Agriculture & Horticulture
Our county's agriculture must remain competitive within local, national and even international markets. This requires a continuous flow of appropriate technology addressing local needs within New Mexico. Our Extension program works to maintain and strengthen programs that address these needs. Water is one of the most important limiting resources for our county's agriculture. All aspects of water use affect agricultural efficiency and profitability. Water management will become more critical as water demands for urbanization and industrialization increase.
A majority of land in Sierra County is used for livestock grazing and therefore referred to as Rangeland. Increasing environmental issues are putting new demands on ranchers as well as land management agencies that effect goals and objectives for management. Ranchers will need to be more involved in monitoring programs on their ranch that will allow for sustaining Agriculture and the Environment. Carrying capacities are affected by many factors other than livestock numbers, such as, wildlife, drought conditions, and Noxious and Invasive Plants.