Local farmers forced to double resources amid Borderland Heatwave

ANTHONY, New Mexico (KVIA) — The Borderland, like much of the country, has felt the effects of a long-lasting heat wave.

The heat that's impacted all of us, has made some change their day-to-day activities including farmers who now start work a little earlier.

"Well, my wake-up time generally is 5:30," said George Want a local farmer. "Wintertime, close to 7:30, 8:00."

George Want has owned his ranch for 14 years.

"That's my lifestyle here in the country. You see the green you watch the crops change," said George.

He tends to cows and alfalfa. 

"But the recent heat has forced him to change his routine," said George.

"The heat has kept me inside quite a bit. But on a decent day, I do about 8 hours of work a day," said George. "I drink about 7 to 8 one-liter bottles of water a day when I'm out."

George has seen changes in his cows.

"Sudan grass requires much more water and they drink about 30 gallons a day. So that 100-gallon water job gets filled twice a day in the summertime. Yes, feed is a factor in how much water they use along with the temperature."

And in the amount of alfalfa, he yields.

"My second cutting produced 150 bales. This cutting only produced 66 because I was up behind that for the second irrigation, making two per cut, and as a result, my yield went from 150 to 66."

With the heat, his crops now need double the amount of water.

His crops need a second irrigation in a 28-day cycle this is compared to the winter time when the crops can get by with just one.

"So fertilization and irrigation water are very important with the sun up at about 12:00 for 14 hours a day at 110 plus," said George.

Despite the heat and the extra workload, George says he loves tending to his farm.  At age 84 another day on the farm regardless of the weather is another full day of work.