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

1:30pm MST

Value, Challenges and Rewards of Certifications

Friday January 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST

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.

Moderators

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 →

Speakers

Ernie Etchart

Rancher, Etchart Livestock

Ernie Etchart, partner in Etchart Livestock, Inc. along with his brother George, owns a second generation sheep ranching operation out of Montrose. They raise 4000 merino cross ewes and farm 1100 acres in the Uncompahgre valley. The sheep summer on Horsefly Peak areas and they winter... Read More →

Matt Springer

Farmer, Grey Owl Garden

Matt Springer has spent most of his life working with plants as a farmer, gardener, wildcrafter, and nerd. Originally from Interior Alaska, Matt now lives in Paonia, Colorado, where he runs Grey Owl Garden, a certified organic farm specializing in medicinal herbs, produce, and experimental... Read More →

Cloe Parker

Regenerative Rancher, Parker Pastures

Cloe Parker is regenerative rancher and business owner living in the pristine mountains of Colorado on her family’s ranch along with hundreds of cattle, an abundance of grass, a few good horses.She, at 19, completely took over her family's meat company and now helps hundreds of... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MST
Auditorium

Plenary

2:20pm MST

Roots of Renewal: Navigating Change Through Flexibility and Legacy

Saturday January 25, 2025 2:20pm - 4:00pm MST

Auditorium

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.

Moderators

Steve Hale

Rancher, Western Heritage Farms

Speakers

Jorgiea Raftopoulos

Rancher, Two Bar Sheep Co

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 →

Robert Sakata

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 Pfaltzgraff

Farmer, Pfaltzgraff Farms, LLC

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 - 4:00pm MST
Auditorium

Plenary