Rio Milagro Farm

We are a small sustainable farm in the heart of the southwest desert high country on one of the last wild and scenic rivers in the United States. Our farm is in the upper Mimbres valley in the foothills of the Aldo Leopold and Gila wildness. We are dedicated to preserving the rich biodiversity of our local area as well as the cultural significance of the oldest american farm animal breed, the Navajo Churro Sheep. We are a farm that raises traditional Churro sheep for their fleece and unique phenotype. These rare sheep are indigenous to the southwest desert and have lived with the Navajos and in the Rio Grande valley for 400+ years. Once numbering in the millions, their numbers dwindled to just over 400 by 1975. Their numbers have increased but it is still a struggle to keep the traditional genetics alive. Churros have a unique double coated fleece that allows them to survive the harsh conditions of the desert southwest. They are considered the only true american sheep and they are intelligent, parasite resistant, small, agile and are great mothers. Our herd is one of the few traditional herds scattered in the southwest. We specifically breed true to type and raise our sheep on native rangeland and grass hay. We are members of the Navajo Churro Association as well as the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. We support the Slow Foods Presidia and their endorsement and preservation of traditional Churros as a traditional and endangered food and its role in Navajo culture.