The Impact of Ranching on the Gallup Region

By Laura Nall

4/27/04

Ranching and farming in New Mexico are important activities for the state’s economy and have contributed to the lifestyles of some New Mexicans.  Because many New Mexicans participate in farming and ranching activities, either for pleasure or business, rodeo has become a very prevalent and popular sport in New Mexico.

Because New Mexico is a dry desert region, a very small portion of the state is actually farmed. These areas tend to be along rivers within the state.  Hay is the staple crop of New Mexico, and there may be a relation between how much hay (alfalfa) is produced and the number of livestock in this state.

Additionally, some meat packing is done in New Mexico, and there are a number of dairies producing milk products as well.

Both corn and wheat are important crops in New Mexico’s history.  These two crops were considered staples in the lives of the early settlers.  Eventually, beans and chili were introduced in the state, and these have become important crops as well.

Livestock are important in this economy as well.  Perhaps the most important animal to the Navajo culture is the sheep because it is useful for so many things.  In the Navajo culture, the meat is consumed, the wool is used for garments, and the hides are used as well.  Most indigenous Navajo families have kept sheep since the 15^th century.  Dogs are important to these families because they help protect and move the sheep.

The city of Gallup, inclusive of the whole of McKinley county, represents a blending of many cultures.  The community of Gallup began as the headquarters for construction of the southern transcontinental railroad.  Consequently, varying cultural groups found their way to Gallup to work on the railroad.  These cultures included Europeans, Asians and Mexicans.  Following the completion of the railroad, many of these people stayed in the area and became coal miners.  Descendents of all of these groups contribute to the rich cultural mix now seen in the area.

The community of Gallup was named after David L. Gallup, a postmaster who established an office in Gallup in 1880.  Workers would talk about going to Gallup to get their mail, and the name stuck.  The community became an official village in 1881.

As Gallup grew commercially, it became the trade center for many Native Americans.  Today the industries in Gallup include the extraction industries of coal and oil, Indian arts and crafts, tourism, and ranching.

It is clear that the roots of ranching and farming evident during the settlement of Gallup and the surrounding area strongly extend to the current lifestyles of those who live in this area.  Farming and ranching communities can be and are very multicultural.  People from every culture either make their livings or pursue leisure activities through farming, ranching and rodeo activities.