Southwestern Colorado Research Center

04/08/2026

Out near Dove Creek, planting season is already a balancing act.

Soil moisture is there—for now. But wind, wildlife, and rising costs are making every decision count.

“You’re definitely rolling the dice.”

Full story: https://www.ksjd.org/2026-04-01/dryland-farming-dove-creek-planting-season

04/06/2026

Join us April 27th from 8:15am - 1:30pm for our annual Dolores County Private Applicator Workshop.
Located at the Dolores County Public Service Center (8477 Rd 7.7), this workshop will offer all 7 core credits needed to renew a Colorado Private Applicator License, PLUS the 309B - Non-soil Fumigation Pest Control continuing education credit.
To receive continuing education credits, an active Colorado Applicator License must be held.
Please RSVP by calling 970-677-2283 or email [email protected] by April 22nd.
An equal access and equal opportunity University. https://col.st/ll0t3

04/06/2026

The High Desert Conservation District is offering a Herbicide Cost Share Program to help landowners tackle noxious weeds and protect our local landscapes.

-Save up to 50% on herbicide costs
-Open to anyone owning, controlling, or operating land in Montezuma County

Managing invasive weeds isn’t just about your property—it helps protect neighboring lands, supports agriculture, and preserves the health of our entire community. This program makes it more affordable to take action.

Apply today by
• Email: [email protected]
• Online: Montezuma County Noxious W**d Program website at https://montezumacounty.gov/noxious-weed-program/

Take advantage of this opportunity and be part of keeping Montezuma County healthy and thriving!

04/06/2026

🚨 Don’t miss this opportunity! 🚨

The Ranching for Profit Workshop is coming up April 10–11, and there’s still time to sign up!

Join us for two days of practical, hands-on learning focused on improving profitability, decision-making, and long-term resilience in your ranching operation. This workshop is led by Dallas Mount and is designed for producers who want to take a closer look at the business side of ranching.

✔️ Understand the key drivers of profit
✔️ Learn practical tools for better grazing and financial decisions
✔️ Gain strategies to build a more resilient operation

Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your approach, this workshop offers valuable insights you can apply right away.

📅 April 10–11
📍Lewis Arriola Community Center, 21176 Rd S, Cortez, CO 81321

👉 Sign up now to reserve your spot!

For questions or to register, contact us at 970-508-0674 or https://high-desert-conservation-district.booqableshop.com/products/ranching-for-profit-2-day-workshop .

04/06/2026

Doing great things Montezuma Orchard Restoration and congrats to Jude and Addie!

After gaining popularity in the U.S. West, the Walbridge apple had all but disappeared in the past century – until last fall. Since 2015, researchers have been trying to locate the remaining Walbridge...

04/06/2026

⚠️ Protect your operation—join us April 7! ⚠️

High Desert Conservation District and CSU Extension – Montezuma County are hosting a Liability & Risk Management Workshop designed specifically for farmers and ranchers.

Learn how to better protect your operation, your assets, and your peace of mind:

✔️ Farm & ranch insurance options
✔️ Risk management programs through FSA
✔️ Agritourism liability (farm tours, events, visitors)
✔️ Practical strategies to reduce on-farm risk

Whether you're hosting events, expanding your operation, or just want to make sure you’re covered—this workshop will help you understand your options and avoid costly surprises.

📅 April 7, 2026
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 First National Bank Cortez

📞 Questions? Call 970-508-0674

👉 Join us and get ahead of risk before it becomes a problem!

04/06/2026

03/29/2026

How do we define a "healthy" soil for different regions and land uses? 🔍 A recent study in the SE United States developed specific soil health targets for carbon, nitrogen, and biological activity across 1,470 observations. Findings show that while conservation management (grasslands/woodlands) leads the way, no-till systems significantly outperform conventional tillage in building root-zone enrichment: https://ow.ly/JB5U50YpQf0
USDA Agricultural Research Service

03/29/2026

Mark your calendars for this exciting orchard tour! Come check out this community project and learn how we can all help 🍎