NMSU Research Centers Celebrate Fall with Outreach Events
By Adriana M. Chávez
Oct 24, 2026
NMSU agricultural science centers hosted fall learning events featuring farm demonstrations, pumpkin patches, and hands-on activities for elementary students.
Agricultural Science Centers Introduce Students to Farming and Research
Four NMSU science centers within the Agricultural Experiment Station brought the autumn season to life with outreach events for elementary school students this month.
Inspired by Tucumcari’s annual farm day, the Agricultural Science Center at Farmington held its fourth annual Farmington Kids Farm Day and Pumpkin Giveaway. Kevin Lombard, Farmington ASC Research Director, shared that 67 fifth-grade students from Animas Elementary School participated in educational stops covering topics like soils, agrivoltaic grow boxes, traditional Navajo crops, greenhouses, and more. Following the tour, students navigated a corn maze to find a pumpkin patch tended by the ASC Farmington farm crew under Dallen Begay's supervision.
On October 9th, the Valencia County Extension Office hosted a farm visit at the Agricultural Science Center at Los Lunas. Kindergarten students explored crop varieties, learned about local produce, and engaged in interactive discussions with researchers. The day concluded with a STEM activity and a pumpkin for each student.
The Agricultural Science Center at Clovis continued its tradition, welcoming approximately 720 fifth-grade students from Curry County during Pumpkin Patch Day events on October 14th and 15th. Students learned about food sources, made bubbles from guar gum, and picked their own pumpkins to take home.
Another event is scheduled for October 28th at the Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, featuring speakers and activities for fourth- and fifth-grade students.
Adriana M. Chávez, a writer for New Mexico State University Marketing and Communications, can be reached at [EMAIL_REDACTED].