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Agriculture San Luis Valley
e salute the dedicated men and women of the agriculture industry, who play such an important role in keeping our Valley’s economy strong. Their commitment to producing a thriving variety of crops and livestock requires long hours, risk and hard work. For all of their contributions and for all the fruits of their labor, we thank our farmers and ranchers for bringing so much to the table.
in the
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Valley Publishing 852-3531 • 835 First Ave. • Monte Vista
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Spring Agriculture in the San Luis Valley
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Potato growers face uncertainty BY CHELSEA MCNERNEYMARTINEZ
SAN LUIS VALLEY—Local potato growers are looking at a number of possible uncertainties this growing season, from the obvious water uncertainty due to the mild winter, to changing transportation regulations and fluctuating federal policies on trade and immigration. However, not everything is negative with the outlook for potatoes, with new marketing campaigns and high prices expected to promote potatoes through the summer. According to the Farm Bureau, the Department of Transportation’s Electronic Driving Log (EDL) regulations have been extended another 90 days from March 18. The new regulations will “restrict a driver to only 14 on-duty hours, with no more than 11 active driving hours. Once a driver hits those maximum hour allotments, he must stop and rest for 10 consecutive hours.” The recent omnibus spending bill included a provision that exempted livestock drivers through the end of the fiscal year 2018 but that exemption did not extend to other ag drivers. Local growers and trucking companies around the country are concerned about finding drivers who are willing to work with the new regulations as it will likely make their trips and time away from home longer. Immigration policies are also currently in flux, leaving local growers concerned about labor during the growing season. Colorado Potato Administrative Committee Executive Director Jim Ehrlich, along with other potato growing states’ executive directors and state managers went to
Washington D.C. last week to meet with their respective lawmakers, expressing their concerns about how immigration policies, trade policies and potential aspects of the Farm Bill can affect potato growers. Specific issues Ehrlich will be advocating for retaining in the Farm Bill include keeping the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program operating, ensuring that the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) includes $80 million in competitive grant funding for all specialty crops, enhancing the APHIS Pest and Disease programs, improving the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Program and supporting enhanced funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) export program. Trade is also a concern for local growers, with American growers currently involved in a lawsuit over Mexico’s ban on American potato imports beyond the 16-mile strip on the border, citing what American growers call unfounded phytosanitary concerns. President Trump’s threats to remove the US from NAFTA , as well as the escalating trade tariffs and allusions to a possible trade war with China are also making potato growers uneasy. One out of every five rows of American potatoes is exported. “Canada, Mexico and China comprise three of the top five export markets for U.S. potato products. We are monitoring this situation closely and reinforcing the value of U.S. potato exports to the economy,” said Kam Quarles, vice president of public policy for the National Potato Council (CPAC April 2018 newsletter). According to CPAC Assistant
File photo
Good news for potato growers are prices are currently significantly higher than last spring, currently about nine dollars per cwt, with spring 2017 prices at about seven dollars per cwt. Director Linda Weyers, the good news for potato growers are prices are currently significantly higher than last spring, currently about nine dollars per cwt, with spring 2017 prices at about seven dollars per cwt. The demand for potatoes is remaining steady and is expected to maintain through the summer. “As long as the quality of what’s being shipped out stays good, which it should, the price should stay up,”
Weyers said. Also a more positive development, Potatoes USA will launch a new marketing campaign this July. The “What are you eating?” campaign will target athletes, both professional and “everyday athletes” reintroducing potatoes as fuel for athletic performance and emphasizing their ability to push athletes to compete against themselves and beat their “personal best.” The market campaign includes ads of
athletes bettering themselves when fueled by potatoes and encourages competitions on social media and at events to create potato-centric meals that boost athletic performance. The videos also subtly juxtapose the artificiality of athletic and protein bars with the more natural and effective potato products, all “as a reminder to athletes lagging behind, that with potatoes, they could be leading the pack.”
