Profitable Livestock Production (Torrance County)

This was the driest year on record in New Mexico. Combined with one of the coldest temperature stretches in January and February, beef producers in Torrance County were challenged when it came to calving, dealing with noxious weeds and locating feed for the short-term. Approximately thirty calls were fielded from producers. The agent assisted in the identification and control methods for noxious weeds. The agent also assisted local producers in locating hay and feed products during the severe weather conditions.

Torrance County experienced a higher than usual amount of moisture as compared to the last 5 years. The result was a 50% increase in beef-production calls concerning stocking rates, potential weed problems, disease issues such as trichimoniasis, and wildlife damage concerns including prairie dog infestation in range land. Other issues facing Torrance County ranchers dealt with well-water contamination. It was determined that ground water contained a high amount of sulfates that was fatal to cattle. The agent worked closely with producers and specialists to identify and resolve the water issues.

Short-term
• Increased awareness of novel management practices and knowledge of current issues for more than 10% of New Mexico livestock producers through educational programs, direct communications, and popular press publications.
• Increased the number of producers using technology to evaluate production and financial aspects of cow-calf enterprises through participation in a Standardized performance analysis workshop.
• More than 90% of attendees surveyed at educational workshops perceive the monetary value of education gained exceeded the cost of attendance.

Medium term
• Improve decision-making skills of more than 500 livestock producers and county Extension agents through educational programs and seminars such that they are more confident in livestock management.

Long Term
• Improved knowledge level of county Extension agents regarding management of sheep and beef cattle through in-service trainings in the area of Range Nutrition and Management.

This was a very challenging year for livestock producers in Torrance County. With last fall's wet weather, grass production was higher than usual. Because of this, some ranchers were not as prepared for the winter we experienced. The eastern half of Torrance County experienced heavy snowfall and drifting snow, resulting in the inability to reach cattle to break ice and feed. As stated earlier, some producers were not prepared due to the expectation that the grass would provide plenty of feed. In conjunction with the Torrance County Emergency Planning Agency, the Agent worked to secure feed and the clearing of roads to allow access to homes and livestock.

The Agent worked with numerous producers in the area this past spring concerning the identification of loco weed. A management plan was developed for the control of the weed as well as the protection of the livestock. Veterinarians and NMSU Specialists participated in the development of the plan.

Work with the East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation District is focused on securing funds as well as treatments to improve the water shed and rangelands of the area.