Hobbs, city (2020 pop. 40,508), Lea co., SE N.Mex.; inc. 1929. With the discovery (c.1928) of oil and natural gas in the area, Hobbs became one of the last great oil boomtowns in the United States. It remains a major shipping and trading center for oil-well supplies. There are feedlots for livestock, and thoroughbred horses are raised. Beef cattle have long been important in Hobbs, and dairy farming also now is. Cotton, wheat, peanuts, vegetables, and melons are grown on irrigated farms in the area. Manufactures include concrete, machinery, metal products, and chemicals. The College of the Southwest is in the city.
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