Rain a Band-Aid on bigger problem for NM's cattle
US cattle count lowest its been since WWII
Monsoon rains are starting to make New Mexico’s countryside a little greener, but it has only slightly loosened the drought’s grip on the state’s cattle country.
Before these past two months of rain, dusty areas like the hills of southern Santa Fe County were pushing the beef cattle industry to the brink.
Rain and snow make or break the business, and although this past summer brought more than the past two years combined, it’s just starting to come back to life.
On a good year, prairie grasses will grow knee high.
With this year’s monsoon, some farmers have seen their cattle graze on an uptick in greenery since June, essentially eating for free.
Those farmers say the rain hasn’t fixed the problem, but has provided a Band-Aid for recent drought-related problems.
Those drought conditions forced many ranchers to either cut down their cattle to a core heard or sell out altogether.
The current nationwide cattle count is the lowest it’s been since World War II. Breeding them back will take many years.
Farmers say cows don’t breed on time if they’re not in good body condition. The drought has disrupted the natural calving cycle, as cows are breeding later every year.
With the future of New Mexico’s cattle industry unclear, some Mother Nature-fueled prairie grass has been a merciful first step for farmers.
Southern Santa Fe County and areas in Torrance and into Lincoln counties are considered to be the driest parts of New Mexico.