Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply Marks 50 Years Serving the Local Community

Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply Marks 50 Years Serving the Local Community Main Photo

15 Jan 2025


News

If you have ever attended a local agriculture event, school sports competition, or charity gala, you might have heard of Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply. Not only is this store one of the leading suppliers of all things farm, garden, and animals in New Mexico but it is also deeply invested in helping Roswell succeed.

“My grandparents started the business in 1975, and they are givers,” says Desiree Rattan, Marketing Manager of Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply. “They always wanted to give back to the community. Without community support, we would not have a successful business.”

Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, marking an excellent time to look at its impact on the region. Learn more about this store (if you haven’t been yet) and how it is shaping the future of Roswell, New Mexico.  

Roswell Livestock Responds to Customer Needs 

roswell livestock

The first thing to know about Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply is that it carries far more than farming and ranching equipment. While it may have started as a traditional supply store, Dale Rogers (Rattan’s grandfather) made a point to listen to his customers. Whenever someone asked for items they didn’t carry and expressed frustration at not being able to find certain supplies, he and his wife Kay would order them.

“My grandpa decided there wasn’t a livestock supply store in Roswell so he decided to make one,” says Rattan. “Then it just kept growing.”

The Rogers family worked tirelessly to create a store that would be a “one-stop shop” for people all over Southeastern New Mexico. As Kay always said, “We went to the store one day and forgot to go home.”

All the long hours, hard work, and dedication paid off, and the store flourished. Fifty years later, the store has expanded into a 32,000-square-foot facility that carries everything from hardware, plumbing, feed, fencing, equipment, vet supplies, and tack, to clothing, boots, and gifts. Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply even has a tire service center where they stock accessories for pickups, tires, and Stihl products.  

Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply has built its business on the belief that its customers are its top asset. It has a friendly, knowledgeable staff of 40 employees who pride themselves on being well-trained and qualified to answer customer questions. In 2003, the owners were able to open another store — Lincoln County Mercantile — to expand their regional footprint.

“The Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply is a generational, family-owned and managed company, that consistently provides superior products and amazing customer service,” says Mike Espiritu, President and CEO of the Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation (RCCEDC). “Besides providing and supporting the many needs of local businesses, numerous farms and ranches throughout this region, they provide top clothing lines, and home and garden supplies. We are extremely excited about their continued successes and their personal involvement in our local communities with numerous sponsorships and donations. They are a top community partner and an active member of the RCCEDC!”

Roswell Livestock Has Always Been Community-Focused 

roswell livestock

The store is being carried forward by the next generation, who are following in Dale and Kay's footsteps by investing in the local community. In total, there are about 8-10 family members actively involved in the business.

Not only does Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply offer a diverse selection to meet the needs of all residents, but it also commits funding and support to future generations. The store is involved in seemingly endless programs, school events, and organizations around Roswell. Here are a few examples:

  • The Everyone's A Winner Livestock Program sponsors animals of 4H  and FFA kids across the state of New Mexico. Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply sponsored 350 animals in 2024, making participation in 4H and FFA more affordable and accessible for students. 
  • During the annual Chaves County Fair, Roswell Livestock feeds all of the fair kids and their families on Monday night, thanking them for their participation.
  • Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply has bought countless show animals at the Chaves County Fair, the Eastern New Mexico State Fair, the NM State Fair, and numerous county fairs.    
  • Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply sponsors many athletes of different sports and different schools in the area. 
  • They frequently donate items and gift cards to local businesses and charities, which can be auctioned or raffled at fundraising events. 

Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply also hosts events at its store throughout the year, creating a place for people to gather. At its annual Chick Days event, the store orders around 2,500 baby chicks to sell and brings in food trucks and a petting zoo for the community.

Farming Will Support Other Areas of Growth in Roswell 

Roswell was built to where it is today with help from people like Dale and Kay Rogers and the tireless efforts of the local agriculture community. Many of the country’s pecans come from Roswell, and the region is known for its alfalfa, dairy, and cattle production. Rattan knows many third-generation residents who will pass down their farms and ranches to their kids.

“Agriculture is huge in Roswell,” says Rattan. "Investing in the next generation of farmers and ranchers is crucial for the future of agriculture. We are committed to showing support to these 4H and FFA kids so that we can ensure a sustainable and prosperous agricultural industry for years to come."

However, new investment is coming. More industries are discovering this valuable region and expanding into New Mexico. Many people are looking ahead to the future, but Rattan is confident that any new industry can work alongside Roswell’s strong farming culture. 
 
“Roswell would not grow without agriculture,” says Rattan. “We are currently at the forefront of a huge boom with significant aviation investment. In five years, Roswell will not look like it does right now. It’s a really exciting time for this community.”

Help Shape Roswell’s Future 

Roswell, New Mexico, is strong because it was built on a solid foundation. Multi-generational farmers work alongside store owners like Rattan who invest in their communities. While agriculture will always have a place in Roswell, there is room to embrace new industries and take steps toward a bright future. The RCCEDC is committed to supporting Roswell how it is now while also preparing it for growth.

If you’re a business owner in the area, you can get involved and shape Roswell’s future. Become a member and work with RCCEDC to attract new employers to Roswell while growing our existing industries. Through community involvement and investment, Roswell can grow sustainably and continue to support the residents who choose to live here.