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

10:15am MST

Weed Warriors: Organic Strategies for Vegetable Farms

Friday January 24, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST

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.

Speakers

Max Kirks

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

Breakout Session

11:30am MST

Optimizing Your Wash and Pack Shed: Layout, Efficiency and Safety

Friday January 24, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST

Center Room

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.

Speakers

Mike Nolan

Owner/Operator, Mountain Roots 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

Breakout Session

4:00pm MST

Harnessing the Power of Debt

Friday January 24, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MST

Center Room

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.

Speakers

Brian Coppom

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
Center Room

Breakout Session

9:50am MST

Working to Live or Living to Work?

Saturday January 25, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am MST

Center Room

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.

Speakers

Dylan Fagden

Owner/Operator, Sandy Seed Farm

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 →

Saturday January 25, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am MST
Center Room

Breakout Session

11:05am MST

How do I Unplug from Conventional Practices?

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm MST

Center Room

With input costs rising, commodity prices stagnant, the constant threat of financial ruin, and the number of ag producers in steady decline. Jason will demonstrate tools, practices and perspective to help you unplug from the noise and map a way forward without the anchor chain of the status quo.

Speakers

Jason Wrich

Regenerative Cattle Rancher, Wrich Ranches

Jason transitioned from conventional Black Angus seedstock production to a more sustainable approach, eliminating pharmaceuticals, synthetic fertilizers, and subsidies through intensive land and herd management. Co-founding Beefinitiative.com with Texas Slim, he connects consumers... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm MST
Center Room

Breakout Session