Secretary Perdue appoints Colorado FSA State Committee Mattive appointed
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Committee appointees earlier this year. The State Committee is respon-
sible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving appeals from the agriculture community, and helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs. The State Committee members appointed for Colorado include: • Nathan Weathers – Yuma • Alex Rock – Wray • Committee Chair Jo Stanko – Steamboat Springs • Robert Mattive – Monte Vista
• Glenn Hirakata – Rocky Ford The Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs. The agency offers farmers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. FSA continues to conserve natural resources and provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private,
commercial credit, including special emphasis on beginning, underserved and women farmers and ranchers. Under the direction of Secretary Sonny Perdue, the USDA will always be facts-based and datadriven, with a decision-making mindset that is customer-focused. Secretary Perdue leads the USDA with four guiding principles: to maximize the ability of American agriculture to create jobs,
sell food and fiber, and feed and clothe the world; to prioritize customer service for the taxpayers; to ensure that our food supply is safe and secure; and to maintain good stewardship of the natural resources that provide us with our miraculous bounty. Understanding that we live in a global economy where trade is of top importance, Secretary Perdue has pledged to be an unapologetic advocate for American agriculture
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Spring Agriculture in the San Luis Valley
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Reservoir rehab project goes to Phase 2
CENTER — The San Luis Valley Irrigation District Board of Directors on Wednesday, April 4, voted to award Moltz Civil LLC: Moltz Contractors and Moltz Construction, as principal contractor for the completion of Phase 2 of the Rio Grande Reservoir Rehabilitation Project located above Creede in the upper Rio Grande. On March 21 the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) approved a funding request by the district in the form of a nonreimbursable investment grant and a low interest loan for the Rio Grande Reservoir Rehabilitation. On March 26 the district held an informational meeting at the Center High School auditorium for landowners to learn more about the project with presentations by the design engineers and engineering consultants. The district then held a landowner election April 3 for the shareholders to decide if they would like to enter into a contract with the CWCB for the grant / loan proposal regarding the project. The election process went well with nearly 90 percent of the
voting electors in favor of moving forward with the CWCB contract and the project. Mobilization by the contractor to the project area at Rio Grande Reservoir can be expected to begin mid-summer this year with most of the work conducted during the winter months in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The San Luis Valley Irrigation District will provide proactive public outreach prior to and during the project construction period. The district plans to provide regulatory agencies, local governments and other stakeholders on project status and anticipated construction activities over the next two-year period. This will be a historical event for the San Luis Valley as well as for the upper Rio Grande community. The district plans to work diligently towards minimizing impacts to the river for all shareholders involved during the construction period. Anyone with any questions Courtesy photo about this project, please call the San Luis Valley Irrigation District The San Luis Valley Irrigation District Board of Directors at their special meeting on Wednesday office located in Center at 719- are clockwise from top left, Terry Chiles, Mark Beiriger, Tuck Slane, Randall Palmgren and Sheldon Rockey. At the left end of the table is SLV Irrigation Superintendent Rob Phillips. 754-2254.
Groundwater rules case in judge’s hands STAFF REPORT
ALAMOSA — Although courtroom testimony concluded two months ago, the groundwater rules trial did not officially end until the second week of April. Colorado Division of Water Resources Division 3 Engineer Craig Cotten updated Rio Grande Roundtable members on Tuesday, April 10 that the trial was formally completed the day before. He said responses to proposed written rulings were due on April 9. Attorneys had submitted their proposed rulings a few weeks previously, and Chief District Judge/Water Judge Pattie Swift had given both sides time to respond to each other’s rulings. That deadline was Monday. “As of yesterday the judge has everything she needs to go forward,” Cotten told the water group on Tuesday. He expected a ruling from the judge in the next four to six months. The state engineer had promulgated rules for the Rio Grande Basin (San Luis Valley) governing groundwater, and the majority of the objections to those rules were settled short of trial. However, the judge heard testimony regarding outstanding issues during a trial that lasted about two and a half weeks the end of January and beginning of February Judge Swift will now review testimony, documentation, exhibits, arguments and proposed rulings to determine whether to approve the groundwater rules as presented by the state, approve them in some modified form or send them back to the drawing board. Some of the stated purposes of the groundwater rules are to protect senior water rights, promote sustainability and uphold the state’s Rio Grande Compact with downstream states. The rules require wells in the basin to make up for the injuries they have caused surface water rights. The rules also designate the basin’s irrigation season.
