Mesilla Valley corn maze owner: Farmers are 'at the heart' of Doña Ana County's economy

Miss Liles, owner of the Mesilla Valley Corn Maze, told Doña Ana County leaders that farmers are “at the heart” of the county’s economy and that many everyday goods originate on farms.

Anita Skipper introduced the remarks, saying she had spoken with Miss Liles about the role of farmers in the local economy. In a recorded statement, Miss Liles said, “Nobody can survive without farmers. Their tennis shoes, their blue jeans, their milk, their toothpaste, all of it is based somewhere, somehow, from products that we grow on a farm.”

Miss Liles added that most households do not produce enough food independently and rely on market supplies, saying, “Nobody that I know, other than other fellow farmers, is able to produce enough food to feed their family. We're not doing gardens. People aren't, food safe and food independent from what you get at the markets.”

The record contains only those brief remarks and does not show any formal action, directive to staff, or subsequent agenda items tied to the statements. No funding, ordinances, or programs were proposed during the recorded exchange, and no votes were taken.