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What type of fruit are you planning on growing? You should probably figure that out first and then talk to the local agricultural extension agent to see if it can viably grow there.
To be honest, it's more of a hobby farm than a commercial operation. If it turns out to be successful I was hoping to expand it a little and maybe sell at a local farmers market or through a CSA. I do need to do my homework when it comes to crop types and what will be successful throughout different parts of NM.
Any areas north/east of Albq that would fit the bill?
One other question I have though, in response to the places caydriver suggested, are these places close to wilderness areas for mtn biking or hiking? Two things I'd really like to be near, and not in the "It'll take a couple hours drive" close. ;-)
Check out the apple valley of Velarde & then up into Embudo and Dixon areas. There are some old orchards of apples, plums, cherries, apricots, pears, etc. Someone up in Ojo Sarco near us just bought an old orchard and are refurbishing it: http://bluespringorchard.blogspot.com/
I agree with bongo - the villages mentioned are old farming towns along the Rio Grande.
I would also look for other villages along other rivers, like the Chama and Pecos.
Villeneuva is a very pretty little place along the Pecos, and the area around Abiquiue is also pretty (where Georgia O'Keeffe had her home). I suggest looking for properties in river communities because those historically (and presently) often have surface water rights which makes it easy and inexpensive to irrigate any crops. When you do look for farmland, do yourself a favor and ask about water rights - also if there's a well on the property find out how much it produces and how deep it is.
Of course if you want to do organic farming, you'll need to get the dirt on the dirt from the current owner. ;o)
Ask about water before you buy anything in New Mexico.
Just as important as the actual wet water is WATER RIGHTS! A previous owner may have sold some or all of the water rights to someone since that could potentially net more money than the land itself. In summary: be certain the water rights will not only convey with the title to the land, but will be adequate to irrigate whatever it is that is planned for the future.
One other question I have though, in response to the places caydriver suggested, are these places close to wilderness areas for mtn biking or hiking? Two things I'd really like to be near, and not in the "It'll take a couple hours drive" close. ;-)
Look up Lincoln, NM on the map. Surrounded by mountains and National Forest, nearly perfect climate (high in the low 50s in Jan, high 80s in July). You'll have to travel a bit to get to a sizable town, but not to get to hiking and biking.
If your farm is a small hobby, then I'm guessing you could water it from a well. We tend to get good rain here in the summer, but you might need to water at other times depending on what you grow. That opens up the possible locations considerably.
"One other question I have though, in response to the places caydriver suggested, are these places close to wilderness areas for mtn biking or hiking? Two things I'd really like to be near, and not in the "It'll take a couple hours drive" close. ;-)"
It'd be hard for you to live anywhere in NM and not be within an easy drive of wilderness areas. All of the areas we've mentioned in response to your post are within minutes of hiking/mountain biking areas. Heck, depending on where you settle you might not even have to drive to get into national or state forest or BLM land or designated wilderness areas. Nearly 42% of New Mexico is federal land (primarily national forest, Indian land and BLM), and around 12% is owned by the state (primarily state forests) - so, stayfido, not to worry....
To be honest, it's more of a hobby farm than a commercial operation. If it turns out to be successful I was hoping to expand it a little and maybe sell at a local farmers market or through a CSA. I do need to do my homework when it comes to crop types and what will be successful throughout different parts of NM.
Any areas north/east of Albq that would fit the bill?
One other question I have though, in response to the places caydriver suggested, are these places close to wilderness areas for mtn biking or hiking? Two things I'd really like to be near, and not in the "It'll take a couple hours drive" close. ;-)
Stay you are right next door to the Lincoln National Forest. Many biking and hiking trails at your back door. Another thought is a raspberry farm for sale in Arabella deep in the Capitan mountains but fairly close to Ruidoso, about 40 minutes.
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