Los Poblanos was a pioneering experimental farm in the 1930s and 1940s. Originally the home of Creamland Dairies, it played a crucial role in supplying Albuquerque with much of its milk and was renowned for its exceptional herds of Guernsey and Holstein cows. The ranch was instrumental in developing New Mexico’s dairy industry, setting a high standard for quality and innovation in the Southwest.
When Albert and Ruth Simms acquired Los Poblanos, it was part of an 800-acre ranch stretching to the Sandia Mountains' crest. The Simms family was deeply involved in agricultural experimentation, raising sugar beet seed to reduce America’s reliance on imports and cultivating crops like alfalfa, oats, corn, and barley. They also raised purebred rams to help improve the quality of sheep herds across New Mexico. The farm’s greenhouse became a laboratory for developing new varieties of roses and chrysanthemums, contributing to the region's horticultural advancements.
Los Poblanos' commitment to agricultural innovation made it a model farm that inspired farmers throughout the fertile Rio Grande Valley, a region with a rich farming history dating back over 300 years. As Laura Gilpin noted in Country Life Magazine in 1937, "Los Poblanos is an experimental farm, and one that is an inspiration to all the farmers in this rich fertile valley."
The land's history stretches back even further, with the Anasazi (ancient Pueblo Indians) first inhabiting the area in the 14th century. Over time, the land became part of the Elena Gallegos land grant in the early 18th century and was later acquired by the Mutual Land Investment Agency, which sold off plots during the 1930’s to ranchers and investors like Albert Simms.
Shortly after the Simms moved to Los Poblanos, Ruth had her prize-winning herd of Holstein-Fresians brought by train to Albuquerque, quickly establishing a top-producing dairy operation that eventually merged with other local dairies to form Creamland Dairy, a brand that continues to thrive today. The original milking barns at Los Poblanos were restored and renovated in 2017, now housing the main kitchens, Campo and the Farm Shop.
The Rembe family, current stewards of Los Poblanos, remain dedicated to preserving the historic ranch's legacy. Their mission is to cultivate a dynamic business rooted in sustainable agriculture, hospitality, historic preservation, and community. Today, we continue to honor our past while evolving into a modern-day haven for visitors seeking a connection to the land and its abundant history.
