economy

President Donald Trump directed the Department of Justice to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, a major shift that could reshape Colorado’s cannabis industry, research access, and federal tax policy — without fully legalizing the drug.

In the second installment of a series about falling birth rates, Amelia Dotzenrod talks about why she waited until her mid-thirties to have a child.

Ranchers in Colorado are frustrated by the Trump administration's recent decisions on beef imports and say they are creating uncertainty in the market that's bad for business.

Ag economists are divided on whether expected USDA trade aid will help producers or create new risks, as farmers face low prices, high input costs, and market volatility.

Drought, shrinking herds, high feed and energy costs, and slow herd rebuilding are driving beef prices higher, with impacts likely to last through the decade.

A Republican state senator and a Democratic state representative presented a grim picture of Colorado’s budget in Dolores Saturday morning.

Observers say the trade truce between the U.S. and China could hold for now, easing tensions for global markets and U.S. soybean farmers — but challenges remain. While China’s purchases have pushed soybeans to a 16-month high, Brazil still has a cost advantage, and U.S. farmers continue to face high input prices and labor shortages tied to immigration policies. Meanwhile, new innovations like virtual fencing are helping ranchers adapt to tough conditions on public lands.

The federal government shutdown has reduced local tourism by about 20%, according to Mesa Verde Country CEO Brian Bartlett, though some visitors are still exploring the region’s fall colors and outdoor recreation. Mesa Verde National Park and nearby Utah monuments remain open in a limited capacity, while the Ute Mountain Tribal Park continues to offer select tours. Despite fewer visitors overall, Bartlett notes that visitor spending in 2025 is up compared to last year.

One reason is that the state is paying out more to lower-income residents through targeted tax credits.

Livestock producers, especially beef operations, see record profits in 2025, while crop farmers struggle with low returns, trade disputes, and echoes of the 1980s farm debt crisis. Economists warn of long-term risks as tariffs and high input costs squeeze margins.