Dry soil cracked beneath worn soles. The sun was still behind the mountains to the east. Dew clung to wheatgrass. Chris Lopez surveyed his farm with a look of pride and concern before climbing into his Ford to start the day.
Lopez has been farming this piece of land his entire life. His grandfather left behind mining in Magdalena and purchased the original piece of land over fifty years ago. Despite the increasing aridity of the southwest and risks of ranching, Chris’ grandfather relocated his family to the fertile middle Rio Grande valley.
From an original few acres, Lopez Farms expanded to encompass nearly 700 acres. They grow expansive fields of winter wheat and the hottest green chile in Central New Mexico.Several acres are designated wildlife habitat.
It is easy to forget that Lopez Farms is located in one of the most unforgiving regions in the United States. A green vein of cottonwoods and reeds cuts through the rugged and arid topography.
Before this winter’s record snowfall, the situation was desperate for farmers. The Rio Grande had dried south of Albuquerque and water was in short supply. But, the Lopez Family survived during the worst months of the drought and continued to produce their crops.
Lopez Farms sells their produce in both Corrales and Albuquerque Farmers Markets. It’s nearly impossible to find a restaurant in the Middle Rio Grande Valley that does not serve their famous green chile.
