Eastern New Mexico producers invited to Dec. 1 session
LAS CRUCES – New Mexico agricultural producers are invited to attend online sessions regarding drought management and the water outlook in the state. The Southwest Border Food Protection and Emergency Preparedness Center at New Mexico State University will host the sessions virtually.
The next session is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 and is intended for Eastern New Mexico producers. Experts from the following agencies will discuss forecasts, drought updates and risk management tools available:
- National Weather Service
- Pecos Valley Artesian Conservancy District
- New Mexico Office of the State Engineer
- United States Department of Agriculture–Farm Service Agency
Producers who want to join the Dec. 1 session must register at https://droughtmgt.ezregister.com in advance to receive the link.
Plans are underway to host a virtual session for livestock producers Monday, Dec. 14 as well. Details will be announced as soon as they are available.
“As of October 20, nearly two-thirds of New Mexico is classified in extreme or exceptional drought,” said Kerry Jones of the National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “The record-breaking winter storm system brought much needed precipitation to a majority of the state; however, long-term precipitation deficits and a winter outlook that will tilt the odds toward a drier than normal winter calls for drought conditions to persist through at least February.”
A session for Southern and Central New Mexico producers was held Nov. 5, and a session for Northern New Mexico producers has held Nov. 10. Both sessions featured experts from the National Weather Service and United States Department of Agriculture–Farm Service Agency. The Nov. 5 session also featured experts from Elephant Butte Irrigation District and Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, while the Nov. 10 session also featured experts from the New Mexico Acequia Association and New Mexico State University’s Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde.
For more information about the virtual sessions, please email mwilson@nmda.nmsu.edu, or call 575-646-5949 or 575-339-5035.