Farm Radio

Governor Jared Polis  requested activation  of Colorado’s Drought Task Force and Phase 2 of the State Drought Mitigation and Response Plan this week as drought conditions deepen, reaching more than 81% of the state, with severe and extreme drought conditions in 33% of the state (40 counties).   Colorado’s Drought Task Force - which includes leadership from the Departments of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Local Affairs, Public Safety, and the Colorado Water Conservation Board - determined the need to activate Phase 2 of the  Drought Plan  on June 18 after a third of the state reached extreme drought conditions. “Phase 2” indicates officially directing the Drought Task Force to assess initial damages and impacts of drought in areas experiencing severe or extreme drought and to recommend mitigation measures. This Phase also activates the Agricultural Impact Task Force, which will conduct an initial assessment on physical and economic impacts and recommend op...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 9, 2020 Contact:  Mary Peck, 720-428-0441,  mary.peck@state.co.us Broomfield, Colo.  -  The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has confirmed new cases of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) in domestic rabbits in Weld County, adding to cases previously reported in El Paso and Montezuma Counties. Additionally, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has verified cases of RHDV2 in wild and feral rabbits in Alamosa, El Paso, Prowers, and Pueblo counties.   A current map of confirmed cases in Colorado is available on CDA’s  Animal Health Division RHDV2 webpage .  Current CDA guidance on rabbit shows and fairs can be found  here .   With incidents of RHDV2 increasing in Colorado and western states, CDA and CPW are asking the public to watch for multiple dead or sick rabbits, which can suggest RHDV2 or a sign of tularemia or plague, diseases that can cause serious illness in people. Do not handle o...

Broomfield, Colo.  - Colorado communities and businesses in need of personal protective equipment (PPE) to support worker safety and operations of critical agricultural production in the wake of the COVID-19 public health emergency should make requests for equipment through local emergency managers. As the growing season progresses for produce and other ag sectors in Colorado, the need for masks and other PPE is expected to increase amidst the demand from other business sectors opening.  “Agriculture is an essential business and protecting worker health and safety is critical for the well being of every single person doing the work of getting food to the table, and for maintaining a strong supply chain,” said Kate Greenberg, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture. A statewide listing of local emergency managers can be found  here .