Century of Stewardship Recognized Olander Farms in Loveland, Colorado, has been officially designated a Centennial Farm by History Colorado and the Colorado Department of Agriculture, marking 100 years of continuous family ownership and operation. The recognition, awarded through the Centennial Farms & Ranches program, honors agricultural properties that have remained in the same family for at least a century while maintaining active farming operations. Founded on April 23, 1926, the 112-acre homestead has survived droughts, market shifts, and technological change across five generations of stewardship. Today, fifth-generation farmer Todd Olander operates the farm alongside Root Shoot Malting, a craft malthouse established in 2016 that processes barley, wheat, rye, and corn grown on the property.
Grain to Global Recognition The grain from Olander Farms supplies not only Root Shoot Malting but also Root Shoot Spirits, whose American Single Malt Whiskey recently earned three top honors at the London Spirits Competition: Spirit of the Year, Whisky of the Year, and American Single Malt Whiskey of the Year. "This recognition is about honoring our family who came before us while making sure this land continues producing food, grain, beer, and whiskey for the next 100 years. If you love the land, it will love you back," Olander said.
Conservation and Regenerative Practices In 2022, the original homestead was placed under a permanent conservation easement with Colorado Open Lands, ensuring the land remains dedicated to agriculture in perpetuity. The Olander family has adopted regenerative farming methods including crop rotation, reduced tillage, cover cropping, and soil-first practices to build healthier soil and increase resilience. "It's incredibly rewarding to see grain grown on our same family farm for a century receive recognition on the world stage," Olander said. "Every bottle tells the story of this farm."
Why It Matters
The designation underscores the connection between heritage agriculture and craft beverage production.
As consolidation pressures mount across U.S. grain and livestock sectors, family farms like Olander Farms demonstrate the viability of multi-generational operations tied to specialty and direct-to-consumer craft supply chains. The formal conservation easement also provides a replicable model for operators seeking to secure long-term land access while maintaining independence.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
