GREELEY, Colo. — The 30 attendees of an agricultural tour last week in Weld County received insight into the vital role water plays on the area’s farms and ranches and its economic importance to the region. The all-day tour last Monday was hosted by the Colorado Agricultural Water Alliance (CAWA) — a coalition whose goal is to empower ag stakeholders to make the most informed and viable decisions regarding Colorado’s water.
The day included stops at research plots and various farms, including the operation of Colorado Corn Growers Association (CCGA) President Dave Eckhardt (pictured far right), who explained to those in attendance — nearly all of whom had limited ag backgrounds — the basics of water-diversion systems, return flows, augmentation, different types of irrigation, and the challenges producers face along the Front Range.
Additionally, the Colorado Corn office in Greeley served as the jumping-off point for the tour, where various speakers — including Colorado Agriculture Commissioner Don Brown — made introductory remarks.
Furthermore, Colorado Corn CEO Mark Sponsler presented during the bus rides between stops, discussing the ag industry’s interest in alternative water transfer methods, aimed at preventing the ongoing “buy and dry” of Colorado farms. Among other topics, he also covered the history of CAWA, and the Colorado Administrative Committee and Colorado Corn Growers Association’s involvement in the group.
— Colorado Corn Growers Association
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