How the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service shaped me

Hello everyone, my name is Emma Fetty. I am a current full-time student at New Mexico State University, enrolled in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES). I’m working toward a degree in agricultural education and extension, with a minor in agricultural communications.

I grew up in a small town called Truth or Consequences, being very involved with the community and school with sports, FFA and community service. I was born and raised most of my young childhood in Kansas, and moving to New Mexico was a drastic change with the rangelands and the climate. I have a family background of agriculture in Oklahoma and Kansas, but not heavily; my passion for agriculture grew with the help of the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service.

A statewide educational outreach program run by the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at NMSU is called the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service (CES). It was established to carry out the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, which mandated that colleges disseminate research-based information outside of campuses and into communities, as part of the nationwide network of land-grant universities.

The New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service provides educational resources and program efforts to local communities throughout the state by maintaining offices in all 33 counties and through Tribal Extension Agents. Trained extension agents, who are integrated within their local communities, provide programs specific to the collective needs of each unique county.

To solve issues and enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, farmers, ranchers and businesses, these agents offer practical, hands-on education. Agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, youth development and community and economic development are just a few of the many focus areas that New Mexico Extension works in.

The influence of New Mexico CES extends well beyond technical education. It helps people not only to better their lives and operations but also makes a positive impact on their communities by encouraging civic engagement, leadership and resilience. Extension turns knowledge into action by bridging the gap between research conducted at the university level and practical application.

Trust, service and a dedication to lifelong learning form the foundation of its history, and these principles still influence New Mexico’s families, young people and communities today.

Moving to New Mexico, I never imagined how much the local extension program in Sierra County would shape my character, skills and sense of purpose. At first, it was just my first job that I thought I could fill my summer with, but over time, Sierra County Extension became much more than that. It became a foundation for who I am today.

Through the extension program, especially having to communicate with others and engage with the community and youth 4-H, I found confidence in my voice. I started out as an introvert, unsure of myself with working performance and speaking with others. Community outreach, 4-H youth agriculture contests, traveling to other counties and local activities, such as the county fair and livestock school, have helped me grow more comfortable with public speaking and new activities that I now find myself wanting to be involved in. With every new experience, I felt myself becoming a stronger communicator and a more self-assured leader.

New Mexico CES also taught me the value of hard work and follow-through. Whether it was raising livestock, coordinating 4-H contests or assisting others in tagging their animals, I learned that success didn’t come from luck, it came from effort, a willingness to learn from mistakes and showing up. These lessons now guide me through my school, my jobs and in how I approach challenges in life.

One of the most powerful aspects of extension is how it connects youth to their communities. I didn’t just learn technical skills; I learned how to give back. My eyes were opened to new possibilities by the variety of programs that the New Mexico CES offers. I had the opportunity to learn about topics I might not have otherwise encountered, such as environmental science, agriculture, healthy living and civic involvement.

I was able to identify my passions and areas where I hope to have a future impact, thanks to those encounters. These experiences and opportunities have led me to Valencia County. Being involved with other communities and seeing how other counties’ outreach and involvement with the youth has been nothing but inspiring. My time in Valencia County Extension is coming to an end, but the lessons I have learned and connections I’ve made have and will follow me through my future.

Program announcements

To register for an upcoming program or to join our Valencia County Extension Newsletter, call the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service at 505-565-3002. For more information, visit valenciaextension.nmsu.edu.

Join our newsletter! Call the office and provide your email address to receive monthly updates and programming opportunities from the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service. Call at 505-565-3002.

• ICAN Nutrition Class Series: Online Zoom every Thursday from 2-3 p.m. Call the office at 505-565-3002 for more details about the Zoom classes.

• Rio Communities National Night Out: From 5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 5, join us at Rio Communities National Night Out to enjoy an evening out with your community and to discover what Extension can do for you. Contact Crystal Anaya for more information.

• Ask A Master Food Preserver: Held from 6-7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, join virtually to get expert tips on food preservation. The July 14 topic is Tomato Time! Can, Dry, and Savor Summer’s Finest! Class is free, visit bernalilloextension.nmsu.edu/index.html to register today.

• Ask a Master Gardener Tables: Ask a Master Gardener about your home garden, insects, or get connected with the Extension Office. Visit us during the growers’ market hours at the following locations: Bosque Farms Growers’ Market is on the second Saturday of each month. The Los Lunas Farmers’ Market on the second Tuesday of each month. The Belen Farmers’ Market is the second Friday of each month.

• Sustainable Agricultural Practices in the Field: “Planning for Profit during Drought” will be held on Tuesday, July 15. Experience an interactive field day on drought-tolerant forages, fall planting guidelines, soil health and amendments, and more on the Myster E? Farms on the Isleta Pueblo, 1790 N.M. 314, Albuquerque, NM, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ask the NMSU experts and the NM Healthy Soil Working Group! This event is free. Please use the link below to RSVP (not required but encouraged). nmhealthysoil.org/portfolio/planning-for-profit-during-drought/ Call or email Sierra Cain for more information at 505-565-3002 or sierragh@nmsu.edu.

• Agriculture Finance Workshop: From 5:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Extension Office. Learn how to balance financial books in this interactive workshop. Materials will be provided for understanding income statements and balance sheets. Call the office to RSVP at 505-565-3002. For more information contact Taylor Wright at wright62@nmsu.edu.

• The Valencia County Seed Library: Looking for seeds? The seed library is officially open! Check out up to 10 seed packets for your garden, attend a seed saving clinic at the end of the year to keep the library going! To obtain seeds, you can schedule an appointment with Sierra Cain at sierragh@nmsu.edu or 505-565-3002. Thank you to the Valencia County Master Gardeners for help in sorting and placement of seeds for the library.

• Agriculture School Enrichment Programs: School is almost back in action! Harvest and fall programs related to the science of agriculture are offered to elementary and middle school-aged students. Contact Sierra Cain for program offerings and scheduling at sierragh@nmsu.edu or 505-565-3002.

If you are an individual with a disability who requires auxiliary aid or service to participate in a program, please contact the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service Office at 505-565-3002 two weeks in advance of the event.