Farmers from five counties gathered under one roof this week to talk survival, growth, and what it really takes to keep the heartbeat of Western Colorado’s agriculture alive. The second annual AgriWest Council meeting in Clifton didn’t just highlight problems — it was about building unity, one handshake at a time.
Local Producers Face Big Challenges
It’s no secret that farmers out here fight an uphill battle every season. Drought keeps them awake at night. Aging family owners wonder who’ll take over the ranch when they’re gone. And running a farm isn’t just about crops — it’s about balancing tight budgets, modernizing old equipment, and staying ahead of an unpredictable climate.
“This is an opportunity,” said Janie VanWinkle, ERC Federal Fellow for the AgriWest Initiative. “To bring AG producers, community members, and interested parties together.”
Her point? No one does this alone.
The AgriWest Vision: Three Goals That Matter
At its core, the AgriWest Initiative — run out of the Business Incubator Center — wants to give local producers tools to keep farming alive for generations to come. They’ve pinned down three clear goals.
One: Jobs and entrepreneurship. Keeping legacy farms in business is huge. So is making space for newcomers, those first-generation producers who bring fresh ideas.
Two: Bring sectors together. Doesn’t matter if you raise cattle, grow fruit, or harvest grain. Big operations and small backyard growers both have a seat at the table.
Three: Rally the wider community. Neighbors need to know how to stand behind the folks who feed them.
VanWinkle said it best: “This is the only one focused on production agriculture. I think we’ve been able to address some issues and some challenges that are not being handled in any other way.”
Drought Still Hangs Over Every Conversation
No meeting about agriculture would be complete without talking about water — or the lack of it.
One rancher summed it up in a single sentence: “No rain, no ranch.”
Drought conditions have made life difficult across Mesa, Delta, Montrose, and beyond. Some producers dig deeper wells. Others adjust crops or add new irrigation tricks.
But everyone knows it’s a long-term threat.
A local hay grower said, “We’re learning to adapt, but it ain’t easy.”
New Generation, New Blood, Same Tough Spirit
Farm families have always counted on the next generation to pick up the torch. Lately, though, many young folks look elsewhere for work.
That’s why keeping young people engaged was such a big topic at this year’s council.
One farmer’s kid, fresh out of college, said she wants to run cattle — but worries about the cost. Equipment prices are sky-high. Loans can feel impossible.
That’s where programs like AgriWest try to help. Business mentorships, shared resources, and community support make a difference.
How Unity Changes the Game
What really sets AgriWest apart is its commitment to bridging gaps between different producers. Big orchard owners, small hobby farmers, and cattle ranchers all swapping stories? That’s the secret sauce.
A few highlights shared during the council:
• Peer mentorship programs match experienced ranchers with beginners
• Community events help city residents understand local food sources
• Grant opportunities support sustainability experiments
One sentence: Real change needs real conversations.
Numbers Show the Scale of the Task
Want to see what Western Colorado agriculture faces? Take a look at a quick snapshot:
| Challenge | Impact on Producers |
|---|---|
| Drought | Lower yields, higher costs |
| Aging population | Fewer successors for family farms |
| Operating expenses | Equipment and supplies cost more |
| Climate variability | Harder to plan planting and harvest |
No single farmer can tackle all this alone. That’s why AgriWest’s mission hits home for so many.
From One Roof to Five Counties
The council’s reach covers Mesa, Delta, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. That means farmers who may never cross paths get to compare notes.
One cattle producer joked, “I didn’t even know half these folks until last year. Now we text every week.”
VanWinkle wants more of that. Small connections today can become big partnerships tomorrow.
A Program With National Backing
AgriWest isn’t just a local brainstorm. It’s part of the Economic Recovery Corps — one of only 65 fellowships nationwide. The kicker? It’s the only one focused solely on production agriculture.
That makes Clifton’s AgriWest meeting something special.
VanWinkle’s proud of that: “I think it shows we’re serious about tackling these problems with fresh eyes.”
