Markets

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.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is accepting listings for the 2022 Colorado Hay Directory. The annual publication connects hay producers with buyers.

“The Hay Directory is a great way for livestock owners across the state and beyond to easily find the feed they need,” said Danielle Trotta, senior marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “We know how busy our livestock producers are, and so by publishing our annual Hay Directory we can take some of the legwork out for them.” 

To strengthen local food systems and create greater supply chain resilience, the Colorado Department of Agriculture will distribute grant funding to be used for agricultural processing projects. Up to $2 million will be awarded through a competitive Farm-to-Market Infrastructure Grant Program to help farmers, ranchers, food processors and manufacturers improve local food systems and drive the development and expansion of agricultural value-added projects. 

Applications are now open to Colorado farmers, ranchers, and food businesses looking to show they’re Colorado Proud. The Colorado Proud Marketing and Technical Assistance grant program will award competitive grants to Colorado food and agricultural producers who are looking to broaden their reach and expand into new sales channels.  

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is accepting listings for the 2021 Colorado Hay Directory. The annual publication connects hay producers with buyers.

“The Hay Directory is a great way for livestock owners across the state and beyond to find the feed they need easily,” said Danielle Trotta, senior marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “We know how busy our livestock producers are, and so by publishing our annual Hay Directory we can take some of the legwork out for them.” 

When the weather warms, and tiny green asparagus tips start peeking through the ground, it’s a sure sign that the spring produce season has officially started in Colorado. 

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) received an allocation of $312,000 through the Governor’s Office to support Colorado agricultural processors and manufacturers. Applicants will be awarded funds through a competitive process administered by CDA’s Markets Division and the Colorado Agricultural Value-Added Development Board.