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
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
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
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
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
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
