Welcome to the Larry P. Abraham Agri-Nature Center and Agriculture Program

The Village of Los Ranchos purchased the old Anderson Winery on 25 acres to preserve open space in the Village and to celebrate our agricultural heritage.  This property has evolved over the years into the center for agricultural excellence that it is today.

The goal of the Larry P. Abraham Agri-Nature Center is to be a center of excellence in regenerative agriculture. The Village of Los Ranchos has a deep history in agriculture, and we strive to maintain this heritage in three distinct ways: education, research, and economic development.  

The Agri-Nature Center provides agricultural education for all ages!  We host farm camps, workshops and provide resources for farmers and gardeners.  We offer classes for all skill levels and agricultural interests.

The agricultural research that we do is aimed at supporting farmers in the village with resources by demonstrating best practices.  We are home to a new soils lab that analyzes soil, water, and compost for landowners in the area.  Additionally, we trial different varietals and grow using several distinct methods to provide information to growers.  

We promote economic development and agritourism through partnerships with local businesses, promotion of local farms, and community events. 

The Village of Los Ranchos has its roots in agriculture, and we will honor that heritage by:

  • Community Garden

    Our community works together to grow food and take home the produce. Anything extra gets donated to a local food bank.

    Click Here

  • Creating our AgriFuture

    The heart of the project is the Village of Los Ranchos Master Plan 2035 and to build trust within loosely connected networks then leverage those networks for collaborative action.

    Learn More

  • Supporting small-scale, sustainable agriculture

    We support sustainable agriculture through education, community garden, and training the next generation of farmers. Rent our wash station or mobile cooler.

    Rentals

  • Supporting animal husbandry

    We support animal husbandry through butchering, shearing, and beekeeping workshops. Come to one of our livestock workshops.

    Events

  • Supporting agricultural economic development

    We support agritourism with bike tours, matanzas, and agricultural festivals.

    Events

  • Supporting the coordination of landowners, businesses, and farmers

    We support small scale agriculture by connecting farmers with land owners.

    Land Link NM

  • Supporting forage cultivation for wildlife

    We support wildlife by planting forage crops and providing habitat for migratory birds. Find more information about wildlife habitats at the Candelaria Nature Preserve.

    Candelaria Nature Preserve

  • Investigate feasibility and applicability of new agricultural techniques and technology

    Contact us for information on the current research projects happening on the farm.

    Contact Us

  • Pursue a multigenerational approach to agriculture

    We work with partners like Explora, Nature Ninos, and elderly facilities to get people of all ages engaged in agriculutre.

    Explora Farm Camps

  • Provide agriculture information to residents and current and potential farmers.

    Questions about agriculture? Contact us or reach out to a local contractor.

    Ag Contractor List

  • Promote water conservation in agriculture

    We use sigflow water sensors and we have transitioned many fields into drip irrigation. We also use the acequia network. Find out more on the MRGCD website.

    MRGCD

The Nature Niños planting fruit trees in the Los Ranchos Agri-Nature Center orchard. They were assisted by the Agriculture Program Manager Joshua O’Halloran.

The image above is a draft concept for a new roadway entrance.  It will enhance access to the facility, improve parking, provide efficient use of the fields and education spaces, and take advantage of the magnificent viewshed.

 

Who are we?

Joshua O’Halloran - Agriculture Program Manager

johalloran@losranchosnm.gov

505-344-6582 ext. 118

Sabrina Apodaca - Administrative Assistant

sapodaca@losranchosnm.gov

505-355-1462 ext. 122

Matt Stebleton - Seasonal Farmer

At the Agri-Nature Center during the growing season.

Where are we?

4920 Rio Grande Blvd. NW

Los Ranchos, NM 87107

You can enter the Agri-Nature Center from the gate on the east side of Rio Grande. Follow the driveway until you see the building. The gate will be open during our hours of operation.

Hours
Monday–Friday

8am–5pm

The Agri-Nature Center is an open space and you can access the center lands through walking and biking trails during daylight hours.

 

Volunteer

We’re always looking to welcome new faces at the Ag Center!

Regular volunteer hours are Wednesday mornings from 9-12. Please fill out the form so we can notify you of upcoming projects.

Feel free to stop by on Wednesday mornings and find Sabrina to fill out some forms.

We’d love to have you out here!