Charles A. Martin

An Economic Analysis of Transplanting versus Direct Seeding of Selected Medicinal Herbs in New Mexico

ABSTRACT Transplanted and direct-seeded Nepeta cataria L., Urtica dioica L., Calendula officinalis L., Melissa officinalis L., and Sphaeralcea incana Torr. ex Gray were evaluated at two sites in New Mexico. In Las Cruces, the Nepeta cataria, Melissa officinalis, and Sphaeralcea incana earned a positive return to land and risk from transplanting and direct seeding, although in each case transplants resulted in a higher return to land and risk. Transplanted Urtica dioica and Calendula officinalis at the Las Cruces site resulted in a negative return to land and risk, but at the Alcalde site the Nepeta cataria earned a positive return from transplanting and direct seeding. Transplanted Melissa officinalis and direct seeded Calendula officinalis in Alcalde generated a positive return. Direct seeded Urtica dioica and Sphaeralcea incana did not survive in Alcalde.

Risk Management Education in Southwest Medicinal Herb Production and Marketing in New Mexico: Assessing Grower and Potential Grower Outcomes after a Two-Day Workshop

A risk management educational program to help small-scale farmers of native medicinal herbs of the U.S. Southwest (SWH) was conducted. Topics included: balancing culture and commerce, species identification, value-added production methods, quality control and marketing, and financial planning. Participants were re-contacted 6 months later to assess follow-through. Only five participants applied risk management principles to their growing operation. Respondents indicated that the workshop series improved their understanding of managing risks associated with growing SWH, but the study highlighted differences between (1) existing specialty crop growers who are able to transition to producing SWH and (2) individuals only curious about SWH but not likely to grow these crops commercially.