Three Generations of Farming
The Mix family has farmed potatoes and malt barley for three generations. Mix Farms started with 120 acres, 60 in potatoes and 60 in barley. Since then, the farm has grown substantially. They now farm a combined 800 acres, and produce an average potato yield of 350 cwt of yellow potatoes and 450-475 cwt of Russet potatoes. Mix Farms continues to grow Coors malt barley, and at times green manure. Mix Farms is also a Certified Potato Seed Grower. Roger enjoys all aspects of the potato business, especially harvesting, which Rogers says allows him to see the outcome of all of his work.
A Family Business
Roger Mix was born and raised in the San Luis Valley and grew up on his family farm. Since graduating from Colorado State University with his Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Roger began to take on more management duties at the farm. However, Mix Farms is definitely a family affair. Roger’s parents, Sherrel and Linda are semi-retired, but continue to help around the farm. Roger’s wife Rosalie helps as well, doing books and helping with food safety compliance. Roger and Rosalie have two children, Ryan and Michael. Roger is very proud of his sons and commented that a huge accomplishment of his is “raising our two boys in a rural area farm and seeing the rewards of them being a success in the careers they have chosen.”
Active in his Community
Roger is a valued member of the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee and is serving as the Chair of the Industry and Community Committee. In addition, he served as the National Potato Council President in 2010, and has been involved with 4-H and his children’s school activities. When not on the farm, Roger and his family enjoy family outings and outdoor activities like hiking, water skiing and snow skiing.
