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Ranchers inspire new path forward on the Colorado River
October 23, 2025
Build something that works for producers. We can’t manage the Colorado River crisis from Denver. Any conservation pool, voluntary curtailment program, or compact-security mechanism has to work for producers. That means having opportunities to engage early, a chance to shape the tools, and enacting programs that recognize the realities of running a farm or ranch. Farmers and ranchers want to help Colorado. We know how to adapt. But the programs have to work in reality.
Producers lead the way on drought resilience in the Colorado River Basin
October 23, 2025
Western Landowners Alliance and Western States Ranches (WSR) combined forces to bring 30 people together for a half-day of learning about what tactics they’ve been experimenting with that could potentially lead to the development of effective measures producers could voluntarily implement to make producers more drought resilient.
Delta County ranchers want state action on conservation
September 16, 2025
As reservoir levels continue to plummet at the end of another dismal water year, some agricultural water users are asking Colorado lawmakers to consider a bill next session that would make it easier for them to get credit for conserving water.
Is Colorado ready for forced Colorado River cuts? State official says it might be time to develop a plan.
September 5, 2025
Water officials have debated how, and whether, to plan for the prospect of forced cuts in the future. Colorado’s top water cop is moving that conversation to the next step.
Water conservation takes center stage at 2025 Colorado Water Congress in Steamboat Springs
September 5, 2025
As the Lee Fire tears through more than 137,000 drought-parched acres in northwest Colorado — now the fifth largest wildfire in state history — hundreds of water experts and policymakers gathered just miles away in Steamboat Springs for the 2025 Summer Colorado Water Congress Conference
Ranching in the Colorado River Basin
September 5, 2025
Like many agricultural operators nationwide, Western States Ranches is moving toward regenerative agriculture. Higuera says the ranch recently began pursuing certification from Regenified, an organization that certifies producers who adopt regenerative practices.
Ground Zero
July 13, 2023
On June 23, McCandless and partner Bryan Dayton opened CBurger, which slings a simple menu of burgers from a counter at the newly christened Sanitas Brewing location in Englewood.
This Rancher has Radical Ideas About Water
October 25, 2021
If Jim Howell, a fourth-generation rancher in Western Colorado, has a guru, he’s Allan Savory, the champion of intensive cattle grazing even on semi-arid land.
Colorado is Examining Water Speculation, and Finding it’s “All The Problems” in One
May 12, 2021
Melting snow and flowing irrigation ditches mean spring has finally arrived at the base of Grand Mesa in western Colorado.
Think Subdivision; Now Think the Opposite
August 16, 2019
It's a familiar story. A traditional ranch changes hands. Machinery and livestock are auctioned off. Structures are bulldozed.
A Drop in the Bucket
July 12, 2018
A few years ago, farmer Paul Kehmeier decided not to irrigate some of his alfalfa fields for part of the season, and instead take advantage of a pilot program that paid him money to leave his water in the larger Colorado River system.
New Ranch Owners are Open and Welcoming
March 21, 2018
In these days of negative news, it's encouraging to experience a truly positive event in our area.
Sandhill Cranes in the Spotlight
March 21, 2018
Bird enthusiasts gathered last weekend to celebrate the seventh annual Eckert Crane Days. Although the sandhill cranes proved somewhat elusive, the human attendance was comparable to past years.
Eyes on Ag Lands
March 3, 2018
When Colorado River District officials caught wind of investment companies recently buying western Colorado ranches with ample senior water rights, including one north of Fruita, it got their attention.
New Ranch Owners Conscience Bay Co. Taking Hands-On Approach
March 3, 2018
An investment company whose plans for a newly acquired Delta County ranch have drawn the attention of the Colorado River District say they are running the property as it has been run for 140 years.
