Farm Runners Station

Emma and Matthew Kottenstette founded Farm Runners in 2015 to bridge the gap between Western Slope family farms and mountain consumers, establishing a regional food distributor that specializes in custom-harvested products. Based in Hotchkiss, the operation has served the Roaring Fork, Gunnison, and Grand Valleys for nearly a decade, extending its reach statewide to areas including Telluride, Ouray, Ridgway, and Crested Butte.

The Hotchkiss storefront, known as the Station, serves as the retail hub where customers browse seasonal produce. Katie Darlington, who joined the team in 2017 after farming in Pennsylvania and Washington, designed the store concept and now manages organic certification, produce quality, and CSA coordination. Shoppers can purchase goods through two main channels: CSA shares for individuals and families, or wholesale accounts for restaurants and institutions. The business emphasizes transparency, ensuring customers know exactly who grew their food and how it was cultivated.