Ela Family Farms
Hotchkiss is orchard country, so the Ela Family Farm’s deeply ingrained history in the fruit business of this small Western Slope town is appropriate. They boast four generations of farming and the recent celebration of 100 years as a family orchard providing delicious pears, peaches, apples, cherries and more to the Rocky Mountain region. Family farming heritage has brought forth innovation, wisdom and experience to produce their renowned mouth-watering fruit.
The tradition began in 1906 when founder Frank Burns came from Iowa to Grand Junction. Since then it has been passed along and each generation has expanded the practice and variety of products offered. Today Steve Ela and his family offer fresh tree-ripened fruit as well as dried fruit, applesauce, jams, ciders and fruit butters. Everything sold with an Ela Family Farms label is completely grown themselves.
Through the years, the Ela’s have made increasingly valuable commitments to the environment. One third of their 100-acre farm is under a conservation easement, all of the products are certified organic, micro-sprinklers and drip irrigation are exclusively used to ensure water efficiency, and pest management is closely monitored and minimized to only essential spraying. All pesticide use is with organically-certified material. The owner for 20 years, Steve Ela is an active member of the Organic Farming Research Foundation to ensure their practices continue to be on the brink of sustainable farming technology.
Ela products are sold at farmers markets, gourmet food stores, co-ops, Rocky Mountain Region Whole Foods Stores, as well as directly through their website where an array of gift baskets are available.