The Socorro County Extension service continues to grow and enhance its agricultural and 4-H programs.

Last week, County Program Director Emily Burton relayed to Socorro County Commissioners the growing success many of its programs are experiencing.
Earlier in December, the extension office hosted a Pesticide Applicator’s training workshop. According to Burton, many agricultural producers within Socorro County hold a NMDA pesticide applicators license allowing them to utilize restricted pesticides in their farming or ranch operations.

The extension service hosts the annual program to allow producers and other license holders within the county and surrounding areas as a convenient way to their required continuing education units (CEUs). For the past two years, the local extension service has provided CEUs for 48 individuals, helping to keep their pesticide license.

County Fair growth
One of the bright spots for the extension service in the second quarter of the year was the growth of the Socorro County Fair. According to Burton there as been a 50 percent increase in livestock entries since 2020.

At this year’s Junior Livestock Sales, 67 animals were sold and generated $245,174 – prior to add ons. In addition to the livestock exhibits, 4-H youth submitted 73 in-door 4-h projects for judging.

At the New Mexico State Fair, 11 area youth took livestock exhibits to the state fair. Burton said, the youth did very well with a steer and pig making the making the state sale.

Thirteen youth participated in the Southern New Mexico State Fair. Four of the animals made the Jr. Livestock Auction and one pig was named the Reserve Breed Champion. Those individuals who attended the Southern New Mexico State Fair earned $215 in premium money.

4-H Enrollment
October 1 began the new year for Socorro 4-H enrollment. As of December 1, Socorro County has enrolled 14 new youth participants from eight different families. According to Burton, the number is comparable to last year’s numbers, where there were 22 new youth from 9 families. Five of the new families this year are from northern Socorro County, an area with little 4-H participation.

The Socorro County Extension Service also has seen a substantial increase in school enrichment and special interest activity. Since August 2023, they have installed three aquaponics systems in Magdalena fourth grade class, Sarracino eighth grade class and Cottonwood Charter School SPED room. The systems have been used as a tool to teach students STEM topics such as plant growth, fish needs, the nitrogen cycle, weighing and graphing.

In addition, an art class at San Antonio Elementary school received sewing machines to introduce them to sewing and a “Sew Much Fun” 4-H project. At Sarracino, the students learned about cell structure by creating model key chains with the extension staff.
From August to December this past year, a total of 415 youth participated in the school enrichment program.

Other programs
The Socorro County Youth 4-H Council also has been working hard on several projects. Those projects include decorating and donating a tree for the Christmas tree gala as well as teaching the Cottonwood Valley Charter School about parliamentary procedure to help students learn and understand the basis of parliamentary procedure.

ICAN program
Finally, the ICAN Nutrition Educator has been working diligently to provide classes and education on practical skills including cooking, food safety, and food resource management for both youth and adult audiences. Classes were taught at seven sites across Socorro County which included 70 hours of teaching and 560 participants from August through November.

 

Wanda Moeller