The Cactus Hill Family and Friends
Cactus Hill Farm is family owned and operated. But what does that really mean? The success of this little farm comes from the many hands of family and friends that help. These are the people who make Cactus Hill Farm such an amazing place!
Maya and Alan aka Mom and DadMaya has her own business as a crop consultant. So if you are wondering what that weird bug is, she’s the one to ask! She helps plan watering, planting, soil management, and pretty much all aspects of the farm. She’s a genius, very humble and also a blast to work with. She loves what she does and it shows.
Alan is the farm’s main and only man! For the last 30 years he has been a steward of this land and this business. As well as being the leader on the farm, Alan is the family’s spiritual leader. A big part of our farm is embracing the sacredness of the lives we raise and the part we play as stewards of the land. This deep connection has helped give him motivation for some of the many projects he has completed such as the river restoration project on our river. Always quick with a joke and a smile, Alan keeps things funny and lively on the farm. Add to this a great business sense and a belief in preserving this farm for the next generation. |
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DianaThough she be but little, she is fierce! Don’t let her small stature fool you, Diana is tough, smart and yes, a bit of a goof.
Artistic and creative, Diana is constantly creating new and exciting outfits and artistic endeavors. She works with Mom and she has been a great addition to the consulting business. Diana is currently studying Agricultural Studies at Colorado State University. We are all excited to see what Diana plans for her future; it is guaranteed to be something unique and wonderful. |
ElenaElena works on the farm with her dad.
With a vision for the future, she hopes to see this farm thrive! You’ll see her at yarn shows and out chasing the sheep. She works hard on her many projects. These include remodeling an old adobe house and working to create her own sustainable homestead. Elena has big goals to improve our animal husbandry and soil health practices. She strives to ensure that the farm and sheep operation are sustainable and ethical. Someday she hopes to incorporate more outreach and education into the farming operation. |
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AnaAna is the adventure child of the family and the inspiration for so many parts of this farm. Years ago Ana asked dad for a few sheep to shear and use their fiber. When the first sheep arrived on Cactus Hill Farm, it was thanks to Ana and her love of fiber arts. Her energy is contagious and inspiring to all of us.Ana is currently working on her PHD at UC Santa Barbara. Ana has a passion for ecology and the environment. She is currently conducting her research in the South Pacific. In addition to her work with ocean and island ecology, she loves desert eco-systems. Everyone looks forward to a visit from Ana!
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RandyFellow farmer, friend and jack of all trades, Randy is one of Cactus Hill Farm's most dear friends. Friend of the family since the dawn of time, Randy lends a hand when ever one is needed. He has been spotted helping raise the barn to being a part of shearing time. In addition to all the help he gives, he also runs his own small cattle farm and cuts his own hay. Randy is such a big help to Cactus Hill Farm and it is a pleasure when we can help him on his farm in return!
Oh, and if you are planning a party, make sure to invite Randy as he makes some of the most amazing salsa! |
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Nitschka, Mia, Isabelle, and StevenTia Nitschka runs her own goat dairy, raises chickens, and makes her own cheeses. Always ready to lend a helping hand, Nitschka makes sure that the Cactus Hill crew has yummy food on hand.
A cousin to Elena, Mia is one creative soul! A painter, needle felter, and ballet dancer with a beautiful goofy side. Mia can be found helping at shearings and working the booths at any of the local fiber shows. Isabelle, aka Izzy, aka oldest sister to Mia and cousin to Elena, is one who will bring a smile to your face. Izzy is currently attending CSU and pursuing a degree in Wildlife Biology. When she ventures back down to the valley you can find her lending a hand at shearing and making sure everyone is having some laughs! Tio Steven is brother to Alan and fellow sympathizer of a man in a family of women. Having grown up as a Cactus Hill Farmer, Steven now supports Nitschka farm endeavors and always has a shoulder to lean on. |
Meghan and MattMeghan and Matt are operators of Mudita Camel Dairy and Camel-Air BnB. You can often find their camel milk soaps in the Cactus Hill Farm fiber booth.
Meghan is a spinner, felter, and budding knitter. Joining forces with Elena the two plan to take Cactus Hill Farm to new levels with its fiber offerings. Watch out for these two gals as they have some big plans! Matt is a beautiful soul with a great work ethic. You can often find him helping out with the fence line or deep in conversation with Alan about spirituality. Check out their farm at muditacameldairy.com |
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CariCari is a friend extraordinaire! Owner of Infinite Tea House in Alamosa, Cari is an extremely talented artist and a budding herbalist, who is always willing and ready to lend a hand at Cactus Hill Farm. Be it from helping in the green house, at a fiber show, or enriching the farm with her artistic work, Cari is a welcome whirlwind of color. She also soothes the souls of the many hands at Cactus Hill with her amazing tea blends.
Check out her art and tea offerings at https://www.infiniteartgalleryandteahouse.com/ |