Fields & Irrigation
Lots of dirt and old building materials
were cleared by our excavating contractor,
bringing the fields down to the original
acequia water line.
The turnout ditch to our
property, channeling
water from the acequia to
our fields, was dug out and
restored.
Our property’s turnout ditch from the acequia brings water to our fields.
A few of our awesome parishioners are ready to
serve lunch after a morning of work. Meat from the
first of our free-range kid goats was served,
offering all present tacos de cabrito. What a treat!
On October 12, 2016, the Feast of Saint King Edwin of Northumbria,
our parish opened the floodgates of its adjacent acequia channel to irrigate the
first of our newly restored fields. Acequia means “that which brings water.” This
method of irrigation was brought to the Americas by the Spaniards who adopted it
from the Moors. From at least the time of the Atrisco Land Grant of 1692 these
canals have been transporting water to farmers throughout the region. A
representative of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District was present to open
the channel, allowing the water to flood our field. This restoration and continued
care for our land has unified our parish community and revealed talents and
passions held deep within the hearts of our people.
In the spring of 2018 New Mexico’s premier rancher Mike Mechenbier began
chiseling, plowing, and laser-leveling our three fields. Water now flows
through them as smoothly as over the kitchen table. Below our first,
northwest field was planted with brutus fescue grass. It quickly took root
and our animals now enjoy the permanent pasture.
The fescue grass on our second, southeast field is maturing nicely.
Freddie and Isabel take a moment for a picture.
Above our third, northeast field is being readied for alfalfa. With
parishioners from towns like Abiquiu, Mora, and Torreón having settled in
the South Valley, the collective knowledge and skill base is substantial.
Everybody pitches in what they know.
Here the same field, having been seeded with alfalfa in April of 2019, has
shown some development two months later.
On September 7, 2019 the alfalfa was cut for the first time.
Northeast Field Restoration
On September 13, 2019 the newly cut alfalfa was packaged, yeilding sixty-
seven bales. What a blessed day!
Two Fields for Grass-fed Animals
NORTHEAST FIELD ALFALFA HARVEST:
2019: Sep. 13, 67 bales. Oct. 15, 22 bales. Total: 89.
2020: May 24, 55 bales. July 2, 60 bales. Aug. 10, 73 bales. Oct. 5, 64 bales. Total: 252.
2021: June 6, 130 bales. July 17, 148 bales, October 105 bales.
2022: May, 75 bales, July 145 bales, September 100.