Farm Life

Rooted in resilience

On Arbor Day, we pause to honor the quiet strength and generosity of trees. At Los Poblanos, trees are far more than a scenic backdrop — they are central to our regenerative farming practices, ecological philosophy and deep sense of place in the Rio Grande Valley.

Across the property, trees create microclimates that shield tender crops, shelter wildlife and shape the rhythm of the seasons. From flowering orchard to shaded bosque, their presence supports our regenerative agriculture and sustainable land management practices in the high desert landscape of Albuquerque’s North Valley.

Beverage program honored as James Beard finalist

We are thrilled to share that Campo is a finalist for the 2025 James Beard Awards in the Outstanding Wine and Beverages Program category. The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity and sustainability. Los Poblanos’ beverage program unites our farmers, gardeners, beekeepers, chefs, sommeliers and mixologists for a singular experience. We are so proud of our team for their creativity and dedication and are grateful to stand among this inspiring community.

90 Years of Los Poblanos: Experimental Farm and Dairy

Los Poblanos was a pioneering experimental farm in the 1930s and 1940s. Originally the home of Creamland Dairies, it played a crucial role in supplying Albuquerque with much of its milk and was renowned for its exceptional herds of Guernsey and Holstein cows. The ranch was instrumental in developing New Mexico’s dairy industry, setting a high standard for quality and innovation in the Southwest.

A sweet partnership between people and pollinators

We are thrilled to introduce our new honey collection, made possible through our partnership with Bear Canyon Honey. Bear Canyon embodies the interconnection of the hive by uniting beekeepers from Taos to Las Cruces and in the Middle Rio Grande Valley. Their work has helped build a strong network of local honey suppliers, support healthy ecosystems and celebrate a growing community of backyard beekeepers.  

Farm Journal: Report from the lavender fields

The annual lavender harvest occurs during a brief window in July, dipping into late June and early August, depending on the year. It’s an all-hands-on-deck situation, with groups from all departments coming together to pitch in, enjoy each other’s company and soak up the lavender-scented early morning and evening hours overlooking the Sandia mountains. Our kitchen team has been holding their daily meetings in the fields while harvesting the culinary lavender. Groups from Makers & Merchants, Spa, Community & Cultural Events and more have been a huge help in expediting this year’s harvest.

90 Years of Los Poblanos: The Rose Greely Garden

Amid the bright blooms of late spring, we reflect on the 90 years of history preserved in the prolific gardens of Los Poblanos.

Spring Farm Update: Seeding, weeding and swimming in posies 

Watching the gardens come to life each spring is a delight, but the season can be a challenging one in New Mexico. As our Farm Manager Judy puts it, “summer during the day, winter at night.” These extreme temperature fluctuations can be hard on tender plants. Even native varieties, like our asparagus, were freezing overnight and turning to mush this year.  

90 Years of Los Poblanos: The Lord & Burnham Greenhouse

Ninety years ago, Los Poblanos was a model experimental farm and the original headquarters of the 800-acre ranch owned by congress members Albert Simms and Ruth Hanna McCormick Simms. Home to the original Creamland Dairies, it boasted one of the finest purebred herds of Guernsey and Holstein cows in the Southwest. Sugar beets, alfalfa, oats, corn and barley were all grown on the property and purebred rams were raised with the intention of helping sheep herders of the state improve their flocks. In 1934, a Lord & Burnham greenhouse was constructed and utilized by Ruth, an active garden club member who experimented with growing new varieties of roses and chrysanthemums to sell commercially. 

A season to harvest, plan, and keep on planting

September is an exciting time of year on the farm as the variety and yields of the fields increase and summer vegetables and herbs reach their peak. Our team is busy clearing out fields, tilling and seeding with cover crops and a few overwintering vegetables. Each year we develop field rotation plans to determine what should be planted where, and which fields need a season off or with cover crops. 

Farm Journal: As winter comes to a close

Farm favorites Mouse the cat and JD the peacock.

Winter at Los Poblanos is a quiet, peaceful time of respite for our farm and grounds team. But as the days start to lengthen, the soil warms up and preparations for the growing season begin. Tilling, pruning, fertilizing and propagation are routine this time of year as we anticipate the arrival of spring.