The rules affect hundreds of well users throughout the Valley including farmers, ranchers and municipalities. Then State Engineer Dick Wolfe filed the rules with the court in the fall of 2015, with 30 parties subsequently filing statements of opposition, about half of which were actually in support of the rules. Judge Swift had scheduled an eight-week trial to deal with issues raised in the objections, but she shortened the trial period considerably after most of the protests were resolved before the trial began on January 29 of this year. Witnesses included water and engineering experts as well as farmers who will be affected by the rules. The trial concluded on February 14, with the judge allowing closing arguments to subsequently be submitted in writing. Cotten also updated water users on Tuesday on ongoing litigation between the states of Texas, New Mexico and Colorado, who are all parties to the Rio Grande Compact. The litigation made the annual compact meeting in Austin, Texas on March 29 a bit strained, but Cotten said things went fairly well, “as well as could be expected with three states involved in a Supreme Court lawsuit.” He added, “I think we were able to reach an agreement with the big issues we have every year.” The lawsuit between the states (Texas versus New Mexico and Colorado primarily regarding water deliveries below Elephant Butte Reservoir in New Mexico) has been going on for about five years with little progress, Cotten explained. The special master racked up about $700,000 in fees and got one ruling out during that time. The Supreme Court has replaced him with a new special master now handling the case. The new special master is a senior judge from Iowa who has served on the federal court of appeals. Cotten said although the new special master does not have a lot of experience in water law, at least he has been a
judge before. “He knows how to move things along,” Cotten said. “He’s moving things along fairly quickly in setting up some deadlines and meetings, so I think we are going to see some movement on this case pretty soon.” The new special master also receives a regular salary, not $500 an hour like the former special master.
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Spring Agriculture in the San Luis Valley
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Drought looms again and could limit crop size BY TERESA L. BENNS
and organic carrots in its California, Arizona and Colorado locations. The farms grow organic carrots for Gerber Baby Foods and Hain Celestial, as well as other organic food suppliers. Southern Colorado Farms also is a contract grower for Fresh Express, Dole, and Taylor Farms pre-packaged lettuce and spinach products. Farm workers process and package the lettuce on conveyor/processing plants brought right to the fields. The vegetables are then immediately transported to the Skyview Cooling Lettuce warehouse in Center for refrigeration Lettuce acreage has not changed until it is shipped. much over the past five years, but Southern Colorado Farms General Carrots Manager Amy Kunugi reported in Grimmway Farms came to the 2017 that 950 acres of lettuce were Valley in the 1990s to escape the harvested at the from the farm’s drought in California. The company various acreages, a little better than then weathered the Colorado drought average. that began here in 2002, to see Southern Colorado Farms is the plentiful harvests again in 2015-2017. primary lettuce grower in the Valley. Like any other crop, carrot Some 820 acres of iceberg and some production could be down if the romaine lettuce were planted at the drought continues. A lack of sufficient farm near Center, Mike Jones with water can make carrots less sweet Skyview Cooling in Center said last to the taste. But having survived spring. previous drought years, carrot Summer weather was favorable in producers will no doubt get through 2017 and the yields were good. Some 2018 as well. 200 seasonal laborers were brought Grimmway Farms, headquartered in with the federal H2A program, in Bakersfield, Calif., is the primary “so we had plenty of help,” Kunugi producer of carrots in the Valley. reported last fall. California produces 85 percent of all According to its website, Southern carrots grown in the U.S. Colorado Farms was founded in 1977 to focus on key specialty crops for Alfalfa regional eastern markets. Major crops Typically, drought years result grown are lettuce, romaine, spinach in decreased alfalfa and hay yield, CENTER — According to the Colorado Drought Monitor report for April 14, 2018, southern Colorado is experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions, with water restrictions and crop losses a concern for those planning crops like lettuce, carrots, alfalfa, etc. In the past, drought has meant a downward turn in lettuce production. Unless spring rains begin soon. The drought will impact ag producers of all types, not just lettuce growers.
