MARCH 14-15, 2025 • 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. MONTEZUMA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS,
ADMISSION: ADULTS $5 PER DAY • AGES 16 AND UNDER FREE • AGES 70+ FREE
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BOARD MEMBERS
The Board of Directors is a working volunteer board. Join the team today! Send an email to: fourstatesagexpo@gmail.com.
president Cheyenne Martin
vice president Colton Mikkelson
treasurer Lana Mikkelson
secretary Mary Elliot
board members Josh Carpenter, Emma Mikkelson, Terra Shurr, Zach Martin, Peter Hayes produced by
chief executive officer John Blais
director of multimedia sales
director of media and creative services
director of creative services
graphic design
Jamie Opalenik
Joann Sonday
Tad Smith
Wade Campbell, Gabriel Glenn
special sections editor Hunter Harrell
marketing assistant Raye Burton
sales operations
Gayle Vitarius
advertising sales representatives Natalie Martin, Joe Nelson, Kelly Ozier, Shell Simonson, Michele Wayne
Ballantine Communications Inc. uses reasonable effort to include accurate and upto-date information for its special magazine publications. However, all information comes from a variety of sources and may change at any time for any reason. To verify specific information, refer to the organization or business noted. To view the online version of this guide, visit: www.durangoherald.com
FOUR STATES AG EXPO
MISSION:
To provide a forum for agricultural producers, suppliers and consumers in the Four Corners Region, that will showcase new agricultural technology, offer innovative ideas and advance effective production and marketing of traditional, specialized and alternative agricultural products through education, demonstration and promotion.
Each spring, producers from across the Four Corners region gather to celebrate the community’s agricultural heritage, and provide ongoing education to both improve and preserve the land and agricultural operations for future generations.
This year, the incredible showcase of local agricultural businesses, regional exhibitors and vendors will be located in the main barn. Browse a diverse display of products, supplies and services, including state-of-the-art farm and ranch equipment and livestock management services.
WHEN: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 14-15, 2025
WHERE:
Montezuma County Fairgrounds
The lower barns will host the children’s agricultural activities and events, as well as an animal health and wellness center. This new addition to the show will include a variety of professionals who are here to help producers keep their animals happy and healthy.
The guest clinicians stationed at different locations around the fairgrounds will share their expertise with attendees throughout the event. Learn new skills by registering for one of their demonstrations or workshops.
Don’t miss an exciting opportunity to meet new friends and network with other industry professionals. We hope to see you there!
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Volunteer at the Ag Expo
Four States Ag Expo is a nonprofit organization that relies on support of sponsors to make the annual event a success. Sign up as a sponsor, participate as a volunteer, or become a board member. For more information about getting involved, go online.
fourstatesagexpo.com
Local support is key to success
Without the generous contributions from regional business owners and special partnerships the Ag Expo would be an impossible feat. The two-day event is coordinated by the nonprofit organization, Four States Ag Expo, to provide a forum for farmers, ranchers, producers and suppliers to learn about the latest innovations in agriculture.
The support from these local, regional and national businesses is the key to success for the annual event. While sponsors benefit from advertising at the expo, each contribution ensures its longevity. The Four States Ag Expo board of directors would like to extend our gratitude to these sponsors for supporting agriculture in this community and the largest agricultural exposition in the Four Corners.
Participate in educational workshops
BEGINNER COW
HORSE CLINIC WITH TERRA GRAF
Start with a solid foundation and comprehensive understanding of effective horsemanship skills, such as controlling direction, gait and speed with ease. This clinic begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 15. Text Terra (970) 739-1617 to register. Only 20 spots available.
Cost: Adults $150, Youth $125
ADVANCED COW
HORSE CLINIC WITH MONTE RICCA
Learn how to hone your horsemanship skills and elevate your riding, handling and training techniques. This clinic begins at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 14. Text Terra (970) 739-1617 to register. Only 20 spots available.
Cost: Adults $150, Youth $125
EQUINE DRY SALT THERAPY WITH CHELSEA KITER
Equine dry salt therapy, also known as halo therapy, is a holistic treatment that involves exposing horses to micronized dry salt particles in a controlled environment. Chelsea Kiter offers this therapy, which is designed to support respiratory health, skin conditions and overall wellbeing at Salt of the Earth Ranch. Sessions range from 20-40 minutes. Schedule treatment for their horses at the Ag Expo for a discounted rate. Register online. fourstatesagexpo.com/store.
