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What's New with the Soil Health Program?

Upcoming Events 

West Greeley Conservation District Ag Symposium
December 5th | 7:30am - 4:30pm | Greeley, CO

This conference is hosted by the Quivira Coalition, Holistic Management International, and the American Grassfed Association. Ranchers, farmers, conservationists, land managers, scientists, and thought leaders will gather to share knowledge, build community, and create a culture of resilience and regeneration.

REAP for CO Producers Webinar 
December 11th | 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Zoom 

Learn about the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program. And learn about how CDA is providing technical assistance to producers interested in applying for REAP grants for on-farm energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. See here for more upcoming webinars. 

Soil Revolution 2024 Conference
December 12th | 7:30am - 4:30pm | Boulder, CO

Inviting farmers and ranchers of all scales and production systems to learn about on-the-ground solutions for a wide variety of climate and soil conditions. Hosted by Boulder County Parks & Open Space, CSU Extension, the City of Boulder, USDA-NRCS, and the Boulder Valley and Longmont Conservation Districts. 

Master Irrigator Courses
Multiple Dates and Locations

A comprehensive 4-week educational course, graduates are eligible to receive incentives and discounts:

  • Republican River, Mondays in January
  • Arkansas Valley, Thursdays in January
  • Delta Mesa, Tuesdays in February
  • San Luis Valley, 100 level starts January 6th
  • San Luis Valley, 200 level starts February 10th
  • Dates for South Platte and Four Corners TBD
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Email cda_soil@state.co.us to have your event featured here!

 

Grants & Other Soil Health Engagement Opportunities

CSU Study on Soil Health and Farmer Health

Dr Morgan Valley at CSU is studying the linkages between soil health and farmer health. Participants who complete a 1-hour interview will receive a $50 gift card. To participate you must be a farmer who is 18 years old or older. Fill out the confidential eligibility survey to determine if you are eligible for an interview. 

CSU AgNext Study on Methane Reduction

CSU AgNext is conducting a survey on methane reduction strategies, and we would love for you to be a part of it.

Please provide your contact information in this form by December 11th, and you will receive a brief survey in December. Respondents will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of two $250 Visa gift cards.

CAWA Drought Resiliency Program Requests Proposals 
Applications Due by December 13

This grant cycle will provide $3 million in funding to support up to ten two-year projects to help communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and climate change. The grant program will fund projects that measure, prevent, or reduce pollution to protect public health or restore the environment.

NWRM RFBC Requests Proposals for Business Builder Grants
Applications Due by January 10

The Northwest & Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center Colorado team is offering grants of up to $10,000 that are designed to support small to mid-scale Colorado food and farm businesses. Grant funds are intended to improve business skills, strengthen business viability, expand market access, or strengthen local & regional supply chains.

Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program Funding Opportunity
Open through Jan. 31, 2025 (for 2024 expenses)

The USDA is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program to now include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification.

Zero Foodprint 

The Zero Foodprint logo is a circle with a hand carrying a serving tray that holds a globe.

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

 

Hold Your Ground logo which features a pair of hands holding a sprouting plant and the CDA logo which features a red barn.Soil Health at Work

Hold Our Ground Film Series

The first episode in a three-part documentary film series highlighting the innovative work of Colorado producers in building healthy soil and more resilient agricultural systems. 
Watch here: 

E1: Farmers on Soil Heath 

E2: Ranchers on Soil Health

E3: Hold Our Ground
 

Audubon Rockies 

With funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Audubon Conservation Ranching staff helped enhance soil and reseed native plants on a degraded pasture of the Rafter W Ranch, an Audubon-certified ranch in eastern Colorado. These restoration techniques help the ranch retain water, which should increase its drought resilience and long-term biodiversity. Monitoring during the first growing season found increased plant growth and reduced soil compaction. 
Learn about a soil restoration project through the Conservation Ranching Initiative: Rafter W Ranch Article & Video