By Riley May, CDA Regional Assistant Commissioner
Originally published in the Kiowa County Independent (May 9, 2025)
Colorado farmers and ranchers are resilient. We never see a “normal” year.
One of our favorite lines around our operation is that we like to work in a climate-controlled environment because our environment is truly controlled by the climate.
Located in Longmont Colorado, Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) has supported at-risk horses in Colorado since 1986. Last year CHR accepted 110 surrendered horses while adopting out 65 horses to new families. The organization helps horses in its care find new homes by offering training, veterinary and farrier care, nutritional support, and plenty of tender loving care.
Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience Office (ADCRO) announced new grant opportunities to support climate resilience projects within the state's agricultural sector.
“In Colorado we are committed to mitigating the risk associated with climate change, by investing in innovative clean energy technologies, and providing economic avenues for our farmers and ranchers to continue to provide healthy and fresh produce to all Coloradans for generations to come,” said Governor Polis.
Applications are open for this year’s cycle of the Equine Welfare Assistance Grants, offered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Welfare.
"The Division of Animal Welfare is committed to enhancing the welfare of all animals in the state of Colorado," said Joe Stafford, Director of the Division of Animal Welfare. "This grant allows us to enhance equine welfare throughout Colorado by funding projects and programs led by members of the equine community."
The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Agrivoltaics Research and Demonstration Grant Program is open for applications. Now in its third year, this program provides funding for projects that research and demonstrate the use of solar energy production on agricultural land.
Register for an overview of the NextGen Ag Leadership Grants program and an opportunity to ask questions live!
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is seeking applications from farmers and ranchers interested in modernizing their agricultural operations with energy efficiency improvements or renewable energy projects. Agricultural producers can apply for funding and technical assistance through CDA’s Advancing Colorado’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ACRE3) program, which aims to reduce on-farm energy costs while promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
As calving and lambing season begins in earnest, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is sending funding directly to Colorado livestock producer organizations to help them prepare for predator conflict using non-lethal management tools. As Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) continues the voter-mandated wolf reintroduction effort, CDA has issued 12 grants, ranging between $5,000 and $35,000, to organizations across Colorado that work with livestock owners in areas where wolves are or may be present.
To promote market development and increase production capabilities for climate smart commodities and other agricultural products, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is now accepting proposals for the Climate Smart Market Expansion Project. These competitive awards will support pilot projects that increase demand and create premiums for agricultural products grown using climate smart practices. Proposals are being accepted as Documented Quotes through the Colorado Vendor Self Service (VSS) website.
CDA is accepting proposals for the