PRESIDENT

Jock Jacober farms on the San Acacio Acequia. He has been growing food for his family, neighbors and the commercial market since 1979. He and his sons came to the San Luis Valley to operate a farm/ranch to improve the way grass fed beef is raised recognizing that correct farming practices help create healthy soil. As a member of the board Acequia Association he helps support a focus on soil health and wise water use.

VICE PRESIDENT

Regan Velasquez grew up ranching in the Cañon, Colorado area along the Conejos River. After leaving the area for 32 years, Regan returned to Cañon to continue ranching. He and his wife currently run a small cow/calf operation providing grass-fed beef direct to the consumer. His passion for soil health started in 2018 when upon arriving at the ranch and his daughter said “Papa, I’ve never seen the ranch look so bad”. That statement started his journey to better soil health. He is currently also a board member of the Colorado Soil Health Committee and implements the Colorado Soil Health Program for Conejos and Costilla Counties.

Treasure

Charlie Maestas has been a lifelong farmer, and water conservationist. Protecting our water resources is a great passion of his. He has been a member of the Morada for 40 years, and is his greatest devotion. Him and his wife are the cartakers of the San Francisco Church in El Rito. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Charlie is a founding member of the Acequia Association, and is the president of the San Francisco Ditch. All of these are of great importance to him for our future generations. He is a proud father to two daughters, and grandfather of five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

SECRETARY

As a fourth-generation farmer and rancher, Christian Santistevan has a deep connection to the land in southern Costilla County. Graduating from Adams State University with a bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, Christian has also gained valuable insights through the Water Leaders 2024 course and attending the Rio Grande Basin Roundtable. His hands-on experience spans from both family farms and commercial operations, with a strong focus on using traditional acequias for efficient water management. Christian is passionate about bringing his knowledge to the Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association and continuing the value of acequia use for future generations.

Elena Miller-ter Kuile is a 6th generation farmer working on the original lands of her Hispano ancestors. Her farm Cactus Hill Farm still uses some of the oldest water rights in Colorado established in 1867. Elena raises sheep for grass fed meat as well as value-added wool products such as yarn and other products for fiber artists. She sells both online and in person. Her farm also produces organic grains, and hay. Elena studied interdisciplinary studies in Agriculture from Cornell University and graduated with honors.

Elena served as the vice-chair of the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition and currently serves on Rural Women-Led Business Fund at the First Southwest Bank of Colorado. She recently worked for Adams State University supporting students from a migrant agricultural background to achieve their education. She has also been involved in many water rights battles for her community over the years.