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 153rd 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!"
June is National Dairy Month—a perfect time to raise a glass (of milk!) to the hardworking dairy farmers who bring fresh, wholesome dairy products to our tables every day. Here in Colorado, dairy is more than just a staple—it’s a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural industry. Our family-owned farms take pride in producing high-quality milk that nourishes communities locally and across the country. Supporting Colorado dairy means supporting these local families and their dedication to sustainable, responsible farming.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado State University's AgNext invite ranchers, dairymen, livestock producers, and agricultural groups to Methane Day, a workshop to discuss opportunities and barriers of reducing methane emissions. Methane Day’s goal is to bring together agricultural voices, learn about current technologies, and discuss hurdles to methane reduction.
The State Board of Stock Inspection Commissioners, part of the Department of Agriculture, is proposing to increase brand inspection fees and the five-year brand assessment fee to address a projected program deficit. The fee adjustments aim to ensure the continued financial stability and operations of the Brand Inspection Division, which is solely funded by these fees.
The Colorado State Fair is cranking up the nostalgia and throwing in country charm with its latest concert announcements for the Southwest Motors Events Center lineup.
The iconic "My Generation Tour" stars longtime crowd-pleasers Lovin' Spoonful, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, and The Hollies Greatest Hits, starring Terry Sylvester, on Thursday, Aug. 28. Showstopper Russell Dickerson will bring his unique brand of country music on Saturday, August 30. Tickets for both go on sale on Thursday, May 22.
By Riley May, CDA Regional Assistant Commissioner
Originally published in the Kiowa County Independent (May 9, 2025)
Colorado farmers and ranchers are resilient. We never see a “normal” year.
One of our favorite lines around our operation is that we like to work in a climate-controlled environment because our environment is truly controlled by the climate.