Taylor Drew is a Navy veteran and agricultural entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable farming and local food systems. After serving as an Aviation Electronics Technician during the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts, Taylor transitioned into the food service industry, eventually becoming a respected chef with local and national recognition. In 2014, he opened his own restaurant in Denver, where he became deeply involved with sourcing local foods and working alongside area farmers. This led him to recognize the barriers small farmers and chefs face in fully embracing the farm-to-table concept.
In 2017, Taylor joined the Veterans to Farmers program, where he gained hands-on experience and built a strong network in the farming community. This experience inspired him to create Forever West Farms (FWF), a chef-driven farm producing mixed vegetables, heritage grains, and pastured poultry. Through innovative public-private partnerships, FWF accessed under-utilized land and expanded its operations. In 2021, Taylor and his family purchased land in South Routt County to continue farming, raising cattle, chickens, and pigs to sell directly to the local community.
Though Forever West Farms ceased operations in 2024, Taylor's commitment to sustainable agriculture remains strong. He is now the Principal Grower at Elkstone Farm in Steamboat Springs, where he continues to champion regenerative farming practices, focusing on high-quality, local produce and building strong community connections. In addition to his work at Elkstone Farm, Taylor serves as Executive Director of Veterans to Farmers, where he has helped to train military veterans from across the country in sustainable agriculture, mental health awareness and financial literacy.
