The Farm

Our farm is 16 miles north of Las Vegas, New Mexico at an elevation of 7200 ft. We are located at the interface between the high plains and the Rocky Mountains. The soil is relatively poor. The climate is cool, and dry with average rainfall of 16 inches/year.

We purchased the 48 acres from a non-profit educational organization. We built a house and barn; completed a solar-powered stock watering system; and fenced several pastures and built stock shelters.

We preserved the shrines on the property and the 19th century morada (a meeting place for the Penetentes). They can be seen on the Butch Phillips' photo page. The morada is unfortunately in disrepair. An intermittent stream runs through the property. It has flooded once during the last 5 years doing little damage. A large coral reef protrudes from the middle of a field. Our goats survey their domain from the top of this rock.

We are assisted at the farm by Sam Gonzales (see photo) a native of the region. Sam is a skilled heavy equipment operator who has also worked on a sheep ranch. Sam cares for the animals, builds fences, keeps the road in good order, plants forage and keeps the weeds under control. His help is invaluable.

Sam is holding Cloud, one of our Dorset x Churro rams. Cloud and his half-brother Crawford have thick handsome horns.

Many of our neighbors have small herds of cattle and horses. We call on them to help with some tasks on the farm-especially shearing. Friends pitch in with shearing, skirting and other many handed chores. What follows are some photos of the farm.

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