Roswell Seed Co.: A Century of Growing Strong in New Mexico

courtesy of Roswell Seed Company

John Gill opened Roswell Seed Co. in 1898, and the business has been in its current location in Roswell since 1911. Gill’s legacy also includes serving as a mailman, provost marshal and the assistant fire chief of Roswell’s Volunteer Fire Department as well as being one of the first residents of Roswell to own an automobile. He was a significant part of his community’s development, installing outside lights and an outdoor water spigot when the city got water and electricity, so that local children could do their homework in the evening. 

Decades later, Jim Gill, John’s great-grandson, took over the business, running it until his passing in 2024. Currently owned by his wife Shirley, it’s operated by John Noble, general manager, who shared with us how the business has become a cornerstone of Roswell throughout the years. 

What are some of the ways Roswell Seed Co. supports the community? 

We’re one of the oldest family-owned businesses in New Mexico. Jim Gill, who trained and taught me, was a believer in community. We have the window of honor; our front window has photos of the kids that Roswell Seed sponsors for sports. We donate to community gardens and to teachers doing growing projects. That has always been one of our biggest things – help the community, the county and our farmers. 

What has been the biggest challenge Roswell Seed Co. has faced in its long history? 

The biggest challenge has been learning to deal with the internet … We’ve been doing things more or less the same since 1898. We don’t do internet orders, though you can call us, and we’ll mail it to you. We answer hundreds of questions over the phone every day – not to mention the people who come into the store looking for our expertise. We still hand-write our tickets and have charge accounts. We aren’t a big box store; we still have a small-town atmosphere, but we are very in tune with our customers. 

How has the seed industry changed since Roswell Seed Co. was founded, and how has the company adapted? 

It’s changed a great deal. Things are a lot more scientific, and agriculture is getting smarter. Testing seeds has allowed us to pinpoint what can grow in our area versus just throwing it in the ground and trying it. The science behind all of that has been fundamental. 

What’s your favorite memory over the last 12 years that you’ve worked at Roswell Seed Co.? 

I couldn’t pinpoint one single memory. Every day, we get to help somebody grow a vegetable or care for their lawns. I help farmers with what they’re growing. There are a lot of things in the community that stand out that we’ve been involved in. Even driving down Main Street, you see all the flowers in front of the shops and know that they came from Roswell Seed. That’s the best. We don’t look for recognition or anything, but you know that’s us when you look at things.