Event celebrating New Mexico agriculture to be held during NMSU homecoming festivities
LAS CRUCES – Clear your calendars, because AG Day is back on Saturday, Sept. 25. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and the New Mexico State University (NMSU) College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) are teaming up to host the eighth edition of AG Day, and the community is invited to attend.
The street festival is a family-friendly event that welcomes those of all ages. AG Day will begin at 2 p.m. in the Pan American Center south parking lot near Aggie Memorial Stadium and continue until 6 p.m. The event immediately precedes the NMSU Aggies vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors homecoming football game. AG Day is open to the public and completely free of charge.
AG Day is a celebration of the agriculture industry in New Mexico and is held to boost understanding of the industry and help educate the public about what agriculture looks like in the Land of Enchantment.
The popular festival has turned into a trademark event within the community in the last several years, and many associate it with the communal, energetic atmosphere that NMSU homecoming events spark.
“AG Day has turned into a popular tradition for the agriculture community to share experiences with the general public while enhancing the tailgate experience of Aggie football,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “The event has grown every year, and as we bring it back this year, we know the public will enjoy the best of what our agriculture producers grow, and experience an opportunity to learn more about one of New Mexico’s leading, foundational economic drivers. Most importantly, we want the public to also have FUN prior to rooting on the Aggies to a homecoming victory on the field!”
The collaboration between NMDA and the NMSU College of ACES is a fruitful partnership that ensures that the AG Day celebration is as impactful as possible. Celebrating the agriculture industry properly is a festivity that has been sorely missed by many, says College of ACES Dean Rolando A. Flores.
“We are delighted to retake our tradition to celebrate agriculture and all that this magic word represents,” said Dean Flores. “Agriculture is not only our source of food, but a tradition that has spanned generations in New Mexico. AG Day will provide the opportunity for Las Cruces to join in a day of festivities, learning and multiple activities. It is great to be back and celebrate agriculture in its true meaning.”
Attendees can expect to interact with dozens of educational and informational booths at the event, all representing various organizations, groups and other agricultural entities from across New Mexico. AG Day also includes live music, games, prizes, farm animals, and samples of New Mexico made and grown food products.
Multiple organizations and entities rally together to make AG Day as fulfilling of an experience as possible for the community. Dina Chacón-Reitzel, New Mexico Beef Council Executive Director, said the event is a perfect way for families to celebrate homecoming weekend.
“The New Mexico Beef Council is excited to sponsor and participate in AG Day during homecoming weekend,” said Chacón-Reitzel. “AG Day gives New Mexico agriculture producers and organizations the opportunity to celebrate the importance of agriculture with the student body, alumni and the community prior to the football game. Exhibit booths provide samples of New Mexico grown agriculture products and fun activities for families to get out and enjoy. NMSU is the state’s land-grant university, so it is fitting that agriculture be a prominent part of the Aggies’ biggest day of the year. Go Aggies!”
Nonprofit organizations, as well as NMSU clubs and organizations, are encouraged to register for an AG Day booth. For registration information, visit www.nmda.nmsu.edu/ag-day/. For more information, email blarranaga@nmda.nmsu.edu or call 575-646-1864.