From a Sheep and a Cow: The Remarkable Beginning of Blue Barn Farm

Every great story has a beginning, and ours starts with a leap of faith. In 1952, when Doyle and Philene David arrived in Colorado from Iowa, their worldly possessions were modest—just a sheep and a cow. What they lacked in resources, however, they made up for in vision and determination.

The Bold Mortgage

"My grandparents often told the story of mortgaging their only animals to secure the loan for our original farmland," shares Brett Deacon, the current steward of Blue Barn Farm. "It was a decision that many would consider risky, but they believed in the potential of the San Luis Valley soil."

This first parcel of land, which remains the heart of our operations today, became the foundation upon which four generations would build a thriving agricultural enterprise. The David family's initial gamble has paid dividends far beyond what they could have imagined.

Red McClures: The First Crop

Our farming journey began with Red McClure potatoes—distinctive, deep-eyed varieties that were popular in the mid-twentieth century. These flavorful potatoes, with their reddish skin and white flesh, helped establish Blue Barn Farm's reputation for quality from the very beginning.

"Red McClures aren't widely grown commercially anymore," explains Brett, "but they taught our family important lessons about soil preparation, water management, and quality selection that we still apply today."

As the operation grew and additional land was acquired, the farm expanded into fresh market potatoes, which remain one of our specialty crops. These versatile potatoes, known for their excellent baking, frying, and mashing qualities, helped position Blue Barn Farm as a premium potato producer.

A Legacy Continues: Bette Belle and Shirley

The second chapter of our story began when Bette Belle David married Shirley Deacon, who worked at the Monte Vista Ford dealership. What might seem like an unlikely transition—from automotive sales to farming—proved to be a perfect fit. Shirley embraced agricultural life with enthusiasm and helped expand both the potato and grain operations.

Together, they raised three sons—David, Kelly, and Gary—each of whom would play unique roles in the farm's evolution. Their combined expertise in various aspects of agriculture and business strengthened the foundation laid by Doyle and Philene.

Modernization Under Kelly's Guidance

The late 1980s and early 1990s marked another significant transition for Blue Barn Farm when Kelly Deacon took over operations. His forward-thinking approach brought modern equipment and technology to the farm while maintaining a deep respect for the land that had sustained his family for generations.

"My father understood that efficiency didn't have to come at the expense of quality. He modernized our operations without expanding acreage, focusing instead on getting more from each acre through smarter practices." - Brett Deacon

Kelly's leadership era saw improvements in irrigation techniques, precision farming practices, and storage facilities—all while maintaining the original farm footprint and commitment to quality over quantity.

Today's Blue Barn Farm

Now under the guidance of Brett Deacon, the fourth generation to steward this land, Blue Barn Farm has expanded its acreage while maintaining the high standards set by previous generations. Brett's expertise in food safety has been particularly valuable as agricultural regulations have evolved, ensuring that our products meet or exceed all industry standards.

One of the cornerstones of our success has been the loyalty of our team. Farm manager Hunter Sessums has been with us for over 35 years, exemplifying the close-knit, family-oriented culture that defines Blue Barn Farm. Many of our seasonal employees return year after year, bringing valuable experience and institutional knowledge to every harvest.

Looking to the Future

Today, Blue Barn Farm's premium potatoes and barley are shipped across the United States and into Mexico. But our story is far from complete. As we face new challenges—water conservation concerns, stricter food safety policies, and changing market demands—we continue to innovate.

Current initiatives include:

"Farming is never static," Brett explains. "Each generation faces its own challenges and opportunities. Our job is to honor the past while building for the future."

As we look ahead, the Deacon family remains passionate about agriculture and committed to ensuring that the next generation continues the legacy that began with a sheep, a cow, and an unwavering belief in the promise of Colorado soil.

From humble beginnings to a thriving agricultural enterprise, Blue Barn Farm stands as a testament to the power of family, perseverance, and a deep connection to the land. We invite you to join us on this continuing journey.