New Mexico Agriculture 2024

With a storied past and a bright future, New Mexico’s agriculture industry continues to contribute to the state’s economy as the third-largest industry, just behind energy and aerospace. According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, New Mexico boasts 20,976 farms spread across 39 million acres. The average size of a farm is quite large, spanning 1,865 acres.

Some of the top commodities that make up this sector include cattle and livestock, which play a significant role in the agricultural history of New Mexico. Also included are hay, dairy products, pecans and chile peppers, to name a few. In fact, the state ranks No. 1 in the nation for chile pepper production. 

More than just crops and commodities, New Mexico agriculture encompasses everything from agritourism and education to agricultural research and agribusiness. Many farmers and ranchers go a step further by taking advantage of value-added opportunities such as food processing, packaging and selling products directly to consumers. These opportunities help the industry connect better with the public, showing them how big an impact agriculture has on everyday life.