Woke teachers union tries to kill family farm, instead exposes own rottenness

The latest example of political “cancel culture” in New Mexico has backfired spectacularly after a left-wing teachers union and social-media agitators tried to destroy one of the state’s most beloved family-run attractions — McCall’s Pumpkin Patch in Moriarty.

The uproar began on Sept. 26, when Ellen Bernstein, president of the Albuquerque Teachers Federation (ATF), sent an email to roughly two hundred union representatives accusing Torrance County Commissioner Kevin McCall, co-owner of the pumpkin patch, of supporting “inhumane ICE detention.” In her note, she darkly joked, “Beware of rotten pumpkins,” implying McCall’s was somehow affiliated with federal immigration enforcement.

Within hours, her inflammatory message ignited social-media hysteria, spawning false rumors that immigration agents were “hiding behind pumpkins” waiting to arrest families. The smear campaign snowballed into boycotts and threats aimed at a business that has operated for nearly three decades as one of New Mexico’s signature fall traditions.

Forced to defend his family and employees, McCall released a statement refuting the baseless claim:

“McCall’s Pumpkin Patch is in no way, shape, or form involved with ICE,” he said. “Our business has never communicated or worked with them in any capacity.”

At a Torrance County Commission meeting, McCall spoke briefly about the “rough 24 hours” his family endured while affirming that “all families — and I say all families — are welcome at McCall’s.”

Commission Chair Ryan Schwebach blasted the union’s falsehoods and the media frenzy that followed. “This is what happens when misleading information goes out damaging an individual,” he said. “We’re 50th in education, and I find it ironic that the union has the ability to throw these statements out to hamper economics, mislead students, to create fear.”

Republican lawmakers quickly rallied behind McCall. Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) denounced the attacks in a public statement and called on New Mexicans to support the local institution:

“Enough with the cancel culture nonsense! McCall’s Pumpkin Patch has been part of our community for decades, creating jobs, memories, and fall magic. Don’t let Ellen Bernstein, president of the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, and social-media liars and fearmongers impact a family-owned, community-first business,” Lord wrote. “This weekend: support real people who love New Mexico.”

Lord added pointedly that Bernstein should “do her job and focus on New Mexico’s schools, some of the worst in the nation, instead of trying to ruin local businesses.”

While Bernstein later tried to defend her actions as “social and political messaging,” critics say the episode exposes how far left-wing activists will go to weaponize identity politics and online mobs against ordinary New Mexicans. For decades, McCall’s Pumpkin Patch has employed local residents, hosted school field trips, and drawn thousands of families from across the state for hayrides, corn mazes, and wholesome fun — now suddenly under fire for the sin of being run by a Republican.

Despite the attempted boycott, the outpouring of community support has been overwhelming. Families are flocking to McCall’s in solidarity, posting messages with the hashtag #StandWithLocal and rejecting the politics of division. What began as a smear meant to destroy a family business has instead united New Mexicans around a simple truth: no one should fear picking pumpkins because of politics.