Press Release

The Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office has issued new guidance to minimize influenza transmission at dairy cattle livestock exhibitions.

What gets older but fresher every year? Why the Colorado Farm Fresh Directory, of course!

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Farm Fresh Directory has been a staple in helping Colorado consumers find farmers’ markets, roadside stands, u-picks, and so much more in each corner of our beautiful state. As Coloradans look forward to returning to typical summer activities, the 2024 Farm Fresh Directory is a must have for the freshest info on farm stands and local markets. This year, the directory also includes a listing of 151 Colorado wineries.

June is Dairy Month, celebrating the delicious and nutritious products that come from milk. Dairy plays an essential role in our diets, offering a range of benefits including high-quality protein, calcium, and vitamins. 

Along with exciting concerts, livestock competitions, rodeos, and annual State Fair fun, the 152nd Colorado State Fair is calling all Colorado artisans, photographers, winemakers, inventors, gardeners, and many others to enter its General Entry, Fine Arts and Special contests.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is sending $110,000 to Mesa County to evict an unwanted visitor: the Japanese beetle.

This invasive pest, which was discovered within the city limits of Grand Junction in the summer of 2022, can cause great damage to both ornamental horticulture and agricultural operations on the Western slope. Japanese beetles feed on more than 300 species of plants, many of which are essential to western Colorado’s agricultural economy, including peaches, grapes, sweet corn, and many other ornamental plants in urban spaces, including turf grass.

World-famous Goo Goo Dolls will join the lineup of musical acts performing at the 152nd Colorado State Fair. The show, presented by the Colorado Lottery, is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1, at the Southwest Motors Events Center. 

"The Colorado Lottery concert is always a crowd favorite, and this year is no exception," said Scott Stoller, general manager of the Colorado State Fair. "The Goo Goo Dolls concert is a fantastic way to wrap up summer and the State Fair — and we can’t wait for you to join us."

The 2024 Colorado State Fair concerts feature a star-studded lineup that includes An Evening of Icons with the Commodores and The Spinners, Ludacris, Trace Adkins with special guest Cody Cozz, Shane Smith & The Saints, Scotty McCreery, Lonestar and Banda el Recodo, just to name a few.

Tickets for all concerts will go on sale Friday, June 7 at 10 a.m. on the Colorado State Fair ticket website.  

To help promote multi-faceted uses of agricultural land, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Agrivoltaics Research and Demonstration Grant Program. Open for the second year in a row, the program funds projects that demonstrate and research the use of solar generation on agricultural land.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations across Colorado to fill six vacancies on the Hemp Advisory Committee (HAC). The committee provides advice to the Commissioner by reviewing proposed rules and recommending new rules or changes to existing rules.

“Colorado has been a pioneer in the hemp industry since 2013 and the Hemp Advisory Committee consists of leaders and innovators who have an active role in advising the Department by providing invaluable industry feedback,” said Brian Koontz, Hemp Program manager.

The HAC is looking for members representing:

To advance the administration of animal welfare programs and provide additional capacity for the Animal Health Division, the Colorado legislature passed a bill establishing the Division of Animal Welfare at the Colorado Department of Agriculture (HB24-1458). The Colorado Department of Agriculture is now seeking a qualified candidate for this first-ever position of Division of Animal Welfare Director.