With over 23,800 family farms, encompassing more than 49 million acres of farmland, new mexico's history is rooted in agriculture and the state is well-positioned for future growth and advancement…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded New Mexico State University $191,044 under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program (CFDA 10.511) on October 1, 2025, for a five-year period through September 30, 2030.

The New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service delivers applied science and technology research and outreach serving New Mexico's agricultural producers, with emphasis on training and education for current and future farm and ranch employees in safety, performance, and animal and human well-being. Programming includes research-based solutions for traditional and nontraditional crop production, livestock production, food safety, and value-added and digital agriculture. The NMSU Tribal Extension component, expanded based on community forum input, focuses on extending growing seasons, plant selection and propagation, greenhouse management, and soil health to support Pueblo agricultural success. The Extension Service also addresses water conservation through educational services covering water and cost-saving adaptations for homes, yards, and farms, with dedicated programming in aquaponics and a statewide hydroponics curriculum. Youth education emphasizes local food systems and agricultural career training.

Performance occurs at New Mexico State University's Research Administration Services in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Smith-Lever formula grants support cooperative agricultural extension activities at land-grant institutions, with recipients required to maintain separate records for grant funds and retain documentation for at least three years.

With over 23,800 family farms, encompassing more than 49 million acres of farmland, new mexico's history is rooted in agriculture and the state is well-positioned for future growth and advancement in traditional and nontraditional crop production, livestock production, food safety, and value-added and digital agriculture. The new mexico cooperative extension service (CES) supports applied science and technology research and outreach to benefit new mexico's citizens in the economic, environmental, social, health, and cultural aspects of agriculture, natural resources management, and family issues. CES is actively meeting the needs of agricultural producers by leveraging research-based solutions to enhance the training and education of current and future farm and ranch employees. This approach aims to improve safety, performance, and the well-being of both animals and humans. Meanwhile, nmsu tribal extension expanded its programming based on community forum results, focusing on extending growing seasons, plant selection and propagation, greenhouse management, and soil health, areas vital to the pueblos' agricultural success. CES is cultivating future agricultural leaders by educating our youth about local food systems and providing training for those interested in agricultural careers. New mexico's climate underscores the critical importance of water conservation. CES actively engaged the community through educational services that focus on water and cost-saving adaptations for homes, yards, and farms. These practical strategies are designed to significantly reduce water usage both indoors and outdoors. CES highlighted aquaponics as an innovative approach to water conse rvation, offering programming that covers system types, fish culture, and water quality and safety. CES has developed a statewide hydroponics curriculum and created a new water conservation specialist role to lead science-based extension education programs for agricultural producers and other water users CES continued to provide leadership in evacuation education, while offering support services and amassing supplies for evacuation sites due to wildfires. CES will continue aiding the citizens of new mexico in their recovery from wildfire disasters. CES initiated programs aimed at supporting livestock producers, managing soil and watershed health, maintaining water quality, and addressing mental health and socioeconomic issues. CES programs, particularly those in human nutrition and wellness, function as preventive medicine by aiming to prevent illness and enhance health. Projects and programs were designed to promote pathways to health and wellbeing, boost economic opportunities in new mexico, advance agricultural literacy and education, and engagement within the agricultural sector. CES agents and specialists delivered community education and support across various essential areas, including food safety and preservation, promotion of local foods, management of community and school gardens, addressing substance abuse, diabetes management, nutrition education, financial management, and fostering positive youth development and career preparedness.