New Mexico

New Mexico has some 13,500 ranches and farms that cover 60% of the state. Close to 89% of the farmland is used as pasture ground. The town of Hatch claims to be the “green chili capital of the world.” Livestock and livestock product industry is one of the largest in New Mexico. With only around 12 people per square mile, there are far more sheep and cattle than people. The leading crops are hay, cotton, and vegetables. Due to the state’s dry climate, most of the cropland is concentrated in three areas that combine adequate rainfall. In fact, more than half of all cropland is irrigated in New Mexico.