GRANTS, N.M. – The Cooperative Extension Service team visited the New Mexico State University Grants campus to showcase their programs and partnerships.
Dr. Marlene Chavez Toivanen, the campus executive, welcomed the team and provided information about the campus, its programs, and its diverse student body. Chase Elkins, the Cibola County extension agent, discussed the county’s unique demographics and the various programs he oversees, including 4-H, agriculture, and family and consumer sciences. NMSU and 4-H collaborate with several Master Gardeners, and they share them with McKinley County, and vice versa. 4-H typically has about 100 participating children in the county, with approximately 340 participating in the ‘egg to chick program.’ They have collaborated with FFA chapters and developed youth-led presentations. Additionally, they are involved in various programs, such as a diabetes program, a community job fair, and an agricultural emergency response program.
The New Mexico Cooperative Extension is hosting a “Campus to Community” tour to engage with communities and understand their challenges. Initiated by President Ferme, this tour aims to bridge the gap between the university and local communities, focusing on people, programs, and partnerships. The extension office in Grants is involved in various projects, including a self-contained farm, a pollination garden, and a program to reintroduce native peaches to the community.
Reportedly, the team from NMSU visited 33 counties to assess extension office programs and identify areas for improvement. The goal is to enhance the university’s role in supporting economic development, well-being, and public service. The team aims to become better partners with communities and fulfill the mission of a land-grant institution.
A learning tour was conducted to understand the diverse needs of communities in New Mexico, emphasizing the significance of extension offices in spreading knowledge and providing support. The tour highlighted the Early College High School program, which enables students to earn associate degrees, and the urgent need for enhanced law enforcement and public safety services, particularly in addressing legal services and high rates of domestic violence. Additionally, the potential or NMSU to collaborate with tribes and communities for targeted programming in criminal justice and legal services was explored.
There is a pressing need to enhance agricultural education in the region, particularly at the high school and college levels. This involves integrating agricultural knowledge into the curriculum, offering handson learning opportunities, and forging partnerships with local institutions and organizations.
The ultimate objective is to nurture interest in agriculture, equip students with relevant skills, and support the next generation of agricultural professionals.