Apples worth fighting a bear for.

Brief Introduction:

Welcome to Dixon’s Apple Orchard, a New Mexico tradition since 1944. Across the state and beyond, we’re known for growing the best tasting apples anywhere. One bite and we're sure you'll agree.

We’re also proud to share our orchard's unique beauty and charm with you for special occasions. You’ll find no better setting for a wedding, birthday, or other special event. We also host seasonal hayrides and chuck wagon events throughout the year by appointment.

Our Past...

In our modest opinion, we’ve been growing the world’s best apples right here at Rancho de Cañada since 1944. That’s when Fred and Faye Dixon gathered their two children, packed what they could into their 1938 Plymouth and headed for Peña Blanca, New Mexico.

They settled an old dude ranch on a warm August day in 1944, intending to convert it into a working orchard. Fred Dixon, with the the help of a few locals, hauled away countless basalt rocks. The resulting rock pile slowly transformed into a long, meandering wall that has become a treasured landmark.

Some no doubt questioned Fred's sanity for growing apples in the desert. Their suspicions were likely confirmed years later on a crisp September morning.

Many years later a bear raided the orchard, as they usually did and still do to this day, but this time Fred Dixon went out to fend him off by hand. The bear attacked Mr. Dixon. Fortunately for us all, Fidel, a farmhand, came to his aid and Fred survived to fight another day. We still think he made the right choice. These apples are worth fighting a bear for!

THE CHAMPAGNE APPLE DOESN'T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE.

For over 42 years, Fred and Faye walked the rows of trees hand in hand, referring to the orchard as their church. In 1985 Faye passed away and with her, so too did Fred's true love. Fred continued to work the farm after Faye's passing. Four months later, he received a fateful call from Becky, his 18-year-old granddaughter. She was moving to New Mexico and wanted to learn all about the apple business. 

Fred would teach Becky everything he knew about raising apples, which after 45 years had become an encyclopedia of knowledge and experience. With each passing season, Becky took on new work and her knowledge grew. In 1992, Becky met Jim Mullane and the two would marry a year later. Fred, recognizing the love and devotion his granddaughter had for the farm, handed the farm down to her and her husband in 1996.

You won’t find a better tasting apple anywhere. Nor will you find a setting filled with more rustic beauty. We don’t just grow apples, we grow memories that last generations.