In this session, you will hear from local Hispanic producers about how their directions have changed over time - dependent on needs, opportunities, and circumstances. Jesus Flores will talk about the Farmer's Land Co-op at the Rio Grande Farm Park in Alamosa. Juan Lopez-Hernandez will talk about the formation of the Sand Dunes Mushroom Cooperative in the San Luis Valley. Augustin Pantoja will talk about his journey as the son of a farmer who is following in his father's footsteps but making new and innovative adjustments to their agriculture business.
This session will be offered in Spanish with English interpretation available.
Jesus is a lifelong farmer and farmworker. Jesus brings great love and knowledge of agriculture to the farm park. He is skilled in vegetable production, irrigation, soil health, and caring for bees.
Accessing land and navigating succession are some of the greatest challenges faced by farmers and ranchers. Alyssa will guide us through a discussion about various methods to access land, navigating conversations around succession, and building relationships with landowners seeking to pivot.
Alyssa is a Land Steward with Colorado West Land Trust, where she supports landowners in preserving and enhancing the conservation values of their land. She is a part of the Land Transfer Navigator program with American Farmland Trust -- which builds a cohort of folks working in close... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm MST
South Room
Soil biology & nutrient cycling encompass the intricate interactions among soil microorganisms that facilitate the biochemical cycling of essential nutrients. We dig into how these processes function and how they are crucial for maintaining soil fertility, promoting plant health, and ensuring the sustainability of agroecosystems.
Miles Sorel brings over a decade of agricultural expertise, blending his background in neuroscience with a deep understanding of the Soil Food Web. His work spans across the Americas, Asia, and Africa, where he has developed regenerative solutions and cutting-edge biotechnology to... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:05pm - 2:05pm MST
South Room