Press Release

The Colorado Department Agriculture (CDA) has selected four organizations and three educational institutions to receive NextGen Ag Leadership Grants for projects supporting educational, training, and leadership development opportunities for Colorado’s emerging food and agriculture leaders.

This year, CDA awarded more than $156,000 to seven grantees serving diverse populations across the state. Overall, the NextGen Ag Leadership Grant Program received 72 applications requesting nearly $1.5 million in funding.

Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg issued the following statement after the passing of John Stulp, who served as the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture from 2006 to 2010 and water advisor to Governor John Hickenlooper from 2010 to 2018.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of John Stulp, one of my predecessors whom I considered a dear friend and mentor.

As part of Colorado’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2026, and the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) seeks to engage the art community in creating a large mural that showcases Colorado’s agricultural history: past, present, and future. CDA’s working theme for celebration in 2026 is “Setting Colorado’s Table: 150 Years of Agricultural Legacy”.

Get ready to immerse yourself in 11 days of non-stop excitement as the Colorado State Fair returns from August 22 to September 1, 2025! This year, fairgoers will discover an incredible array of entertainment and activities that can be enjoyed for free with the price of general admission.

As we roll into July, we’re serving up something cool, creamy, and a little unexpected: Strawberry Hemp Ice Cream. This dairy-free delight blends luscious strawberries with nutrient-rich hemp milk and hemp hearts—easy to find at your local grocery or health food store. But this isn’t just a tasty treat. It’s a nod to a plant with deep roots in American history.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has selected new organizations to receive grants for projects that advance equine welfare in Colorado. This year, nine applicants received a total of $200,000 to fund their projects. Overall, the Equine Welfare Assistance program received 32 applications requesting over $1 million in funding. This is the second round of funding distributed to Colorado organizations. 

It’s not summer in Colorado without the bounty of our local farmers’ markets and fresh produce stands. And as every year, Coloradans and visitors to our state can depend on the Colorado Farm Fresh Directory to help them find the freshest produce, fruit and protein straight from the farm or ranch. 

From poets to quilters, bakers to whittlers, and photographers to potters, Colorado artists and artisans are invited to compete for "Best in Show" at the 2025 Colorado State Fair.

If you plan on buying or selling hay this growing season, add your listing to the 2025 Colorado Hay Directory. The annual publication helps connect hay producers with buyers across the state. 

Iconic rock band Cheap Trick will rock the 153^rd Colorado State Fair at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31, at the Southwest Motors Events Center.

"Prepare for a night of pure rock 'n' roll magic! Cheap Trick's performance will be an electrifying, unforgettable experience," said Andrea Wiesenmeyer, general manager of the Colorado State Fair. "Get ready to celebrate the end of summer with this legendary band sponsored by the Colorado Lottery – it's going to be a show for the ages!"