Informing hay buyers for more than 25 years, the 2023 Colorado Hay Directory is now accepting listings from hay producers. The annual publication provides a by-county listing of available hay resources across Colorado.
Producers who grow specialty crops can submit their applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA). CDA is accepting applications for the grant program in the form of a concept proposal through February 24, 2023.
Colorado agricultural producers are encouraged to submit their listings for the 2023 Farm Fresh Directory, published annually by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The directory, which will be released in June, promotes Colorado farmers’ markets, roadside stands, u-picks, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) producers, agritourism activities, wineries, and farms and ranches that sell directly to the public.
Nearly all Coloradans want to support our state’s agricultural industry, according to a new public opinion survey conducted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and Colorado State University (CSU). The survey shows 98 percent of respondents agreed that Colorado's food and ag industry is important to the state's future economic development; that the presence of ranches, farms, and agriculture is important to the quality of life in Colorado; and that it is important to maintain land and water in Colorado for agricultural purposes.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Senior Program Manager to oversee a new Agricultural and Food System Development unit within the Markets Division.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has launched the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program, a new financially inclusive lending program that offers financing to farmers, ranchers, and agriculturally supportive business owners who have the skills, training, and vision to succeed, but simply lack funding. CDA has selected First Southwest Bank, based in Alamosa, as the official lending partner of the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has hired Mickey Davis to lead the new Community Food Access Program in CDA’s Markets Division. In her position, she will oversee the creation of the new program that aims to improve availability and affordability of healthy food in communities across Colorado that struggle with food access.
Livestock owners looking for alfalfa, grass, mix, or other hay products can connect directly with hay producers in their region of Colorado by using the 2022 Colorado Hay Directory. The directory listings include the type and amount of hay available, bale type and size, whether or not laboratory analysis is available, certified weed free status, and identifies organic hay.