Press Release

On-farm Energy and Efficiency Projects Eligible for CDA Grant Funding

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is seeking applications from farmers and ranchers interested in modernizing their agricultural operations with energy efficiency improvements or renewable energy projects. Agricultural producers can apply for funding and technical assistance through CDA’s Advancing Colorado’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ACRE3) program, which aims to reduce on-farm energy costs while promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. 

Toast to Colorado Talent: State Fair Beer & Wine Competitions are Back!

Stake your claim as the Best in the West when you enter the Colorado State Fair’s annual Beer and Wine Competitions. With a fresh, new format that emphasizes homebrewing and hobby winemaking, the competition will showcase a diverse array of libations, giving Colorado's beverage wranglers a chance to show off their best.

Farm Operators Invited to Learn About New Ag Water Inspection Requirements

Starting this year, all farms growing produce typically consumed raw, which fall under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Produce Safety Rule, must be in compliance with the Harvest and Post-Harvest Water standards. The Colorado Department of Agriculture inspects farms across the state to ensure compliance with the Rule and Produce Safety Rule staff will hold a Town Hall for farmers to learn what standards they will need to meet. 

Colorado State Fair Announces 2025 Rodeo Concert Lineup

Dust off your boots and mark your calendars, the 2025 Colorado State Fair is bringing three nights of country music to the Big R Arena, and it all kicks off after the action of the PRCA Rodeo from August 22-24.

This year’s star-studded concert lineup features rising sensation Cooper Alan, chart-topping country hitmaker Lee Brice, and legendary entertainer Clay Walker. 

How’s Your Soil Health? Get a Rating (and more!) with the New STAR Tool

Ever wondered how your field’s soil health is doing? Bring the doctor to your field with the new STAR (Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources) Tool. Using an online application, Colorado producers can find out how their field ranks on a nationally recognized scale that assesses the health of their soil. The free, straightforward, easily interpretable score reflects the many beneficial practices producers can implement to improve their soil health.

Dozen Producer Organizations Receive CDA’s Non-lethal Conflict Reduction Grants

As calving and lambing season begins in earnest, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is sending funding directly to Colorado livestock producer organizations to help them prepare for predator conflict using non-lethal management tools. As Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) continues the voter-mandated wolf reintroduction effort, CDA has issued 12 grants, ranging between $5,000 and $35,000, to organizations across Colorado that work with livestock owners in areas where wolves are or may be present.