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although the experts observe that alfalfa — with its deeper root system — fares better than grass hay which puts down more shallow roots. Lack of moisture can affect the number of hay cuttings during a given season. With southern Colorado in a severe to extreme drought the production outlook is not good,
although early rains could change this picture to some extent. This in a year when hay exports have set a record. If producers are unable to apply early water to their alfalfa fields, production will be down. But if irrigation water is available later in the growing season, farmers might be able to get in an extra cutting.
Some forecaster believe El Nino could return in the fall and lessen the drought. Hay production in Colorado depends greatly on rain in the spring, which so far has been lacking. Water from mountain snowpack is scarce this year and farmers rely on that through the rest of the growing season.
Colorado Ag Day celebrated in March DENVER—In March, the state came together to celebrate Colorado Agriculture Day, which is often said to be the most popular day “under the golden dome.” It’s when the governor, legislators, farmers, ranchers, chefs, and many more celebrate the abundance of agriculture at the State Capitol. With an estimated 900 people in attendance, the event was highlighted by a cook-off competition that featured the teaming up of local chefs, lawmakers and ag representatives, creating dishes with Colorado-grown foods. The event – hosted by the organizations that make up the Colorado Agriculture Council – also took time to recognize the ag industry’s incredible generosity to those in need. According to Bob O’Connor, executive director of the Weld Food Bank and chair of the Feeding Colorado Board, Colorado’s ag industry is continually one of its biggest supporters. In 2016, the ag industry’s product and monetary contributions to Colorado’s five Feeding America food banks totaled up to $16,085,678. Each year, Colorado Agriculture Day takes place during National Ag Week, and showcases all that Colorado’s industry does for our state, highlighting its efforts in feeding Colorado’s 5 million-plus people, its stewardship of our resources, and its $40 billion economic impact – a top two or three contributor to the state’s economy each year. “This is the day we look forward to the most during the entire 120-day session,” Gov. Hickenlooper said in his remarks on Wednesday, referring
to the popularity of Agriculture Day at the Capitol and the cook-off competition among state lawmakers. “It’s an enjoyable event, but it’s also a time that we take a moment and truly reflect on how good we really have it here in Colorado, thanks to our ag industry.”
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Colorado Cattlemen’s Association award goes to local family Cattle outlook for 2018 BY TERESA L. BENNS
CENTER—On Jan. 16, at the annual Colorado Cattlemen’s Foundation Banquet, Shane and Beth Temple of Center, owners of T-Heart Ranch were chosen as the 2017 Outstanding Seedstock Producer of the Year. In the press release for the awards The Cattleman’s Association wrote: “Shane and Beth had a humble start when they purchased 30 commercial cows in 1995 to today having a 2,800 head ranching operation near LaGarita, Colo. T-Heart Ranch currently maintains the registered Simmental and SimAngus cowherd to produce their replacements and the registered SimAngus bulls for their annual High Altitude Bull sale held each March. “Their L-Cross ranch runs a mostly commercial cowherd of Angus and SimAngus cattle to produce bred replacement females that they market each December through the HighAltitude Female Sale. “They are located in the high elevation of the San Luis Valley where the lowest elevation on the ranch is at 7,680 feet, so the Temples are very conscious of High Altitude Disease. Since the heritability for this disease is high, they are carving out a market needing genetics that can survive the
harsh conditions of high elevations. “Shane and Beth, as well as their four children, Shelby, Lindsey, Ashley and Coy are a genuine ranching family and run an impressive operation. From all reports, the Temples and other ranching families will have a good year for running cattle if drought and high wildfire dangers do not adversely impact production in Colorado. 2018 cattle outlook According to statistics gathered by CattleFax (https://www.agweb.com/ article/get-the-facts-and-projectionson-2018-from-cattlefax/), 2018 will be a profitable year for most. Projected prices this year are $135$180 per cwt for a 550-pound steer calf for an average of $158, which is $7 less than last year. The price for a 750-pound steer is estimated at $135$160; an average of $145, which is $1 less. The fed steer price is projected at $110-$130; $115 average, which would be $6 less than last year. Beef production rose three percent over 2017 totals. Cold carcass rate is averaging 822 pounds, 10 pounds more than last year, but three pounds less than in 2016. Consumer demand and market flexibility are keeping the market afloat, CattleFax reports. Beef and poultry demands are predicted to hit record highs over the next several years. Demand is rising both in the U.S as well as internationally. U.S.
