Dale Ferguson left Kansas in 1950 to work in the Palisade peach orchards on Colorado's Western Slope. After his first purchase of 25 acres of peach trees in 1962, Ferguson began forming partnerships with other growers in the state, as well as in Arizona, to produce and market top-quality tree fruit. He was instrumental in forming the Western Colorado Fruit Growers Association in 1973, and has held several top offices in the organization. Ferguson also served several years on the National Peach Council board, including a term as president in 1979-80.