A chat with Agustin in 2018
What is a signature item that you sell? Tomatoes–The best are the heirloom Brandywine. They are incredible, my favorite.
What’s the best way to store it? Don’t put them in the refrigerator. If they’re not ripe yet, store them in a plastic bag and they’ll ripen faster. Otherwise, just somewhere cool.
How long have you been farming? All my life. I began working at 12 years old helping my parents and grandparents in Guanajuato, Mexico. They mostly grew corn, beans, and squash.
How long have you been a member of the Market? 14 years.
Share a favorite memory of the Market: I love the time of the fruit. Peaches, nectarines, cherries–I love coming and trading for them. I like to come and trade my products for things I need and don’t have. I love that everything here is natural.
How did you get into farming? Here in New Mexico, I started with my brother. We were together for one year. After that, we started planting much more, each on our own.
Do you own or rent the land you grow on? Both. I have my own property and I rent another.
Are you certified organic? Not organic but we use no pesticides. When weeds or bugs come, I plant in another place. Sometimes, I put my chickens out there to eat the bugs. Other times I’ve put bird food out to attract them to come and eat the bugs.
How was your growing season last year? Last year was very good. Everything went perfectly. This year we are struggling with water a little. Soon we will have weeks without water. We’ll see how things go with the rain this year.
What crops are coming up next, seasonally? Shishitos, green beans, okra, cucumbers, potatoes, squash, garlic, onion, TOMATOES!
What are your hobbies? In the winter, I do other jobs–tiling, roofing, painting, pouring cement. There’s not much free time. But, I love when it’s cold out, being inside the house, with a fire, and some coffee, watching movies with my kids. That’s my favorite.
Do you speak any other languages? Spanish is my first language.
How would you describe yourself in one word? I am very happy. I always try to have a good attitude.
What is your favorite dish to make? Steak, pork chops, seafood. I like meat!
Red or Green? Roasted green, or both.
If you were a super hero what would your powers be and why? I am a superhero! I would love to fly. Or to be able to teleport to other places instantly. Like China, or Brazil–that would be crazy. Or like my field, right now!
Which veg/fruit speaks to you on a personal level and how? The tomato says: Agustin! Eat me!
What is the strangest thing you’ve eaten? Raw cow blood. Bull brain.
What have you done that you are most proud of? Thanks to this work and my parents, I own my property. For a foreigner, that is no small feat!
Favorite saying: Primero tu de ver, Y después el placer. (Rough translation:) First your chores, And then the fun.