Longstanding Colorado Farmers Credit Willingness to Change for Their Sustainability

In partnership with: Colorado Department of Agriculture

From freeze to drought, pandemic to plant disease, Colorado farmers continually navigate fluctuating factors with grit and resilience. To weather such storms, crop producers attest that willingness to change is an occupational necessity.

“We combine what we’ve learned from our ancestors with technology advancements,” says Michael Hirakata, co-owner of Hirakata Farms in Rocky Ford. 

The adaptive approach has aided his family-run business for five generations, which intentionally produces just one variety of cantaloupes. But there’s a backup plan. 

“Our crop could lose its genetics or get a disease it can’t handle, so we’re always looking forward to seeing what the next change in our seed will be,” says Hirakata, who also produces honeydew, watermelons and pumpkins. 

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Pandemic Pivoting

Colorado’s leading fruit crops are apples and peaches, commodities grown at Peachfork Orchards & Vineyards. Susan Patton, who owns the Palisade property with her husband Phil, says her mother first planted an apple orchard in the 1970s. They later added apricots, grapes, pears and pluots.

When Peachfork failed to sell some of its yields, the Pattons began winemaking. 

“We sort out the smaller fruits to make juices and use any excess fruit – or even those less aesthetically appealing – to make wine rather than throw them away,” Phil says. 

This cuts back on waste and adds revenue. When the pandemic crushed communal tastings, they branched out again. 

“Peachfork became a Harvest Host site,” Susan says. “This program’s members can stay overnight at wineries or farms in their RVs for free.”

The venture helped Peachfork stay viable when sales could have otherwise dropped. 

“Guests tend to generously stock up on our wines and goods while staying on the premises,” Phil adds. 

See more: Colorado Farmers Lead on Climate-Smart Agriculture

Invaluable Innovation

Like many agriculturists, the Pattons also recognize that modernization, as they did with solar power, is key for farming fortitude. 

Hirakata agrees, “In this field, you’re continuously learning. Our family has made mistakes over the years with that learning curve – and that evolving education can be expensive.” 

Still, Hirakata says taking innovative risks is invaluable. Switching to drip tape, for example, was a productive change. 

“The fruit is never really touched by the irrigated water, which is a source of bacteria, so a drier fruit is a safer product,” Hirakata says, adding that GPS is a game changer. “I have a photograph from the 1920s with horse-drawn wagons pulling cantaloupes off the field. Now, with efficient GPS technology, our tractors practically drive themselves.” 

Better Bushels

Nick Colglazier is a driving force in his own right. He worked on his family’s Colorado farm before becoming involved in innovation. 

“The Colorado Corn Administrative Committee (CCAC) started in 1987 by a vote of corn farmers to enact a one-penny per bushel assessment in order to further grain corn research, market development, outreach and education,” says Colglazier, executive director at CCAC. 

Field corn accounts for nearly all of the corn grown in Colorado. It’s primarily used for livestock feed and ethanol. Colglazier believes the latter has immense potential. 

“The CCAC is advancing production practices and examining efficiencies to make our producers more sustainable without cutting into their bottom line,” Colglazier says. “By researching and honing practices, the industry can feed and fuel the world while ensuring that all parts of sustainability – environmental, social and economical – are encompassed.” 

A 2021 study by Harvard University and partnering research scientists found that greenhouse gas emissions from corn ethanol are 46% lower than those from gasoline. 

“We want to tell customers that ethanol is good for your car, your wallet and the environment,” Colglazier says. “It’s the right-now solution to cutting transportation pollutants and carbon emissions.”

Fun Facts About These Colorado Farmers

Colorado crops are as diverse as the farmers throughout the state. Enjoy a few fun facts about the growers and farms featured in this story.

• Hirakata Farms has 1,200 farm acres.
• Described as sweet and juicy, the Rocky Ford Cantaloupe was first harvested in 1915.
• Peachfork Orchards & Vineyards’ 2021 chambourcin won double gold at the 2022 Governor’s Cup. Boasting notes of blackberry and plum, this medium-bodied wine is dry and smooth with earthy complexity.
• The Colorado Corn Administrative Committee works to showcase the $40 billion economic impact of corn for the state, making it a top contributor to Colorado’s economy each year.

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