Forage growers in New Mexico will have a chance to learn the latest in alfalfa and grass pasture pest management strategies at a field-oriented, hands-on workshop.

The workshop will take place Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center, 1036 Miller Road in Los Lunas, New Mexico. The event is hosted by New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and the NMSU Extension Plant Sciences Department.

Mark Marsalis, NMSU Extension forage specialist, said the workshop addresses common issues growers face daily, including weeds, disease, insects, and general alfalfa and pasture management for competitiveness against these pests.

“Now more than ever, with high hay prices and high input costs, growers need to be thinking about minimizing the negative effects of pests on their valuable forage crops and improving efficiency on their farms,” Marsalis said.

“Each year, various pests in the form of insects, weeds and diseases cost New Mexico hay growers millions of dollars,” he said. “It is important that growers understand the pests they are dealing with, and the management options available to them.”

Pest-related and Continuing Education Unit-qualifying presentations will include:

• Scouting, sampling, and lab submission for weeds by Leslie Beck, NMSU Extension weed specialist.
• Scouting, sampling and lab submission for insects by Jane Pierce, NMSU Extension entomologist.
• Scouting, sampling and lab submission for diseases and nematodes by Phillip Lujan, NMSU program and Plant Diagnostic Clinic manager.
• Beneficial insects and preservation of beneficials by Miranda Kersten, NMSU program manager, Integrated Pest Management.

Additionally, general forage management and stand assessment information will be presented:

• Proper fertility in alfalfa and grass pastures by Marsalis.
• Stand assessment and replacement by Leonard Lauriault, NMSU forage management scientist.

Five New Mexico pesticide applicator continuing education units have been approved for this field workshop.

The event will begin with on-site registration at 7:30 am, and presentations start at 8 a.m. The workshop will conclude around noon. Registration is free, but attendees are asked to RSVP to Candace Salazar at 505-865-7340 before Aug. 30. Much of the event will take place outdoors, so attendees should prepare accordingly.