A method for rapid estimation of broad sense heritability (H) was applied in farmers’ maize fields in two communities in Oaxaca, Mexico. Plant and ear traits were documented and H estimates compared with narrow sense heritability (h2) from family analysis and published estimates. Absolute values of H estimates were larger than h2 estimates from this study and the literature. Relative ranking by trait was the same as in the literature, though not the same as rankings of h2 estimates generated in this study. With an understanding of its limitations, this rapid, economical estimation procedure could provide useful initial information especially for collaborative crop improvement work between researchers and farmers or farming communities on-farm, a plant breeding context for which little empirical information is available.