The exhibits within the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum’s dairy barn will be renovated this year, thanks to a $30,000 donation from Southwest Dairy Farmers.

With this renovation, the Museum’s dairy barn will continue to share history, but will be more child-friendly and have more interactive exhibits. This brighter, livelier venue will include a multi-use public space that features everything from demonstrations to children’s birthday parties. Plans are for it to be completed in October 2022.

“Our long-standing partnership with the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum continues to build on our objectives to educate young and old alike about the dairy industry and the good nutritional and wholesome products produced by New Mexico and American dairy farmers,” said Jim Hill, CEO of Southwest Dairy Farmers. “The upcoming renovation of this dairy barn exhibit will bring our educational and promotional messages to the museum’s visitors in a fun and innovative way. The Southwest Dairy Farmers are proud to be a part of this project.” 

This partnership between Southwest Dairy Farmers and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is a natural one. We share the goal of preserving the history of dairy farming in New Mexico and educating the public about this important industry.

“We are thrilled to be able to continue our partnership with Southwest Dairy that began 25 years ago,” said the Museum’s Executive Director, Heather Reed. “Together, we look forward to building an innovative and immersive exhibit that showcases the depth of our history and explores the present-day advances in agriculture.” 

The dairy industry plays an important role in the story of New Mexico agriculture. The first cattle were brought into this region by the Spanish in 1598, so dairy farming has a long, rich history in this region. The production of hay, alfalfa, and other feed also is part of this story.

The importance of dairies in New Mexico is reflected in the national statistics where the state currently ranks ninth in milk production and fifth in cheese production. This partnership with Southwest Dairy Farmers helps put the Museum in regular contact with experts in the industry, providing the latest information and technology.