Grants can be intimidating, but if you approach them as part of your business planning they can be an important part of growing or improving your enterprise. In this three- hour workshop, explore best practices at framing and managing available food and ag grants.
Professor and Director, NW and Rocky Mountain USDA Regional Food Business Center, Colorado State University
Dr. Dawn Thilmany is a Professor of Ag and Resource Economics with Colorado State University and has served as the co-Director of CSU’s Regional Economic Development Institute and also co-directs the Northwest and Rocky Mountain USDA Regional Food Business Center. Dr. Thilmany specializes... Read More →
Thursday January 23, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm MST
North Room
Jeanne will share her family’s powerful story of adaptation in natural resource management and the evolving wool market by shedding light on the timeless, often unseen labor in agriculture that feeds and clothes the world. Hear her reflections on navigating challenges, criticisms, and the deep passion that drives this essential work
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 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Auditorium
Ranchers in the Gunnison Valley are working with Western Colorado University to improve livestock forage quality, soil health, and water management. Micah will share how this is achieved through implementation of beaver dam analogues, wetland enhancement projects, stream restoration, virtual fencing, and more.
Interim Dean of the Clark Family School of Environment and Sustainability, Western Colorado University
Micah specializes in water resources, river and wetland restoration, remote sensing, and community outreach. Early in his career, he worked with farmers in the lower Columbia River basin on flood control and salmon restoration. He later taught ecology and environmental project management... Read More →
Friday January 24, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
South Room
Do you understand the basic legal issues behind leasing land and its relationship to state law? Jen will share how to navigate a strong lease that will protect your operation, whether you are the landlord or the tenant.
Membership Coordinator, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
Jen is a regenerative livestock farmer and agriculture advocate who lives in Silt, CO. Jen supports farmers and ranchers across Western Colorado and New Mexico as Membership Coordinator for Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU). She has taken on the additional role of Ag Labor Specialist... Read More →
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.
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
Organic growers in Western Colorado encounter specific challenges in weed management due to poor soil, limited irrigation, and labor shortages, which complicate common practices like mechanical cultivation, cover cropping, and hand weeding. This presentation will share practical tips and strategies for managing weeds on small and mid-sized vegetable farms in the arid Intermountain West.
Research Associate, CSU Western Colorado Research Center- Rogers Mesa
For the past twelve years, Max has been working in agriculture in Western Colorado both as former owner of Outlier Farm in Mancos and now as a Research Associate at the CSU Western Colorado Research Center at Rogers Mesa. Throughout his career he has learned that growing food in the... Read More →
Friday January 24, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Center Room
Learn how to understand, troubleshoot, diagnose, repair and maintain small engines. This workshop will cover both two- and four-stroke engines with the second hour being hands-on.
Greg has farmed his entire life, growing up on a poultry farm, 20 years in the dairy business, 20 years with a wholesale nursery and now running grass-fed steer near Hotchkiss. He has maintained and repaired all of his own equipment and currently has a collection of vintage Oliver... Read More →
Friday January 24, 2025 10:15am - 12:30pm MST
North Room
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.
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
Whether you're setting up a new space or refining your existing setup, learn strategies to streamline processes, improve food safety compliance, and ensure the quality and longevity of your produce.
Mike Nolan farms with his partner Mindy Perkovich in Mancos, CO. They own and operate Mountain Roots Produce which is a 7-acre diversified vegetable operation focusing on flowers, fresh market crops, and garlic seed production in cooperation with The Grasshopper Collective, a garlic... Read More →
Friday January 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Center Room
This session will review the results of the Regional Seed Vegetable Variety Trials from the Western Colorado Research Center - Rogers Mesa. The findings illuminate interesting, adaptive, and advantageous aspects of vegetable varieties bred in the Intermountain West.
Research Scientist, Western Colorado Research Center - Rogers Mesa
Brad Tonnessen is the Research Scientist at the CSU Western Colorado Research Center - Rogers Mesa (WCRC-RM). He grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and earned a PhD at Colorado State University in genetics and plant pathology. He spent time as an organic farmer before becoming an... Read More →
Farmer and Ecological Engineer, Cedar Springs Farm
Jake Takiff owns Cedar Springs Farm in Hotchkiss, Colorado. He is transforming an overgrazed ranch in the high desert into a lush perennial food forest by practicing agroforestry, water management and rotational grazing. Currently they produce beef and pastured pork while they tend... Read More →
Friday January 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
South Room
The "Hold Our Ground" film series highlights the challenges facing Colorado's agricultural community and showcases the innovative work of producers who promote soil health and adapt to climate change. We invite you to enjoy your lunch in the auditorium while viewing these three episodes.
Episode One (9 minutes): "Hold Our Ground" informs the public about the importance of soil health and how it is intimately connected to water issues in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West. The film features Colorado farmers and ranchers who are engaging in soil health practices and inspires the public to learn more about conservation agriculture.