Courtesy photo
Shane and Beth Temple with their two daughters at the Colorado Cattleman Awards Banquet in January. CattleFax meteorologist Art Dougbeef exports are estimated to increase by six percent this year, which trans- las says La Nina has created signifilates to three billion pounds of total cant drought in about two-thirds of the nation. Continued hot and dry condiexports in all. But experts warn that the increased export rate must continue, or the abundant supplies will overwhelm the market, driving prices down. Hay prices are expected to increase by $15-20 a ton and weather risks could drive prices even higher.
tions are forecast for the western and southern plains. Here may be hope, however, Douglas said, as it appears El Nino may resurface in the fall.
Colorado Centennial Farms & Ranches application now open DENVER̾ History Colorado is seeking eligible applicants for the 2018 Centennial Farms & Ranches ceremony to be held at the Colorado State Fair in August. To earn recognition as a Colorado Centennial Farm or Ranch, a property must: Have remained in the same family continuously for 100 years or more. Be a working farm or ranch. Have a minimum of 160 acres— however, properties with fewer
than 160 acres can qualify if they gross at least $1,000 in annual sales. Properties that have four or more well-maintained structures— that are at least 50 years old—are also eligible for a Historic Structures Award. Applicants must provide information about the history of their property and its buildings and demonstrate that the farm or ranch meets the program’s requirements. If they are
applying for a Historic Structures Award, applicants must submit photos of the eligible buildings or structures. The Colorado Centennial Farms & Ranches program honors the important role agriculture has played in our state’s history, economic development, and modern-day well-being. The program is a collaboration between History Colorado and the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2018. To apply or learn more, please visit www.historycolorado.org/centennial-farmsranches or call 303-866-3392.
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Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Tipton learns about hemp industry in Del Norte
DEL NORTE— Thursday U.S. Representative Scott Tipton (RColorado) spent time at the new Trading Post store located at 505 Grande Avenue. Tipton was there to meet with Monte Robertson, CEO of San Luis Valley Hemp Co., and Shanan Wright and Dion Oakes who own and operate Wright-Oakes Farm. Rep. Tipton is gathering information on the Colorado Hemp Industry in preparation for upcoming legislation. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky and Senate Majority Leader) has announced that he will introduce legislation to remove hemp from the controlled substances list and legalize it as an agricultural commodity. Rep. Tipton said “If this bill advances through the Senate it stands a very good chance of also passing in the House of Representatives.” Robertson is a hemp processor; Shanan Wright and Dion Oakes are farmers raising Industrial Hemp commercially. The three men speak clearly and factually about the challenges and roadblocks businessmen are facing in what was once a thriving American industry. They shared first-hand information about crop insurance, business insurance, banking regulations and
other legal limitations imposed on hemp because of its current substance listing. This impotent cousin of the marijuana plant does not require the acres of pesticides and herbicides farmers traditionally have to pay for. There are benefits to field conditions when potato farmers use hemp as a rotation crop. Another cost savings is the limited water needed to grow hemp. Water usage will become a local crisis again this summer with the lack of snow in the mountains. Robust processing facilities are critical to the successful utilization of hemp. The entire plant can be utilized in some form or another. Robertson shared that by this fall’s harvest he will be ready to process seed in a significant way. Sustainability depends upon buyers for the harvested crops who will convert the plant into products for other uses. These uses can include medicinal, food, plastics, cloth, paper, bio-diesel and others. These uses do not require processing facilities costing tens of millions of dollars. Without enough processing capabilities, what’s grown in the field can outpace what can be sold. That was a stumbling block that set back
Courtesy photos
Left to right: at edge is Jeff Owsley, Scott Tipton, Shanan Wright, Monte Roberston, and Brenda Felmlee Canadian production when it first embraced the hemp industry. Like any ag industry it requires a holistic balance of USDA, CDA, Dept. of Revenue, and banking to succeed. Representative Tipton listened and asked very specific and pointed questions, which Robertson, Oaks and Wright were able to answer in detail. They also shared some personal, successful anecdotes they have already experienced here in the Valley.
