FARM HISTORY

In the early 1900s, W.P. McMath and his wife, Eva Lee, made their way to Torrance County, New Mexico, with big hopes and a strong work ethic. They planted pinto beans in the rich soil—and roots for their growing family. Together, they raised seven children: Velma, Robert, Jack, Gordon, Ellis, Charles, and Marilyn, teaching them the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of family.

Their son Robert McMath carried those lessons into the next chapter. He and his wife, Goldie, bought a farm of their own—not far from where he grew up. There, they raised not only pinto beans and other crops but also four children: Bob, Carolyn, Bonnie, and Jimmy. That same farm, full of memories and tradition, is still in the family today—now lovingly tended by Robert and Goldie’s great-grandchildren.

In November of 1960, Bob McMath married Bonnie Widner, a hardworking farm girl from Melrose, New Mexico. Not long after, Bob took a job with the railroad, but the pull of home was strong. Eventually, he and Bonnie returned to Estancia, where they purchased a farm just down the road from the one where Bob had grown up.

Together, they built a life rooted in family and farming while raising three children, Brian, Sandy, and Scott. Bonnie passed away in 2016, but Bob remained on the farm, working alongside his children and grandchildren—just as he always had. He continued doing what he loved until his passing in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, quiet strength, and deep family roots.

In 1976, new neighbors arrived, Dick and Pauline Ness, along with their five children: Neddy, Eugene, Kenny, Kathy, and Patrick—moved to a farm nestled between two McMath family farms just outside Estancia, New Mexico. It was a fresh start in a tight-knit farming community, where the days were long, the work was hard, and neighbors became lifelong friends.

By 1979, Eugene Ness had graduated from high school with a dream already taking root. Even before tossing his cap in the air, he had purchased his own piece of land—right next door to the family farm his parents had bought just a few years earlier. Farming was in his blood, and he wasted no time getting started.

Add Just a few years later, in January of 1982, Eugene married Sandy McMath, one of three children born to Bob and Bonnie McMath. Together, Eugene and Sandy built a life centered on faith, family, and farming. They worked side by side, raising crops like corn, hay, and pinto beans—and raising three children of their own: Brady, Steven, and Rebecca. 

Around the late 1980s, Eugene and Sandy expanded their operation and began growing pumpkins commercially, adding a new dimension to the farm and planting the seeds of what would become a beloved seasonal tradition in the community.

In the mid-1990s, a new chapter began with the birth of the “Happy Lil’ Pumpkin”—a small, cheerful retail pumpkin patch located along Highway 41, just south of Estancia. It quickly became a seasonal favorite, where families came to pick pumpkins, make memories, and enjoy the charm of a true family-run farm.

For nearly two decades, the patch brought joy to the community each fall. But in 2012, after much thought, a decision was made to close its doors and focus time and energy on what had always been at the heart of the farm—growing pinto beans.

During those same years, from the mid-90s through the 2000s, Eugene Ness continued managing Ness Farms, with help from his three children and nephews. It was truly a family effort, with hands of all sizes pitching in—learning, working, and carrying forward the values that had shaped the land and the people who worked it for generations.

Eugene Ness later ventured into a new business, launching Unique Enterprises—a pre-owned truck dealership built on the same values of hard work and honesty that shaped his farming career. The business eventually rebranded as 505 Trucks and was proudly passed down to his son, Brady Ness, who continues to carry it forward with the same dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.

In 2005, Steven Ness stepped into a new role, taking over management of the family farm. With a deep respect for the land and the legacy passed down to him, he continued to grow staple crops like corn, hay, pumpkins, and the ever-reliable pinto beans. His leadership marked a new generation of Ness family farming—one rooted in tradition but looking toward the future.

Then, in 2008, Steven’s story took a beautiful turn when he married Tobie Masters, an island girl from Hawaii whose warm spirit and strong heart blended perfectly with farm life. Together, they began building not just a life, but a shared dream.

In 2010, Steven’s uncle, Patrick Ness, hand-drew the iconic logo that still appears on every one of our bean bags today—a symbol of family, tradition, and the care poured into everything we do.

From this past decade leading to 2024, the farm remains a true family affair. Eugene and Sandy Ness, along with other family members, are still deeply involved in keeping the farm thriving.

These days, Eugene can often be found behind the wheel of the combine during harvest, lending his skills to mechanical repairs, or patiently teaching his grandchildren how to operate the farm equipment—passing down knowledge and traditions with every lesson. Sandy, meanwhile, manages the lifeblood of the farm’s bookkeeping while keeping the office administration running smoothly.

Rebecca (Ness) Keeney plays a vital role, supporting the farm in various ways—from organizing the annual Pinto Bean Fiesta to managing public relations and community outreach. During the busy harvest season, Steven’s mother-in-law, Angie Masters, plays a crucial role—answering every incoming call with care and keeping our customers and business partners connected and satisfied, serving as the friendly voice that links the farm to the wider world.

Steven (Stevie) and Tobie Ness, together with their kids Daniel and Ilana, are proud to carry on the family legacy—living, working, and growing right here on Ness Farms. Their passion today is all about growing the best quality pinto beans and building genuine connections with  consumers through local store partnerships, bringing fresh, farm-to-table goodness straight to the community. They’re actively engaged on social media to continue to share the heart and story of Ness Farms, nurturing a trusted brand that honors the past while looking forward to the future.