New Mexico is facing a critical moment in its beef industry. Consumers are paying record-high prices, but these prices reflect years of complex challenges: delayed herd cycles due to COVID-19, drought-induced herd reductions, and decades of policy restrictions on grazing, including Conservation Reserve Programs, reduced public land permits, and more recent 30 by 30 and 50 by 50 initiatives.
The timing is ironic. Under normal conditions, the current market strength should have occurred five years ago, coinciding with the natural 12-year cattle cycle. Instead, pandemic-related consumption lags, combined with dry years, have created ideal conditions for herd reductions—and now strong demand is finally catching up.
However, the sustainability of New Mexico’s beef industry is in jeopardy. The average beef producer in the state is over 60 years old. Rising costs of production—including loan rates reaching 11–12%, and land values doubling or tripling—mean many ranchers are tempted to liquidate herds rather than pass operations to the next generation. Passing land and operations to younger ranchers is made even more challenging by policies limiting grazing access.
Profitability is not a luxury—it is the foundation of sustainability. A ranch cannot invest in rotational grazing, water infrastructure, or herd improvement without sufficient profit. We can express this simply:
Without profit, sustainability collapses. With profit, reinvestment amplifies long-term viability. This is why today’s high beef prices represent a rare opportunity for ranchers to secure both their financial stability and the future of their land and herds.
To preserve New Mexico’s beef industry, we need policies and programs that:
- Support generational transfer through tax incentives, low-interest loans, and estate planning assistance.
- Balance conservation programs with productive grazing opportunities on public and private land.
- Provide financial tools for young ranchers to expand herds and invest in sustainable practices.
- Encourage investment in drought-resilient forage, rotational grazing, and water infrastructure.
Senator Crystal Brantley represents District 35 in the New Mexico Senate, which includes Catron, Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Sierra & Socorro counties.
Senator Pat Boone represents District 41 in the New Mexico Senate, which includes Lea County and portions of Roosevelt County.
Senator Pat Woods represents District 7 in the New Mexico Senate, which includes Curry, Quay, Roosevelt & Union counties.
Representative Jack Chatfield represents House District 67 in the New Mexico House of Representatives, which includes Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Quay, Roosevelt & San Miguel counties.
