Western CO Soil Health, Food and Farm Forum: Full Schedule

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10:15am MST

Soil Health 101

Friday January 24, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST

This basic overview will explore the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soil to help deepen your understanding of the key functions and indicators associated with healthy soil. Whether you are a beginning farmer or a seasoned grower, this session is sure to enhance your relationship with the living land.

Speakers

Shawn Bruckman

Soil Health and Compost Consultant, The Ground Up

Shawn Bruckman is an Edaphologist who studies how the soil interacts with living organisms. With almost 2 decades of experience in sustainable resource management, specializing in soil biology and composting, she is the owner of The Ground Up, a soil health company located in Eagle... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Backstage

Breakout Session

11:30am MST

Getting a Bit of R&R (Ranching and Reality!)

Friday January 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST

Backstage

In this session you'll hear from a brother and sister about their best intentions--and the realities--of trying to carry on (and improve upon!) a ranching legacy in today's world. Participants will have the opportunity to engage, share their own experiences, and come away with a few ideas that make a difference.

Speakers

Jamie Cross and Shane Cross

Co-Manager (sister and brother), The Boot Ranch

We are a third-generation ranching family with dust on our chaps, grit in our bellies, and sweat round our hats, committed to raising and delivering no-bullshit clean beef in a holistically managed environment with Savory’s guidance at the helm.

Friday January 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Backstage

Breakout Session

2:45pm MST

How Measuring Impacts and Marketing Fit Together

Friday January 24, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST

Backstage

Jeanne will share details of the Shaniko Wool Company Carbon Initiative purpose and research model that quantifies the environmental and climate impacts of our ranching operations and how this information is driving business-to-business sales.

Speakers

Jeanne Carver

Founder, Shaniko Wool Company

Jeanne is leading an economic and rural revival by emphasizing traditional skills, food origins, and strengthening local supply chains. At her family's Imperial Stock Ranch (est. 1871), she and her late husband Dan shifted from selling commodity lamb and wool to retailing ecologically... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Backstage

Breakout Session

4:00pm MST

Conservation Programs and the Colorado River

Friday January 24, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST

Backstage

What is the System Conservation Pilot Program? What is the purpose of the program and the benefits and negatives to participating? What opportunities exist with funding to conserve water in agriculture on the Colorado River? Find out in this session!

Speakers

Greg Peterson

Executive Director, Colorado Ag Water Alliance

Greg grew up in Littleton, CO, where he still lives after living around the world. He studied history and political economy. He has served at the Executive Director of the Colorado Ag Water Alliance for over eight years. Greg has been knee-deep with farmers and ranchers, learning... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Backstage

Breakout Session