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
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
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 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
