As we celebrate the spirit of Colorado 150- US 250, we look to the hardworking families who have shaped Delta County and continue to feed our communities. The story of agriculture here is deeply rooted, and few operations illustrate this generational pride better than the historic orchards of Dominguez Canyon.

Dominguez Canyon Fruit Company Logo

The Legacy of Dominguez Canyon Fruit Company 

At the heart of this legacy is the Dominguez Canyon Fruit Company (DCFC), which holds the title of the oldest family-owned and operated orchard in Delta County. The story began in 1929 when G.P. Broughton originally purchased the property as an apple orchard. Today, four generations later, the operation is run by G.P.’s great-grandson, Drew Broughton, and his wife, Kelli.
While the farm no longer grows apples, it is renowned throughout the region for its delicious summer and fall bounty, specializing in delicious peaches, pears, fresh vegetables, and pumpkins. Their produce is shipped all over the state and offers a taste of history cultivated over nearly a century.

“At Dominguez Canyon Fruit Company, we’ve spent four generations cultivating more than just produce—we’ve cultivated a piece of Colorado history. We’re proud to keep the Broughton family tradition alive and thriving as we look toward the next hundred years.” — Drew & Kelli Broughton, Owners 2026

For more information on where to find Dominguez Canyon Produce in stock, contact Drew Broughton at (970) 275-4041 or visit Dominguez Canyon Fruit Company ‘s Facebook

Photo Courtesy of Dominguez Canyon Fruit Company- Peach Harvest 2025	Photo Courtesy of Dominguez Canyon Fruit Company- Flowering Orchards Trees	Photo Courtesy of Dominguez Canyon Fruit Company. School Filed Trip 2025	Photo Courtesy of Dominguez Canyon Fruit Company- A guest enjoys a walk in the orchard

A Pioneer in Cold Storage
The Broughton family’s commitment to quality didn’t just stay in the orchard—it helped pioneer regional infrastructure. Historically, the family, including Harold Broughton, were instrumental in creating the United Marketing Exchange, also known as HI Quality Packing. The Delta facility, which was located at 215 Silver Street, is believed to have been the region’s first-ever Cold Storage operation. This pioneering spirit was essential for preserving and shipping the local harvest, a tradition symbolized by the unique fruit labels used historically to illustrate their pride in their produce. The articles newspaper articles below were supplied by the Broughton Family and span from 1931-1955. Click the links below to enjoy the outstanding history!

• Montrose Daily Post October 5, 1931  Click HERE to read the article as a PDF   Broughton Fights Worms to Standstill; Proves Wizard in Growing Stuff as do Ashby’s. 
• Montrose Daily Press June 19,1935   Click HERE to read the article as a PDF Wonderful Fruit at Broughton’s Dominguez Ranch
• Montrose Daily Press July 17, 1936   Click HERE to read article as a PDF Second Haying Starts in Lower Valley; Calls Made on Wilson’s, Goldsmith, Broughton, Westesen
• Montrose Daily Press June 22, 1955   Click HERE to read the article as a PDF George Broughton, Pioneer Fruit Grower, Looks to New Future

The Broughton family is just one part of the vibrant agricultural community in Dominguez Canyon, which also includes operations like Culbertson Family and Honey Rock, LLC.

Honey Rock Landing -Organic Stewardship and Agritourism
Honey Rock, LLC is a, “Fruit First Operating Orchard”, says Erica Frank, Honey Rock’s Sales, Marketing and Hospitality Manager. Beyond  cultivating produce, Honey Rock, LLC offers immersive Agritourism experiences. The orchard boasts a state-of-the-art, full greenhouse operation, ensuring a consistent supply of premium, high-quality vegtables..

Visitors are invited to partake in seasonal U-Picks of succulent peaches and sweet cherries, a treasured farm-to-table activity.

Throughout the year, the Orchard hosts vibrant, family-friendly Harvest Festivals, celebrating the bounty of the land with local food, music, and activities.

Furthermore, Honey Rock, LLC capitalizes on the region’s natural beauty by offering truly unique custom River Floats on the adjacent waterways. (Stay tuned for a special planned float in conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management and the Colorado Canyons Association in June to celebrate the US 250/CO 150 anniversary and the region’s unique heritage.)

For an unforgettable overnight stay, guests can retreat to the  luxury of the Cave Suites, providing a distinctive, high-end accommodation experience right on the property.

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Photo Courtesy of Honey Rock Landing, LLC	Cave Suites at Honey Rock Landing- Photo Delta County Tourism	Photo Courtesy of Honey Rock Landing: Ariel View	Click the image to read the full Denver Life Article Settle into the Stone at Honey Rock Landing’s Cave Suites

The History and Vision:

The Honey Rock Orchard has deep historical roots, originally forming a part of the neighboring Dominguez Canyon Fruit Company Orchards. This legacy of quality and dedication to horticulture is carried forward by its current owners and operators, the dynamic and visionary couple, Leslie and Colby Barrett. The Barrett’s are committed to preserving the agricultural heritage while innovating to create a thriving, modern destination orchard.

“At Honey Rock Landing, the long history of the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness is all around you, from the old waterwheel and root cellars to the Native American artifacts that surface during plantings. Being next in line to steward this land is an honor. We aim to use well what’s already available in the canyon: sunshine, Gunnison River water, and alluvial soils. We use regenerative organic farming practices to bring the necessary inputs to a minimum, thereby protecting the watershed. We use solar panels and electric farm equipment. We’re using native rock in our construction. We hope everything we do communicates our respect for the natural resources here.”-Leslie & Colby Barrett, Owners 2026

Click the link to visit Honey Rock Landing, LLC website.

We invite you to visit Delta County to experience this living history and taste the quality produce that has defined our region for generations!

Credit: This information is based on local history compiled by Chris Miller- Delta County Museum, Stu Carlson- The High Country Shoppe, Kelli & Drew Broughton; Dominguez Canyon Fruit, Leslie & Colby Barret ( Owners) and Eric Frank ( Marketing);Honey Rock, LLC