About Taos Village Farm

Our Story

The Cunnyngham family acquired the property in the early 1900s. The land use on this property has historically been agricultural. In 1999, the property was re-zoned for heavy commercial development so that the property could be commercially developed.

After many family discussions, in 2010 it was decided that the best use of the land would be to return the property to its original agricultural use. We have been moving forward with this endeavor ever since. Our main goal is to help protect and preserve the historic character of the Taos Valley. We have mowed the pastures to eradicate the sage brush in order to bring back some of the beautiful native grass pasturelands. Since this land was residential / agricultural before July 2002, restoring it back to this use is, in effect, preserving our “cherished open spaces and agricultural lands” in order that “Taos quality of life is maintained”.

We are also very proud to be part of Taos' diverse, self-sustaining economy, and to provide rewarding jobs.

Our History

Early 1900’s – the family acquired the property

1966 -1969 Rodeo De Taos

1969-1988 - Cattle Ranch and vegetable farm

1988 No activity

2010 Resumed Agriculture

TODAY

After many family discussions, in 2010 it was decided that the best use of the land would be to return the property to its original agricultural use. In 2014, the Town of Taos approved a re-zone of the property from C-1 and C-2 (commercial) to RA-20 (residential – agricultural).

Meet Our Animals

At Taos Village Farm we strive to practice positive animal communication techniques. All of our animals are child-friendly and are highly socialized with humans. We have 40+ goats, 70+ chickens, 5 dogs, and 3 outdoor cats. We pride ourselves in taking great care of our livestock and pets. These animals bring a lot of spirit and excitement to the farm.

Goats

We fluctuate a goat heard from 21 to 40 goats at a time. This year we have over 10 pregnant goats that will be kidding come mid-April and we hope to make over four different varieties of milk products for our Dairy CSA members.

Chickens

We have over 50 hens here at Taos Village Farm and we are currently working on broadening our egg program by twice the amount. We realize the true need for fresh quality eggs and want to bring more availability to our egg CSA members. Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about our egg program.

Meet Our Farmers

We are family-owned and family run! Taos Village Farm is devoted to creating a small scale agriculture with a large impact. We are also passionate about homesteading, our community and giving back! Everything we do, we do with love and a great desire to provide our customers with the highest quality products!

Bendix Cunnyngham

CURRENT OWNER AND OPERATOR OF ALL THINGS TAOS VILLAGE FARM

OWNER AND ARBORIST AT TAOS TREE

My passion is within nature. Whether I’m pruning trees, rafting, biking, or just taking in the sun set, the outdoors is what sparks joy in my life. My excitement to work the land my grandparents once ran cattle on is abundant. I’m yearning to play out my thoughts and ambitions on the farm here. My goal is to bring life back to the land and enrich the soil that sat as vacant sage for my childhood years. It’s been incredible to watch the sage turn to green through my fathers diligent hard work and I am full of ideas and determination to better the land and soil we live on here in Taos.

Coral Ann Schmid

My love for growing food honors a deep connection with my passion for giving back. I’m able to connect with the earth while producing gifts of abundant nutrition for the community. My gratitude to be working the land and living a balanced life is infinite.

Roy Cunnyngham

FOUNDER OF TAOS VILLAGE FARM AND HARDEST WORKER

Everyday for Roy is a get things done day. He is the oil, gas, and bearings that makes this machine run. The immense amount of time and hard work he puts into the farm is why this place flourishes. His attention to detail and intuitive instincts make him the all around guy to know and learn from. We are so blessed to have him putting time on the farm. There is not a task that you can get through on this farm without thinking “thanks Roy”!

Joni Cunnyngham

FOUNDER OF TAOS VILLAGE FARM

The dedication and perseverance that Joni has put into Taos Village Farm is immeasurable. Her countless hours developing the education program, crop plans, employee management guidelines, and overall farm management and organization are why Taos Village Farm is successful today. Her passion for the children's program runs deep and she is always considering community in her planning of programs. We are so grateful to have Joni’s energetic input here on the farm, it shows in every little corner that she has put intentional thought into projects.

Brian Vairo

DELIVERY DRIVER

I am from Colorado Springs and have enjoyed helping out on the farm through the years while visiting Taos in the summers. I am living in Taos now for the summer and am honored to be a part of the team. I love animals, walking my dog Mila and creating music and art. Most importantly, I am blessed to have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Meet Our Volunteers

We could not do this without our beloved Community and Volunteers!

Page Hill

My experience working with Taos Village Farm is deeply rewarding in many ways. I love building lasting relationships with the animals, leading activities for kids through the farm's flourishing education program, and experiencing the front lines of the local farmer's market, all while learning to grow produce in the beautiful high desert climate. This place is truly a community gem that allowed me to expand my farming skills and spread my wings in Taos!

Jenny Barkdoll

This will be my fourth (non-consecutive) year of farming, and my first with Taos Village Farm. It is with deep respect that I choose to be a part of such an integral system for our community and our world at large, certainly in these times more than ever. My passion for farming has always been fueled by connectivity and interaction with a living land that has so much to offer us in exchange for what we offer Her--with intent and gratitude at the forefront. I believe that the only real sovereignty we can claim is the sovereignty that we not only declare for ourselves, but also take an active role in participating in -- and that to me is the farming experience in a nutshell!

Holli Everson

I have found great enjoyment volunteering at Taos Village Farm. The energy on the farm is kind and full of love. Getting my hands in the dirt and connecting that way with nature has been truly fulfilling, all the while surrounded by the beauty of the animals and the mountains. It has been life-changing for me, I couldn't be more excited to spend my summer there.

Giving Back

E.A.T.S Garden: Our interactive education garden is sponsored by our E.A.T.S program. Education, Agriculture, Therapy, & Sustainability. This program gets kids from the community to come learn how to grow food from start to finish, learn how to connect with animals, and appreciate the healing effects of a hands-on relationship with nature. We work side by side with numerous schools and organizations in the community to host visits from children ages 3-18 years old.

UNM Children Campus, DreamTree Project, Inspire Bilingual Early Learning Center, Field Institute of Taos, and Taos Pueblo Day School.

This no till garden is open to the public during open farm hours. We allow people to walk through and self educate themselves about the garden. Please come visit with your family after calling to arrange with farmers.

Food Donation and our tier system: We try and follow a no waste policy for all our food that comes out of the garden. With over three harvest days a week the garden has an overwhelming amount of food in high season being produced. Whatever we haven’t pre sold to CSA members, restaurants, and groceries then gets donated to multiple different food banks and in need organizations throughout Taos. Any food that is not making it to food banks goes to our livestock on farm property.