Livestock raising is a cornerstone of Mohave County’s rural economy, with vast grazing lands supporting cattle, sheep, goats, equine, and swine. Despite challenges like drought, local ranchers contribute significantly to Arizona’s $1.7 billion beef industry. The Mohave County Fair and 4-H programs showcase livestock through shows and rodeos, fostering community engagement. Regulations ensure animal welfare, with inspections for health and ownership. Resources like the USDA Farm Service Agency and UA Cooperative Extension support producers, especially after the 2020 drought disaster designation.
Cattle dominate Mohave County’s livestock industry, with grazing on 73% of Arizona’s land. Ranchers raise beef cattle, contributing to $431 million in state GDP. The arid climate suits low-maintenance breeds like Angus, but drought increases feed costs. In 2020, Mohave County was designated a disaster area due to drought, qualifying producers for USDA emergency loans to replace livestock or equipment. Practices focus on rotational grazing to preserve soil. The Mohave County Fair features cattle shows, and local processors like Mohave Meat Co. in Kingman serve ranchers. Compliance with Arizona Department of Agriculture inspections ensures health and branding.
Sheep and goats thrive in Mohave County’s desert terrain, raised for meat, wool, and dairy. Breeds like Dorper sheep and Boer goats adapt well to sparse vegetation. Small-scale producers benefit from lower land needs compared to cattle. Challenges include predation and water scarcity, mitigated by fencing and strategic watering. The Arizona Department of Agriculture requires health inspections before transport or sale. 4-H programs at the Mohave County Fair teach youth about raising these animals, boosting local interest. UA Cooperative Extension offers workshops on sustainable practices, helping producers manage costs and environmental impact.
Horses, mules, and burros are raised in Mohave County for ranch work, recreation, and shows. The county’s open spaces suit equine activities, with events like rodeos at the Mohave County Fairgrounds. Owners must provide adequate feed, water, and veterinary care per Arizona’s cruelty laws. Challenges include high feed costs during droughts, addressed through USDA’s Livestock Forage Disaster Program. Local zoning allows equine on agricultural land, but animals must be penned to prevent roaming. UA Cooperative Extension provides resources on equine health, and Kingman’s feed stores support owners with supplies.
Swine are less common in Mohave County but raised for pork by small farms and 4-H participants. Breeds like Hampshire suit the climate, requiring shaded pens and consistent water to combat heat. Arizona’s livestock inspections ensure health before slaughter or sale, excluding feral pigs. Producers face challenges with feed costs and waste management, addressed through UA Cooperative Extension’s workshops. The Mohave County Fair showcases swine in youth competitions, promoting agricultural education. Local processors like Mohave Meat Co. handle pork, supporting small-scale producers. Responsible management ensures compliance with state welfare regulations.