Warmer Weather and Recent Heat Wave Impact New Mexico Farmers and Ranchers
LEMITAR, N.M. – The recent heat wave and warmer weather have had a significant impact on farmers and ranchers across the state of New Mexico. Agriculture is one of the largest industries in the Land of Enchantment, with over 24,000 farms spread across 40 million acres.
During a recent visit to Belen, President Joe Biden discussed how funding from the Inflation Reduction Act will benefit farmers and ranchers in New Mexico. He emphasized the importance of raising livestock in ways that improve soil health and highlighted the need to support farmers and ranchers who are working to absorb carbon from the air through planting initiatives.
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez echoed President Biden’s sentiments regarding the carbon-absorbing material. She explained how it has the potential to address the current challenges faced by the agriculture industry. According to Leger Fernandez, every time grass grows and cows graze, carbon is captured, creating a beneficial cycle. She also emphasized the need to replenish the funds that farmers and ranchers rely on, as they have been severely affected by the ongoing drought.
However, not everyone shares the same optimism regarding the Inflation Reduction Act funding. Glen Duggins, a farmer from Lemitar, expressed skepticism, suggesting that the funding is an attempt to buy votes. Duggins believes that those making decisions about agriculture legislation lack a deep understanding of the industry. He himself shifted away from growing chile due to rising costs and instead focused on crops like corn and alfalfa.
Farms in New Mexico utilize cover crops during the winter season to preserve soil and fertilizer. The Biden Administration has called for farmers and agriculture workers to adopt this practice. However, Duggins argues that this proposal will not reduce water usage on farms in the state. He argues that cover crops, like any other crop, require water to thrive.
Duggins also expressed a desire for lawmakers to include the input of working farmers when creating agriculture legislation. He believes that their firsthand knowledge and experience would be invaluable in shaping policies that truly benefit those in the industry.
As the impact of the heat wave and warmer weather continues to be felt by farmers and ranchers in New Mexico, the Inflation Reduction Act funding offers a glimmer of hope. By supporting initiatives that improve soil health and reduce carbon emissions, there is potential for positive change in the agriculture industry. However, it is crucial for lawmakers to engage with those directly affected by their decisions in order to create effective and sustainable policies.
Original Story at www.koat.com – 2023-08-11 00:28:00
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