With offices in all 33 counties in New Mexico, New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service provides youth development, family and consumer sciences, agriculture and community education programs to residents throughout New Mexico.
With a newly opened facility in Roswell in December 2025, the Chaves County Extension office is a boost to the hub of southeastern New Mexico.
“After spending time working in the new facility, staff members report a substantial improvement in functionality, accessibility and overall atmosphere — enhancements that directly support the mission of providing high‑quality, community-focused educational programs,” said Tamara Schubert, Chaves County Extension program director. “The new facility has transformed the way we serve the community. The space is modern, welcoming and designed to support the wide range of programs we offer. The added functionality makes for ease of use across all disciplines.”
With a $2 million investment from Chaves County, the new nearly 5,000-square-foot facility illustrates the belief local officials have in the work Extension does on a daily basis. The new facility is located at 1610 SE Main St. in Roswell, south of the Chaves County Administration complex next to the walking trail.
“The investment to the residents of Chaves County is huge,” said Bill Williams, county manager for Chaves County. “The Cooperative Extension Service has continued to excel and provide great things to our county. We appreciate them. Being an agricultural county, they have provided so much to our people and we’re more than happy to provide a building that helps them do their job.
“We’re really excited and happy to have worked together to get that done for the benefit of our community,” Williams said. “The 4-H contribution that they give is huge, because we know that’s going to bring leaders to our community for many years to come.”
With a county population of approximately 65,000, Chaves County Extension serves Roswell, Dexter, Hagerman, Lake Arthur, Dunken, Elk, Elkins, Greenfield, Mesa and Midway.
“The new Extension office stands as a long-term investment in the educational, agricultural and economic vitality of Chaves County,” Schubert said. “Its improved infrastructure ensures that residents will benefit from expanded programming, enhanced resources and a stronger Extension presence for years to come.”
Chaves County Extension specializes in agriculture and natural resources with programs focused on agronomic crop and pasture improvement, brush and weed control education, integrated pest management systems, profitable livestock production and urban horticulture; family and consumer sciences with programs focused on nutrition education and physical fitness, early childhood and family development and personal and family finance; and 4-H and youth development.
“With this new facility, we’re able to provide resources that simply weren’t possible before,” Schubert said. “We have a more functional teaching kitchen for nutrition and cooking programs, updated technology for hybrid and virtual learning, and safe, functional spaces for staff, volunteers and clientele. It allows us to elevate our services and better meet community needs.”
In April, Chaves County Extension will host several classes intended for a variety of ages and interests. Events range from the Adult Sewing Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, to NMSU Bound for future students and their families from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25.
“One of the most notable impacts of the new facility is its increased capacity for hosting workshops, training sessions and public events,” Schubert said. “Enhanced improved technology, larger meeting rooms, functional storage areas and an outdoor learning area allow the Extension office to expand its programming and reach more participants. The added space also creates new opportunities for collaboration with local partners and organizations.”
To learn more about Extension programs, visit extension.nmsu.edu.