What's New with the Soil Health Program?

Upcoming Events 

Effective Stockmanship for Ranching With Wolves - Free Trainings 

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is collaborating with Working Circle to present a classroom clinic focused on stockmanship practices. This clinic aims to decrease the risk of wolf-livestock conflict and promote resilient, economically sustainable ranching in arid environments. 

May 19: Montrose, 8am - 5pm

RSVP via email by May 9 to maddie@workingcircle.org

May 20: Gunnison, 8 am - 5 pm 

RSVP via email by May 9 to maddie@workingcircle.org

May 23 and 24: Del Norte, 8 am - 5 pm

RSVP via email by May 14 to keriboff@gmail.com.  

Solar Grazing & Growing: Front Range Agrivoltaics Demo Day | June 3rd, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm | Jack's Solar Garden, Longmont 

Learn about agrivoltaics at the Front Range Agrivoltaic Demonstration Day at Jack's Solar Garden. Observe sheep and cattle grazing and vegetable cultivation beneath solar panels. Engage with experts to assess the feasibility of this method for your farm or discover ways to assist other producers through education and support. This event is for producers and agriculture stakeholders, cost is $25 and includes light breakfast and lunch. 

Research Field Day Pfaltzgraff Farms | June 26th, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | Haxtun, CO

Take your place in the local food system by learning about the impacts of research in agriculture, water, carbon, and food. The event includes presentations from industry leaders, demonstrations with CSU and international experts, and sponsor involvement. Key topics are soil health, agrivoltaics, mushroom cultivation, and carbon/water monitoring.

Email cda_soil@state.co.us to have your event featured here!

Grants & Other Soil Health Engagement Opportunities

USDA Emergency Commodity Assistance Program | Applications open until August 15

The Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) provides economic assistance payments to eligible agricultural commodity producers for the 2024 crop year. USDA’s Farm Service Agency is issuing up to $10 billion in direct payments to eligible agricultural producers. These one-time economic assistance payments will help commodity producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices. 

Agricultural Climate Resilience Grants | Applications open until May 29

CDA has a new grant opportunity to support Climate Resilience projects within the state's agricultural sector. This grant program is designed to provide crucial financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who have experienced adverse effects due to climate-change induced disasters and are seeking to enhance their resilience against future climate-related challenges.

Attend an informational webinar on May 7th at 2pm to learn more. Register here for the Zoom webinar. 

Zero Foodprint 

Winner of the James Beard "Humanitarian of the Year" Award, Zero Foodprint (ZFP) is a nonprofit mobilizing the food world around agricultural climate solutions. Learn about their work and apply for the Restore Grant here.

Watch: Restore Colorado Producer Webinar
Watch: Restore Program Webinar June 2023