Cost: $50
ARTIFICIAL
INSEMINATION CERTIFICATION WITH STEPHANIE HESLEP
With over a decade of experience in cattle breeding, Stephanie Heslep provides artificial insemination services to small beef farmers in her local area. Her goal is to equip farmers with the knowledge they need to improve breeding programs. Earn an artificial insemination certification by attending the course Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with an hour break for lunch from noon-1 p.m. Register online. fourstatesagexpo.com/store
Cost: $397
H CLINICS & PRESENTATIONS
STOCKDOG CLINIC WITH JOYCE GEIER
Geier brings 40 years of experience to stockdog clinics and training. She represented the USA four times at the World Sheepdog Championships, and consistently placed in competitive sheepdog trials. Geier believes that while competition measures the dog’s training and the dog-handler partnership, success is ultimately measured by the dog’s ability to accomplish daily livestock management jobs. Whether daily ranch work or competition, Geier focuses on helping participants solve problems and achieve goals. Register at the show.
Cost: $300
SENSEHUB VENCE
Work smarter, not harder. Improve ranching operations and work-life balance through state-of-theart technology. Learn how Vince Virtual Fence helps ranchers better track beef, poultry or swine. The tool is a modern way to make grazing more economically successful. The technology provides a bird's-eye view of the ranch, and can broadcast an invisible fence signal for three-tofive miles, allowing users to set boundaries to protect vulnerable areas and prevent overgrazing. Discover how gathering data can set the farm up for success.
CEDAR SPRINGS FARM
Jake Takiff is transforming an overgrazed Hotchkiss, Colorado ranch into a lush, perennial food forest using agroforestry, strategic water management and rotational grazing. Cedar Springs Farm is a highly-productive and economically viable operation that prioritizes ecological balance. He also works as an ecological engineer and water management consultant for Restoration Agriculture Development, helping fellow farmers and ranchers transition to regenerative practices. Takiff will offer presentations on a variety of topics at this year's Ag Expo. See the schedule for more details about each discussion.
UNDER THE SWELL
Whether on the ranch or in the arena, Under the Swell shares helpful tips on living the Western lifestyle. With over a decade of hands-on experience, Korby Christiansen has the knowledge to provide ranch training for every aspect of the Western lifestyle. Under the Swell not only helps others to boost horsemanship skills and confidence handling cattle, but also assists with honing the fundamental elements like branding, fencing and roping to make a viable living as a ranch hand, or create a ranch of your own from the ground up.
H SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025
9 a.m. Advanced Cow Horse Clinic with Monte Ricca Outdoor Rodeo Arena
9 a.m. Stock Dog Clinic with Joyce Geier Stock Dog Arena
10 a.m. Water Management with Jake Takiff Ag Summit Room
10 a.m. Artificial Insemination Clinic with Stephanie Heslep Health and Wellness Barn
10 a.m. Stretch, Squish, Science
Children’s Barn
Noon Dry Land Regeneration with Jake Takiff Ag Summit Room
Noon Root to Rise: The Magic of Germination Children’s Barn
1 p.m. SenseHub Vence Ag Summit Room
2 p.m. Natural Noxious Weed Control with Jake Takiff Ag Summit Room
2 p.m. Rustic Creations: Leatherwork 101 Children’s Barn
3 p.m. Dr. Clay Mancos Chiropractic Health and Wellness Barn
4 p.m. Q&A with Jake Takiff Ag Summit Room
4 p.m. String Together 4-H Friendships
H SCHEDULE:
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025
Children’s Barn TIME EVENT
9 a.m. Beginner Cow Horse Clinic with Terra Graf
9 a.m. Stock Dog Clinic with Joyce Geier
Dog Arena
10 a.m. Water Management with Jake Takiff Ag Summit Room
10 a.m. Artificial Insemination Clinic with Stephanie Heslep Health and Wellness Barn
10 a.m. Stretch, Squish, Science Children’s Barn
11 a.m. Life Time Regenerative Agriculture with Jake Takiff Ag Summit Room
Noon Dry Land Regeneration with Jake Takiff Ag Summit Room
Noon Root to Rise: The Magic of Germination Children’s Barn
1 p.m. SenseHub Vence Ag Summit Room
2 p.m. Natural Noxious Weed Control with Jake Takiff
2 p.m. Rustic Creations: Leatherwork 101 Children’s Barn
4 p.m. Q&A with Jake Takiff Ag Summit Room
4 p.m. String Together 4-H Friendships
Children’s Barn
H FAIRGROUNDS INSIDE
2025 VENDORS
Horse Feather Designs
Tor’s Decor
Tuxon Ranch
San Juan Wildlife
National Mustang Association
Saddlehorn Ranch
