(Las Cruces, NM) New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) was invited to participate in the inauguration of New Mexico State University President Barbara Couture.   “This was the first time, NMDA and the agricultural industry was asked to participate in the inauguration of a university president to this extent. I think it shows President Couture’s commitment to NMSU’s role as a land grant university and the importance of NMDA and the agricultural industry to that mission,” said NMDA Director/Secretary Dr. Miley Gonzalez. 

NMDA’s Marketing and Development Division staff, together with NMSU’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRTM) coordinated the luncheon that  followed the Inauguration/Convocation ceremony held on Tuesday, August 17, 2010.

Several agricultural groups, including NMDA provided and served the assorted lunches.  The menu ranged from lamb donated by the New Mexico Wool Growers Association and beef tenderloins supplied by the New Mexico Beef Council and New Mexico Cattle Growers Association to ice cream given by the Southwest Dairy Farmers and pecan pies donated by Stahmann Farms.  “We think this is a great way to showcase some of New Mexico’s agricultural products.  Not to mention President Couture and the inauguration attendees who were provided with a real treat,” said Noreen Jaramillo, NMDA public information officer.