We have been growing grain on this land for five generations, nearly 100 years.

We hope to be growing here for another 100 more, if we can save this land, save this farm. If we're lucky, maybe we even save a few of the neighboring farms around it.

Development in the Front Range has put the pressure on farmers: land is expensive, water is scarce, our irrigation streams are re-routed to the growing suburbs. We could sell the land. Move where it's quieter and cheaper, where we're not struggling to maintain our fields in the midst of growing neighborhoods.

But someone has to grow food for the community. We know how to do it. We know every inch of this land, its quirks, its patterns, its capability. We know how to plant corn, grow barley and raise cattle.

So we're choosing to stay. Choosing to fight to protect the farmland around us. Choosing to keep agriculture in the midst of development.

And on days when it's rough, we take the crew on a walk through a thriving field of barley, just to remember what we're capable of. What this land is capable of. Why we're here...and why we stay.

OLANDER FARMS, FRONT RANGE, COLORADO

Photo Credit: Emily Sierra Photography for Olander Farms

I call Colorado my home, my homestead, my playground and my muse. The endless sky, and enormous palate of nature, every color we have ever seen, can imagine, and more, I am endlessly in awe of the beauty of the world I live in. The same tree looks different every day, if only I stop long enough to notice. If I capture the day, when the uniqueness of today reveals itself in just the right light.

And when I get complacent, about another sunrise, sunset, singing bird, or horses in the distance, I have the reflection of the awe of nature reflected in my son’s eye. And my insatiable desire, to pick up the camera, and capture what I see.

This is one of my favorite shots of my husband and son. This was our 1st visit to Brainard Lake. My husband was teaching my son how to walk on a frozen lake, while others were skating or playing with their pets. The sun was high in the sky to keep the temperature just warm enough to enjoy the day.

BRAINARD LAKE, COLORADO

Photo Credit: Bari Gisin