AG Day showcases New Mexico agriculture Sept. 24

Have you ever wanted to enjoy agriculture, food, friends, family and football all at the same time? Well, Sept. 24 is your lucky day. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and the New Mexico State University (NMSU) College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) will host the ninth edition of AG Day prior to the NMSU football game.

The street festival is free to the public and will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Pan American south parking lot and the Aggie Memorial Stadium northeast parking lot. The theme of this year’s AG Day is “AGgie Spirit: Strong and Resilient” in tribute to the award-winning commercial that showcases New Mexico agriculture. The day will culminate with the NMSU vs. University of Hawaii football game at 6 p.m.

With New Mexico Beef Council as the Grand Champion Sponsor and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service as the Winners Circle Sponsor, AG Day will be the place to learn about agriculture with numerous educational booths, including NMSU College of ACES departments, programs and groups, NMSU student organizations and several other local agricultural organizations and businesses.

“AG Day is a great way for the community to learn more about agriculture while having some fun,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “AG Day has turned into a popular tradition for the agriculture community, and we hope to make this year the best year yet!” 

“Less than 2% of the population of the U.S. works in agriculture; however, those few feed all the millions in our country and many others in many countries of the world,” said NMSU College of ACES Dean Rolando Flores. “This is an opportunity to celebrate agriculture in New Mexico and in Las Cruces through learning from the work of faculty, staff and students in the ACES College at NMSU. Come, enjoy, have fun while learning!”

New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association has been a longtime sponsor of AG Day. The association’s president, Loren Patterson, said the event showcases the impact agriculture has on everyday lives.

“Everything we do, everything we eat, almost everything we look at involves agriculture, and AG Day allows us to realize and appreciate the rich ag-based culture found in New Mexico,” said Patterson. “NMSU and NMDA’s AG Day showcases the impact agriculturalists make on our day-to-day lives. Think of them when you enjoy a game day brew, green chile cheeseburger or purchase a commemorative Aggie cotton T-shirt. I encourage everyone to attend this family-friendly event, and salute the farmers and ranchers who earn their livelihoods protecting our state’s abundant resources, by paying respect to our past and anticipating our future.”

There will be plenty of opportunities for families to learn about agriculture. The NMSU Therapeutic Riding Program and NMSU Animal and Range Sciences will provide attendees the opportunity to interact with animals. Organizations such as New Mexico 4-H, NMSU Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico CowBelles, New Mexico Ag in the Classroom and New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum will educate the public about agriculture with fun activities. Attendees will also have a chance to listen to live music and sample New Mexico products.

For more information about AG Day, visit the AG Day web page, email pio@nmda.nmsu.edu or call 575-646-2804.

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