Representatives of the Colorado State University-Extension Office have announced a range of programming over the next few weeks, much of it dealing with agriculture and food.
The CSU-Extension Office announced it also has an interim director, after Yvette Henson quietly retired from the organization after years of service. Gus Westerman, who is already the CSU-Extension Office director in Dove Creek, has been welcomed into the office for the time being. Representatives said he focuses on agriculture, community development and 4-H, plus works with local producers.
A meet-and-greet event with Westerman happens on Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Norwood.
Also upcoming is a forum held in partnership with the USDA. Called “Financial Strategies for Managing Risk on your Farm or Ranch,” it’s sponsored by the Dove Creek Conservation District, but all in the area are welcome to attend. The meeting happens on Dec. 6 at the Dolores County Public Service Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Westerman will speak, as will other experts in insurance and various USDA programs.
Chili and cornbread will be served for lunch. Those who wish to attend should text “farm” to 970-676-8099. There will drawings for giveaway prizes too.
Additionally, there’s a free webinar available Dec. 11 at noon called “Plant Talk Colorado.” The session will discuss newest gardening myths, what the facts are and how to avoid misconceptions. The talk is led by Alison O’Connor of the Larimer County CSU-Extension Office. To register for the Zoom session, guests may visit the following webpage: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FoB0ILfNRKm_zyq_OzUW-w#/registration.
There’s a Western Colorado Soil Health, Food and Farm Forum happening too Jan. 24-25 in Montrose at the Montrose Pavillion. Keynote speakers are Jeanne Carver, the founder and president of Shaniko Wool Company and also Nicole R. Masters, the founder of Integrity Soils, Inc.
There are workshops available on things like “Mastering Food and Ag Grant Proposals,” “Engine Essentials: Guide to Repair and Maintenance,” “Disruption with Confidence: Embracing Safe-to-Fail Trials” and “Practical Strategies for Soil Health Diversity.” Additionally, there are 27 breakout sessions too on topics like weeds, soils, goats and more.
Anyone with questions or who’d like to attend should visit the webpage https://www.soilfoodfarm.org/?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_email_id=67226673427f174512dda874.
There’s also a phone number, 970-249-0705, and an email address, foodfarmforum@gmail.com for additional contact information.
There are digital options available for those who’d like to access the material of the conference from a remote location.
And, an area women’s conference is happening again, Annie’s Project: Empowering Women in Agriculture. Held at the Dolores County Community Center Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, the conference is for ladies to meet others in the field of agriculture, but to also work on business management skills, plus learn more about estate planning, marketing, leasing, insurance, legal concerns and human resources.
Childcare stipends are available, and meals are included. Scholarships are possible too. To learn more, or to register, women may access the site https://970tix.com/events/2025-annies-project-montezuma-county-1-30-2025.
