Agriculture & Horticulture
Total population for Curry County has increased slightly from 51,000 in 1997 to 52,222 in 2000. 33.7% of the population is under the age of 20 and 10.5% is 65 years or older. The county is 81% urban and 18.8% rural. Curry's central town is Clovis, population 43,041, home of Cannon US Air Force Base. Curry's economy is based on agriculture, railroad, military and light manufacturing. Curry County leads New Mexico in corn, wheat and sorghum production.
Agriculture producers have a continuing need for assistance and up-to-date information relating to crop production practices as they relate to increasing yields with smaller inputs, so that there is a potential for profit. This information will include: weed, insect and disease control; fertility and agricultural chemical application; minimum and no-till cultural practices; and water management. In addition, alternative cropping practices will be evaluated for local agricultural production systems.
Small Grain Management
Agricultural producers have a continuing need for assistance and up-to-date information relating to crop production practices as they relate to increasing yields with smaller inputs, so that there is a potential for profit. This information will include: weed, insect and disease control; fertility and agricultural chemical application; minimum and no-till cultural practices; and water management. In addition, alternative cropping practices will be evaluated for local agricultural production systems.
Speciality Crop Production & Marketing
One-third as many farmers exist today as compared to the turn of the century. Only the most efficient can endure the declining net-income situation. Farmers are turning from low return traditional crops to higher value specialty crops. With the increases in acreage of specialty crops, more production and marketing information will be required to support this ndustry growth.