Nambe River Ranch is a family-focused small farm nestled in the high desert near Santa Fe, where we raise heritage and meat-producing livestock with care, transparency, and a commitment to ethical husbandry. Our flocks and herds include United Horned Hair Sheep for their hardiness and parasite resistance, American Boer goats for efficient meat production, and a variety of poultry breeds recognized for both utility and temperament. We prioritize pasture-based systems, rotational grazing, and low-stress animal handling to promote animal welfare and environmental stewardship. Each animal is managed with individualized care—nutrition plans, routine health checks, and shelter appropriate for New Mexico’s seasonal extremes—so our animals thrive and serve as teaching ambassadors for regenerative small-scale farming.

For breeders and exhibitors, we follow established breed standards and show protocols, including those set by the United Horned Hair Sheep Association for hair sheep and the American Boer Goat Association for Boer goats. These organizations provide breed-specific guidance on conformation, breeding best practices, and pedigree documentation that help us maintain rigorous selection criteria and responsible genetic management. Our work with these associations supports robust, healthy lines that suit both pasture conditions and market demands, and we participate in regional events to stay current with breeding innovations and welfare improvements.

Poultry at Nambe River Ranch encompasses both heritage and production-focused breeds registered to standards like those of the American Poultry Association, with attention to proper housing, biosecurity, and flock health programs. We raise birds for egg production, meat, and conservation of rare breeds, following husbandry practices that emphasize natural behaviors—foraging, dust bathing, and flock social structure—while maintaining disease prevention measures appropriate to intensive backyard and small-farm settings. By integrating poultry into our nutrient-cycling systems, we close fertility loops, reduce external inputs, and provide diverse learning opportunities for youth and community members.

When it comes to showing youth livestock, we adhere to Santa Fe County 4-H rules and guidelines for the raising, care, and exhibition of sheep, goats, and poultry. These rules cover project timelines, animal identification and tagging, health requirements, fitting and showing practices, and ethical standards for youth participants. Nambe River Ranch often supports 4-H members by mentoring on record-keeping, nutritional planning, and low-stress show preparation, emphasizing skill development, animal welfare, and sportsmanship. Participation in 4-H and breed-association events not only showcases animal quality but also fosters leadership, responsibility, and a lifelong connection to agriculture among young people in our community.

We share updates from daily ranch life, breeding announcements, show results, and educational activities on social media to connect with neighbors, customers, and fellow keepers. Our Facebook and Instagram pages document the practical side of farm life—birthing seasons, pasture rotations, youth projects, and the small triumphs that make ranching rewarding. Follow our pages to see regular photo and video updates, learn about upcoming events and educational workshops, and engage with a community that values sustainable small-scale livestock farming and youth development.