The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is inviting the public to help shape the future of its signature Cowboy Days celebration, according to a recent announcement.
The museum, which is approaching its 30-year anniversary, will pause the Cowboy Days event in 2026 to gather community feedback and evaluate how best to continue the tradition for future generations. An online survey is available through April 12, 2026, for community members and longtime attendees to share their perspectives and ideas. Feedback from this initiative will directly influence the reimagining of Cowboy Days.
“We are looking toward the future of how we share our rich history (…) By pausing to gather community feedback, we can ensure the next chapter of Cowboy Days remains as vibrant and relevant as the last 25 years,” Steve Loring, Interim Director, said.
While Cowboy Days takes a hiatus in 2026, the museum will continue offering other interactive events throughout the year. Scheduled programs include Museum ROCKS! Gem & Mineral Show on February 21-22, Blessing of the Fields on May 15, HomeGrown: A New Mexico Food Show & Gift Market on November 21-22, and Farm La-La on December 15.
The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. The museum covers a 47-acre site with exhibits about agriculture’s past and present in New Mexico. It features livestock displays, barns, greenhouses, demonstrations and more. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and supported by Friends of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.
According to the official website, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs administers one of the nation’s largest state museum systems with multiple locations across New Mexico including history museums, folk art museums, a space history museum and heritage sites. The department employs approximately 500 staff members and benefits from about 1,000 volunteers who contribute roughly 70,000 hours annually. It aims to preserve and celebrate cultural diversity through management of arts programs, museums, historic sites, libraries and archaeology resources. The department operates under a Cabinet Secretary appointed by the Governor overseeing fifteen divisions including museums and administrative services. Its services include exhibitions at museums statewide as well as access to historic sites, preservation efforts, library resources and public education programs that serve residents and visitors across New Mexico.
