Welcome to the new extension 4-H agent

Stepping into the role of a 4-H agent with the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service is both a professional milestone and a personal return to my roots in agriculture and youth development.

My journey to this position has been shaped by years of involvement in 4-H and FFA as a youth, formal training in animal science and hands-on experience in teaching, research, and program development. I am excited to bring these experiences together to support and expand 4-H opportunities for youth and families in Valencia County.

I was raised in Panora, Iowa, where 4-H and FFA were a defining part of my upbringing. Those programs gave me more than ribbons and awards — they built leadership skills, responsibility and a sense of belonging that carried me through school and into my career.

One of my most formative experiences was managing a dairy goat operation, which taught me not only the day-to-day responsibilities of animal care but also the discipline required to balance livestock management with academics and leadership roles. Those lessons sparked my passion for agriculture and for helping youth discover the same sense of growth and purpose through their own 4-H projects.

I continued that passion at Kansas State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in animal science with a production and industry option, along with a Dairy Science Certificate. I went on to pursue a Master of Science in animal science with a physiology focus, also at Kansas State.

My graduate research centered on the effects of exercise in dairy cattle, giving me the opportunity to design and manage a research trial, analyze data and share findings with both academic and producer audiences. At the same time, I taught anatomy and physiology for three years, which strengthened my ability to communicate complex material in ways that are engaging and accessible.

While I am proud of my academic training, what excites me most about extension work is the opportunity to connect education with community needs. Research advances knowledge, but outreach ensures that knowledge has impact. In my role as a 4-H agent, I look forward to helping families new to agriculture get started, guiding experienced members toward advanced leadership opportunities, and collaborating with schools and community partners to expand programming.

As I begin this role, I am especially interested in encouraging youth to explore both traditional and emerging project areas. Livestock, gardening and home economics remain cornerstones of 4-H, and I value the way they teach responsibility and practical skills. At the same time, 4-H today also offers opportunities in STEM, robotics, civic engagement and leadership development.

By broadening program diversity and visibility, I hope to ensure that every young person, regardless of background, finds a project that sparks their curiosity and helps them grow.

Just as important as broadening opportunities is fostering a strong, supportive 4-H community. My own experience showed me the impact of mentors and peers who encouraged one another, and I want to help build that same environment here in Valencia County. I envision 4-H as a place where youth feel comfortable trying new things, taking risks, learning from setbacks, and celebrating successes.

Extension thrives on partnerships, and I look forward to working with families, volunteers, schools and local organizations to make 4-H both accessible and impactful.

Outside of work, I am fortunate to share this chapter of life with my husband, David, who served 10 years as an officer in the U.S. Army before retiring and beginning his current role as a nuclear systems engineer at Kirtland Air Force Base. Together, we stay busy with our three dogs — Sasha, an energetic Australian shepherd; Apollo, a mischievous miniature American shepherd; and Mabel, a spunky little maltipoo. On weekends, we enjoy hiking, fly fishing or snowboarding, and the dogs ensure every adventure is lively and full of energy.

Ultimately, I view this position as more than just a job — it is an opportunity to give back to a program that shaped my own life and to help build the next generation of leaders. The 4-H motto, “To make the best better,” captures the balance of tradition and innovation that I hope to carry forward in this role.

I am grateful for the chance to serve the youth and families of Valencia County and look forward to working together to ensure 4-H continues to be a place where young people not only gain skills but also grow in resilience, leadership, and community spirit.

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 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.

• Preserving Red Chile Webinar Series with Amber Benson, Bernalillo County FCS Agent, and Crystal Garcia-Anaya, Valencia County FCS/4-H Agent. This three-part webinar series will be held via Zoom on Sept. 9, 16 and 23, from 4-5:30 p.m. The webinar series is FREE, visit valenciaextension.nmsu.edu/ to register.

•Salsa from Seed to Seal: Gardening and Preserving Your Salsa Bounty: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30, at a location will be given upon lab fee payment. Discover how to grow and preserve the perfect salsa garden in this hands-on extension class. Discover how to plan, plant and care for a vibrant garden filled with essential salsa ingredients, including tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs. Then, explore techniques to harvest and preserve your flavorful crops through water bath canning and pickling. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your skills, this class will help you enjoy your garden’s bounty all year long. Call the office to RSVP by Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Lab fees are due by Thursday, Sept. 25.

•Fall into Sourdough: From starter to flavorful loaves. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, Oct. 6, at the Valencia County Extension Office. This class is designed to introduce participants to the foundational care of sourdough. Participants will leave with their own jar of starter, a collection of recipes, and the knowledge to create sourdough bread with a variety of seasonal inclusions. Call to RSVP at 505-565-3002. Registration and lab fees due by Wednesday, Oct. 1.

•Harvest Bites: Healthy Fall Treats. From 6-8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10, at the Valencia County Extension Office. Celebrate the flavors of fall with this fun, hands-on cooking class. Learn how to make simple, healthy, and delicious harvest-themed treats. This is a free class perfect for families, youth 8 and older are welcome with an adult. Call the office to RSVP at 505-565-3002 by Friday, Oct. 3, as space is limited.

•Tying Tradition: Learn to Make Your Own Chile Ristra from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Los Lunas Ag Science Center. Learn the art and tradition of making a chile ristra in this hands-on workshop. All materials provided; no experience necessary. Space is limited. Call the office at 505-565-3002 to reserve your spot today. RSVPs are due by Monday, Oct. 20.

•Senior (50+) Health and Wellness Fair hosted by Sunshine Mid-Valley Extension Club from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Masonic Hall, 607 Goebel St., Belen. Join the Sunshine Mid-Valley EANM Club for a Senior (50+) Health and Wellness Fair may feature free services including flu shots, blood pressure checks and more. This community event is a great opportunity to access essential health resources and connect with local wellness providers. For more information, call 505-865-9163.

•2025 Ask A Master Food Preserver: From 6-7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. Each month, join virtually to get expert tips on food preservation. On Sept. 8, the topic is Bean Bonanza: Preserve the Protein-Packed Harvest. The 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: (September booths will conclude our booths for this growing season.) Bosque Farms Growers’ Market, Sept. 13; Los Lunas Farmers’ Market, Sept. 9; and Belen Farmers’ Market, Sept. 12. Contact Sierra Cain for more information at 505-565-3002.

•Become a Valencia County Extension Master Gardener! Are you interested in serving your community as a Master Gardener with your gardening expertise? Applications will open this fall and include: trainings, completion of the master gardener certification course, volunteer hour completion, and monthly meeting attendance. For more information, please contact Sierra Cain at 505-565-3002 or sierragh@nmsu.edu

•The Valencia County Seed Library: Looking for free seeds? The seed library is open! Check out seed packets for your garden. 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 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.