January range report stated that the mild weather and a moderate amount of rainfall has greatly improved ranges in north-central Arizona as well as western New Mexico. The precipitation was in the form of rain and ranges were free from snow making it possible for stock to easily feed. Western New Mexico was always included in Arizona’s range report. Many of their stockmen would graze their animals in Arizona when range conditions were more favorable then in New Mexico!
In February the range conditions came from news submitted by Mr. William Pitts. He who wintered his sheep in the Congress Junction area said that the feed was excellent and water was plentiful for all animals. He told the newspaper that the range land was the best he had seen at this time of year.
In early March and all through the month general rains had greatly improved range conditions especially in the desert lambing area of the Salt River Valley. While not germane to the sheep industry Williams was experiencing an influx of tourist now that the roads had dried up. The ranges in the first part of April were also favorable.
But May had seen a deterioration with range conditions reported only 76 per cent of normal. Sheep were fairing much better than cattle with a 94 per cent normal compared to only 70 per cent for cattle! Coconino County was in the best shape of all the counties with cattle at 97 per cent of normal and range at 100 per cent. There was no report on sheep but I speculate that with these conditions sheep were also doing well.
Conditions improved in July in some parts of the state with some rain falling. Higher temperatures for the past weeks were causing pastures to be dry and little water found in stock ponds. Higher elevations,however, were reported with livestock in good condition. In the Crook National Forest near Globe watering places we’re holding up well and again reporting cattle doing well. The Grand Canyon section and the Douglas area were suffering the most with Douglas from intense heat!
By the end of July rain had fallen over the pastoral lands of the state and conditions were rapidly improving. The Grand Canyon section still was in poor condition from the lack of precipitation for so long. The southern portion of the state was fairing much better.
The next report on Range conditions found was not until November when, once again range conditions had deteriorated. As reported earlier Yuma District and their grazing lands would be used to graze 3,000 sheep and 6,000 cattle.
Seems like we still have the same problem today with the weather not always giving us that life giving moisture so important to humans, livestock and wildlife! This summer has been very dismal in terms of rain in the Phoenix area. The black clouds roll in; there may be lightning but little to no rain. Rain has fallen to the south and east but we sure could use a great big rainstorm right about now!
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