New Mexico Producers to Tour Irrigated Pastures

Date:  April 30, 1997
Editor: D'Lyn Ford  (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu

LAS CRUCES -- New Mexico farmers and ranchers who want to learn more about irrigated pastures can join a two-day tour from Tucumcari to the Rio Grande Valley May 9-10.

"A few years ago when cattle prices were high, we saw a tremendous increase in the number of irrigated grass acres in Quay County," said Jeff Bader, Quay County Extension program director. "One reason was our limited water situation for irrigation, and high cattle prices made it look very attractive."

When cattle prices dropped again, interest in irrigated pastures declined, but now the cattle market is improving, he said. Producers never really lost concern about irrigated pasture because it fits into the management scheme for water conservation so well in Quay County.

"Irrigated pastures fill a niche in this area because of their ability to produce under varying levels of irrigation," said Rex Kirksey, superintendent of NMSU's Agricultural Science Center in Tucumcari. "Pastures remain a viable option in many situations where irrigation water is too limited or unpredictable for corn or alfalfa production."

However, when irrigation water is not limited, changes in management strategies can bring about significant increases in pasture productivity, he said.

During the tour, Quay County producers will meet with other producers in Tucumcari before going to Socorro County, Bader said. Participants will have a chance to share ideas on cool season grass species, management schemes and techniques that work.

The irrigated pasture tour is being sponsored by the Tucumcari Agricultural Science Center; the Quay County Extension office; the Tucumcari Irrigated Pasture Management Club; and Farm Connection, a grassroots foundation that supports small farmers in New Mexico.

Transportation for the tour will be provided. Participants will have to pay for food and lodging. For more information, contact Jeff Bader at (505) 461-0562.