Many of the farmers who sell at Albuquerque’s Rail Yards Market say farming economics are becoming increasingly difficult as rising fuel prices and drought squeeze their profit margins, KOB 4 reports. The farmers said they depend on gas and diesel for machinery, transportation and other daily work. New Mexico’s average gas price topped $4 a gallon in late April, up from about $2.70 in mid-February, even though the state is the nation’s No. 2 oil producer behind Texas, the Albuquerque Journal reported, citing AAA.
Cynthia Emeanuwa, owner of EMS Farms, has sold produce in the Albuquerque area for more than 20 years and regularly takes it to nearby communities such as Belen. She told KOB 4 that a round trip to Belen now costs her about $50 in gas. Rather than raise prices, she has absorbed much of the cost to keep fresh produce affordable for working families.
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Patrick West, owner of Whole Nest in Albuquerque’s South Valley, raises blue corn, and farmers told KOB 4 the drought is also affecting crops. Most South Valley farmers rely on private wells or irrigation water rights, West said. West has raised prices little by little. “We try to keep it fair,” he said, KOB 4 reported.
The Rail Yards Market also works with the City of Albuquerque on a veggie box program for elders who are caring for children, KOB 4 reported in 2025.
About This Story
Daily Reports is Brant.One’s news roundup. Each day we gather the New Mexico stories worth knowing from newsrooms across the state, sum them up and point you to the source. This one comes from KOB 4’s reporting, and their original story has the interviews and full details.
Editor’s note: Updated Oct. 31, 2026. This story is now part of Daily Reports, our New Mexico news roundup, and was revised to credit KOB 4’s original reporting. Learn how Daily Reports works in our editorial standards.
