Although topics should all be rooted in history, the topic permits submissions involving agricultural, economic, geographic, sociological, cultural, and contemporary history issues. Papers presented at the conference may be considered for publication in the Society’s international journal, Agricultural History.

Papers on the following issues are particularly encouraged: Spanish and Mexican periods; food and cuisine; labor issues; regional Native Americans; the region in cinema or literature; communal and religious settlements and groups (including Mennonite and Mormon farmers); and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its effects on both sides of the border. Special consideration will be given to non-traditional presentations, including use of cinema, cross-border collaborations, and presentations in Spanish.

In addition to traditional scholarly sessions, the organizers plan to include sessions and/or meals that focus on traditional Southwestern or New Mexican foods and their related cultures, as well as proposed tours of the historic, abandoned ranches on White Sands Missile Range, the Jornada Agricultural Experiment Station, and a chile farm and processing plant. The conference will also present opportunities for agricultural and rural-life historians to share their knowledge directly with museum professionals and high school agriculture teachers of the region as a means to extend current academic scholarship directly to those people working directly with the public.

Submission of a 500-word abstract and a current vita should be sent by mail to Cameron Saffellor sent via e-mail to the address below. The original submission deadline has been extended to 31 December 2002.