How whiskey saved this Colorado family’s 118-year-old farm
Stephanie and Felicia Ohnmacht, despite growing up on a multigenerational farm in eastern Colorado, never envisioned themselves joining the family business. Their parents encouraged them to pursue college education and careers outside of agriculture, away from the uncertainties of nature.
After completing their education at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Stephanie pursued a career in the telecommunications industry, while Felicia worked in project management for a semiconductor company. The family farm, Gergen Farms in Burlington, seemed like a distant memory until 2015 when the sisters returned with a unique idea fueled by a bottle of whiskey – to supply local grains to craft distilleries in Colorado. This led to the establishment of Whiskey Sisters Supply, focusing on producing locally made spirits from corn, wheat, and rye.
Little did they know that this venture would not only revive their family’s heritage but also save Gergen Farms from financial turmoil.
Their ancestors settled on the Eastern Plains in 1907, with the original homestead still standing as a testament to their legacy. Stephanie, Felicia, and their sister Renee grew up next to the homestead on the vast farm, where wheat and corn were the main crops for over a century. The transition to supplying grains to distilleries began with a conversation with Al Laws of Laws Whiskey House, who inspired Stephanie with the idea of utilizing local corn for distillation.
Today, Whiskey Sisters Supply not only provides a variety of grains to Colorado distilleries but also supports local farmers by brokering deals with distilleries outside the state. The company has weathered challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, by diversifying its revenue streams and remains committed to the long-term sustainability of Gergen Farms.
Stephanie and Felicia’s journey from reluctant heirs to saviors of their family’s farm is a testament to their resilience and innovation in preserving a cherished legacy through the art of whiskey-making.
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