The New Mexico Department of Agriculture and the New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences will be hosting AG Day before the NMSU homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Sponsored by the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau and Farm Bureau Financial Services, AG Day will provide family fun activities while showcasing the importance of agriculture in the state of New Mexico.

This is the seventh consecutive year that NMDA and NMSU College of ACES have collaborated to host AG Day. New Mexico Department of Agriculture Media Contact and graduate assistant student Baylee Banks described the numerous activities that will be available at the event.

“We have different NMSU departments and employees involved and also businesses sponsoring of course. Such as the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau and Farm Bureau Financial Services being our ultimate sponsors for AG Day,” Banks said.

According to Banks, the event will have around 40 booths in attendance representing numerous NMSU groups and organizations, with nonprofit organizations as well.

These events include horse rides provided by the NMSU Therapeutic Riding Program, tractor train rides from the Antique Tractor Club and other booths offering interactive and educational games and activities for families and children.

Free food, including root beer floats, beef sliders provided by the NM Farm and Livestock Bureau and chips with salsa will be given away at a number of booths. There will also be designated AG Day seating inside Aggie Memorial Stadium for sponsors, partners and friends.

Former Nashville musician, Las Cruces native and NMSU alumna Della Bustamante will perform at the event from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Banks said the idea of having these events and booths is to enlighten the youth about the state’s agriculture.

The event will take place at the tailgate area north of the Aggie Memorial Stadium, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., right before the NMSU Aggies football team play against the Liberty Flames at 6 p.m.

Banks said she was able to help with the event and expressed that she is excited to be in such a lively atmosphere and to see everyone involved working together.

“It’s awesome to be able to have such a big hand in such a huge day. The events are just a really cool experience for everyone and it’s awesome to see how enthusiastic everyone is to work together and put on AG Day,” Banks said.

The NMSU Homecoming parade will kick off the homecoming festivities on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on University Avenue before AG Day. Both events will be free for all attendees.