CSU Western Colorado Research Center

A big part of our research is how to be more efficient and conserve agricultural water. If you are curious about how we use technology to measure water use and availability, check out this podcast https://onland.westernlandowners.org/2026/podcast/whats-going-on-down-there-satellites-irrigation-and-science-with-perry-cabot/

As our scientist Perry says, you can't conserve what you don't measure.

Did you know that some fruits and vegetables prefer some shade in our arid west? We are testing this on a massive scale with our agrivoltaic installation at WCRC-Orchard Mesa -- solar panels above an actively growing vineyard. Dr. Mike Bartolo, scientist at our Arkansas Valley Research Center found that providing 30% shade to peppers increased vigor and reduced sunscald. https://csuhort.blogspot.com/2019/08/peppers-have-it-made-in-shade.html We find that the same applies to tomatoes. We have shade cloth over our tomatoes to reduce stress and reduce the amount of water we need to apply. Shade cloth is easily available online.

Are you decreasing the water to your lawn but want to keep your trees alive? This youtube video featuring Susan Carter from the City of Grand Junction gives you extensive tips on how to set up the landscaping and irrigation that is best for your trees. https://youtu.be/y1EXCn4M9kw?si=Bs_0-uKT9RRfgu57&t=1979

This week - Food Safety Regulation Updates at WCRC-Rogers Mesa. In person and online options are available -- May 21, 1-3pm. See https://col.st/AEadv for more information and links to registration.

Tune into hear how drought is evolving and how communities and utilities are adapting. This webinar includes perspectives from Ute Water. Tuesday May 19 at noon. To register, visit https://coloradowaterwise.org/event-6649366

Check out this webinar Thursday May 14 at 6pm to learn about the current drought situation. https://ag.colorado.gov/events/the-d-word-a-discussion-on-drought-community-impact-and-resources?fbclid=IwY2xjawRwV0ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFydHhZVDJDTDB2TDIweGFCc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsDIhQiY9R8NnDrv1cNwCzOKNNwN5JVuGTusisHFVlU4j4OuIUS-0USYJXfw_aem_zOzGdMj6VEYwUn1tY8TRHg

Don't miss out! Explore the sensory impacts from vine to wine with sensory experts from CSU Spur. This exciting workshop is May 15 from 9am-3pm. Registration is $20 and includes lunch and wine. Register at http://col.st/i8x5c.

We are in a severe drought. We will post the actions we are taking to significantly reduce or eliminate our outdoor water usage on our ornamental areas. Stay tuned for strategies and pictures.

The Colorado River District asks residential water users and municipalities to limit outdoor water use to 1-2 days a week for the sake of healthy rivers and local food production. https://www.coloradoriverdistrict.org/press-release-colorado-river-district-board-approves-immediate-drought-action/

How do you ensure that you are watering efficiently? Consider doing an irrigation audit. This tutorial walks you through the steps. This way, every drop you add will be of actual value. https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/lawn-irrigation-audit-tutorial/

The Colorado Sun followed the Talbotts Family as they managed the freezing temperatures in April. For a peak inside orchard management at 2am, read the article: https://coloradosun.com/2026/04/23/palisade-peaches-colorado-talbott-farms-cold-april-freeze/

David Sterle's work at WCRC-Orchard Mesa is focused on giving orchardists more tools to protect the peach crop and industry from spring frost losses.

Palisade farmers take on low temperatures in a fight to save peaches from April freezes Fruit growers on the Western Slope fought hard to protect their crops from cold weather, clear skies, still air and the notorious, deadly hard freeze

Explore the sensory impacts from vine to wine with sensory experts from CSU Spur. This exciting workshop is May 15 from 9am-3pm. Registration is $20 and includes lunch and wine. Register at http://col.st/i8x5c.