Scott Tipton and Monte Roberston
Project will aid water data collection
STAFF REPORT
ALAMOSA — A nearly $100,000 project is in the works to help gather data more quickly to make better water decisions in the San Luis Valley. Rio Grande Water Conservation District Staffer Chet Tokarsky on Tuesday, April 9 presented a preview for a funding request that will formally come before the Rio Grande Roundtable next month. The Rio Grande Water Conservation District (RGWCD) will be requesting $67,912 from the roundtable towards a proposed $90,550 groundwater level telemetry project. Sub-district #1 will make up the difference. Tokarsky explained that the project will provide more frequent groundwater monitoring information in the general area encompassed by the first water management sub-district in the Valley. This general area has been the subject of a long-term aquifer storage study, he said, that has recorded the changes in the aquifer levels since the mid1970’s. The area encompasses about 335,000 acres. Tokarsky said Sub-District #1 has been operating for several years now with the goal of replacing well pumping injuries to senior water rights as well as recovering the aquifer to a more stable level.
Those goals can be more efficiently met through the proposed groundwater telemetry project, according to Tokarsky. He said observation well data could be retrieved more than once a day (as opposed to monthly now) and shared with water users and the general public so efforts to monitor and control water use could be more immediate and more effective. This would provide a more targeted approach to water management, Roundtable Board Chairman Nathan Coombs added. “We are going to have to be more surgical, if you will,” he said. RGWCD General Manager Cleave Simpson added that this will assist in focusing efforts and incentives on specific areas. He said this kind of information is long overdue. The data will also help improve the groundwater model relied upon to determine where and how much water needs to be replaced to senior users as a result of well pumping. Tokarsky described the components of the proposed 20-plus telemetry units, which include pressure transducers, vented cables and telemetry housing devices. If funding comes together, the units will be installed late this year and be operational by February of 2019.
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Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Spring Agriculture in the San Luis Valley
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Potatoes USA chooses leadership Center’s Sheldon Rockey to co-chair Industry Outreach Committee
DENVER—The Potatoes USA, 2018 annual meeting came to a close in March with the election of a new board chairman and executive committee. Dan Moss of Declo, Idaho was elected to serve as Chairman for the coming year. Jaren Raybould of Saint Anthony, Idaho and Phil Hickman of Horntown, Va. were elected to co-chair the Domestic Marketing Committee; Marty Myers of Boardman, Ore. and Steve Streich of Kalispell, Mont. were elected to co-chair the International Marketing Committee, Sheldon Rockey of Center, Colo. and Heidi Randall of Friesland, Wisc. were elected to co-chair the Industry Outreach Committee, Chris Hansen of Bliss, N.Y. and Eric Schroeder of Antigo, Wisc. were elected to co-chair the
Research Committee and Jason Davenport of Arvin, Calif. was elected to chair the Finance and Policy Committee. In his acceptance speech, Moss thanked outgoing Chairman John Halverson of Arbyrd, Mo. for his excellent leadership this past year. Moss noted all of the progress that has been made in the research programs as increased funding has been secured for potato production and nutrition research. He praised the new Potatoes & Performance Strategy and expressed his excitement for the “What Are You Eating?” execution revealed at the meeting. He compleminted the marketing staff for all of the work being conducted in the international markets and the resulting continued growth in exports but cautioned that he is concerned about the negative trade environment and potential impacts on exports. Moss is looking forward to working with the executive committee members to further the Board’s mission to Strengthening Demand for U.S. Potatoes.
