Farm Radio

Broomfield, Colo.   - The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), in partnership with the Colorado Farm & Food Systems Respond & Rebuild Fund, is pleased to announce the awarding of $1,658,000 in grants to Colorado farmers, ranchers, food hubs and processors. Recognizing the fundamental importance of agriculture to the state, Governor Polis dedicated grant dollars to CDA through federal CARES Act funding to support ag producers in adjusting to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food supply chain—including those who experienced costs, losses, or needed to pivot their business model. The initial $1 million in grants was expanded to $1.658 million as more funding became available.  The fund delivered individual grants of up to $12,500 to 156 producers and up to $50,000 to 45 ag-related intermediaries statewide. Additionally, 15 local processors received funding to help them meet surging demand and to support farmers and ranchers in managing excess supply as a re...

Broomfield, Colo.   - Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg provided the following statement following the passage of the new federal omnibus spending bill: “The prioritization of agriculture, food security and rural communities in the new federal government stimulus package underscores how essential  agriculture is to Colorado and the nation,”  said Kate Greenberg, Colorado Commission of Agriculture.  “The new package directs $13 billion to agricultural producers and processors as well as essential relief for families facing food insecurity. It will also help expand local food markets, invest in regional processors, strengthen rural communities through broadband development, and support mental health services through state departments of agriculture--all issues the Colorado Department of Agriculture has focused on throughout the pandemic. While there is still more work to do, this effort will help provide much needed relief to Colorado’s agricultural e...

  New changes from both counties are ‘two sides of the same bad penny’   The state’s largest farm and ranch organization is asking commissioners in Boulder and Weld counties to take a lighter touch on energy regulations to protect farm profitability and respect property rights.  In a letter sent to commissioners yesterday , Colorado Farm Bureau president Carlyle Currier, a fifth-generation rancher from Molina wrote that in Colorado, many farmers and ranchers use their land to produce both food and energy, often to ensure profitability. “That energy takes many forms, from traditional oil and natural gas to renewable sources like solar, wind and biofuels. In either case, farmers and ranchers may best ensure the success of their agricultural enterprise by diversifying into energy production as well,” he wrote.  Boulder County recently passed new provisions that significantly limit the ability of landowners to develop their property for oil and gas production. In Weld Co...

  Colorado FFA Foundation Postpones 2021 Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony The Colorado FFA Foundation announced today that their annual  Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame induction ceremony,  that typically takes place in late February will be postponed to May of 2021. It is the hope of the board that by postponing the event until May that the Foundation will be able to deliver a high quality event and give the newest Hall of Fame inductees an induction ceremony worthy of their accomplishments that will allow for greater participation and safer gathering conditions.  The tentative date is May 5, 2021.  More information and invitations will be released in the Spring of 2021. This year there will be three inductees into the Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame.  Mr. Bob Dineen, Fort Lupton, Mr. Al Gerace, Arvada, and Mr. Nick Gray, (posthumous) formerly from Montrose, Colorado. “We are excited to honor and ...

  The Colorado FFA Foundation announced today that their annual   Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame induction ceremony,  that typically takes place in late February will be postponed to May of 2021. It is the hope of the board that by postponing the event until May that the Foundation will be able to deliver a high quality event and give the newest Hall of Fame inductees an induction ceremony worthy of their accomplishments that will allow for greater participation and safer gathering conditions.  The tentative date is May 5, 2021.  More information and invitations will be released in the Spring of 2021. This year there will be three inductees into the Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame.  Mr. Bob Dineen, Fort Lupton, Mr. Al Gerace, Arvada, and Mr. Nick Gray, (posthumous) formerly from Montrose, Colorado. “We are excited to honor and recognize all three of these gentlemen this year.  Their accomplishments are remarkable and have b...