The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and the New Mexico State Fair have announced the recipients of the 2025 Farm and Ranch Families of the Year awards. The recognition will take place during the rodeo at the fairgrounds in Albuquerque on Thursday, September 11.
This year, the Silverblatt-Buser family of Silver Leaf Farms in Corrales has been selected as Farm Family of the Year. Silver Leaf Farms operates on 15 acres and is certified organic. The farm was founded by brothers Aaron and Elan Silverblatt-Buser, who supply their produce to local farmers markets, grocers, restaurants, schools, and food banks in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. They have backgrounds in business and plant genetics, which has contributed to their growth and innovation. Their retail space, The Farm Stand, features local food and products.
The Elkins family from Dunken has been named Ranch Family of the Year. The family began ranching in New Mexico in 1917 and now manages cow/calf operations across Otero, Chaves, and Eddy counties. Alden and Randy Elkins continue to manage ranch activities with their families while maintaining community involvement.
"The New Mexico Department of Agriculture and the New Mexico State Fair will honor the 2025 New Mexico Farm and Ranch Families of the Year during the rodeo at the fairgrounds in Albuquerque on Thursday, Sept. 11," according to a joint statement from both organizations.
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