With severe drought conditions continuing to plague area ranchers and farmers, debilitating range and farm lands, Extension programming targets drought management education and resource development to assist farmers and ranchers in their quest to "stay in business". Extension Programming offers workshops, newsletters and resources pertinent to area producers, highlighting management of livestock and crops during, and after drought in addition to herd management and crop improvement during more normal conditions.
County location and growing conditions continually challenge area producers with problematic invasive weed and brush control issues. Extension Programming related to brush and weed control trials on select ranches is helping to insure that producers continue to seek out ways and means to protect their ranches from complete infestation of unwanted brush and or cacti.
With New Mexico as a state that is continuing to grow and increase in water consumption, water conservation is more important than ever. Guadalupe County Extension programming is involved with working with sister agencies such as NRCS, FSA and NMDA in developing water resources along the Pecos River, utilizing natural occurring artesian springs, as well as protecting and improving area acequias.
Guadalupe County Extension programming also includes developing and distributing homeowner and gardening resources related to landscaping and garden production. Workshops, newsletters and Radio PSA's from the Extension Service encourages water conservation; highlights best planting practices and soil improvements; promotes best acclimated plants for the area; and offers "how to" information on pruning, insect control, turf/lawn grass management, etc.
Wildlife & Fishery Enterprises
In Guadalupe County wildlife and fisheries enterprise are very limited. There are available resources with means of developing these resources if the knowledge was known. Up and down the Pecos River there are acequias and areas where fishery projects could be developed. The county and city are also being considered for a warm water fisheries hatchery. Limited information is available to those individuals interested in doing these types of programs.
