Camilletti Family Celebrates More Than 100 Years of Agriculture in the Yampa Valley
While the history of the Yampa Valley is often seen as being linked to outdoor recreation, the true foundation of the region lies in pastures, barns, crops, and livestock.
Since the first settlers moved here to carve out a life for themselves, they have used the area’s abundant resources to feed their families while also sustaining others. Initially, those products were sold locally. Once roads and railways arrived, markets that were previously inaccessible began to feature produce and meats from the Yampa Valley.
One of the families that arrived here in the early 1920’s was the Camilletti family. Ed Camilletti, who is the fourth generation to ranch in the Yampa Valley, explained that his great grandparents arrived from Italy and eventually founded the Camilletti Ranch in Milner in 1938.
Courtesy Photo/Jody Camilletti
Since its founding, the ranch has expanded in terms of size and family involvement.
“To this day, it’s my dad, myself, my son, daughters, grandkids, wives, and in-laws,” said Ed.
John Camponeschi/For Steamboat Locals
The ranch now sits at 10,000 deeded acres which is supplemented by two large leases, one of which is state and one of which is on Twentymile coal, in addition to other smaller leases as well.
The ranch was founded with a focus on raising sheep, which was common during that time period. The Camilletti family also grew wheat, barley, and oats as well and had “a few cattle and calves.” As time went on, and as market demand shifted, cattle would gradually become the primary focus.
The legacy of the ranch is celebrated by all the members of the family.
“I think we are just trying to maintain what the original vision was,” said Ruddy Camilletti. “We want to just live off the land and to provide for our families by doing that.”
Ruddy’s sister, Nikki, echoed the sentiment of her brother in saying that teaching the next generation how to maintain the ranch’s legacy, while also providing for themselves, is of paramount importance as more produce and meat products are coming from international sources.
“Something we want to teach our kids is how to grow your own food, how to raise your own food, and how to process that and bring it from the garden and field onto the table,” explained Nikki.
Ruddy went on to explain that profitability is becoming more difficult to accomplish due to rising input prices and land being lost to development. To mitigate this, the family has found new ways to supplement the primary ranch operations including hunting leases in the form of trespass elk hunts and working with local guides to bring in individuals interested in fishing. They also have a gravel mine on the property as well.
“It’s a sign of the times,” said Ruddy. “You have to be a bit diversified just to try to maintain and to provide for the next generation to move into the future. You cannot rely on traditional methods anymore.”
In order to instill the ranch’s history and values in present and future generations, the Camilletti family seeks to educate the younger family members by letting them directly take part in daily operations so they can fully experience what it means to be part of the legacy and history of the ranch.
“Ultimately, it comes down to them,” said Nikki. “I think the biggest way to preserve it is to teach them what it is about.”
Even those who married into the family can feel the power behind the heritage of the ranch.
“I don’t think you realize how big it is until you are in it, and in the family, and everyone is working 24 hours a day,” said Shelly Camilletti. “It’s a lot but it’s good.”
The ranch also networks with other organizations and ranches as well. Ed has served on the Routt County Farm Service Agency, which takes a role in addressing agricultural issues within the area, as well as the Routt County Cattlemen’s Association and the Routt County Conservation District.
“Those are the big pieces,” explained Judy Camilletti, who is Ed’s wife and a school board member in the Hayden School District.
She went on to explain that the FFA program of the Hayden School District, and their work with local producers, helps to ensure the deep and rich agricultural heritage of the Yampa Valley.
Nikki’s husband, Chad added that he feels that the grandchildren have a unique opportunity in being able to be “part of something.”
“What they get to learn, and see, and do, is very unique,” he said.
The youngest generation of the Camilletti family, including Avery, Dominic, Derek, and Gabriela, are just as dedicated and enthusiastic about keeping the momentum and history of the ranch going.
John Camponeschi/For Steamboat Locals
“I think keeping it going is keeping our heritage,” closed Avery Camilletti. “I think we can keep it going.”
In August, Steamboat Locals’ writer John Camponeschi will be presenting you a four-part series of stories about Routt County organizations and educators that promote the importance of our local ranching and agriculture heritage.
Read Part One – 4H Exchange Program
Read Part Two – Hayden Agricultural Education
Read Part Three – Community Agriculture Alliance
This series of stories is proudly presented to you by Jon Wade and The Steamboat Group as a continuation of their commitment to “Keep Steamboat Special” by supporting non-profits and events that promote adventure and the active Steamboat lifestyle! You can also support our local Ag Producers and Programs simply by making a request on the Steamboat Locals Choice for Music. For every song request made in the month of August, The Steamboat Group will donate $2 to Community Ag Alliance, up to $500 total!