crop harvest

Farmers and ranchers face new economic pressure from tariffs, rising diesel prices and a proposed increase in tariff-free beef imports as fall harvest approaches.

Extreme drought, limited irrigation water and rising production costs are reducing crop yields as Southwest Colorado enters harvest season.

Farmers face projected crop losses, higher diesel costs and persistent drought, while states debate foreign ownership of agricultural land and Colorado officials address produce safety.

Last week, the Colorado Department of Agriculture hosted a virtual town hall on new water regulations from the Food and Drug Administration. The meeting covered new harvest and post-harvest water requirements for farmers across the state, including those in southwest Colorado. And several politically-charged bills are headed to Governor Jared Polis’ desk. Two of them are Democrat-sponsored gun-control measures.

Fall brings final harvests, end of irrigation, and preparation for the onset of winter.