Tag: colorado agriculture
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EDITORIAL: Ag remains a cornerstone, linchpin of Colorado’s economy
How important is agriculture to Colorado’s overall well-being? It accounts for about $47 billion a year of our state’s economy, directly or indirectly employing at least 195,000 people. The livestock sector alone — especially ranchers and their cattle — contributes $9 billion of that total. The tens of thousands of farms and ranches in our…
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Horse herpes outbreak could impact National Western Stock Show in January
An equine herpes outbreak could impact the National Western Stock Show in January. Stock Show officials said they are monitoring the situation closely. The Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office announced the outbreak on Nov. 21, following barrel racing and rodeo events in Texas and Oklahoma over the past several weeks. Horses traveled to or from the…
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Bug vs. Bug: How Colorado corn and peach farmers are utilizing insects to naturally fight invasive pests
The problem of pests in agriculture isn’t new, but on Colorado’s Western Slope farmers have found a sustainable solution to help ensure the delectable Palisade peaches and Olathe sweet corn grace grocery stores this season. The answer? More bugs. The Palisade Insectary has been working since 1945 to develop organic, holistic solutions for farmers to…
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Rocky Ford melon farmers hopeful to see a ‘comeback’ in this season’s crop
Following a rough farming season in Colorado over the summer of 2023 due to unprecedented rain and hailstorms, Michael Hirakata of Hirakata farms said he hopes his Rocky Ford cantaloupe and watermelon crop will have a better time of it this season. “We’re praying for a comeback,” Hirakata said. “But we have a long way…