Phenomenon: Determine if heritage Raramuri Criollo cattle, precision ranching technologies, or supply chain modifications are effective strategies to keep ranching and rangelands ecologically and economically healthy as climate and markets change.
Alfredo Gonzalez & Sheri Spiegal, Jornada Experimental Range, and Cindy Tolle, Evergreen Ranching & Livestock, describe Raramuri Criollo, one biotype showing promise for profitable and sustainable production in the arid southwestern US. "The criollo is a very efficient cow on the land. They're super efficient grazers and converters of grass and other forages into high-quality meat."
Criollo Cattle were originally brought to the Americas by Christopher Columbus in 1496. Over 500 years of largely natural selection has allowed these animals to adapt to a wide variety of environments. Including the Raramuri Criollo here at the Jornada that are exceptionally well adapted to thrive in a harsh desert environment.