Age as of March 1, 2024: 62

Residence Location:  Loma, CO

Place of Operation:    Loma, CO

Business Experience: I have been a lifelong farmer in Western Colorado. Alongside my son Bryan, I operate a fifth-generation family farm. Bernal Farms LLC raises primarily corn, wheat and alfalfa on over 1,600 acres of irrigated ground. I also operate a cow/calf operation in cooperation with my son and my nephew, Mario Baleztena. I am active in local water associations and have been a member of multiple workgroups and committees regarding irrigation water rights, anti-speculation regulations and other ag related legislation efforts.

Education: High School Diploma

Current Boards: Valley Water Users’ Association.

Strategic & Visionary Thinking: I maintain open-minded and forward-thinking perspectives with regard to the organizations I help to lead.

Corporate Governance: I have experience as voting member and Nominating Committee member for American Ag Credit.

Financial Expertise: I have participated in budget management and approval for our personal business ventures, church organizations, local farm supply cooperatives, and water user’s associations. I also monitor commodity markets across multiple sectors to aid in strategic planning and marketing.

Communication: I have participated in and completed multiple trainings related to effective group communication.

Technology: I maintain literacy across multiple technology platforms used for the purposes of farm management and equipment operation. These platforms include financial management programs, GPS guidance technology, advanced equipment functions and yield monitoring across multiple variables and seasons. I also integrate tools for accurate and up-to-date weather forecasting and satellite crop imagery to better execute strategic plans.

Human Resource Management: An organization is only as strong and successful as the people and relationships that are involved. I manage a workforce of up to 10 employees throughout a season. I also participate in the supervision of management for Grand Valley Water User’s Association.

Risk Management: I complete detailed budgets and forecasts to prepare for changing economies in a business where production is always a year away. I use tools like forward contracting, hedging and crop insurance in order to protect our business from market fluctuation.

Leadership: I have actively participated in the leadership of a multi-generational business for over 40 years. I have also applied my leadership skills for the past decade as Board President for the Grand Valley Users’ Association.