Janie VanWinkle, well-known cattlewoman and originally of Nucla, told the Forum last week she hopes folks from the West End attend the Economic Impact of Agriculture on Western Colorado Summit in Montrose Jan. 30. Held at the fairgrounds that day from 5:30 to 7 p.m., it’s one of three summits that will be held on the Western Slope.
An initiative that was conducted through the Business Incubator Center, Dr. Nathan Perry was commissioned to do the ag economics study. VanWinkle said the study is the first of its kind, very important and includes five counties: Garfield, Rio Blanco, Delta, Mesa and Montrose.
Perry is a professor of economics at Colorado Mesa University, who also gives talks to Club 20, along with county and town boards. The ag economics study he’s presenting on is based on the 2022 census, through which agriculture is studied every five years.
The data he will share includes information from producers, examines economic modeling, and tells those on the Western Slope what they can expect with best guesses going forward.
The Jan. 30 summit will include a 40-minute presentation, a question-and-answer session, and a chili dinner sponsored by the Farm Bureau. VanWinkle expects policy-makers, county commissioners, town trustees, producers, economic developers and more to attend.
“This is the first time we have had the data,” she said, “looking at communities and seeing what we need.”
She said the study will look at value of ag sales, products coming off ranches, income and expenses, as well as challenges.
While those working in ag-related businesses are aware of the difficulties of what’s happening now and what’s next, she said it’s good to talk about them, including aging ownership, succession planning, drought and access to technology.
While economic data wasn’t released as of press time, VanWinkle hopes those in the West End will show up Jan. 30 to hear about it. She also shared, though, that she is more more than happy to come to Nucla or Naturita and give another presentation.
She said while Dr. Perry won’t necessarily be at the West End presentation, he’s given his OK for her to continue disseminating information. She can explain the study results and would like to do so.
The Forum then connected VanWinkle with Makayla Gordan, of the West End Economic Development Corporation, over email to start the conversation of a local version of the data presentation.
The Forum also asked VanWinkle whether folks from the west end of San Miguel County could attend. She said absolutely. They can attend Jan. 30 in Montrose or the upcoming session with VanWinkle. She said the information pertains to the whole of the Western Slope.
“I would love to have people from the West End there,” VanWinkle said. “We’ve boomed and busted, and there’s been energy, and now outdoor recreation, but ag is there every day, churning away. We are doing our thing, and it gets overlooked.”
To RSVP to the Jan. 30 summit in Montrose, or to attend one in Grand Junction or Rifle, the public may visit https://gjincubator.org/economic-impact-of-ag-on-western-co/. Details on VanWinkle’s presentation will be announced soon.
