At Farm Credit of Southern Colorado, we take great pride in supporting the families who shape agriculture in our region. The Mattive family of Worley Family Farms has spent generations cultivating success in the San Luis Valley, and their story is one of resilience, dedication, and innovation.
From Vision to Generational Success
Bob and Gail Mattive’s journey in farming began with a vision—to build a thriving operation that could be passed down for generations. What started as their dream has grown into a multi-generational family farm, now operated alongside their sons, Reid and Grant, and their nephew, Matthew Smart.
Today, the Mattives farm 2,000 acres of certified seed potatoes, a specialized crop that begins in their tissue culture lab, where a single plant is carefully propagated into tens of thousands.
“We start from one plant and then just go from cloning that one plant and just cutting your 30,000 plants,” said Gail Mattive. “You’re just watching those little plants grow.”
Through sustainable practices like crop rotation and soil management techniques, they ensure long-term productivity and the highest quality potatoes.
Adapting for the Future
The Mattives’ commitment to soil health led them to rethink traditional rotations of potatoes and barley. After a devastating drought in 2002, they turned to sudan grass to replenish their soil’s nutrients.
“Everything we do with our rotation crops is to make our potatoes better,” said Grant Mattive.
This forward-thinking approach has helped them maintain productivity while ensuring the land remains fertile for future generations.
Farm Credit: A Trusted Partner in Agriculture
Since 1982, Farm Credit of Southern Colorado has been honored to support the Mattive family’s growth.
“When Bob and I first came back, we borrowed from Farm Credit of Southern Colorado,” Gail said. “We were able to jump into the farm as an owner, instead of just being an employee.”
Through our deep-rooted understanding of agriculture’s unique challenges and opportunities, we continue to provide the Mattive family with financial solutions that evolve with their business.
“Farm Credit of Southern Colorado is steeped in agriculture,” said Matthew Smart. “They understand the workings of how agriculture needs to move differently with prices going up and down and how the commodities change.”
From our CEO to our loan officers, we are proud to stand alongside hardworking farmers like the Mattives, ensuring they have the resources to grow, adapt, and thrive.
📽 Watch the full story below and see how Worley Family Farms is shaping the future of agriculture in the San Luis Valley!
This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Any information contained in this post is subject to change without notice and should not be relied upon without seeking the advice of a qualified professional. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of our Association. The author and Association are not responsible for any errors or omissions and are not liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of the information contained in this post.