Farm Service Agency
Twisted Twine Halters
Perfectly Primrose
Magnolia Fay's Farm
Kihle Roofing
Sense Hub (Vence Fencing)
Emiko’s Wellness
Alkaline Fields Farm
Humble Fungi
Podunk’s Ranch
Stone Peak Power LLC
USDA Farm Service
The Mine Cart Hot Dogs
F TI Wi-Fi
Empire Electric
Ace’s Auto
San Juan Basin Farm Bureau
Quality Irrigation Solutions
Renewal By Andersen
Republican Women of Montezuma County
Southwestern Cowbelles/ Cattlewomen
American Ag Credit
Stotz Equipment
The Face Place
Pierce Corporation
Bell Beef
American Legion
KITCHEN
Hot Off The Grill
FARMERS MARKET
Crafty Cajun
Breen Mesa Farm
Mike's Coffee
Buffalo Skull Freeze Dried Candy
EQUESTRIAN PAVILION
Under The Swell
OUTDOOR VENDORS
IFA Country Store
Antique Tractor Club
Bruin Waste Management
Hogsback Custom Meats
Mr. Boba’s Lemonade
The Chuckwagon
CHILDREN'S BARN
Tails of Transformation
Four Corners Women in Agriculture
Cortez FFA
Montezuma County 4-H
Mancos and High Desert
Conservation Districts
Corn Bin
Farm Animals
HEALTH & WELLNESS BARN
Salt of The Earth Ranch
Fancy Tale Essence
Mancos Chiropractic
Heslep’s Coastal Cattle
Wild Rose Equine
2025 SPONSORS
Empire Electric
Dolores County Commissioners
IFA Country Store
Barnyard Sheds
Bruin Waste Management
Aaron's Rent-To-Own
Cold Stone Creamery
Southwest Ag
Note: Vendors open 9 a.m.5 p.m. each day. Not all vendor space was filled at the time of publication. This list is subject to change. For a complete list of vendors, visit the website: fourstatesagexpo.com.
H HEALTH & WELLNESS
Try a new approach to animal health
FANCY TALE ESSENCE
Patricia Ann Shay is the owner and manager of Fancy Tale Essence, a company that provides a variety of equine services to support a horse’s well-being. Shay has over 35 years of experience in the field, and she uses holistic healing techniques, such as energy analysis, aromatherapy, body work and massage, reflexology, acupressure point therapy and natural supplementation. Swing through the Health and Wellness Barn during the Ag Expo to learn more about her unique approach to horse health care.
HESLEP’S COASTAL CATTLE
With over 11 years of hands-on experience in cattle breeding, Heslep’s Coastal Cattle offers specialized artificial insemination services for both dairy and beef operations. Certified since 2013, Stephanie Heslep has worked extensively with various beef breeds, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each herd to ensure the highest standards of care. Heslep will bring her practical experience to the Ag Expo and answer questions from attendees in the Health and Wellness Barn.
SALT OF THE EARTH RANCH
Equine dry salt therapy, also known as halo therapy, is a holistic treatment that involves exposing horses to micronized dry salt particles in a controlled environment. At this year’s Ag Expo, attendees can visit the Health and Wellness Barn to learn more about how the therapy works to support performance and recovery in athletic horses, clears airways for better respiratory health, and improves both immune function and skin health.
WILD ROSE EQUINE
Massage therapy for horses helps improve circulation, reduce muscle tension and enhance flexibility. The Cedaredge, Colorado based business, Wild Rose Equine, offers massage and PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) sessions for equine, livestock and pets. It can alleviate pain from injuries or strain, promote relaxation and improve overall mobility. Regular massages also support recovery after intense training or competition, contributing to better performance and overall well-being.
Revive & Relax:
Salt Therapy and Stays in Stunning Hesperus, Colorado
Equine dry salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, is a holistic treatment that involves exposing horses to micronized dry salt particles in a controlled environment. Dry salt therapy offers numerous benefits, particularly for respiratory health, skin conditions, and overall well-being.
KEY ADVANTAGES INCLUDE:
• Clears Airways
• Reduces Inflammation
• Enhances Lung Function
• Boosts Stamina
• Aids in Recovery
• Safe and Natural
• No Side Effects
• Compliments Traditional Veterinary Care
• Possess antibacterial properties to prevent infections
Look for us at the FOUR STATES AG EXPO MARCH 14-15 IN THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS BARN.
Register your horse for an on site dry salt therapy treatment. Working alongside an equine nutritionist, master herbalist and aromatherapist of 35 years.
Registration for equine salt therapy and body evaluations can be found at fourstatesagexpo.com
Come meet us and shop our locally made wellness products for horses!
