To experience learning opportunities about the history of farming, ranching and rural life in New Mexico, bring your class to the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. The museum can impart and enhance knowledge to classrooms of all ages, from tours led by well-trained guides to a variety of exhibits that teach students about farm life and livestock. Students will learn what it’s like to work on a farm or ranch with hands-on activities that get their hands dirty!
The museum helps foster curiosity and deepen students’ understanding of the various subjects taught during their tours. The museum offers both self-guided and guided tour options for school groups. Teachers who prefer to lead their classes can opt for a self-guided tour, with a tour booklet provided in advance to help with preparation. Guided tours are led by trained guides who introduce groups to the museum and its exhibitions. These tours can be tailored to meet class interests and include demonstrations that align with the curriculum. The class can’t miss out on the farm’s Livestock Tours. Guided by motorized golf carts, tours of the museum’s livestock area, the South 20, are available most days. Trained docents guide visitors through the area, providing insights into various livestock breeds, including seven different breeds of beef cattle, as well as horses, sheep, and a donkey.
With a variety of demonstrations and shows, the farm and museum showcase their knowledge, helping students become comfortable around the farm and engage in hands-on activities. The museum showcases traditional craftsmanship through its Fiber Arts demonstrations, where visitors can observe sewing, spinning, weaving, and embroidery in action. The Blacksmithing exhibit is typically open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon; however, visitors are encouraged to call ahead for the latest schedule. Another highlight is the Parade of Breeds, a fascinating demonstration where the museum’s livestock staff presents various beef cattle breeds in the Round Pen, offering insight into their historical impact on New Mexico’s agriculture.
For little ones in Pre-K or Kindergarten, the farm offers interactive activities that can help satisfy their desire to get into the farm-life spirit! Interactive stations include corn grinding, Spanish colonial trade, and dairy interactives. The Museum’s unique playroom is a favorite stop for young visitors. They can climb into the hayloft, pretend to plant crops, ride a toy tractor, or simply sit quietly and read a book. Older students can tour the engaging exhibits, such as the Beyond the Farm exhibit, which shares the individual stories of a diverse group of people connected to NMSU. The museum also honors women in agriculture with a rotating exhibit, “Her Land: Women in Agriculture,” displayed in the museum’s central corridor. The current featured exemplar is Aqueda Salazar Martinez. This exhibit is great for groups of students wanting to learn a little about the history of New Mexico as well.
The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is a fascinating and engaging museum that showcases agricultural and rural life, making it an ideal destination for students interested in pursuing a career in farming.
