‘Farm of Song’

Narrated by:

Ian Colburn, Farm of Song

Interviewed by:

Katie Slack, Fall 2025 GEOG-589 Qualitative Methods class

Web Profile by:

Gerald Klein and Rae Bretado, Spring 2026 SUST-364 Local Food ## Systems Practicum class

Introduction

Who is Ian Colburn?

Ian is one of the three co-owners and founders of Farm of Song. At the time of this interview, Ian was 38 years old and has been farming since 2013. Initially, Ian worked in community gardens and an organic grocery store before he turned to farming in Albuquerque. Through making connections with the community, he met people from Throughout the state of New Mexico from whom he learned how to farm. After this experience, inspired building long term relationships with a crew of local growers. If you asked his crew about him, they would say Ian is the type of person who loves to learn.

How did Farm of Song come to be?

A Cooperatively owned farm comprising 2.4 acres, 1.5 of which are in production; growing 30+ crops with organic practices.

Education

“Worried about the impacts of humanity, particularly, the western world on our environment and then that environment, those like pollutants and whatnot on people’s health.”

Our modern food systems are not in essence conducive to positive sustainable growth. Farm song understands that a future where smaller but more frequent food systems appear to support, and create community. Farm of song is exploring its potential as a multi-usage space, with Ian speaking on the potential of live events, gatherings and other community events on the ‘Farm of Song’ property.

Community & Political Values

“My primary focus is on the broader food system in Albuquerque and the surrounding area, and we’re wondering about how we get more land in production and all the moving pieces that takes.”(Ian Colburn)

From Ian’s travels around New Mexico finding a sense of community and camaraderie mesh his business model with his ideology. Farm of Song is committed to building a nutrient-dense food for Albuquerque and the Sounding Communities. Embedding their values of inclusivity their farm is a welcoming space for multicultural, inter generational and queer communities. A place for celebrations, poetry readings, movie nights or a peaceful space to relax.

Although a small farm they do not compromise on their political values. Believing land should be controlled for the people instead of attaining wealth. He states he’s not sure how his farm can combat the big industry.

Ecology

Geographically, Albuquerque is isolated in a high desert and semi-arid region making the location unique for agriculture. Other challenges the farm faces are the limited water resources. Instead of adding pesticides or tilling to monocrops the farm focuses on diversity because “when it comes to soil health, you want a diversity of plants and their roots growing for the same reason”. Creating room for pollinator habitats for their different food sources to thrive during different seasons.

Farm of song values the pacing of the natural world and emulating the natural cycles of our environment in order to strengthen their organic growing practice, especially in conjunction with New Mexico’s natural environment and cultural setting. Although Farm of Song is not certified organic they follow the same guidelines for pesticides. Their integrated pest management program uses beneficial pests to maintain the diverse ecosystem. They take pride in their minimal cover cropping in favor of the positive effects of weeds.

Colonization of New Mexico

‘Farm of Song’ Operates on the principle of asking the question; How can we continue to make more arable land and viable food production in the region?

Conclusion

Why should you support ‘Farm of Song’?

Farm of Song exemplifies the principles of Sustainable Local Food Systems development in New Mexico. Beyond growing crops with organic practices, Farm of Song has a community and forward thinking focused approach to their practices not only as a farm, but as a community space.

Where can ‘Farm of Song’ produce be purchased?

Farm of Song products are frequently available at local growers markets, namely the Rail Yards market. Farm of Song products can also be found at MoGro Mobile grocery and at the Tiny Grocer ABQ. Availability of Farm of song Products is seasonal not always constant. MoGro Mobile Grocery, Tiny Grocer ABQ. ¹

Bibliography

Images:

https://www.instagram.com/farmofsong/ https://www.facebook.com/mogromobile/