Courtesy photo
Front row: John Halverson of Arbyrd, Mo.; Jason Davenport of Arvin, Calif.; Dan Moss of Declo, Idaho; Sheldon Rockey of Center, Colo. and Phil Hickman of Horntown, Va.; back row: Heidi Randall of Friesland, Wisc.; Chris Hansen of Bliss, N.Y.; Eric Schroeder of Antigo, Wisc.; Jaren Raybould of Saint Anthony, Idaho; Steve Streich of Kalispell, Mont.; Blair Richardson, Potatoes USA CEO and Marty Meyers of Boardman, Ore.
Lower than average precipitation will affect fire season BY LYNDSIE FERRELL
SAN LUIS VALLEY—The Valley, like the majority of the state, experienced lower than average precipitation levels for the 2017-18 winter season and the results will affect the surrounding area for the rest of the season. Though local Forest Service and weather officials cannot predict the weather, certain precautions are being put in place to ensure the safety and security of forests and natural habitats in the area. According to the Colorado 2018 Seasonal Outlook report released for the Rocky Mountain region, specifically Colorado, by the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center, it states, “Beginning in the fall of 2017, weather patterns have resulted in precipitation and snow pack deficits, particularly in southern Colorado. Statewide Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) levels at SNOTEL sites are at 69 percent of average, compared to 111 percent in April of 2017. Multiple SNOTEL sites are at the lowest SWE levels recorded, in some cases since the mid-1970s. Previous years with similar low snow pack levels had a high correlation to increased acres burned in May through June. Drought conditions have expanded and intensified since 2017, with the majority of southern Colorado
currently being in the Severe to Extreme drought categories.” “Factors continue to line up for an above average fi re season for the southern portion of Colorado for the fi rst time since 2012 and 2013. Large fire potential for April is expected to be average across the state, with the exception of above average potential in southeast Colorado. Above average large fire potential is expected to expand across the southern half of the state in May and continue to expand further north across most of Colorado in June and July. Average severity conditions are forecast for northern portions of the state. However, conditions could change based on fl uctuations of weather patterns. There is less certainty with outlooks for late summer and early fall. La Nina conditions are forecast to weaken later this spring, with an average onset on the Southwest Monsoon expected in early July. Delayed weakening of La Nina conditions could lead to a later than average onset of the Southwest Monsoon and thus longer period of above average fire potential across southern portions of the state.” The report continues to state that the weather in the next few months will be dry and windy, with an increased chance of wildfires in the state. “Strong winds combined
Farm Credit patronage to be distributed soon
MONTE VISTA— Farm Credit of Southern Colorado (FCSC), a rural lending cooperative serving southern Colorado, will distribute a $3.75 million cash patronage to its customer owners. Nearly $33 million has been returned to stockholders over the last 10 years. As a Farm Credit of Southern Colorado borrower, customers become a member of a cooperative – a business that is owned and controlled by those who use its services. As a cooperative, FCSC can return a portion of its profits to its members, the owners, in the form of a patronage refund.
“One of the most important financial benefits of being a Farm Credit member-borrower is having the opportunity to share in the association’s profits,” said Jeremy Anderson, FCSC president and CEO. “While most other lenders are returning profits to investors, by sharing our success with our member-borrowers, we are returning money to agriculture and the rural communities where our customers live and do business.” The amount is based on the co-op’s solid 2017 financial results and was approved by the board of directors. Checks will be issued to eligible customers at the end of March.
with low relative humidity events remain a concern into early summer. Long range predictors point towards above average temperatures and average to below average precipitation levels in Colorado during the core fire season (June-July-August).” With the conditions being what they are, officials are urging people to take measures now to help prevent the spread of wildfires. With high winds during the spring in the Valley, it is especially easy to spread wildland fires from a single spark. Some easy prevention tips include taking care of trees and bushes on properties, clipping off and properly
disposing of dead branches, cleaning out rain gutters and properly installing screens on open attic vents. Local fire departments and Forest Service officials are always willing
to help with ideas on how to keep local property owners safe. For the full report, please visit, https://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/predictive/outlook/Seasonal_Outlook.pdf.
