What was the main issue faced by farmers during the conflicts in New Mexico?

The main issue faced by farmers during the conflicts in New Mexico primarily revolved around land disputes and cattle trails. As settlers expanded into the territory, tensions arose between farmers and cattle ranchers over the use of land. Farmers needed land for their crops, while ranchers required large expanses of land for grazing cattle. This led to frequent conflicts over access to water resources, land boundaries, and the right of way for cattle trails, which were critical for transporting livestock to markets.

These disputes were compounded by the shifting political and social landscape of the region, where various groups, including Mexican landowners, Anglo settlers, and native tribes, all had competing claims and interests in the land. The conflicts often erupted into violence, as each group sought to defend their livelihoods and assert their rights over the territory. Thus, the complexities of land disputes and the critical importance of cattle trails were indeed paramount issues for farmers during this tumultuous period in New Mexico's history.