Biographies

Bill and Shirley Ela (third generation)

Shirley may have bonded with fruit trees when, while very young and as the third child, she was put out in the orchard in a fruit box under the watchful eye of a caring hired man. She grew up involved in the fruit farm with her father and brother, but left the farm for college. After graduating from the University of Colorado she worked for Harvard University while her new husband attended law school. After he graduated, they returned to Grand Junction and she became more involved in the family operation as time permitted and their family grew. She has been active in local and state boards and commissions, but is happiest when being out in the fruit trees, watching the fifth generation grandchildren, or looking out her window at the trees and a sunset.

Although the son of a banker and growing up in the town of Grand Junction, Bill spent some of his early working years with fruit in Palisade. He did both orchard work (some even on stilts) and packing shed labor. During World War II he served as a navigator in the Navy, thus his love of stargazing on those clear, dark nights on the farm. After graduating from Harvard with his law degree, he returned to Grand Junction to practice. Every modern farm seems to need some family member making an outside income. Bill has filled that role through his law work and then by serving as a Colorado District Court Judge. Now, after retirement, he works as a professional arbitrator and mediator. Bill believes in working to better the community and has been instrumental in helping establish community corrections programs and developing river front trails along the Colorado River through Grand Junction. When on the farm he volunteers as a helping hand and has helped dig, plant, pack and pick fruit. He knows all too well which end of a shovel is up and can be seen practicing that art any time of year.

Steve and Becky Ela (fourth generation)

Steve is the operations manager and a partner of Ela Family Farms. Steve oversees the day to day goings-on of the farm. On any given day this may include planting new cherry trees, changing tractor tires, putting together gift baskets, or marketing fruit. Steve is very involved in promoting the fruit industry. He served as president of the Western Colorado Horticultural Society, currently serves on the Colorado Agriculture Commission, is vice-president of the Organic Farming Research Foundation, and serves on numerous local boards and organizations. Steve is active in organic tree fruit research and has helped to organize two major national organic tree fruit research symposiums. Additionally, Colorado State University has several ongoing organic research projects on our farm.

These days, Becky's main job is chasing around their toddler son Will and his younger sister Adair (not even a season old!). When she's not being a mom, Becky can be found working with those in need. Becky has her Masters degree in Social Work and sometimes finds that this degree is helpful for those who choose a life in agriculture. She contributes to the farm by lending an ear to marketing strategies, helping to sell fruit at the occasional market or making a bushel of Jonathon applesauce for the freezer.