Episode Two (14 minutes): “Farmers on Soil Health” profiles Colorado farmers Michael Vicente, Greg Vlaming, Robert Sakata, Roy Pfaltzgraff, David Harold, and Kyler and Emily Brown as they work to improve the health and resiliency of their soils and farms.
Episode Three (15 minutes): “Ranchers on Soil Health” profiles Colorado ranchers George Whitten, Julie Sullivan, Mike Peterson, Nancy Roberts, Nick Charchalis,and Donald Valdez as they work to improve the health and resiliency of their soils and ranches.
Friday January 24, 2025 12:45pm - 1:25pm MST
Auditorium
Certifications can open doors to new markets, increase consumer trust, and demonstrate a commitment to quality and sustainability, but also come with unique challenges. Join local producers to discuss the tangible benefits, potential roadblocks, and long-term rewards of certification to help you make informed decisions about those that best align with your values and goals.
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 →
Anthony Theos is a fourth-generation sheep rancher from Meeker, CO. He has been involved in his family's ranching business all his life, but officially began his career after graduating from Colorado Mesa University. Theos and his family raise a closed herd of 100% Merino ewes, operating... Read More →
Friday January 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Auditorium
You're ready to take your farm to the next level, but are your systems, team, and marketing ready to make the leap? Sydney will share her strategies of building her business from a small-scale flower farm to one that now includes multiple revenue streams and sales outlets, without compromising life's priorities beyond her business.
Sydney is a flower farmer and florist, who credits flowers with helping her heal from the grief of losing her infant daughter after her battle with HELLP Syndrome in February 2020. Before flower farming, Sydney was a secondary mathematics educator for 8 years, and holds a MA in Education... Read More →
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.
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
Running a small farm is hard. Join Dylan from Sandy Seed Farm, an intensive small-scale vegetable operation, for strategies on finding balance between a fulfilling personal life and a bustling professional life.
Dylan has been running Sandy Seed Farm for the last four years, since its creation in Moab, Utah to its current home in Montrose, Colorado. He has also worked at a larger certified organic operation in Logan, Utah, where he learned the farming ropes. After years of working hard on... Read More →
Friday January 24, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm MST
Center Room
In this hands-on session, learn practical methods for soil health observation and evaluation using your own senses and common household items. Bridging the gap between science and stewardship these tools assess soil health in an accessible way that is easy to replicate on your own land. Walk away with actionable insights for improving soil health, the key to ecosystem function!
Rangeland Ecosystem Scientist, Graze LLC & Rangeland Living Laboratory Inc
Dr. Anna Clare Monlezun is a rangeland ecosystem scientist, systems thinker, and collaborative facilitator. She considers herself a life-long student of nature who thrives in interdisciplinary work environments, assisting stakeholders in the interface of ranching and conservation... Read More →
Friday January 24, 2025 2:45pm - 5:00pm MST
North Room
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!
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
Center Room
We will cover how mobile goat grazing can be used to reduce fire risk in the wildland urban interface, how goats can reduce the spread of noxious weeds while building healthier soil, and the experience of starting an agricultural business without land ownership or inheriting assets.
Adrian discovered his passion for the environment volunteering for a habitat-restoration group in Southern California while working full-time in animation. By the time he was ready to make the career switch, he was also ready to leave the city. He traveled to different areas of the... Read More →
Jonathan started this business after four seasons of Wildland Firefighting, the last of which impacted his own community. His desire is to create an impact on the Durango community, helping manage weeds and bolstering the fire defense in our vulnerable part of the country, all the... Read More →
Cash flow can be a persistent stress for you. How do you make it through another season? How can you grow? How do you plan with confidence? There is money out there to help you. Turn debt into one of your strongest tools for reducing stress today and building a successful future.
Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program Manager, Colorado Department of Agriculture
Brian joined the Colorado Department of Agriculture three years ago to launch and operate its first revolving loan fund. In the first two years, the program made $21M in loans to Colorado farmers and ranchers. Prior to joining the CDA, Brian served as the Executive Director of the... Read More →
Friday January 24, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST
South Room
Building soil health is a journey as personal and unique as raising a child. How can we navigate this journey to the best of our skills and abilities, to create something that has benefits far beyond the farm/ranch gate? How can working with our communities reduce the load? Nicole will shine a light on communities that have shifted the conversation and are taking actions towards resilience, health, wealth and wellbeing.
Since 1999 Nicole has been involved in regenerative food systems. Throughout that 20+ years as an educator, nothing excites her more than passing on her passion for regenerative soil stewardship. Although she is formally trained in soil science, organizational learning, pattern thinking... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 8:35am - 9:35am MST
Auditorium
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 Coop that is used at the Rio Grande Farm Park. A founder will talk about the formation of the Sand Dunes Mushroom Cooperative. Augustin Pantoja will talk about his journey as the son of a farmer who is following in his father's footsteps but making adjustments to the ag business to keep up with the times.
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.
