Colorado Proud

Colorado is good at growing potatoes, whether it’s in the San Luis Valley, Eastern Plains, or even on the Front Range! Perhaps the most well known potatoes come from the San Luis Valley, which is home to many potato farming families who grow more than 70 varieties of potatoes. With plenty of sunshine and higher elevations, the valley’s mild growing conditions are ideal for potatoes. They even celebrate the potato with its very own festival!

From the six food trucks competing in the third annual Governor’s Plate competition at the Colorado State Fair, Stoke Pizza received the Golden Plate award for their wood-fired chorizo, elote, and green chile pizza. Papa Mario’s Grilled Cheese was chosen as the People’s Choice winner for a third year in a row for their Tiff Special roast beef sandwich. 

Governor Jared Polis sampled all dishes to award the Golden Plate and event attendees voted on their favorites during the event.

Sometimes finding hay is not so cut and dried! Thankfully, the 2023 Colorado Hay Directory is here for livestock owners looking for alfalfa, grass, mix, or other hay products. 

Organized by region, the Hay Directory listings include the type and amount of hay available, bale type and size, whether laboratory analysis is available, certified weed free status, and organic hay certification.

The summer heat is turning up, but we have an idea on how to stay cool. It’s peach season, and those long awaited juicy fruits are showing up at farmers markets, roadside stands, orchards, and grocery stores for all to enjoy. 

TGIFMS: Thank Goodness It’s Farmers’ Market Season!

As Coloradans and visitors look to sample the agricultural bounty of our state, the Colorado Department of Agriculture releases its 39th annual Colorado Farm Fresh Directory, which helps consumers find farmers’ markets, roadside stands, u-picks, and more.

Summer is here and the temps are rising, offering this broccoli salad for your friends and family is a refreshing way to enjoy this bountiful crop. Served lightly charred on the grill, broccoli gets the star treatment for this crispy and hearty side dish.

June is National Dairy Month, honoring one of Colorado’s most important agricultural commodities. What better way to celebrate than with some ice cream, just in time to warmer weather! Let’s not forget the other star of this recipe - strawberries! With farmers markets starting back up or the opportunity to stop by a u-pick farm or fruit stand, it’s easy and fun when you choose fresh Colorado strawberries. Don’t know where the best berries are available in your area?

Jerome and Ann Wheeler love their work. But even more than that, they love the animals who put the “family” in family operations. 

We love handheld treats and these empanadas fit the bill nicely, especially when there is a delicious salsa crema to dip. Pork is a lean, nutritious source of protein, making it the perfect contribution to a power snack. This is also a great way to use up any extra pulled pork from your latest big gathering or family dinner. Easy to assemble and fun to take anywhere, empanadas are perfect for crushing hunger while meeting up with friends at the local park or hiking your first fourteener.

Most people have used beets in salads, soups, or casseroles, but we bet you haven’t tried them in the ultimate snack dip - hummus!