SunStar planted their first two Jujubes in 1993. In the following years four orchards totalling 142 grafted trees have been planted. We started with bare-root trees and the three sisters: Corn Beans and Squash to begin building the soil. As the years progressed more perrenials were added to the planting communities . Each season the carbon was returned to the topsoil and, along with goat manure from our own milkgoats, aided by microbes and earthworms, Tilth was formed; the fertile and productive state of dirt.

We grow primarily Li and Lang varieties of Jujube (Zizyphus jujuba) as well as GA866. We also harvest lots of the smaller berries that come from the rootstock which are tart a-sweet and more nutrient packed. Jujubes are a sweet medicinal fruit that when fresh taste similar to an apple, and when dried are more like a date, though not as sticky or as sweet. Jujube is a tonic food that can be consumed on a daily basis to improve nutrient level and also to help assimilate other medicines due to its synergistic qualities.

SunStar began GoatScaping in 2007 when the United Sates Army Corps of Engineers contracted with us to reduce resprouts of Tamarisk and Russian Olive at the Galisteo Dam. This project, three miles south of our then Certified Organic farm, taught us many things. Mainly it showed us that a managed herd of goats can improve the quality and fertility of the soil in a few years. We were hooked and continue to hire out the herd to reduce symptomatic weeds and balance landscapes for businesses, utilities and individual residences around the greater Galisteo Basin area without the use of toxic pesticides or heavy machinery. Contact us to schedule a free estimate today! 505-470-8741

We raise Maremma SheepDogs and Australian Shepherds for working and active companion homes. Our pups have brought much love and enjoyment to their owners and have protected many herds, flocks and families from predators of all kinds. We take pride in placing our pups in to homes where they will be most appreciated, including matching temperament and personality. Contact us for info on upcoming litters or the occasional available started adults.

SunStar also sells a line of Jewelry by Amanita Thorp made of hand-braided HorseHair, feathers from our Peacock and Araucana hens and Phoenix Bantam Roosters, and varieties of corn from our gardens. Amanita also maintains the blog, Adventures in GoatScaping, where she shares some of the beauty encountered as a profesional herder in the enchanting lands of New Mexico.