The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE), working through the Southwest Seed Partnership, has launched the Farmer 2 Farmer Native Crop Toolkit. The program connects farmers interested in incorporating native plants and regenerative conservation practices into working agricultural lands throughout New Mexico’s Rio Grande watershed. Image - Institute of Applied Ecology

Choosing a regular annual sampling window gives farmers a clearer picture of whether changes in compost use, cover crops, irrigation, fertilization, or tillage are actually improving the soil. Photo courtesy of NMSU.

Healthy soil is the foundation of productive farms, gardens, thriving landscapes, and successful restoration projects—but damaged or degraded soil can be difficult and expensive to repair. Fortunately, woodchips offer a simple, affordable solution with remarkable benefits.

Photo courtesy of Isabelle Jenniches NM Healthy Soils Working Group

A 10-year research program in France tested whether farms can grow crops with zero pesticides (no seed treatments and not even biological pesticides). This newsletter summary pulls out the most practical lessons for growers—especially vegetable producers in the Middle Rio Grande Valley.

Photo & article courtesy of PAN Europe https://www.pan-europe.info/about-us/who-we-are

To help New Mexico farmers reach new markets, locally relevant information on heat-tolerant cultivar performance is needed because heat and early bolting can limit yield. Researchers at NMSU tested “heat-tolerant” varieties to identify those best suited to southern New Mexico.

Photo credit: Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Courtesy NMSU