An Estancia family farmer was awarded state economic development assistance to operate a farm and ranch hardware supply store he plans to expand into Mountainair.
Javier Sánchez, the owner of Sánchez Farms and Estancia Valley Feed & Supply, was awarded $150,000 from the Economic Development Department’s Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) job-creation fund. This rural development assistance allows for retail investments in communities with a population of 15,000 or less.
Sánchez took over ownership of the feed and supply store in February 2023. The 400-acre farm between Estancia and Mountainair is operated by the Sánchez family and Sánchez and his two sons, Gilbert and Noé, operate the feed and supply store.
“Cooperation is key, and knowing and appreciating our friends and neighbors can afford prospective merchants a distinct competitive advantage when it comes to buying in bulk, providing affordable goods and services, utilizing our respective skill sets, and taking pride in our community,” Sánchez said in an EDD news release.
According to the release, Sánchez plans to invest $250,000 in private capital in the Estancia store and additional funds for future expansions. Sánchez said economic development has longstanding problems and he hopes to make the retail businesses a one-stop shop for farm and ranch needs.
The LEDA funding targets projects that have significant community impact and support in rural and underserved areas of New Mexico. For more information on LEDA, visit edd.newmexico.gov.