The Fresh Chile Company Podcast

Enchanting People of New Mexico - New Mexico Chile and Onion Farmers

April 26, 2024 Michael Swickard, Ph.D.
Enchanting People of New Mexico - New Mexico Chile and Onion Farmers
The Fresh Chile Company Podcast
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The Fresh Chile Company Podcast
Enchanting People of New Mexico - New Mexico Chile and Onion Farmers
Apr 26, 2024
Michael Swickard, Ph.D.

There are several stages of being a Chile and Onion farmer in the Hatch Valley, the Chile and Onion capital of the world. Many are multi-generational, so they were born into the farmer role from having a toy shovel when they were small to driving a real tractor as a teenager as part of their learning. I asked one what was the most important part of being a farmer? He said when you think about seeds, water, soil, sunlight, fertilizer, weed control, harvesting and so on it is like asking of the four tires on your car, which one of the tires is the most important. Answer: they all four are or the car doesn’t run. Likewise, all the parts of the farming process are essential, or the crops do not produce. The first part of their growing year is planning. Nothing happens on a farm that isn’t planned other than pests, weather and unexpected troubles. As one person said, the only thing I know for sure is that there are going to be things I didn’t know were going to happen. And I must be ready and able to deal with those things when they happen.

Love this Podcast? Check out our website at The Fresh Chile Company. Also, check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube! Follow this link to get 15% off of your next order: Podcast15

Show Notes

There are several stages of being a Chile and Onion farmer in the Hatch Valley, the Chile and Onion capital of the world. Many are multi-generational, so they were born into the farmer role from having a toy shovel when they were small to driving a real tractor as a teenager as part of their learning. I asked one what was the most important part of being a farmer? He said when you think about seeds, water, soil, sunlight, fertilizer, weed control, harvesting and so on it is like asking of the four tires on your car, which one of the tires is the most important. Answer: they all four are or the car doesn’t run. Likewise, all the parts of the farming process are essential, or the crops do not produce. The first part of their growing year is planning. Nothing happens on a farm that isn’t planned other than pests, weather and unexpected troubles. As one person said, the only thing I know for sure is that there are going to be things I didn’t know were going to happen. And I must be ready and able to deal with those things when they happen.

Love this Podcast? Check out our website at The Fresh Chile Company. Also, check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube! Follow this link to get 15% off of your next order: Podcast15