Rain disappears from skies over half of Mexico- worst drought in 70 years

December 14, 2011 – MEXICO – Dust blows across once fertile fields in north Mexico, where the worst drought in 70 years has left thousands of cattle dead and destroyed more than two million acres (almost one million hectares) of crops. “It practically hasn’t rained this year,” said Ernesto Ruiz, a farmer in Satevo, in the border state of Chihuahua. “It’s sad to see the land like this,” Ruiz added, observing the remains of his corn and sorghum fields. Dry conditions have affected 1.7 million head of cattle, including 50,000 that have died, according to the Agriculture Ministry. Northern states are suffering the most and seeing record levels of drought, including Chihuahua, neighboring Durango and the northwestern Baja California peninsula, along with their neighbors in the southwest United States. Mexican meteorological services say the nine worst-affected states represent almost half the country. Southern areas have meanwhile recorded some of their wettest periods on record this year. The start of winter brought cold temperatures but no sign of rain in many northern areas. Rainfall could be up to 80 percent less than usual in some areas through the winter, according to the Environment Ministry. The dire predictions provoked dismay, including among farmers who rely on sophisticated irrigation systems, such as Ever Mendoza. Mendoza said that a river which once reached the same width as his fields was now reduced to little more than a trickle. His water reserves were nearly empty and his few remaining crops were low. “Normally, it should grow this high every 22 days after sowing,” Mendoza demonstrated with his hand. After a month and a half, the crops were still far below target, he said. Rural development officer Jose Granillo Vazquez estimated that 70-80,000 families in Chihuahua could be seriously affected by the drought. “This is the most severe drought the country has registered,” President Felipe Calderon said.–Terra Daily