New Mexico State University Centers Engage Young Students with Farming Outreach
LAS CRUCES – Four agricultural science centers at New Mexico State University (NMSU) organized a series of outreach events this month, introducing hundreds of elementary students to farming and food production through interactive educational activities.
The Agricultural Science Center at Farmington held its fourth annual Kids Farm Day and Pumpkin Giveaway on October 1, inspired by Tucumcari’s farm day. Kevin Lombard, Research Director at the center, reported that 67 fifth-grade students from Animas Elementary School participated in the event. Students rotated through five educational stations featuring presentations on soils, agrivoltaics, traditional Navajo crops, greenhouse farming, and farm equipment. They also learned about the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry.
After the sessions, students navigated a corn maze that led to a pumpkin patch, which was cultivated by the ASC Farmington farm crew under the guidance of Farm Ranch Manager Dallen Begay. Additional pumpkins were provided by the Pumpkin Patch, an initiative of the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry.
On October 9, the Valencia County Extension Office conducted a farm visit at the Agricultural Science Center in Los Lunas for a group of kindergarten students. With the help of center and Extension staff, the children explored various crop types, observed how plants grow in soil, and learned about local produce and ongoing research projects. The visit included garden demonstrations, discussions on tomato research and urban agriculture, and concluded with a hands-on STEM activity, with each student receiving a pumpkin to take home.
Continuing a tradition from 2015, the Agricultural Science Center at Clovis welcomed approximately 720 fifth-graders from Curry County on October 14 and 15 for Pumpkin Patch Day. The Curry County Extension office provided an overview of the pumpkin growth cycle and prepared sample pumpkin pies for the students. Activities included learning about local food sources, making bubbles from guar gum, and picking pumpkins straight from the field to take home.
The series of events will continue on October 28, when the Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center in Tucumcari hosts around 150 fourth- and fifth-grade students for a farm day featuring talks from center staff, a producer, and representatives from the Quay County Extension office. For more information, interested parties can contact the center at 575-461-1620.
