Rising Fuel, Fertilizer Costs Challenge Southern N.M. Farmers
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) – Rising fuel, fertilizer and labor costs are presenting a challenge to southern New Mexico farmers.
La Union-area grower Wade Deerman says it’s a huge variable on crops that are being planted. Deerman has scaled back on his cotton crop this year and instead is planting more alfalfa on his 800 acres of land.
That’s because alfalfa requires less work using fuel-guzzling machinery. According to AAA, diesel prices in Las Cruces hit a record high last week at $4 a gallon.
Las Cruces farmer Buddy Tharp says he’s established a crop rotation pattern, so he’s not likely to change the acreage he plants to cope with high fuel or labor costs. He says he’s optimistic the market will be strong.
If not, he says a lot of growers will be struggling financially.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) AP-NY-03-30-08 1455EDT
