Understanding beef production in the Southwest

Authors: GIFFORD, CRAIG - New Mexico State University; Ramsey, Paige; Aney, Angus; Estell, Richard; LISH, SAMANTHA - New Mexico State University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/20/2025
Publication Date: 4/30/2025
Citation: Gifford, C., Ramsey, P.L., Aney, A.S., Estell, R.E., Lish, S. 2025. Understanding beef production in the Southwest. Meeting Abstract. Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Beef production in the Southwestern U.S. faces unique challenges including dynamic public/private land ownership/management structures, changing environmental conditions including frequent/ongoing drought, and low and variable forage productivity. One option to better utilize these unique conditions is to identify heritage biotypes, like Rarámuri Criollo, that are more compatible with them. Criollo’s adaptation to rugged conditions and sparse resources may confer an advantage in extensive rangelands of the hot, dry Southwest compared with European breeds. Precision ranching technology like virtual fence and real-time smart-sensors like water level monitors, tipping-bucket rain gauges, and GPS collars can be utilized in this region to increase efficiency and capacity of beef operations. There are three supply chain options for beef cattle in the Southwest: grass finishing in the Southwest, grass finishing in the Northern Plains, and grain finishing in the Southern Plains, each having their own environmental and economic tradeoffs. Data from the Sustainable Southwest Beef Coordinated Agricultural Project have been leveraged to obtain funding for another project that has expanded our understanding of the practical implications of virtual fence and to develop twelve hands-on, standard-aligned K-12 lessons. This learning module is a hands-on overview of the Sustainable Southwest Beef Coordinated Agricultural Project’s results.