Brothers George and Peter Getz purchased 2,889 acres in 1905 from the Travelers Insurance Company and ran the farm as a partnership until 1914 when it was split in half. During the course of 100 years the ranch has raised cows, sheep, horses along with crops of alfalfa, grass, hay, sugar beets, and wheat using a combination of center-pivot from wells and flood irrigation from the Monte Vista Canal and the Rio Grande Piedra Ditch. Brothers Glen and Allen oversee the complex today which includes the 1914 and 1938 farm houses and a 1916 barn.

In 1902 Martin Hanna acquired 280 acres in Rio Grande County near Del Norte. By the time of his death in 1958 descendant Louis Hanna had acquired 200 acres through other heirs, property that Norma Hanna Myers inherited. She added back the other 80 acres in 1963 when it was purchased from the Paul Hanna estate. Major crops have included hay, potatoes, grain, lettuce along with raising hogs and cattle. Several historic buildings remain in use including a barn, granary, chicken house, and ice house.

Henry Bowen McNeil started his ranch in the late 1890's by leasing land near Monte Vista. He soon acquired 40 acres, which remain in the family's ownership. McNeil began grazing his cattle on nearby government land, now in the management of the U.S. Forest Service, in 1897. Mike and Cathy McNeil still use that same land today, and they still raise cattle, four generations later.

The Corset Ranch covers 600 acres near Del Norte in Rio Grande County. It was purchased from Peter Eschofen in 1895 by Duncan Colville, who, in turn, passed it on to his son Alex. Today, it is operated by Duncan's grandson, David G. Colville, who raises cattle as well as alfalfa and Coors barley. The Colville family is also receiving the historic structures award for having preserved several historic buildings including a couple of original log structures.

The Elkhorn Ranch encompasses over 2000 acres of prime farm and pasture lands in the San Luis valley near Del Norte. The ranch began in November of 1886 when Levi Bodley Wilson purchased the Breen, Lovato, Sandoval, Myers, and Garcia homesteads. His son, Tunis Van Houten Wilson, moved onto the ranch where he built the original house; raised grain, potatoes and hay; and named the place the Elkhorn Ranch. The Ranch is currently owned by Levi Wilson's grandson, Tunis Frank Hanna, who is helped with operations by Levi's great grandson, Robert Hanna, and two great great grandsons, Tunis W.

The Nelson Family is also celebrating the 100th year of their farm in Monte Vista. John Nelson purchased the 160 acres in 1888. He built the house, barn, shop, shed and granary which are still standing. Crops raised on the farm have included potatoes, oats, barley, wheat and hay. Today cattle are the main product.

John Claus Off, a young German immigrant, established the Off Island Ranch in about 1872. His sister, Augusta, came later and homesteaded the boarding quarter. The ranch prospered and grew over the years as additional lands were purchased. One unique feature of the original homestead is that it lies mostly on a large island, bordered by the Rio Grande River, thus the name Off "Island Ranch."  Hay and cattle are raised on the ranch.

George and Sarah Fuchs founded the Fuchs Ranch in Del Norte in 1880. The original 173 acres were added to in 1927. George Fuchs raised Clydesdale horses that were grand prize winners at the local fairs. In addition, hay and grain were grown. A fine collection of historic buildings can be found at the ranch.

Harvey Stephen's great-grandfather, Andrew Edstrom emigrated from Sweeden in 1873 and settled near Monte Vista. Four generations have farmed the 160 acre farm. The original structures built in the late 1880's and early 1900's are currently being used.

Purchased by newlyweds Raymond and Mable Metz in 1917, the early Metz farm established itself as an innovator in the local potato industry. In addition to raising sheep, and farming barley and alfalfa, Ray Metz built and operated the first refrigerated potato storage facility in the San Luis Valley. The farming operation would continue to expand under the guidance of their son Kenneth and his wife Virginia.