Sherry Kollmann Chancellor of NMSU Global | nmsu.edu
Several New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service agricultural agents and specialists were recognized at the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference in July.
The NACAA AM/PIC offers professional development opportunities through workshops, seminars, and tours.
“Attending NACAA AM/PIC helps agents stay at the forefront of agricultural Extension by enhancing their ability to serve their communities effectively and contributing to their overall professional growth,” said Courtney Mitchell, Harding County Extension agricultural agent and president of the New Mexico Association of County Agricultural Agents. “The conference fosters networking among peers who share similar roles, allowing for valuable connections and idea exchanges.”
NACAA is targeted at Extension educators and other professionals who work in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and natural resources, 4-H youth development, aquaculture and Sea Grant, community development, administration, and related disciplines.
National award winners:
Bonnie Hopkins from San Juan County received the Distinguished Service Award. Talisha Valdez from Union County was honored with the Achievement Award. Courtney Mitchell was awarded the Dan Kluchinski Memorial Scholarship Award.
National finalists included Sara Marta from Sierra County for Search for Excellence in Environmental Quality, Forestry and Natural Resources. Leslie Beck, an Extension weed specialist, was recognized for her poster on Comparing the Efficacy of Non-Selective Alternative Herbicides in New Mexico and Western Oregon.
Regional award winners - West:
Jessica Massengill from Grant County won for Audio Recording. Jeff Anderson from Doña Ana County received recognition for Educational Video Recordings. Courtney Mitchell was awarded for Event Promotional Package. Bonnie Hopkins earned accolades for Learning Module/Notebook and Newsletter.
State award winners:
Andrew Garnett from Chaves County received the Agriculture Awareness and Appreciation Award. Jeff Anderson was honored in Search for Excellence in 4-H Programming. Sara Marta was recognized in Search for Excellence in Livestock Production.
Posters:
Savannah Daniels from Hidalgo County presented a poster on Southwest Pregnancy Diagnosis Program. Bonnie Hopkins showcased Growing Forward Farm Agricultural Literacy Project. Sara Marta highlighted Extensions' role in Alternatives to Post Fire Recovery and Infrastructure.
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CUTLINE: Several New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service agricultural agents and specialists received awards at the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference.
(Courtesy Photo)
