NMSU, Valles Caldera National Preserve Partner For Unique Bull Performance Testing Program

The majestic high-altitude, grass-filled meadows coupled with elite genetics representing the beef industry’s top sires has positioned the Valles Caldera National Preserve to become a unique performance testing center for high-altitude bulls.

Identifying beef genetics that can thrive in an all-natural grazing environment at high altitude is the goal of the project pioneered by New Mexico State University’s Manny Encinias, and is taking place on the national preserve in the mountains of northern New Mexico this summer.

“Grazing cattle at high altitude comes with inherent risk due to their susceptibility of developing hypertension,” said Encinias, a beef cattle specialist with NMSU’s Cooperative Extension Service and coordinator of the 2009 grazing contract with the Valles Caldera Trust.