Press Release

The Colorado Soil Health Program is seeking to fill four vacant positions on the Soil Health Advisory Committee, which helps advise the Department on aspects of the flagship program.

The Soil Health Advisory Committee provides a critical link between CDA and agricultural producers, water users, and others with expertise in soil health. The committee assists in the implementation of the Colorado Soil Health Program, one of the agency’s key programs that helps Colorado producers introduce or expand the use of water resilient agricultural practices.

Yesterday, the Colorado Agricultural Commission approved, and Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg adopted an emergency rule to help limit the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Colorado. Since the initial detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in March 2024, the virus has spread to dairies in at least nine states, including Colorado.

The Department of Agriculture (CDA) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) have partnered with the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association to get on-the-ground assistance to an area impacted by recent wolf depredation.

Today, Governor Polis signed the Long Bill, sponsored by the Joint Budget Committee, which commits significant investments into programs and staff supporting agriculture across Colorado.

The state budget for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 includes a 13 percent increase in funding to the Department of Agriculture, to build out and add support to existing programs that are working to improve the agricultural industry in our state. Funding included in the Long Bill will support farmer-driven conservation efforts, emergency preparedness, renewable energy adaptation, and more.

Yesterday, the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed a detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cows in Northeast Colorado. This is the first detection of avian influenza diagnosed in cattle in Colorado. Detections of HPAI in dairy cattle have occurred in eight other states.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has hired two new Regional Assistant Commissioners to help strengthen the agency’s connection to agricultural communities across the state. These positions were created last year and serve as a key resource to continue building and maintaining trusted relationships with rural communities and ag producers across the state.

Program honors individuals, families, and businesses that have sustained Colorado’s agricultural industry

Range riders are boots-on-the-ground support to livestock producers to help protect herds from wolves

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Department of Agriculture (CDA) provided information today on range riders and budget proposals to the state legislature to assist ranchers and livestock owners. CDA and CPW are working on a plan to get on-the-ground assistance within the next two weeks with range riders.

Spring is a time that brings about new changes, so in the spirit of trying something new, we bring you a delicacy that is likely a little different for your plate - savory High Plains millet cakes.

Applications are now accepted for the 2024 round of the NextGen Ag Leadership Grants, which provides funding to programs that support the next generation in agriculture through scholarships, career development, and other training opportunities. Grant funding is available to agricultural organizations and educational institutions that support leadership opportunities for people going into the broad and diverse agricultural industry.