Time is running out to recognize the women who have helped shape New Mexico’s agricultural legacy.

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is reminding the public that nominations for the 2026 class of “Matriarchs of New Mexico Agriculture” close Monday, July 21 at 11:59 p.m.

This statewide campaign celebrates the respected, hardworking women whose leadership, mentorship and advocacy have left a lasting impact on agriculture, their families and their communities. NMDA encourages families, industry members and community leaders to submit nominations before the deadline.

“Agriculture in New Mexico has been shaped by generations of strong, visionary women,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “This campaign is our way of honoring that legacy—and there’s still time to make sure the matriarchs in your life get the recognition they deserve.”

The “Matriarchs of New Mexico Agriculture” campaignlaunched in 2025, with two legendary women – Mary Alice Garay and Margie McKeen – selected as inaugural honorees. They will be formally recognized this September. Promotional ads and video tributes for the 2026 honorees will debut in January, coinciding with the United Nations’ “International Year of the Woman Farmer.”

The campaign is open to nominations statewide and welcomes both living and posthumous honorees. Nomination forms, guidelines and the official campaign logo are available at elevateNMag.com.

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