Agriculture & Horticulture

Join the Growing Forward Farm's New Farmer Incubator program to cultivate your farming and business skills with access to land, irrigation, wildlife fencing, compost, on-site market, and educational opportunities. The standardized dimensions of each plot will be approximately 50ft x 180ft (0.15 acres). Irrigation water, filtration systems, and some irrigation equipment are available to all participants. If you want to discuss a different plot size, the program coordinator will try to accommodate your preferred one.

Completing this application will prompt a review process for approval into the program. Applications will be received until February 15, 2023. Upon approval, farmers will have access to their plots no earlier than March 1st. Farmers may grow on an incubator plot for no more than 4 years as long as they are in good standing and adhere to the property guidelines. Each farmer participant will pay a flat $250/year to access the farm and its amenities. Farmers will be required to complete a simple lease agreement and Farm Business Planning Workbook and attend orientation training facilitated by the program coordinator. Plots are limited and will be assigned based on the approval process.
Contact Bonnie Hopkins at bhopkins@nmsu.edu or 505-334-9496 for any further questions.

If you are interested in becoming a farmer in the New Farmer Incubator program, contact Bonnie Hopkins at bhopkins@nmsu.edu

Agriculture in San Juan County, NM

Our county's agriculture must remain competitive in local, national, and international markets. This requires a continuous flow of appropriate technology addressing local needs within New Mexico. Our Extension program works to maintain and strengthen programs that address these needs. Water is one of our county's agriculture's most important limiting resources. All aspects of water use affect agricultural efficiency and profitability. Water management will become more critical as water demands for urbanization and industrialization increase.

Livestock Production in San Juan County is an 18-million-dollar industry with over 700 livestock producers. Most of these operations are small family livestock enterprises located on the Navajo reservation. A recent survey of Navajo producers shows the average cattle producer owns only nine heads of cows, and the average sheep producer owns 25 heads of ewes. These producers have herds that are marginally managed and are in need of management techniques to help improve their profitability. A 1997 survey showed that Navajo producers received only 63 percent of the market value for their livestock. Annual lamb and calf crops averaged 62% and 70%, respectively far below the national average and average for off-reservation producers in this area. Producers in other county areas are searching for ways to enhance their management and marketing techniques to maximize their dollar return.

Current SJ County Agriculture/Horticulture Programs

San Juan County Master Gardeners

The San Juan County Master Gardener program provides intensive horticultural training to individuals who then volunteer as Master Gardeners in their communities by giving lectures, creating gardens, conducting research, and many other projects. San Juan County Master Gardeners must complete a 12-week training course and 40 hours of volunteer activity in their first year. After their initial year, volunteers are asked to complete 25 hours of volunteer work and 8 hours of continuing education.

The 2024 Master Gardener training course applications are CLOSED. The next class is scheduled for January-April 2025. The 12-week course will be a comprehensive training opportunity for avid gardening volunteers in San Juan County, NM. If you are interested in the program and would like to shadow a veteran Master Gardener or attend a meeting, please contact Bonnie Hopkins at 334-9496 or bhopkins@nmsu.edu

NWNM Growers Markets

The Farmington Growers Market is located at 3041 E. Main Street, Farmington, NM, at the Farmington Museum.

Saturday Markets 8am-noon June-October Tuesday Markets 4-6pm July 9-October 26

Visit Farmington Growers Market Facebook Page.

Shiprock Farmers Market The Shiprock Farmers Market is located at the Shiprock Chapter House on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Visit their [Facebook Page}(https://www.facebook.com/shiprockfarmersmarket) for more information.

Bloomfield Growers Market The Bloomfield Growers Market takes place every Thursday evening in Bishops Square in Bloomfield. For more information, visit their Bloomfield Growers Market Facebook Page.

Kirtland Growers Market The Kirtland Growers Market takes place every Monday evening at the Kirtland Town Hall at 47 Road 6500. For more information, visit their Kirtland Growers Market Facebook Page.

The Aztec Farmers Market

The Aztec Farmers Market is located at Westside Plaza, 215 S. Main in Aztec, NM, Wednesdays through July 10- October 4:30-7pm. Visit the Aztec Farmers Market Facebook Page.

San Juan College Harvest Food Hub

The San Juan College Harvest Food Hub, an EDA University Center project, is strengthening the local food system in San Juan County by working with farmers and businesses to increase sales and consumption of locally grown produce. The goal of the food hub is to increase market opportunities for local farmers into restaurants, schools, and other retail outlets and institutions.

Visit the Food Hub Website for more information.

Invasive Weeds

The spread of invasive non-native plant species is one of the greatest threats to the long-term environmental stability and health in the Four Corners region. More than 4500 invasive weed species sightings are documented, encompassing more than 10,000 acres of infestation. Russian Knapweed is the most prevalent species followed by Musk Thistle, Canada Thistle and Hoary Cress respectfully. For control measures, picture ID, fact sheets and maps see our website listed below.

For additional information regarding weeds in NM, visit https://weeds.nmsu.edu/

Cost Share Programs

The San Juan County Extension Office assists the SJC Farm and Range Improvement Committee (FRIC) in distributing cost-share programs. The funding for these programs comes from the Taylor Grazing Act program, and has a limited annual budget. Applications are received at the Extension office on behalf of the FRIC. All decisions made are solely of the FRIC. For details, see each specific application.

Please mail or deliver applications to SJC Extension Office c/o FRIC 213-A South Oliver Drive Aztec NM 87410