At Elephant Butte Irrigation District (EBID), water is more than infrastructure — it is education, agriculture, history, and a part of the community. Throughout late 2025 and early 2026, EBID proudly participated in several major regional events designed to connect students and families with the importance of agriculture and water in Southern New Mexico.
From fairgrounds, university tailgates, and elementary school classrooms, EBID continues to support hands-on learning experiences that highlight the vital role of irrigation and agriculture in our region.
September 2025
During the Southern New Mexico State Fair, EBID participated in the 3rd Grade AgXplorer and STEM Ag Career Fair Day events. AgXplorer is an interactive educational experience designed to introduce elementary students to agriculture through engaging, hands-on activities.
Third-grade students rotated through stations focused on agricultural production, science, technology, and career pathways in the industry. EBID representatives helped students explore how irrigation systems work, why water management is critical in Southern New Mexico, and how careers in agriculture and water resources make a difference in their own communities. They also had a little bit of help from Otto the Otter, the designated EBID mascot!
Events like AgXplorer spark curiosity at an early age — helping students see that agriculture is not only part of our heritage but also part of their future.
November 8, 2025
EBID also joined thousands of community members at the 12th Annual Ag Day held prior to the New Mexico State University Aggie football game at Aggie Memorial Stadium.
Hosted by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and the New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Ag Day is a large, family-friendly tailgate/celebration focused on highlighting the importance of agriculture in New Mexico.
Held in conjunction with Homecoming festivities, the event featured food sampling, interactive booths, and educational exhibits showcasing agricultural products, services, and careers across the state. EBID’s booth emphasized:
With families, students, and alumni in attendance, Ag Day provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce the connection between water, agriculture, education, and community pride.
January 30, 2026
In January, EBID was honored to participate in NM Day at Mesilla Park Community School — a long-standing tradition celebrating the rich history, culture, and beauty of New Mexico.
Each year, community partners from across Las Cruces and throughout the state are invited to help teach students about the people, industries, and traditions that shape New Mexico. This year, eighteen local partners participated, including agricultural producers, educators, cultural groups, and state organizations.
Students had the opportunity to engage with representatives from:
EBID volunteers worked directly with students to share how irrigation supports local farms, how water travels through canals, and why water stewardship is essential in an arid state like New Mexico.
NM Day continues to be a meaningful way to connect young learners with their state’s agricultural roots — and to inspire future leaders in science, engineering, water management, and farming.
Across every event one theme remains constant: education matters. By participating in community outreach events, EBID helps ensure that the next generation understands:
EBID is proud to partner with schools, universities, and state agencies to strengthen agricultural awareness throughout Southern New Mexico. When students understand water, they understand the foundation of our region’s future.
530 S. Melendres
Las Cruces, NM 88005
575-526-6671
Monday - Friday 7:30 to 4:30
