omnibus bill President Biden signed.
AES received $1.8 million for the ZiaMet Mesonet Weather Monitoring Network Expansion
eforts and $995,000 for the Carbon Management and Soil Health in Arid and Semi-Arid
Environments initiative. Te omnibus bill includes a total of $4.3 million in congressional
directed spending requests for NMSU.
ZiaMet Mesonet Expansion
NMSU’s current weather monitoring network consists of 31 weather stations around the state.
With expansion funds (a combination of state and federal funds) the total number of weather
stations will increase to 215 around the state. Data from these stations are used by farmers for crop
irrigation, crop planting, and determining optimal conditions for pesticide applications. Te data
also help support gaps in National Weather Service data, which often leave out parts of rural New
Mexico. AES is preparing an additional request to be submitted for FY24, at the state level, to assist
with maintenance and operations for this expanded network of weather stations.
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College of ACES
Agricultural Experiment Station
Carbon (C) Management and Soil Health in Arid and Semi-Arid
Enviroments
Tis initiative will engage farmers, ranchers, and minority and Native American communities on
carbon management and soil health research, outreach, and extension activities. Te impacts
include improving knowledge of carbon sequestration and soil health in arid and semi-arid
regions, enhancing climate resilience in the Southwest, and developing climate change mitigation
practices applicable to 40% of the globe (arid and semi-arid regions of the world). Te Clovis
ASC serves as the hub for carbon management and soil health activities for the AES, while the
Los Lunas, Mora and Corona Research Centers are also involved in the initial stages of this
project.
Sustainability Initiatives
Creation of Center for Dryland Resilience
Tis Center was submitted as part of the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
(EPSCoR) and would transform understanding and management of natural capital in drylands
under environmental change, a critical challenge at the interface of science and society. Tis
initiative for a Center of Drylands Resilience was sponsored as a bill in the 2022 legislative
session and would allow for research on and promote the sustainability of New Mexico’s
ecosystems through enhanced monitoring eforts, data mobilization, and sustainable solutions
that improve the resilience of ecosystems statewide while training the next generation of
environmental and data science professionals. Tis initiative has been integrated into the
state-wide eforts of the New Mexico Northern Rio Grande Corridor Collaborative (NRGCC).
Creation of New Mexico Reforestation Center (NMRC)
Tis Center will help meet reforestation needs by producing fve million seedlings per year,
establishing programs to support the reforestation pipeline (from seed collection to planting),
and helping to develop and support forest-based economic growth. Te NMRC will also support
climate-smart tree planting projects in urban environments to assist with carbon management,
air quality, provision of shade to cool urban surfaces, and support education, research, and
outreach activities about reforestation.
Corona Energy Initiatives–Wind Turbines and
Commercial-Scale 2mw Solar Array with Battery Storage
Corona Energy Initiatives—Wind Turbines and commercial-scale 2MW Solar Array with battery
storage: In January 2022, 39 wind turbines were moved into full operation at NMSU’s Corona
Range and Livestock Research Center (CRLRC) as part of Pattern Energy’s Western Spirit
Transmission area project, which consists of 377 turbines, or a total of 1,050 megawatts.
Additionally, we are investigating opportunities for a public/private partnership to develop a solar
array that benefts central NM renewable energy needs within proximity to the wind farm at
Corona, complementing outreach programming in renewable energy at the Southwest Center for
Rangeland Sustainability.
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2021 Annual Report
Agricultural Experiment Station
Digital Agriculture: Preparing Farms/Ranches for the Future
US agriculture and ranching systems are on the cusp of major changes driven by climate,
socioeconomic, and demographic changes in rural communities. Our goal is to increase
agricultural efciency using multiple-source digital information (MSDI), data science,
sensor development, and artifcial intelligence (AI). Building capacity in drone development, as
well as utilization and optimization for agriculture, is one of our focus areas.
Heritage Farm, the Path toward the Future
Heritage Farm, the Path toward the Future: Increasing agricultural literacy and hands-on learning
are combined in this initiative to develop an on-campus platform that connects communities of
learners to the modern agricultural enterprise. Tis initiative will develop on-campus lands to
engage the public in the origin of their food through curated demonstrations of the many facets
of agriculture while providing students with the opportunity to engage in emerging agricultural
technologies.
Agricultural Science Centers
Each AES Agricultural Science Center
(ASC) is strategically located
throughout the state to conduct
research in various climate zones
(ASCs denoted as stars in Figure 4).
New Mexico is unique, with three
crop production regions, 11 plant
hardiness zones, 5 defned watersheds,
and 126 distinct soil types. Terefore,
agricultural production varies from
north to south and east to west. Each
ASC produces research that provides
best practices and advancements
specifc to agricultural producers in
their climate zone.
Figure 4: Diversity of geography in New Mexico.
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College of ACES
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2021 Annual Report
Agricultural Experiment Station
Agricultural Experiment Station
AES Performance Metrics
AES 2021 Impact
New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences
(ACES) has a mission to improve the lives of New Mexicans, the nation, and the world through
research, teaching, and extension. AES research programs focus on four identifed critical issues
for New Mexico. Tese critical issues are the ACES Pillars which help guide planned programs
and research focus. Tese pillars are Food & Fiber Production and Marketing, Water Use and
Conservation, Family Development and Health of New Mexicans, and Environmental
Stewardship.
With the support of Sarah Harris, a graduate student from the Agricultural Extension and
Education Department, a full analysis of 2021 AES impact statements has been completed.
Tis analysis indicates an overall theme of AES impacts from the past year and breaks down each
impact statement into the ACES pillars. Tose results are indicated below, followed by specifc
impact highlights.
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College of ACES