Press Release

The Colorado Department of Agriculture, Acres U.S.A., and the Mosca-Hooper Conservation District will host the first in a series of Colorado Soil Health regional events in the San Luis Valley on Saturday, August 13. This free event is part of the Colorado STAR Program and will include farm tours, educational presentations, guest speakers, and a keynote address from Jimmy Emmons, a soil health champion and producer from Oklahoma. The event is free, however registration is required at ag.colorado.gov/events.

Country music trio Lady A has announced a postponement of their North American tour and with it the performance at the 150th Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. The performance, originally scheduled for Friday, September 2, 2022, will be postponed until next year. The rescheduled date is Friday, September 1, 2023. 

Current ticket holders have the option of keeping their tickets for the 2023 show or can receive a full refund if requested by November 30, 2022. Refunds are available at point of purchase.  

Rocky Ford cantaloupe is a sweet and healthy treat for all Coloradans and visitors to enjoy. Impress your guests with this cool, indulgent twist on a local favorite. Did you know Rocky Ford cantaloupes typically make it from the field to the market in less than a day? For maximum freshness, look for that Colorado Proud logo and the Rocky Ford Growers Association sticker!

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has established an application process for agricultural employers seeking a variance certificate to allow for more than the "occasional and intermittent hand weeding” (defined in statute as greater than 20% of a worker's weekly work time). Employers who do not anticipate that hand weeding will take more than 20% of their workers’ time do not need to apply for the variance. 

With the news that the spotted lanternfly has been found in Iowa, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is launching a new informational website to help teach Coloradans and visitors to our state about how to identify and eradicate the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF). The website can be accessed at ag.colorado.gov/slf.

Along with exciting concerts, rodeos, and annual fair fun, the Colorado State Fair is known for prominent Horse and Livestock shows and Small Animal competitions. Hundreds of 4-H and FFA youth travel from across Colorado to showcase the dedication and hard work they put into breeding, raising, and showing their animals. Entry deadlines are quickly approaching.  

Cattle owners under observation by public health 

The Colorado State Veterinarian’s office has confirmed a case of anthrax in a beef cattle herd in Sedgwick County. The case was confirmed at the CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory on July 23, 2022 after the producer had seven acute deaths in the herd. A second positive case in a nearby beef herd was confirmed positive on Tuesday July 26, 2022. 

Along with exciting concerts, livestock competitions, rodeos, and annual fair fun, the 150th Colorado State Fair is scheduled to host 20 general entry and fine arts contests for both adults and children. From fine art to farm and garden contests, the State Fair showcases talent from some of the finest artists, artisans, bakers, and gardeners across Colorado. 

It’s summertime and definitely time to dust off the grill, if you haven’t already. Colorado has a wide variety of products to choose from to make your next grill out perfect, but if you want to up your game, try these delicious bison burgers to wow your guests.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian’s Office was recently notified of an equine neurologic case in Weld county. The State Veterinarian’s Office has been collaborating with the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, the Colorado Horse Park, and private practicing veterinarians involved in the case.