About Valencia County, NM

Copyright Laura Warden, Choices Real Estate. Albuquerque Horse Property Specialist.

Did you know that there is a quick and easy way to tell whether the fruits or vegetables you buy are genetically modified?

I didn't. In fact, I've thought for a long time that the government should require GM food to be clearly labeled as such. One of the folks I follow on Twitter tweeted yesterday that there actually IS as way to tell, quickly and easily, and provided a link to all the details. A big thank you to "jandreadis" for the tip, an for the full scoop, see www.plantea.com/genetically-modified-food.html )

According to this article, by Marion Owen, the key is in those lovely little sticky labels they so irritatingly attach to produce in the store. All those little numbers actually mean something, and part of the code they include will let you know whether the produce is organic, conventionally grown, or genetically modified!

Here's the code:

• Conventionally grown produce has a PLU code of four digits
• Organically grown produce has a five-digit code, and it always starts with a "9"
• Genetically modified produce also has a five-digit code, but it starts with an "8"

(So if you care enough about being "green" to be reading this post, be sure not to mix up your 8's and 9's!)

Think you've got it?

Let's try a little test (oh, the former teacher in me just keeps coming out now and again!) Decide whether each fruit or vegetable is organic, conventional, or genetically modified based on it's PLU code!

Of course, I can also be sure of getting high-quality, organic produce by picking it directly from my lush, green organic garden in Bosque Farms, New Mexico!

Interested in finding a home with an organic garden for yourself? Contact me any time for info about available homes throughout the Greater Albuquerque area!

(This information was initially published in the June 26, 2002 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer.)

Apparently Rodeo IS the state sport in both Texas and Wyoming, according to a recent article in the Valencia County News Bulletin.

Why isn't it so here in New Mexico? All over my neck of the woods (Bosque Farms, in Valencia County) rodeo is a way of life for a huge segment of the population. Rodeos, barrel racing competition, and ropings are happening on an almost daily basis, at the Bosque Farms Arena and the two different arenas at the Valencia County Fairgrounds in Belen, not to mention at dozens of other arenas all over the rural parts of the state.

Hundreds, if not thousands of New Mexico teens and youngster participate in 4-H rodeo projects and competitions, with many earning rodeo scholarships to college. Hundreds more compete in National High School rodeo, and last year, four New Mexico young people qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo.

Rodeo is a great spectator sport, with plenty of exciting events to ogle, from bull-riding and barrel racing to roping and goat-tying.

What is our state sport here in New Mexico, anyway?

Have we got one? If not, what say we start a petition to name "rodeo" our state sport?

It's pretty much a no-brainer that eating local and organic food is best for one's physical health.

It's also a no-brainer that being involved with congenial friends in a tight-knit community is healthiest for one's emotional health.

Enter the "Community Garden."

Not all of us live out in the country with abundant land for a huge vegetable garden, nor are we all equipped with the knowledge of organic farming methods, or the time and inclination to spend loads of time alone with just nature for company.

The community garden enables anyone to get together, swap info, chat and visit a bit while planting or weeding, maybe swap one person's overabundant zucchini for another's superfluity of tomatoes, all while getting completely local and just-picked produce for the table.

The Valencia neighborhood of Los Lunas has been doing just that. Last March, the newly formed Valencia Community Gardens began tilling soil, planting seeds and educating each other about organic growing.

First on the agenda, of course, was finding a suitable location. That problem was quickly solved when local resident Mark Rosenblum volunteered an acre of vacant land on Vegas Road in Los Lunas. The local Walmart and Home Depot donated gift cards for tools and supplies, while local farmers donated seeds and plants. Master Gardeners, through the Valencia County Extension, have been helpful with advice and information.

The result is a colorful garden full of both community and individual plots, filled with potatoes and peas, corn and fruit trees, ornamentals and flowers. Officers of the organization stress that they have used no pesticides and that all the soil amendment has been doen with organic materials. Next goal is to share some of this local, organic produce with seniors in the community.

Live in the Los Lunas area and want to participate? Contact Rosemary Kaul at 505-231-8394. Or attend the weekly potluck meetings on Sunday evenings at the garden site, 55 Vegas Road, Los Lunas, NM.

Live elsewhere? Start your own community garden! It's the green and environmentally friendly thing to do!