Logan New Mexico Bailing Broom Corn 1910 Real Photo Postcard

Broomcorn (Sorghum bicolor var. technicum) was a vital agricultural commodity in the American West and Southwest, including parts of New Mexico, from the late 19th century into the mid-20th century. Cultivated for its fibrous seed heads, which were essential for broom manufacturing, broomcorn offered a drought-resistant cash crop suitable for the semi-arid conditions prevalent in regions like Quay County, where Logan is located. The crop played a significant role in sustaining local economies and providing income for settlers engaged in dryland farming.

The baling of broomcorn, as shown, was a critical step in processing the harvest for transport and storage. Early baling machines, often powered by horses or small gasoline engines, represented a significant technological leap, enabling farmers to efficiently compact the bulky stalks. This communal scene underscores the labor-intensive nature of agriculture in the early 20th century and the cooperative efforts often required among rural communities to manage the harvest and prepare products for market.