PUEBLO— Monte Vista’s Bond Metz Farms will be one of 31 Colorado families to be honored at the 32nd annual Centennial Farms & Ranches ceremony on Friday, Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo.
The families to be honored have owned and operated their farms and ranches for 100 years or more, representing Colorado’s proud agricultural heritage, persevering through over 100 years of changes and challenges. Agriculture remains a vital part of the state’s identity, contributing $41 billion to Colorado’s economy. The families will receive certificates signed by Governor John Hickenlooper, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Don Brown and Executive Director of History Colorado Steve W. Turner. They will also receive Centennial Farm & Ranch signs to proudly display on their properties.
Bond Metz Farms/Metz Potato Company is a fourth generation family-owned business. The farming operation began in 1917, and the warehouse packing facility was opened in 1944. In 1949, Metz Potato Company became one of the first refrigerated packing facilities in the San Luis Valley. In addition, Metz Potato Company trademarked the slogan “Top Quality Potatoes Grown A’ Top of the World” in 1937. Current owners Bill and Peggy Metz, along with their son Greg and his wife Jen are committed to providing our customers with a top quality, home grown product.
Since 1986, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the Colorado State Fair and History Colorado have partnered to honor the state’s agricultural heritage with the Centennial Farms & Ranches program.
When this year’s ceremony is complete, the State of Colorado will have recognized 581 Centennial Farms and Ranches. The ceremony is open to the public and takes place at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo at 1 p.m. at the WeatherPort Tent on Friday, Aug. 24.