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am MST
South Room
Explore the historical roots of natural farming practices and their critical importance in today's agricultural landscape. This session will delve into traditional farming techniques, the evolution of natural farming philosophies, and the relevance of these methods in addressing current agricultural issues.
Miles Filippelli is a multifaceted farmer, educator, product developer, artist, and visionary based on a small farm near Paonia. His Fermented Plant Extract product line is available nationwide through BuildaSoil and at various organic and regenerative gardening stores. Over the past... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am MST
Center Room
Intermountain West Agronomy Specialist, The Land Institute
Hunter is an agronomist with a focus on forage crops. A graduate of Colorado State University, Hunter completed his master's degree in soil and crop sciences while conducting research at the CSU Grand Valley Research Station located in Fruita focusing on forages. Hunter has an unparalleled... Read More →
The land is calling to you. These voices are nuanced and increase in volume depending on soil health, plant and microbial diversity, and your management. This two-hour workshop will be a deep, geeky, yet practical dive on how you can increase diversity and its benefits to you in cropping, horticultural or livestock systems.
Since 1999 Nicole has been involved in regenerative food systems. Throughout that 20+ years as an educator, nothing excites her more than passing on her passion for regenerative soil stewardship. Although she is formally trained in soil science, organizational learning, pattern thinking... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:50am - 12:05pm MST
Backstage
Agricultural operations require tools that allow for both flexibility in experimentation and confidence in decision-making to support long-term resilience. In this two-hour workshop, participants will explore the concept of safe-to-fail trials—a practical approach to testing new methods in farming without risking major losses—and an adaptive management framework for navigating uncertainty. The session will equip producers with strategies to embrace change, build resilience, and manage holistically, ensuring their operations are prepared for whatever the future may hold.
Executive Director, Holistic Management International
Wayne has managed his family’s 11,000-acre ranch in South Africa for 27 years, where he successfully increased biodiversity, profitability, and the land’s carrying capacity. Over the years, Wayne was both mentored by experienced practitioners and mentored younger generations... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 9:50am - 12:05pm MST
North Room
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
Center Room
In this session, you will learn about available resources for small agriculture and food businesses that are offered through Region 10, CSU Extension, and Colorado Department of Agriculture. Specifically, you will learn about available grants and small business loans, how to write a business plan and get technical assistance in business start-up, and how to sign up to use Region 10's commercial kitchen. You will hear a personal story from a small food business owner about how she was able to maximize her resources and get her business off the ground. This session will be offered in Spanish with English interpretation available.
We have all heard the phrase "It's not what you know, it's who you know." In this session, we will explore the value of building community connections and how to leverage community in agriculture.
5th Generation Farmer/Rancher, Western Heritage Farms
Cally Hale is a 5th generation farmer living on her family's centennial ranch in Montrose, CO. She serves on the Colorado State Fair Board and is working on becoming a Certified Educator with Holistic Management International. For the last three years, she has been the Program Manager... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm MST
South Room
Using historical data from the last 30 years, we will compare different farming methods to determine if changing methods really increases profitability.
Roy and his parents operate Pfaltzgraff Farms, LLC, a 2,200-acre dryland farm south of Haxtun, CO, where Roy was born and raised. Under his father's pioneering vision, the farm has transformed from growing two to three crops annually to twelve last year. While still using some commercial... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 1:05pm - 2:05pm MST
North 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
Todd Ballard has four years of experience with CSU Extension, starting in the Golden Plains Area and currently in the Tri-River Area. He has a background in commercial agriculture and holds a B.A. in Mathematics and an M.S. in Agriculture from Western Kentucky University, as well... Read More →
Small Acreage and Marketing Agent, Colorado State University
Katie Alexander has worked for CSU Extension for three years as the Small Acreage and Marketing agent. Katie earned her B.S. in Soil and Crop Sciences from Colorado State University where she took a soil conservationist position with the USDA-NRCS for over thirteen years. That time... Read More →
In an ever-evolving world, balancing innovation with tradition is the key to navigating change. Hear from leaders who have successfully blended history with innovation to respond to challenges and transform opportunities into enduring impacts. Join us for an inspiring discussion on cultivating resilience through legacy and adaptability.
Jorgiea Raftopoulos is a third-generation sheep and cattle rancher working directly with the public to share her family’s story and educate about where our food comes from. Jorgiea believes that everyone is directly impacted by agriculture and she strives to connect producer and... Read More →
Agricultural Water Policy Advisor, Colorado Department of Agriculture
Robert Sakata serves as the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Ag Water Policy Advisor, a new position approved by the 2023 Colorado General Assembly, and is also president of Sakata Farms in Brighton, Colorado.Robert was born and raised in Colorado and grew up on his family farm... Read More →
Roy and his parents operate Pfaltzgraff Farms, LLC, a 2,200-acre dryland farm south of Haxtun, CO, where Roy was born and raised. Under his father's pioneering vision, the farm has transformed from growing two to three crops annually to twelve last year. While still using some commercial... Read More →
Saturday January 25, 2025 2:20pm - 3:45pm MST
Auditorium
