Intern Spotlight: Welcoming our Newest Team Member

My name is Taylor Wright, and I am excited to be the summer intern here at the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Office. I am currently studying at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where I’m majoring in agricultural economics and agricultural business, with minors in business administration and marketing. I’m on track to graduate in May 2026.

My passion for agriculture runs deep. While I was not born into it, I grew up around it and it’s where I’ve found my true calling. I was born in Alamogordo, and grew up and have lived in Belen for the past 15 years.

I am highly active in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences at NMSU. I’m an ACES ambassador, the newly-elected president of the ACES Council, and the vice noble ruler of Alpha Gamma Rho, the agricultural fraternity I’m a part of. I’ve also been elected treasurer of the National Agri-Marketing Association at NMSU.

As you can see, I stay busy, but my passion for agriculture drives me to excel in these roles. After graduation, I hope to begin a career in agricultural finance — either in farm insurance, credit and lending or land appraisal. Ultimately, my goal is to operate my own cow-calf operation in either Texas, Wyoming or Montana.

When I heard about this internship opportunity at the extension office, I jumped at the chance to learn more about how extension serves the agricultural community and what goes on throughout the area. This internship is a wonderful opportunity to give back to my community and expand my network.

My first goal for this summer is to host a Youth Leadership Workshop for local 4-H members. To attain this goal, this workshop will focus on developing strong, confident leaders among today’s youth. Participants will engage in a variety of activities designed to illustrate key leadership concepts, including communication, decision-making, responsibility and teamwork.

Using real-life examples and group discussions, the workshop will help youth distinguish between effective and ineffective leadership styles. Interactive games and scenarios will keep students engaged while reinforcing important skills that can be applied both within the 4-H program and in broader school or community settings.

Youth participants will also have opportunities to earn fun incentives and giveaways through active participation. The goal is to inspire the next generation of leaders by equipping them with tools that are both practical and empowering.

My second goal this summer is to host an agricultural finance and business workshop. To achieve this goal, I will lead the workshop to provide a comprehensive look at the financial side of farming and ranching.

Many producers understand the day-to-day demands of agricultural operations, but navigating the financial side — such as managing budgets, interpreting balance sheets and ensuring long-term profitability — can be challenging. This workshop is designed to bridge that gap.

Attendees will explore the key differences and similarities between agricultural finance and general financial practices. Using real-world examples, including actual income statements and balance sheets from operations across the country, participants will gain insight into how successful producers manage their finances. The workshop will also include an interactive component where participants will work through example scenarios to create their own financial statements. This practical exercise will simulate common financial decision-making situations and highlight how minor changes can impact overall profitability.

This session is highly recommended for farmers, ranchers, small business owners and anyone interested in understanding the financial mechanics that support agricultural success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your business acumen, this workshop will provide valuable tools to support financial sustainability and growth.

These workshops represent a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages to gain valuable knowledge and skills. Whether you’re a producer managing a family operation or a young student exploring your leadership potential, these sessions promise to be educational, engaging, and beneficial.

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.

•Agriculture School Enrichment Programs: Spring and summer 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.

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

•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 held the second Saturday of each month. The Los Lunas Farmers’ Market on the second Tuesday of each month. Belen Farmers’ Market is the second Friday of each month. Contact Sierra Cain for more information at 505-565-3002.

•Homemade with Love: Join us for an afternoon of fun making homemade delights to keep for yourself or gift to family and friends. The class will be held from 1-3 .m., Monday, June 16; lab fee is $10. Please call the Valencia County CES Office to register at 505-565-3002.

•The Process of Meat Curing with Amber Benson: From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, June 19. Discover and explore the art of meat curing. This hands-on class is free, but space is extremely limited. Please call 505-565-3002 to register by June 13.

•Macrame for Adults (15+): Join us for a fun and creative journey into macrame. This hands-on class will be hosted at Rio Communities’ Library Makers Space from 1-3 p.m., Wednesday, July 2. Free to the community. Call the Valencia County CES Office at 505-565-3002 by Friday, June 27.

•Container Herb Gardening & Preservation: From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, July 1. Join Sierra and Crystal to discover the joy of growing your herbs, no yard required. In this hands-on workshop, you learn how to plant, care for, and harvest herbs in a container. Plus, learn tips for drying and preserving your bounty for year-round use. Call the Valencia County CES Office to register at 505-535-3002 by June 26. This class is free!

•Bike Rodeo: Join the Valencia County 4-H FCS Ambassador Team as they host a bike safety and riding program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 28. This event will be held at the Peralta Methodist Church. This hands-on program is for youth and is perfect for youth from third to fifth grade, who want to learn more about safely riding their bike. There will be games, giveaways, and lemonade for participants.

•Sustainable Agricultural Practices in the Field: On Tuesday, July 15, experience an interactive field day on drought tolerant forages, fall planting guidelines, soil health and amendments, and more on the MysterE? Farms. Ask the NMSU experts and the NM Healthy Soil Working Group! This event is free. Please call the office to RSVP at 505-565-3002. Call or email Sierra Cain for more information at 505-565-3002 or sierragh@nmsu.edu.

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.