New Mexico Department of Agriculture

New Mexico Agriculture

“The Land of Enchantment”

New Mexico’s agricultural roots date to 3000 B.C. when her first residents were planting and trading corn and squash.  Today, agriculture continues to expand its contribution to the state’s economy and recognition.  New Mexico’s livestock production began with the earliest days of cattle barons, such as John Chisum, when the Goodnight Loving Trail and the Chisum Trail were used extensively to move cattle north.  The livestock industry remains significant toNew Mexico’s economy with over 1.5 million head feeding on rangeland and feedlots. Agriculture is one of the state’s principal industries with cash receipts approaching $3 billion annually and directly supports over 23,000 jobs in the state.

The top ten cash commodities for New Mexico are:  Milk-1^st, Cattle and Calves-2^nd, Hay-3^rd, Pecans-4^th, Greenhouse and Nursery-5^th, Onions-6^th, Corn Silage-7^th, Chile-8^th, Cotton-9^th, and Wheat 10^th.  Consistent production of high-quality alfalfa contributes to the state’s ranking as the 7^th highest milk and 8^th highest cheese producing state in the nation.  New Mexico’s individual dairy herds are the largest in the country with milk production per cow second only to Arizona.  Milk production supports several of the biggest cheese manufacturing plants in the country, and from 2002-2005, milk production in New Mexico increased by 10 percent.  New Mexico also boasts the highest concentration of pecan production in the world and is one of the top three pecan producing states in the nation.  New Mexico leads in cash receipts for pecan production with superior quality nuts and some of the largest orchards.

New Mexico’s agriculture is as diverse as the state’s culture, geography, and climate.  Produce grown across the state includes onions, potatoes, pumpkins, watermelons, lettuce, cabbage, corn, and beans.  The state supplies 85% of the nation’s fresh onions during June, and remains the country’s largest producer of her most famous export – chile peppers.  Due to New Mexico’s ability to produce a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and nursery products, the state enjoys a renaissance in the growth of local Farmers’ Markets.  Forty-seven markets provide a wide assortment of specialty local grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including organically certified products. 

Visit the New Mexico Department of Agriculture website for more information.

http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/