The DeFrance-Grommon Ranch, located near Berthoud in Weld County, got its start in 1881 when Allison H. De France purchased a section of land in anticipation of an irrigation canal coming to the area. Defrance a prominent Coloradan, having served as a State Senator in the first 4 general assemblies and later as a First District Judge, didn't actually farm the land himself. However, he passed it on to his daughter, Vera, who married Philo D. Grommon, II. In the early days, sugar beets were an important crop and sheep were raised. Today, Gary Grommon, the grandson of Vera and Philo, raises corn, barley, alfalfa and pinto beans.