ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Drastic changes in the weather have left some cattle ill in parts of New Mexico as ranchers deal with cold, dry conditions.
The latest crop report released Monday by the U.S. Agriculture Department’s statistics service said ranchers in Chaves and Union counties reported damage to plants and grass due to the recent frost.
Ranchers in Union County also indicated that some livestock were sick, most likely due to the quick changes in the weather.
Ranchers in many areas also are still hauling water to their herds, and the need for supplemental feeding has increased and is well ahead of last year.
The latest map shows prolonged dryness has resulted in the expansion of severe conditions into Catron County, while moderate drought now spans more than a quarter of the state.