N.M. – A fifth-generation New Mexico farm family is downsizing its cow herd after facing challenges, but is now opening the farm for a new community market
The Rivera family is will have its first Rivera Farms Artisan & Farmer’s Market in Pena Blanca on Saturday.
“It’s a blessing in its own,” Caleb Rivera said. “There’s good years, there’s bad years, but overall, it’s really enjoyable.”
Rivera is a fifth-generation farmer and rancher. He said drought conditions have hurt irrigated pastures and limited the family’s water supply.
“That has affected our alfalfa growth and our pasture growth, which that leads to affecting our livestock growth,” Rivera said.
The family said it has also not had full access to its ranch near Tent Rocks National Monument since the start of the pandemic.
“That’s where a majority of our feed is, so that that limited access has been difficult,” Rivera said.
The Riveras cut their cow herd from 50 to 14 as they dealt with drought and access problems.
Why host a market?
The family spent the last six months planning its own artisan and farmers market to bring the community together and support other local growers, ranchers, artists and food vendors.
“We’re not the only farm that has been affected with this,” Ruth Ann Rivera said. “So we want to support other farmers, ranchers, artists.”
The family said goats, donkeys and Roger the pig will greet families at the event. The family also created Bowdie Babies, stuffed animals based on real animals from the farm, sold with adoption papers for $15.
The market is set for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the farm on Sile Road in Pena Blanca. Admission is $10 per car.
