Northern Mexico farmers fight drought amid water dispute with the US

Cows graze on a parched field, as Mexico contends that a historic drought fueled by climate change makes it impossible to fulfil its water commitments to the United States under a 1944 treaty, near Chihuahua city, Mexico April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez

JULIMES, Mexico (Reuters) - Dead animals lie scattered across the planes of this cattle ranching town in northern Mexico, victims of a long-term drought that is forcing farmers here to consider uprooting their lives to look elsewhere for land and water.

More than 64% of Mexico's territory is experiencing some level of drought, according to government data. Northern states are the hardest hit, particularly Chihuahua, with most of its territory engulfed by the most extreme levels of drought.