Hanagan Farm: A Multigenerational Farm Conserved

Hanagan Farm

Multi-generational farm conserved

Over 115 years of hard work and history make the Hanagan Farm, a Colorado Centennial Farm located southeast of Rocky Ford in Otero County, a southern Colorado treasure. The Hanagan family farms over 1,000 acres of irrigated farmland, growing a variety of vegetables for retail and wholesale distribution. Many urban residents may know the Hanagans from their presence at the Old Colorado City farmers market in Colorado Springs, or directly through their community-supported agriculture (CSA) membership.

In 2019, the Hanagan family approached Palmer Land Conservancy to assist them with the purchase of 260 acres of prime farmland and its associated senior water rights that the family had owned decades ago. Their vision was to ensure its permanent conservation so it would remain in agriculture production forever.

We want to offer a special thank you to the Hanagan family for their trust and partnership. Our staff and our board feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with them—as they indeed are the backbone of our local food supply.

“Looking back,” said Chuck, “there might have been some more opportune times to purchase additional farm ground than in the middle of the 2020 Covid Pandemic and at a time when agricultural commodity prices are at a 40-year low but sometimes it’s not what you choose but what chooses you. The owners had been very good in working with us in setting up a purchase agreement but without the help of Palmer Land Conservancy, we would not have been successful in this next step for Hanagan Farms.”

Without the help of Palmer Land Conservancy, we would not have been successful in this next step for Hanagan Farms.

Chuck Hanagan