FARMING
FARM TRACTOR
When the Riggs family first arrived in the Sulphur Springs Valley, the land was rich with a variety of untouched grasses, providing ample feed for their cattle. However, as time passed, overgrazing and drought began to take their toll, making it increasingly difficult to sustain the livestock solely on the local vegetation.
To address this challenge, Brannick Riggs and his son-in-law, W.A. Stark, purchased a 160-acre farm in Solomonville, located in Arizona's Gila Valley. This farm became a vital resource, producing feed to supplement the animals on their ranches. W.A. Stark and his family managed and farmed the land, ensuring a steady supply of nourishment for the cattle during challenging times.
The Riggs family utilized the natural resources of their ranches to support their cattle operation, cutting grass for hay in areas where it grew tall enough. This hay was stored in barns to serve as winter feed. In some locations, they even cultivated alfalfa to enhance their feed supply. To further support their livestock during times of poor grazing, the family acquired farmland in the Kansas Settlement area of the Sulphur Springs Valley. There, they raised hay and grains, ensuring a reliable food source for their cattle regardless of seasonal challenges.