Best Areas in New Mexico for Raising Sheep

New Mexico leads the U.S. in sheep operations per capita, with production historically concentrated in the Rio Grande Valley corridor and adjacent high-country counties.

Top Sheep-Producing Counties

• North/Central: Sandoval, Valencia, Socorro, Torrance
• South: Doña Ana, Sierra, Otero, Luna
• East: Chaves, Eddy

Why These Areas?

• Water access: Rio Grande, Pecos River, and aquifers support irrigated pasture and alfalfa.
• Elevation gradient: Summer grazing in high meadows (Sacramento, Jemez, Mogollon Mts); winter in lower valleys.
• Land tenure: Mix of private ranch, BLM, and Forest Service permits enables transhumance.
• Infrastructure: Established shearing crews, buyers, wool pools, and vet services.

Breeds: Primarily Rambouillet (fine wool), Debouillet, and hair sheep (Dorper, Katahdin) for low-input systems. The New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc. and NMSU Extension provide strong producer support.