"World's Greatest Hay"

Indian Hill Farms

Indian Hill Farms was established in 1882. Philip Josef Zimmer immigrated from Germany to help build the railroad through the Rio Grande Valley southward to El Paso. During this time he was impressed by the location of San Acacia, New Mexico. It is situated between the two north-south branches of the Camino Real, the historic trade route between Mexico City and Santa Fe. It afforded a rare river crossing for the wagon trains. More importantly it was an established farming area located there because of the severe constriction of the Rio Grande, which squeezed between two igneous-capped mesas. Diversion of the waters from the river to the fertile valley field was thereby easily accomplished.

At the conclusion of his work for the railroad he was asked to represent a group of farmers who felt that the construction of the railroad had damaged their land and eliminated access to the river water. The new railroad had, indeed changed, the course of the river from a westward course to a southern course (you can see the original document appointing Zimmer as the groups legal representative in the History section of this site). Zimmer began purchasing land during this time and Indian Hill Farms was born.

Zimmer was my great Grandfather. Indian Hill Farms is now about 700 irrigated acres; we currently grow alfalfa and other hay crops and corn. During the past 129 years the farm produced apples, pears, quinces (membrillos), cotton, grain sorghum, cantaloupes, chile, grapes, wine, poultry, cattle and calves, sheep, commercial quantities of eggs, peaches, pecans, tomatoes, and other produce (more about this on the history page).

See the hay page for hay news and recent prices, supplies, and other conditions affecting the hay market.

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Indian Hill Farms