The New Mexico Department of Agriculture is open for business while the former NMDA Headquarters Building – located at 3190 S. Espina – is being demolished and a new building is being constructed in its place. During this time, the majority of NMDA offices are located across from Espina St. at the Physical Science Laboratory/Clinton P. Anderson Hall at 1050 Stewart St. Please see the building and parking map below, or call 575-646-3007 for more information. The State Chemist Lab is located at 975 Agriculture Way. The State Seed Lab, State Metrology Lab and State Petroleum Lab are located at 973 Agriculture Way. To reach any of the labs, please call 575-646-1551.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle in New Mexico. This was confirmed through the testing of clinical samples from sick cattle. USDA has confirmed that dairy products remain safe to consume. Pasteurization (high heat treatment) kills harmful microbes and pathogens in milk, including the influenza virus. For more information and guidance on HPAI in dairy cattle, visit our resource page. For information about HPAI in poultry, visit our resource page.
Healthy Soil Program
The New Mexico Department of Agriculture is accepting Healthy Soil Program grant applications from Individual Applicants and Eligible Entities from Friday, Feb. 23 until Friday, Apr. 26 at 12 p.m. (noon) Mountain Time. Projects submitted for funding consideration must address one or more identified soil health-related resource concerns by implementing one or more of the five soil health principles. Project activities cannot start earlier than Aug. 1, 2024 or end later than May 24, 2025. Visit the Healthy Soil Program webpage for more information and to subscribe for program updates.
Soil Health
Learn all about healthy soil by reading the Soil Health: What it is and Why it Matters publication featuring articles from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and many of its partners. Kids will enjoy a fun activity from New Mexico Ag in the Classroom.
Agricultural Workforce Development Program
New Mexico-based agricultural businesses may apply for internship funding through the NMDA’s Agricultural Workforce Development Program beginning June 19, 2023. The program aims to create opportunities for young and beginning farmers and ranchers, including students, to gain work experience in agriculture that can turn into careers and thus support New Mexico’s agricultural future. The program provides incentives to New Mexico agricultural businesses to hire interns. The application period will remain open until funds are fully allocated or by March 29, 2024, whichever comes first. Funds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for use after July 1, 2023, and must be fully expended by May 31, 2024. Visit the Agricultural Workforce Development Program web page for details regarding the program’s criteria, requirements, allowable expenses, application process and intern eligibility.
Hay and Pasture Contacts
New Mexico has had a very early and extremely damaging wildfire season. The fires have left many producers without summer pasture, and many have lost their supply of hay inventories. The challenge is finding sources of forage for impacted producers. This hay and pasture contact page was created so landowners and those with hay for sale may list what might be available. The goal is to establish a one-stop shop for the convenience of both New Mexico producers and those who have supplies.
Wildfire Information
New Mexico experienced disastrous wildfires in 2022. For information related to wildfires in the state, visit the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management 2022 Wildfires website.
For more resources please visit the Post-Wildfire Resource Hub.
Drought Resources for Agricultural Producers
New Mexico’s drought intensity levels remain at abnormally dry, severe or extreme, according to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor. The Southwest Border Food Protection and Emergency Preparedness Center at New Mexico State University and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture remind producers of the seriousness of the drought situation. Producers are encouraged to visit the new drought resources page, which includes information about and links to various resources at the local, state, federal and university levels.