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Wednesday, April 18, 2018
San Luis Valley water outlook still abysmal S TAFF R EPORT
ALAMOSA — Major streams in the San Luis Valley will be running with less than half their average flows, and some spots will dry up this season. Colorado Division of Water Resources Division 3 Engineer Craig Cotten delivered the bad news on Tuesday, April 9 during the Rio Grande Roundtable’s April meeting. Cotten had been predicting a dryer than normal water year for some time. However, the forecasts are now firmer for the irrigation season, which began early this year so farmers could utilize what little water there will be this year. “We don’t have to deliver any water during the irrigation season to meet the obligation to the compact. We can take all the water that we have,� Cotten said, “which isn’t going to be very much.� He added, “We are going to have low stream flows in both the Conejos and Rio Grande. I am sure we are going to dry up the Conejos and potentially the Rio Grande in some spots.� Cotten’s current forecasted annual index flow for the Rio Grande is 300,000 acre feet, which is 46 percent of the long-term average, and the forecasted flow for the Conejos River system is 140,000 acre feet or 44 percent of the longterm average. The obligations to downstream states to meet the Rio Grande Compact can easily be met with wintertime flows, Cotten explained, so curtailments during the irrigation season will be zero. He said the obligation on a flow of 300,000 acre feet for the Rio Grande would be 75,000 acre feet and the obligation on the Conejos would be 16,000 acre feet. The Conejos has already delivered 12,000 acre feet to downstream states during January, February and March, Cotten explained, and he expected the Conejos system would deliver about 6,000 acre feet more in November and December, so “we will be over-delivered at least on the Conejos if the 140,000 turns out to be accurate.� He added that the final flow could vary depending on factors
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such as future rainfall. He said the National Weather Service is predicting below-average precipitation through June but “equal chances� of average precipitation from July through September. Snowpack as of Tuesday put the Rio Grande Basin second from the bottom in the state. The San Juan Basin sat at 41 percent and the Rio Grande Basin at 42 percent of average while some basins in the state such as the South Platte were at 100 percent. “As you get farther south, it gets less and less,� Cotten explained. Even within the basin, there are areas that are in worse shape than others, he added. For example, the Alamosa/Trinchera sub-basin, which runs from Alamosa to Trinchera Creek, is at 31 percent of average and the Sangre de Cristo’s at 26 percent. “It’s not real good anywhere,� Cotten said. The Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) forecasts for the rivers in the basin range from 50-51 percent at best for some of the rivers in the basin to 15 percent for Sangre de Cristo Creek, “the worst of all as far as the forecast,� and Cotten believes most of the NRCS forecasts are too high. “They are just not going to have much flow at all, unfortunately,� he said. It could be worse, however, Cotten added. “We are above 2002 for the basin but not very much on our forecasts.� Although this year’s forecast for the Rio Grande is 300,000 acre feet or 46 percent of the long-term average, that’s still twice as much as the flow in 2002, which only saw 150,000 acre feet on the Rio Grande during that drought year. In a separate presentation on Tuesday, Jeff Derry, executive director of the Center for Snow & Avalanche Studies shared similar news from a different perspective and showed data illustrating a trend of warmer, dryer years with earlier runoff peaks over time. “I think you are all aware what’s going on and how abysmal everything is this year,� he said.
Photo by Ruth Heide
Forecasts for the Rio Grande this season are less than half the long-term average. He shared snow course data at various elevations on April 1 that proved his point. For example, the snow course data for Pool Table Mountain, elevation 9,840 feet, is the worst year on record since 1950, and snow course data at La Veta Pass, elevation 9,440 feet, is the lowest since the 1960s. Derry showed trend lines for various areas from the 1930s forward that indicated snowpack was less and less over the years. He said in the Rio Grande Basin, areas that used to routinely have 15 inches snow water equivalent now experience around 10. He added that data is also showing that the snow is melting and streams peaking earlier than in the past. In 2002 the Rio Grande’s high flow occurred about a month earlier than it typically had. He said he did not know if this year would be comparable. In addition, Derry shared analyses reflecting warmer minimum temperatures and less precipitation during the winter in recent years than historically.
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