Peach Valley CSA was established as a Community Farm in the early 1990's, was the first such farm on the Western Slope, and the second such farm in the State. We are Colorado’s longest operating CSA farm.
Nestled along the I – 70 corridor, about 150 miles west of Denver, the region is popular for summer and winter recreation and light industry. Rich soils, abundant sunshine, excellent water, and a moderate climate also make it very productive for agriculture.
The area known as Peach Valley is an historic agricultural area, with numerous small farms, ranches and orchards. It lies about 15 miles west of Glenwood Springs, between the towns of New Castle and Silt. The area sits at about 5,500 feet in the Colorado River drainage of the central Rocky Mountains. Surrounded by majestic mountains, national forest lands, high desert plateaus and colorful mesas, the region carries the mark of ancient oceans and was the ancestral home of the Ute Mountain Indians.
Our homesteading and small farming venture began here in 1980. Garden and orchard areas have been farmed using organic techniques, without chemical inputs for at least 29 years. Soil health is accomplished through crop rotations, aged manures, and compost from flocks of chickens and fall turkeys.
Water from the Flat Tops area of the White River National Forest serves the valley through ditches diverted from the Elk Creeks, north of New Castle. Farm labor is done primarily by hand with the help of several small tractors and tillers.
Yearly farm crews are made up of (12 - 15) working members, several apprentices, and the farm owners, Ken and Gail. Several unheated hoophouse and coldframe structures help extend the seasons.
Peach Valley CSA, in conjunction with several other local, sustainable farms, produces food to supply approximately 100 member families with shares of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, meats and eggs for nearly forty weeks of the year.
Shares correspond to the Seasons: Spring Salad Garden (March - May), Summer Garden, Summer Orchard (June - October), and Winter Storage (November – February).
We are founding members of the Glenwood Springs Farmers Market (mid June – early November) which has been our Saturday home since it’s formation in 1985. A set portion of our yearly shares are reserved for this market.
We welcome your interest and participation in building the local, small farm revival.