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Sustainable Southwest Beef Project Kickoff Event

In January the Sustainable Southwest Beef Project team introduced the project to roughly 125 ranchers, feedlot operators and others connected to the beef cattle industry at the Southwest Beef Symposium. Producers from at least 26 counties across 7 states, including California, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, completed a baseline survey that will help guide the project over the next five years.

Amarillo, Texas

In January, the Sustainable Southwest Beef Project team introduced the project to roughly 125 ranchers, feedlot operators and others connected to the beef cattle industry at the Southwest Beef Symposium, organized by New Mexico State University and Texas A&M University. The USDA Southwest Climate Hub joined other members of the Sustainable Southwest Beef Project to introduce heritage genetics, supply chain options and precision ranching  during the project-sponsored dinner.

Project director, Dr. Andres Cibils of NMSU, and producer Cindy Tolle of Evergreen Ranching and Livestock LLC introduced the project. Other team members -- Dr. Emile Elias, Dr. Jean Steiner, Dr. Craig Gifford, Dr. Brent Auvermann, Skye Aney, Keegan Taylor, Dr. Kristy Ehlers and Ann Marshall -- were on hand throughout to answer questions.

Producers from at least 26 counties across 7 states, including California, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, completed a baseline survey that will help guide the project over the next five years. Producers indicated the most immediately applicable aspects of the project for their operation. Results reported as percentage of survey respondents were:

  • Integrated research, education, and extension of the Sustainable Southwest Beef CAP – 28%
  • Precision ranching technology (i.e., animal movement, water level, or precipitation measurement sensors) – 25%
  • Range finishing on Southwestern rangelands and other supply chain options – 22%
  • Spanish/heritage breed cattle (e.g., Raramuri Criollo) – 11%
  • None or Other – 6%

Several producers indicated more than one option, with the integrated research, education, and extension of the Sustainable Southwest Beef Project being the most common topic to be indicated alongside another topic.

Other highlights from the producer survey:

  • With regard to precision ranching technology, 53% of producers indicated they currently use or would consider using remote water level sensors, while half indicated they currently use or would consider using precipitation sensors (accurate to mm), and 31% indicated they would consider using animal movement trackers. It was encouraging for our team members to see this level of initial interest in precision ranching technology.
  • Breeds currently raised or fed by producers varied, with the majority (72%) of producers indicating that they raise or feed British breeds, however, some indicated they raise/feed Continental (14%) and/or British X Continental breeds (17%). A small percentage (8%) indicated they currently raise/feed Criollo or other Spanish heritage breed or cross of such, and some producers (11%) indicated they raise/feed Japanese Wagyu cattle. This information helps the team to understand the current producer base and thus the starting point for introducing the Raramuri Criollo to producers as an alternative breed option to consider for southwestern rangelands.

Our exhibit table at the event had quite a few visitors who showed interest in the project. Hats off to Dr. Craig Gifford from the Extension team who helped to plan and organize the symposium. Whether it was preparing and delivering talks, manning the exhibit table, or working behind the scenes, it took a team effort to make this event successful, so congratulations and well done!

In January the Sustainable Southwest Beef Project team introduced the project to roughly 125 ranchers, feedlot operators and others connected to the beef cattle industry at the Southwest Beef Symposium, organized by New Mexico State University and Texas A&M University. The USDA Southwest Climate Hub joined other members of the Sustainable Southwest Beef Project to introduce heritage genetics, supply chain options and precision ranching during the project-sponsored dinner.

Project director, Dr. Andres Cibils of NMSU, and producer Cindy Tolle of Evergreen Ranching and Livestock LLC introduced the project. Other team members -- Dr. Emile Elias, Dr. Jean Steiner, Dr. Craig Gifford, Dr. Brent Auvermann, Skye Aney, Keegan Taylor, Dr. Kristy Ehlers and Ann Marshall -- were on hand throughout to answer questions.

Producers from at least 26 counties across 7 states, including California, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, completed a baseline survey that will help guide the project over the next five years. Producers indicated the most immediately applicable aspects of the project for their operation. Results reported as percentage of survey respondents were:

  • Integrated research, education, and extension of the Sustainable Southwest Beef CAP – 28%
  • Precision ranching technology (i.e., animal movement, water level, or precipitation measurement sensors) – 25%
  • Range finishing on Southwestern rangelands and other supply chain options – 22%
  • Spanish/heritage breed cattle (e.g., Raramuri Criollo) – 11%
  • None or Other – 6%

Several producers indicated more than one option, with the integrated research, education, and extension of the Sustainable Southwest Beef Project being the most common topic to be indicated alongside another topic.

Other highlights from the producer survey:

  • With regard to precision ranching technology, 53% of producers indicated they currently use or would consider using remote water level sensors, while half indicated they currently use or would consider using precipitation sensors (accurate to mm), and 31% indicated they would consider using animal movement trackers. It was encouraging for our team members to see this level of initial interest in precision ranching technology.
  • Breeds currently raised or fed by producers varied, with the majority (72%) of producers indicating that they raise or feed British breeds, however some indicated they raise/feed Continental (14%) and/or British X Continental breeds (17%). A small percentage (8%) indicated they currently raise/feed Criollo or other Spanish heritage breed or cross of such, and some producers (11%) indicated they raise/feed Japanese Wagyu cattle. This information helps the team to understand the current producer base and thus the starting point for introducing the Raramuri Criollo to producers as an alternative breed option to consider for southwestern rangelands.

Our exhibit table at the event had quite a few visitors who showed interest in the project. Hats off to Dr. Craig Gifford from the Extension team who helped to plan and organize the symposium. Whether it was preparing and delivering talks, manning the exhibit table, or working behind the scenes, it took a team effort to make this event successful, so congratulations and well done!