LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) announces the launch of its new “Matriarchs of New Mexico Agriculture” campaign, celebrating the respected, hardworking women who have shaped the state’s agricultural community.
NMDA is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Matriarchs of New Mexico Agriculture class. The nomination deadline is Friday, June 21, at midnight.
This new program honors women who have devoted their lives to advancing agriculture in New Mexico, supporting their families, communities and industry with leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. A matriarch is defined as a “head of family or tribe” or “an older woman who is powerful within a family or organization,” and NMDA seeks to recognize those who embody these ideals.
“With 2025 as the inaugural year for this campaign, NMDA has selected two legendary women to kick off the campaign and inspire future nominations,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “These two honorees were not only the vision behind this campaign, but have consistently championed the agriculture industry and NMDA’s initiatives in recent years. They will be formally recognized this September.”
Promotional TV and online ads will launch in January 2026, aligning with the UN’s “International Year of the Woman Farmer” to honor women’s vital role in global food security.
The campaign is open to nominations statewide and welcomes submissions for living and posthumous candidates. Additional details, including a nomination form and official campaign logo, are available at elevateNMag.com.
NMDA invites the agriculture industry, and families across New Mexico to nominate the inspiring women who have made a lasting impression on New Mexico agriculture.
For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit elevateNMag.com.
What is a Matriarch?
The definition of matriarch is “head of family or tribe” or an “older woman who is powerful within a family or organization.”
The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) wants to recognize the respected, hard-working, and often humble women in New Mexico Agriculture who have devoted most of their lives to improving our state’s agriculture industry, their community, and their family. These matriarchs are leaders, mentors, and advocates.
We are currently taking nominations for the 2026 Matriarchs of New Mexico Agriculture.
Maiden Matriarchs
With 2025 being the inaugural year, NMDA has chosen two deserving and legendary women in New Mexico agriculture to help kick off the nomination process for 2026. These ladies are not only shining examples of NMDA’s vision of a Matriarch, they were also the inspiration behind this new program as they both supported their industry and the Department through other initiatives over the past year. Both will be recognized later this year and will be honored here soon!
Nominate a Matriarch
NMDA invites the agriculture industry and families across New Mexico to nominate the inspiring women who have made a lasting impression on New Mexico agriculture. Click here for the nomination form for the 2026 Matriarchs of New Mexico Agriculture.
Nominations must be received no later than June 21, 2025
Nomination Information
- Matriarch Nomination Form
- Nominations must be received no later than June 21, 2025
- Please send to:
NMDA Marketing & Development Division
ATTN: Kelsey Morley
MSC 5600, PO Box 30005, Las Cruces, NM 88003
- Or email: elevateNMag@nmda.nmsu.edu
- Phone: (575) 646-4929
