ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The head of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture is warning lawmakers that it could take months to tally the true costs of a winter storm that killed an untold number of livestock and derailed the dairy industry.
Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte testified Monday before the House agriculture committee.
He said producers have been working with the Farm Service Agency to tally losses as the state builds its case for a federal disaster declaration.
Republican Gov. Susana Martinez and members of the state's congressional delegation already have pushed federal officials for a declaration.
In late December, New Mexico was hit with more than two feet of snow and strong winds helped to form drifts that overtook corrals, buried livestock and stalled milk production. Freezing temperature then set in as part of the one-two punch.