814.795.4757 | saltoftheearthranch.com 4086 County Road 119 Hesperus, Colorado 81326
Enjoy a fun, educational environment
Many adults that grow up to be agricultural professionals show a passion for animals, the outdoors or farm equipment at a young age. At the Four States Ag Expo, children can explore these interests in a comfortable environment filled with activities and hands-on educational experiences.
CORN BIN
Children can engage in a fun sensory activity at this year’s Ag Expo. The corn bin offers little ones the opportunity to roll around in the corn while working on fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through an immersive experience.
SOIL TUNNEL
Healthy soil is a vital piece of the agricultural puzzle. The High Desert Conservation District invites children of all ages to dig into the dirty details of soil health, such as how to improve nutrient cycling, prevent erosion, and increase resistance to drought conditions.
FARM OLYMPICS
The Farm Olympics is a kid-friendly contest where children can test skills and strength by competing in farm activities. Participants may try their hand at classics, like roping, bucking bales, carrying feed and burlap sack racing.
CHICKEN & PIG CHASE
As a beloved annual tradition at the Four States Ag Expo, the board members are delighted to continue the chicken and pig chase. Children can attempt to catch one of the animals to take home.
ROPING
With a proper introduction to roping skills from local experts, a little practice and a lot of patience, young cowboys and cowgirls can develop an effective technique. As an approachable challenge for all ages, this activity keeps the kiddos engaged and entertained at the same time.
BARREL RACING
The barrel race in the Children’s Barn is a fun, yet safe way for youngsters to combine the thrill of horse racing with the simplicity of the imagination. Children can run through this rodeo-style event on a trusty stick horse to claim bragging rights as a barrel racing champion.
25th Annual
Friday April 4th, 2025 — 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday April 5th, 2025 — 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Classic Car Show Saturday, April 5th, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Montezuma County Fairgrounds Cortez, CO
Admission:
$5.00 per person $3.00 for seniors over 65
FREE ADMISSION for kids under 12 (when accompanied by an adult) Free Parking
Booths: We have limited availability left. Reserve yours TODAY!
Discover opportunities in ag industries
Individuals approach their careers in various ways. Some may aspire to climb the corporate ladder, while others may pursue a career that affords them ample personal time to spend how they see fit. A career in agriculture may offer ample opportunities for individuals to work in the great outdoors, which could make the agricultural sector an appealing industry.
However, the agricultural workforce is shrinking, and has been for some time. Declining interest in the field has also affected the number of farm workers. As more farm operators reach retirement age, fewer young farmers are replacing them due to volatile pricing, high real estate and land costs, steep initial machinery investment costs, and other factors. The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates there are roughly 2.4 million farm jobs that need to be filled annually.
Talented individuals with an array of diverse skills can help shape the future of our agricultural landscape, and the following are just a few of the many careers to consider within this vital industry.
H Equipment technician: Data from the career experts at Indeed indicates agricultural equipment technicians earn an average salary around $65,000 per year. Agricultural equipment technicians maintain and repair existing machines and install new ones, among their many responsibilities.
H Purchasing agent: An agricultural purchasing agent buys products and raw materials at wholesale. Indeed notes that purchasing agents often must meet specific purchasing quotas for processors and work with various clients who supply an array of agricultural products. The national average salary for agricultural purchasing agents is around $51,000 annually.
H Warehouse manager: The receiving, shipping and storage of agricultural materials is overseen by a warehouse manager. Indeed notes that these professionals now routinely utilize artificial intelligence products to manage inventory. Warehouse managers must know and adhere to safety procedures and guidelines that dictate how materials and products are stored. The average salary of a warehouse manager is around $52,000 per year.
H Sales: Like every industry, the agricultural sector requires talented sales personnel. Agricultural sales reps sell materials and products and identify the needs of potential customers. Agricultural sales reps may spend ample time on the road at trade shows. Doing so allows them to identify customers as well as their needs and wants, and promote their own products and services. An ability to foster strong and trusting interpersonal relationships is invaluable for agricultural sales reps, who Indeed reports earn an average of about $60,000 per year.
H Environmental engineer: Environmental engineers play pivotal roles within the industry, and could become even more vital in the decades ahead as the effects of climate change become more apparent. Environmental engineers design and implement solutions that occur on agricultural sites, helping to address issues such as unhealthy soil, insufficient drainage and inefficiencies, among other concerns. A career as an environmental engineer within the agricultural industry can be rewarding and lucrative, with Indeed noting that the average annual salary for this position is a little more than $77,000.
