Economically, Cibola began as a breadbasket hold, specializing in animal breeding, crop farming, and fishing.  In the last two hundred Turns, an aggressive program of economic expansion has diversified the sources of wealth.  Salt, precious metals, gemstones and timber, as well as specialty products produced for export by various minor holds, all infuse wealth into the coffers of Cibola hold, which is now one of the richest holds in the south, and perhaps the north as well. 

The recent Lord Holders of Cibola have encouraged the westward trade as well.  The hold is located in an ideal place for long-hauling trade ships to catch the Great Southern Current and travel west to the holds in the territory of Landing Weyr, a quarter of the way around the globe. Obviously not all goods are profitable for such a long voyage, but Cibola's smithwork, gemstones, metals, ales, and perfumes make the trip well and produce profits both for the traders and for the Lords of Cibola.

Cibola is a highly populated hold, with many minor holds scattered about its territory.  The people of Cibola have a reputation as sober and hardworking, happiest when things are well-organized and everything has a place.  The prejudiced in other holds also consider them money-grubbing and willing to do anything to turn a profit.  This is an exaggeration, though many Cibolans are sharp traders, and several innovative (at least for Pern) financial concepts such as business insurance and compound interest loans were pioneered there. 

Lord Morgav is proud of having a minor crafthall for each of the major crafts located in his hold territory, many of which are at the main complex, and some of which he has established purely at his own cost.  The only exception is the Dolphincraft, which has only one hall outside its main crafthall.  Morgav does much to cultivate allies among the Mastercraftsmen, including providing support staff and services free of charge to crafthalls at the main hold complex.  The Farmercrafthall and the Seacrafthall are also located within Cibola's boundaries, and help to increase its prestige.

Finally, Cibola Hold is famous for three distinct breeds of livestock -- Marshland cattle, bullhounds, and the Rangerbred horse.

• Marshland cattle are lean, long-horned cattle, descendants of the wild stock native to Southern after abandonment by Pern's first generation of colonists.  They are primarily black colored, and the bulls are similar to Spanish bulls in temperament and conformation.  These are particularly ill-tempered and ferocious animals, who provide the residents of Cibola Hold with one of their favorite sports: bullfighting. 
• Bullhounds are a breed of hunting dog similar to the Irish Wolfhound.  They are massive, leggy dogs with rough, shaggy coats, who are used as both hunting and guard animals.  Bullhounds are primarily sight hunters, and despite their fearful looks, are generally gentle and reserved in personality. 
• The Rangerbred horse is a breed unique to Cibola, and extremely rare outside of the holding.  The Lord Holders of Cibola have been working for over three hundred Turns to perfect the breed, which (although the breeders do not know this) basically amounts to a re-creation of the Andalusian/Lustiano horse from Earth.  The Rangerbred is a particularly noble and elegant breed, and possesses superb balance, tremendous presence, and an ideally willing and even temperament.  While not a fast horse (not as fast in the sprint as a cutting horse, or an ideal racer like the horses bred at Windsong), the Rangerbred breed is extraordinary agile, has remarkable stamina, and possesses a naturally spectacular elevated action; an ideal carriage horse or all-purpose riding horse, and ideally suited to the bullring or as a parade horse for a Lord Holder.  Nothing on Pern has a comparable presence.  This is clearly a mount for the upper social crust of Pern; no one else would be able to afford purchasing one!
  The breeding program at Cibola is intensive, and imperfect animals are culled ruthlessly, often used by Morgav's rangers after being gelded.  The Rangerbred horse has the conformation of the classic Andalusian or Lustiano: not particularly tall (around 15.2 hands); a thick, long, and elegant neck; long, well-sloped shoulders with well-defined withers; a short back and strong, compact body with well-sprung ribs; powerful hindquarters with a low-set tail; medium-length limbs with good joints and bone; extraordinarily long and luxuriant mane and tail; head is distinctive, with a convex, Spanish profile; color is predominantly grey, although bay and black are not uncommon.