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Guarding the Ground in Eastern New Mexico: Sentinel Landscapes, Water Security, and Farm Viability
Thursday September 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MDT
Fireplace
In Eastern New Mexico, producers are on the frontlines of severe climate stressors, particularly extreme drought and the rapid depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer. To keep farms and ranches viable, agricultural advisors need innovative, regionalized approaches.
This 90-minute session will explore how the Eastern New Mexico Sentinel Landscape approach provides a model for climate adaptation and farm viability that is applicable to advisors across the country. The session will begin with a 15-to-20-minute broad overview of the Sentinel Landscape program nationally and locally, highlighting its direct impact on farmers and the broader New Mexico region.
For the remainder of the session, the panel will dive into specific farmer case studies. Rather than focusing on program eligibility, we will share an inquisitive, replicable approach to farm resilience. We will talk through real-world scenarios using a three-part framework: (1) identifying primary risks, (2) selecting appropriate land management or operational responses (showcasing a range of both low/high cost and low/high tech solutions), and (3) examining the ultimate result for farm viability. Attendees will leave with an adaptable framework to help producers in any region assess risks, select management responses, and improve their bottom line through the SL model.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the broader regional and national impacts of the Sentinel Landscape approach on agricultural operations and local ecosystems. Apply a three-step framework used by Sentinel Landscape practitioners to evaluate on-farm risks and select operational responses, utilizing a spectrum of low-to-high cost and low-to-high tech solutions. Abstract and apply these risk-management and land-management strategies to different regions and farming operations outside of the Sentinel program to improve long-term farm viability.
Intended Audience: Farm and food business advisors, conservation planners, and climate adaptation professionals who support producers in arid environments.
Speakers
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D'Llaynn Bruce

District Conservationist, US Department of Agriculture
D'Llaynn Bruce is a natural resources professional based in Eastern New Mexico with experience supporting conservation, agriculture, and community-based initiatives. Her work focuses on fostering collaboration among landowners, agencies, and partner organizations to advance sustainable... Read More →
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Dylan Marks

Board Member, Roosevelt Soil and Water Conservation District
Dylan Marks serves with the Roosevelt Soil and Water Conservation District in Eastern New Mexico, where he works closely with agricultural producers, landowners, and local partners to support sustainable land and water management practices. His work focuses on advancing conservation... Read More →
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John Tunberg

Contractor, New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts
John Tunberg serves with the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, where he supports and advocates for conservation districts across the state in their efforts to protect and enhance natural resources. His work centers on strengthening partnerships between local districts... Read More →
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Marco Lueras

Eastern NM Sentinel Landscape Coordinator, LegacyWorks Group
Marco Lueras is a program coordinator and strategic partnerships professional focused on conservation, land management, and community engagement in Eastern New Mexico. He currently serves as the Coordinator for the Eastern New Mexico Sentinel Landscape (ENMSL), where he works at the... Read More →
Thursday September 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MDT
Fireplace
  Climate Adaptation and Risk Management, Land Access Retention and Transfer

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