About the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service
The New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, water conservation, youth development, family well-being, and community improvement throughout New Mexico. As the outreach arm of New Mexico State University, Extension connects residents, farmers, ranchers, tribal communities, businesses, and local governments with practical solutions grounded in scientific research.
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New Mexico’s landscape includes deserts, mountains, forests, grasslands, river valleys, and tribal lands. The state’s diverse climates and limited water resources create unique agricultural and environmental challenges. New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension develops programs specifically designed to address these conditions while supporting sustainable economic development and natural resource management.
Core Services Offered
The New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service provides educational resources and technical assistance across a wide range of disciplines that support economic growth, environmental stewardship, and healthy communities.
Agriculture and Crop Production
Agriculture remains an important component of New Mexico’s economy. Extension specialists help producers improve productivity while managing limited water resources and challenging environmental conditions.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Irrigation efficiency programs
- Soil health education
- Nutrient management planning
- Agricultural economics and marketing
Major crops supported by Extension programs include chile peppers, pecans, onions, cotton, alfalfa, corn, and specialty agricultural products.
Ranching and Livestock Management
New Mexico’s extensive rangelands support large cattle and livestock industries. Extension specialists provide educational programs focused on sustainable grazing and livestock production.
- Beef cattle management
- Range improvement strategies
- Livestock nutrition
- Drought preparedness planning
- Animal health education
- Forage management
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Gardening in New Mexico requires specialized knowledge of desert conditions, water conservation, and climate adaptation. Extension provides practical guidance tailored to the Southwest.
- Desert gardening
- Vegetable production
- Fruit tree care
- Landscape maintenance
- Xeriscaping techniques
- Garden pest identification
Master Gardener Program
The New Mexico Master Gardener Program trains volunteers who help educate communities about sustainable gardening and water-efficient landscaping.
Master Gardeners assist residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Water conservation techniques
- Composting methods
- Native plant landscaping
- Sustainable gardening practices
Water Conservation Programs
Water management is one of the most important educational priorities in New Mexico due to the state’s arid climate and limited water supplies.
- Efficient irrigation practices
- Landscape water management
- Drought adaptation strategies
- Groundwater conservation
- Water quality education
- Xeriscaping programs
Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship
Extension programs help protect New Mexico’s unique ecosystems and natural resources.
- Rangeland management
- Forest stewardship
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Watershed protection
- Invasive species management
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
4-H Youth Development
The New Mexico 4-H program provides hands-on learning opportunities that help young people develop leadership skills and practical knowledge.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Environmental education
- Animal science projects
- Leadership development
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in New Mexico
New Mexico’s desert climate creates unique pest management challenges. While the state’s dry conditions reduce some disease pressures found in humid regions, numerous insects, arachnids, invasive species, and wildlife pests continue to affect homes, landscapes, agricultural operations, and natural ecosystems.
Desert Landscape Pests
Many ornamental plants and desert-adapted landscapes encounter insect pests that can affect plant health and appearance.
Common landscape pests include:
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Spider Mites
- Scale Insects
- Leafhoppers
- Borers
Extension specialists provide recommendations tailored to New Mexico’s harsh environmental conditions and water limitations.
Agricultural Crop Pests
New Mexico growers face numerous insect pests that can impact crop yields and profitability.
Important agricultural pests include:
- Thrips
- Aphids
- Armyworms
- Cutworms
- Whiteflies
- Spider Mites
Extension entomologists provide monitoring programs and integrated pest management recommendations to support sustainable agricultural production.
Pecan Orchard Pests
New Mexico is a major producer of pecans, and orchard managers must monitor numerous insect pests throughout the growing season.
Common pecan pests include:
- Pecan Nut Casebearers
- Aphids
- Stink Bugs
- Leaf-footed Bugs
- Pecan Weevils
- Spider Mites
Extension specialists provide orchard-specific pest management recommendations and monitoring guidance.
Chile Pepper Pests
Chile peppers are an iconic New Mexico crop that can be affected by numerous insect pests.
Common chile pests include:
- Thrips
- Aphids
- Pepper Weevils
- Whiteflies
- Cutworms
- Armyworms
Extension publications help producers protect crop quality and yields through integrated management strategies.
Tree and Forest Pests
New Mexico’s forests and urban trees face threats from native and invasive insects that can impact tree health and ecosystem stability.
Important tree pests include:
- Bark Beetles
- Pinyon Ips Beetles
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Defoliating Caterpillars
- Scale Insects
- Wood-boring Beetles
Extension forestry specialists help landowners monitor forest health and respond to pest outbreaks.
Turfgrass Pests
Maintaining healthy lawns in New Mexico requires balancing water conservation with pest management needs.
Common turfgrass pests include:
- White Grubs
- Billbugs
- Sod Webworms
- Armyworms
- Chinch Bugs
Extension specialists provide guidance on sustainable turf management practices adapted to desert environments.
Scorpions and Desert Arthropods
Scorpions and other desert arthropods are common throughout many areas of New Mexico.
Common species include:
- Bark Scorpions
- Hairy Scorpions
- Camel Spiders
- Tarantulas
- Centipedes
Extension resources help residents understand these species and implement effective exclusion and management strategies.
Wildlife-Related Pest Concerns
Wildlife interactions are common throughout New Mexico and can create challenges for homeowners, farmers, and ranchers.
Common wildlife concerns include:
- Kangaroo Rats
- Pocket Gophers
- Ground Squirrels
- Rabbits
- Coyotes
- Bird-related crop damage
Extension specialists provide guidance on wildlife management techniques that balance conservation and property protection.
Invasive Species
Invasive species continue to threaten New Mexico’s agriculture, forests, waterways, and natural ecosystems.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
- Spotted Lanternflies
- Saltcedar-related invasive complexes
- Various invasive weed species
Extension personnel work closely with state and federal agencies to support monitoring, early detection, and public education efforts.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) serves as the foundation of New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension pest management education programs.
IPM strategies emphasize:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Preventive cultural practices
- Biological control methods
- Habitat modification
- Responsible pesticide use
These approaches help reduce pest impacts while protecting beneficial organisms, pollinators, water resources, and environmental quality.
Research and Diagnostic Services
New Mexico State University conducts extensive research focused on desert agriculture, water conservation, pest management, rangelands, and environmental sustainability.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Water-use efficiency
- Biological control
- Urban pest management
- Forest health monitoring
- Invasive species research
Extension specialists translate scientific research into practical recommendations that benefit New Mexico residents, businesses, and agricultural producers.
Educational Publications and Resources
The New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering pest management, agriculture, water conservation, horticulture, forestry, and natural resources.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Desert gardening publications
- Water conservation resources
- Agricultural production manuals
- Tree health guides
- Invasive species alerts
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing a landscape, conserving water, improving agricultural productivity, protecting trees, addressing desert pest concerns, or responding to invasive species threats, the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout the state.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.