Stewardship is Way of Life

Gary Ross, along with New Mexico’s other Conservation Security Program recipients, was honored at a recent contract signing ceremony in Fort Sumner for his soil conservation efforts while raising top quality milo.

When Gary Ross chose to focus on production of milo seed, he took steps to build one of New Mexico’s finest farms and ranches. His operation in Roosevelt, Curry and DeBaca counties includes milo and wheat rotation, alfalfa and wheat rotation, cattle, and some Conservation Reserve Program land. His main focus is the milo seed production. He alternates rows of male and female plants, planting male plants two rows at a time 10 days apart for the best pollination of the crop. He applies two tons of compost in the spring before planting the milo, takes samples of the compost to determine nutrient value, and finishes off the nutrient recommendations with commercial fertilizers.

Learn more about NRCS in New Mexico.

By sampling wells, he monitors salts and nutrients in the water. It is extremely important to note that Ross takes multiple soil samples on each field each year to get a nutrient recommendation. Sumner Farm’s soil and water quality are significant resource issues Ross heeds as he identifies and addresses potential risks with ongoing stewardship. Ross takes actions that provide long-term environmental benefits to his land, and maintains and enhances his natural resources.

After his milo is harvested, there is no cultivation of any kind until the next fall when he runs a sweep plow twice with pickers and harrows. He then broadcasts wheat seed and fertilizer together and harrows. During the winter he lightly grazes the wheat and milo stubble, in the spring terminates the wheat, and coming around full circle, plants directly into the standing wheat stubble with milo again.
Your contact is Barbara Garrett, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 505-761-4406.