Joe Nelson

Joe Nelson was born on the Pecos River 3 miles north of Dexter, New Mexico. He completed high school in Dexter and then went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture with a minor in Entomology from New Mexico A&M (NMSU) in 1956. He then began working for Agricultural Products Co. (AGCO) at Mesquite, New Mexico, as an Entomologist. The majority of his entomology career was in the valley south of Mesquite with additional work throughout the Mesilla Valley when necessary. He remained at AGCO helping Mesilla Valley Farmers solve their seed, fertilizer, and pesticide needs until AGCO was sold to Helena Chemical Company in 1989. In the late 1960s and the early 1970s, Joe was able to assist many Mesilla Valley farmers with their first ventures in growing lettuce and onions. Joe's farming ability, knowledge of the new seed varieties, fertilizers, pesticides and entomology skills helped many farmers to become successful vegetable growers. These skills also created opportunities for Joe to buy a Super C Tractor equipped with vegetable attachments and begin partnerships in lettuce and onion fields. These partnerships worked out well, and they began buying farmland as it became available. After being involved 33 1/2 hears in the seed and chemical business, Joe finally accomplished his lifetime goal to be a fulltime farmer. Joe and his wife, Janice, have two children and four grandchildren.

The Nelson's own 550+ acres of farmland in the Elephant Butte Irrigation District, near Anthony, New Mexico, with 100 acres just across the state line in Texas. At the present time, they also rent 1000 acres and operate a very diversified farming business near Anthony, New Mexico.