History

Mark Garcia Farms has extensive history in New Mexico beginning in 1601 with the arrival of Antonio Baca number 98 of the Juan De Onate expedition. Many members of this family were major contributors to the economic, spiritual, and educational development of New Mexico. Several of the eight farms owned by the Garcia family were in existence and adjacent to, the Tome land Grant of 1739.

One of the livestock brands owned by Mark Garcia Farms is over 100 years old and still used today. The brand was issued prior to 1899 when New Mexico was a territory and 13 years before statehood.

The family Patriarch , Casimiro Garcia "Casey" organized the eight farms into the organization it is today. His son Mark Garcia operates the farms today with his brother Ray Garcia. His daughter Marie Garcia Shaffner former superintendent of Schools in Belen, New Mexico, is the family Historian, advisor and "Peacekeeper."

The family Matriarch, Erlinda Sanchez Garcia "Lindy" organizes activities on the farms as head bookkeeper. She also coordinates the preparation of meals for the various crews and checks humidity levels for baling preparation. She is the sixth great-granddaughter of Juana Lopez de Aragon. This family is considered to be one of the twelve founding families of Albuquerque

The eight farms and ranch of the Garcia Farms operation includes The Manoshao, The Tajo, The House, The Luz, The Double G, The Shop, and Clementes.