www.sichlerchile.com

Sichlers have distinguished themselves with New
Mexicans as growers of quality produce for over 100
years. In fact the first Sichlers immigrated to the Middle
Rio Grande Valley from Germany in 1868. Chris'
grandfather, Ernest Sichler Sr., was well known in the
Los Lunas, NM area and beyond for his dedication to
growing quality fruits and vegetables. Ernest Sr. passed
this dedication along to his son Ernest Jr., better known
as Ernie, who operated his business under the name of
"Ernie Sichler Farms" and quickly became known as
somebody who does things the right way. One of the
first things Ernie taught Chris was "If it's not worth
taking the time to do it right, then don't bother doing it
at all".

In the 1970's urbanization began to consume much of
the farmland in Valencia County and Ernie had the
foresight to buy farmland to the south in Socorro
County. In 1985, three days after graduating from Los
Lunas High School, Chris moved to San Antonio, NM
and began to manage the Socorro County farm for his
father. In September of 1985, Chris couldn't stand the
lonely life of living by himself on the secluded farm any
longer and he married his high school sweetheart Paula.
Chris and Paula have been working together ever since,
and in 1988 they started their own farming operation
under the name of "Sichler Farms Produce". Chris and
Paula quickly gained a reputation for some of the best
Green Chile in the state along with being known for the
other fruits, vegetables and hay crops which they grow.
In 1997 Chris' father Ernie died the way he had lived:
"The perfect model of a real man".

Like all families, the Sichlers have many branches, and
today there are several Sichlers farming under the family
name. In 2008, in order to distinguish themselves from
the others, Chris and Paula began selling their products
under the name Snake Ranch LLC.

Today, Snake Ranch LLC is a very progressive
operation consisting of about 650 acres just north of
San Antonio, NM, and is run by Chris and son Steven.
Snake Ranch uses some of the most modern farming
techniques available. All of the land Snake Ranch
operates has been laser leveled and is serviced by
cement lined ditches. In 2007 Snake Ranch began to
move into drip irrigation on its row crop and today has
over 100 acres in drip irrigation. When moving forward
with drip irrigation Snake Ranch also implemented the
use of GPS on some of it's tractors. All of this
combined makes Snake Ranch one of, if not the most
water efficient, productive and progressive farming
operations in the Middle Rio Grande Valley. However,
everybody knows that water efficiency and productivity
don't necessarily guarantee a quality product, but be
assured Snake Ranch puts the quality of their fruits,
vegetables and hay products at the top of their list.
Quality sells itself and we can only hope to gain and
keep you as a customer.