Western Colorado Research Center - Rogers Mesa

08/19/2026

The whole community is invited to learn about our research & take a deeper dive into plant pest & disease control. Wear shoes for walking.

Wednesday, September 16th

Food and Tours
Local Experts - Preventing Crop Pests and Disease in 2027

Field Day Schedule
3:00-3:15 Welcome
3:20-4:00 Tour apples & peaches
4:00-4:40 Info booths & food
4:45-5:15 Tour veggies & grapes
5:15-6:00 Booths, food & raffle

Location:
Western Colorado Research Center - Rogers Mesa
30624 Hwy 92
Hotchkiss, CO 81419

08/17/2026

Thursday, September 3rd, 1-3pm

Join Dr. Charlotte Oliver, CSU viticulture extension specialist, to learn about our successes (and struggles!) with growing table grapes in Western CO. Topics will include:
• Successful varieties
• In-season lessons learned, like trellising and pest pressure
• Grapes for tasting!

Register via our link in Bio

Location:
Western Colorado Research Center - Rogers Mesa
30624 Hwy 92
Hotchkiss, CO 81419

07/03/2026

Thursday, July 23rd, 1-3pm

Join Dr. Brad Tonnessen, WCRC-RM Lead Scientist, to learn the steps and techniques of diagnosing common plant disorders of fruits and vegetables.
Topics will include:
• Biology of plant pathogens
• In-field diagnostics of diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and insect damage.
Register via our link in Bio

Location:
Western Colorado Research Center - Rogers Mesa
30624 Hwy 92
Hotchkiss, CO 81419

05/19/2026

Grower workshop: Food safety regulation updates for 2026
Thursday, May 21st, 1-3pm

Join CSU Extension & the CO Produce Safety Collaborative to learn the latest food safety regulation updates of 2026.

Topics will include:

General USDA regulation updates
Agricultural water
Farm to school sales
Produce safety resources

Register via our link in Bio

Location:
Western Colorado Research Center - Rogers Mesa
30624 Hwy 92
Hotchkiss, CO 81419

04/23/2026

Thursday, May 21st, 1-5pm

Join Nicole Didero and Dr. Eduardo Gutierrez-Rodriguez to learn the latest food safety regulation updates of 2026.

Topics will include:
- General regulator updates
- Agricultural water
- Produce safety resources

Register via our link in Bio

Location:
Western Colorado Research Center - Rogers Mesa
30624 Hwy 92
Hotchkiss, CO 81419

03/30/2026

Thursday, April 9th, 1-3pm

Do you have an existing apple tree that isn’t the variety that you would prefer, or do you want to put multiple varieties on one apple tree? This workshop will cover grafting science and rationale, rootstock selection, scion wood collection, and demonstrate various grafting methods.

Register via our link in Bio

Location:
Ela Family Farms
30753 L Road
Hotchkiss, CO 81419

03/30/2026

Join us as we learn from professionals in the fields of entomology, beekeeping, habitat restoration, and seed production. Topics will cover: Pollinators insects, what to plant to attract pollinators, how beekeeping is tied to healthy habitats, and how to access local restoration opportunities.

Lunch and pollinator seed for in-person attendees!

Register here: https://col.st/AEadv

In-person or virtual options available.

02/28/2025

12/10/2024

Pre registration is OPEN for the CSU Extension 2025 CO Building Farmers & Ranchers online course (starts January 14th).