The Colorado Department of Agriculture announced a search to fill two new regionally based Regional Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture positions that will serve as a liaison between the Department and agricultural communities across Colorado. The two new positions are in addition to the two positions filled in 2023 when these positions were created.
Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg and the State Board of Stock Inspection Commissioners (Brand Board) have announced that Todd Inglee will take on the role of Brand Commissioner for the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Brand Inspection Division starting February 5, 2024.
Colorado beef is synonymous with flavor, nutrition, and tradition. The largest economic export from our state, our beef industry supports our economy with $86.1 billion annually. This is a major endeavor and worthy of some praise for our hardworking ranchers. In honor of the National Western Stock Show this month, we are celebrating with savory slow cooker beef brisket.
On December 21, 2023, the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA), a program administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), filed a Notice of Charges against Douglas County Canine Rescue (DCCR) with the Office of Administrative Courts to revoke DCCR’s pet animal facility license.
Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg was recently appointed by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to serve on the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Federal Advisory Committee. Commissioner Greenberg’s focus will be on Business and Economic Development.
The Colorado Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, a critical link between the citizens of Colorado and the Colorado Department of Agriculture, is seeking nominations to fill three vacant positions representing the interests of a public or private weed scientist (1), a municipal government representative (1), and a county government representative (1).
On Dec. 19 at CSU-Spur, Governor Polis and Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) Commissioner Kate Greenberg awarded $500,000 in grants to seven projects that demonstrate the use and benefits of agrivoltaics, the simultaneous use of land for solar energy production and agriculture. These grants distributed by the Polis administration will provide funding to incorporate innovative technology that supports Colorado’s producers to operate in the face of challenges created by climate change and prepare the next generation.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has hired Amanda Laban as the new Markets Division Director. Laban takes on the position after the retirement of Tom Lipetzky, who was the previous Markets Director for 17 years.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has hired farmer Robert Sakata to serve as the first Agricultural Water Policy Advisor, a position which was created as a result of funding approved during the 2023 legislative session to engage with Colorado farmers and ranchers on water issues affecting agricultural users. He will start in his role effective January 1, 2024.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s (CDA) Agricultural Workforce Development Program (AWDP) is now accepting applications from businesses looking to hire interns in 2024.