Colorado Ag Connection

Colorado Ag Connection | March 2021

Photo credit: Holly Kaye - Arapahoe County, CO - Submit your photo here.

Amazingly, we are finding ourselves at the one year mark of the onset of the pandemic. The past year has impacted many of us in the same way, yet has simultaneously been a unique experience for each individual person.

At CDA, we’ve worked every day to balance the reality of the devastating effects of COVID-19 with always keeping our focus on brighter days to come, and our mission to strengthen and advance Colorado agriculture. As it does every year, the month of March brings with it the opportunity to celebrate agriculture in so many ways, including with National Ag Day and Colorado Ag Day, produced by the Ag Council. And yesterday’s announcement of the $700 million Colorado Recovery Plan shows strong investment on the horizon in Colorado’s rural and agricultural communities that will help ag grow and build greater resilience.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of reasons to celebrate: Last week Colorado’s critical food and ag workers began receiving COVID-19 vaccines as part of Phase 1B.3 of the state vaccination plan; our own State Veterinarian Dr. Keith Roehr is being honored with the 2021 Who’s Who in Agriculture Award on March 18; we’re participating in the Colorado Literacy Project this month; and we’re also celebrating the 75th anniversary of our Palisade Insectary with help from History Colorado. Our Organics Program team was recently honored with USDA’s National Organic Program annual Data Quality Awards, and we’ve welcomed two new talented employees to lead our Colorado Proud program and direct ag education and competitive exhibits at the State Fair.

Any time of year is a good time to lift up the vital role Colorado agriculture plays in supporting our economy, beautiful landscapes, and communities. That’s the work we do everyday. I’m proud to work alongside you as each day we move a bit closer to moving out of the pandemic crisis, with our state’s farmers and ranchers helping to lead the way. Thank you for all you’ve done throughout the past year, and all you continue to do in support of Colorado agriculture.

Kate Greenberg

Commissioner of Agriculture

Winter Storm Forecast

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is part of a multi-state partnership that has developed helpful winter storm preparation guidance for agricultural producers. View resources here.

Ag producers who are in need of resources or assistance as a result of the winter storm should contact their local emergency management or sheriff’s office first. Find local emergency management office contact information here. CDA works closely with these local offices and, as the Emergency Support Function #11 (agriculture and natural resources) lead at the state Emergency Operations Center, is also working with state emergency management on resource needs that may result from the forecast storm.

Vaccination Updates

The state is now in Phase 1B.3 of its vaccine plan, which includes Colorado’s frontline essential workers in grocery and agriculture. The “Frontline Essential Workers in Grocery and Agriculture” classification prioritizes current workers who cannot maintain physical distance from others at their place of employment, who work in close contact with many people, especially indoors, and in places with poor ventilation including meatpacking workers; grocery store workers; and agricultural processing workers. Vaccine administration is being coordinated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and county public health agencies with assistance from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. To find a local provider, go to covid19.colorado.gov and click the “List of providers” button or call the state vaccine hotline at 1-877-268-2926.

If you are an agricultural employer that needs help connecting with a provider to vaccinate your employees, please fill out this form.

Ag Department Welcomes

New Staff to Two Key Positions

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is pleased to announce the placement of new staff members into two key management roles within CDA’s Markets and State Fair divisions.

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Agriculture Commissioner’s Statement on First Ag Worker Vaccinations

Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg provided a statement following her visit to this week's COVID-19 vaccination clinics at Cargill and JBS Meat Processing Facilities.

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Photo credit: Armando Martinez - Fremont County, CO - Submit your photo here.

CDA Applauds Rural and Ag Investments in the Colorado Recovery Plan

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is excited to work with the Governor’s Office and legislative leaders from both parties to pass and implement the Colorado Recovery Plan.

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Wolf Reintroduction

Stakeholder Advisory Group

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is now accepting applications to be on the Wolf Stakeholder Advisory Group. The deadline is March 31st.

Learn More & Apply

Colorado Lamb Stew

As March brings longer days, an early spring chill is still in the air, making it an ideal time to gather around the table and warm up with a bowl of Colorado lamb stew.

Colorado lamb is world-renowned and an excellent source of protein and key nutrients. Colorado is home to 425,000 head of sheep, and the third-largest lamb producer in the United States.

Head to your local grocery, market, or farmer/rancher and bring home some Colorado lamb to try in this month’s Colorado Lamb stew recipe.

COVID-19 Information

The World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are sources for the most current and accurate information pertaining to the novel coronavirus.

Ask CDA: Eight Divisions to Serve You

Colorado Department of Agriculture

303-869-9000

305 Interlocken Parkway

Broomfield, CO 80021