A Conversation with Annie’s Herb Farm

What is a signature item that you sell?

I sell culinary herbs, medicinal herbs and specialty greens. I love to carry items that are more rare or you wouldn’t normally find at market or in stores, like Epazote, Ashwaganda, Gai Laan. I also make fresh tea and herb bouquets that customers love.

What’s the best way to store it?

If it’s fresh, in the crisper drawer in a produce bag or damp paper towel. If it’s dry, either in the resealable kraft bags the herb comes in or a glass jar at home.

How long have you been farming?

This will be my 6th season, my third running my own farm.

How long have you been a member of the Market?

I’ve worked at market since 2017, but with my own farm since 2019.

Share a favorite memory of the Market:

My favorite part of every market is all the beautiful human interaction. Quick hellos and catch-ups with fellow farmers, trading both personal and farming news. We often get so busy in the height of the season that market is our only socializing of the week. And no one understands you more than a fellow farmer. I also love all the customers – the early hour regulars, the just discovering, and yes, even the tourists. Everyone has a story, and I love both hearing and being a part of them. Farming and community go hand in hand for me.

How did you get into farming?

I grew up gardening with my mom and having our hands in the earth was always a special time for us to slow down and connect. After I had my son, Charlie, I felt a little lost and directionless, disconnected from any sort of meaningless work. So, I turned back to the land and began to volunteer with farms back east in Massachusetts. Everything about the work clicked with me, I felt my soul settle and for the first time I felt purpose and connection with something greater.

Do you own or rent the land you grow on?

I rented for two years, but this past November, I purchased the property!

Are you certified organic? If not, are you no pesticides?

I am not certified organic – it’s a financial hurdle for me- but I adhere to organic growing principles. I also practice no-till, which now on my third season I am beginning to see the benefits of! Our soil is alive, which is quite the feat for New Mexico!

How was your growing season last year? How’s it shaping up for this year?

It was a wild season! The pandemic had just begun, we cranked up production, I started the Crisis Collective CSA and was pregnant all at the same time. I had an amazing crew, we really became a pandemic family, and when I had to take extended leave due to medical complications, they held the farm together…and it continued to thrive. There it is again, farming and community. My entire crew returned this year plus baby Mabel – I think it’s going to be great.

Besides farming, what takes up your time?

Momming, making and nature. My partner and I both have boys (7 and 8) from previous marriages and now we have 8 month old baby Mabel. We all live in a 700 square foot house on the farm, so there’s never a dull moment. When there are free moments, I love to knit, kitchen witch (herbal blending, oiling, tincturing, salving, etc), draw and craft. And, as a family, if we’re not home or at market, you’ll find us somewhere in the great outdoors – hiking, backpacking, rock-climbing, skipping stones, etc. It’s our church, where we can all breathe deeply and reconnect. Our happy place, as we call it.

Are you celebrating anything special this year (like an anniversary)?

Surviving 2020!

How would you describe yourself in one word or short phrase?

Spunky and resilient.

What is your favorite dish to make?

Green chile chicken enchiladas

Red or Green?

Christmas

If you were a super hero what would your powers be and why?

Do you remember the remote Zack Morris had in Saved by the Bell – he could hit the pause button and everything/one would freeze but him? I’ve always wanted that remote so I could take an extended pause, then pick it all up right where we left off without missing a beat.

Which vegetable or fruit speaks to you on a personal level and how?

Stinging Nettles. My connection to that specific herb runs deep and is a big reason to where I am in life right now.

What is the strangest thing you’ve eaten?

Zebra, Crocodile and Ostrich while on Safari – wild

What have you done that you are most proud of?

My babies – Charlie, Mabel and the farm

Proprietor: Annie Krahl
Farm Location: La Mesilla
Main items for sale: culinary greens, fresh and dried specialty herbs, herbal flower bouquets.
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