Editorial: This ‘Greenness Index’ Has N.M. Seeing Red

Since last year New Mexico’s ranchers have shelled out around $1.64 million in four- and five-figure premiums for a financial instrument billed as a way to “help farmers when they’ve lost the normal way of feeding cattle,” according to USDA’s Risk Management Agency spokeswoman Michelle Bouchard. Sponsored by the federal agency, the pilot program was presented at meetings with ranchers complete with a handout with “drought insurance” in its title. Almost 100 bought the sales pitch. Now it turns out getting a claim paid is tougher than booking a vacation at a time-share condo. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak has declared a drought disaster in 32 of New Mexico’s 33 counties. The state has recorded just 4.79 inches of precipitation statewide since October, less than half the long-term average. The federal Drought Monitor has more than three quarters of the state in “severe drought.” Ranchers like Bill Sauble of Colfax County are seeing “the worst (drought) conditions in my lifetime” and have sold off cattle they can’t afford to feed. And yet, the insurance payouts are linked to a decline in the “greenness index,” which uses satellite imagery that picks up all green hues, not just those cattle can eat. Like juniper. Like piñon. Like cholla. Like creosote. And barn roofs, John Deere tractors and T-shirts on the clothesline...more