Western CO Soil Health, Food and Farm Forum

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.  

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.

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.

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!

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.

Using historical data from the last 30 years, we will compare different farming methods to determine if changing methods really increases profitability.