20I6
SAN LUIS VALLEY FAIR D N A b
SUMMER AGRICULTURE
See What’s Happening at the Fair, and Get Updates on Agriculture
JULY 31, 20I6 Valley Publishing 835 FIRST AVE. r MONTE VISTA, COLO. 719.852.3531
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SLV Fair & Summer Agriculture
July 31, 2016
San Luis Valley Fair adds days, events
STAFF REPORT
SAN LUIS VALLEY — San Luis Valley Fair attendees will have a full week to enjoy livestock shows and competitions, fashion and dog shows, special events and time with family and friends. New this year, the SLV Fair will include weekend dates to provide an opportunity for those who are working during the week to attend. “We are trying something different,” said Fair Manager Denise Witherspoon. “We will put on events on the weekend so more people can come.” She said the fair also includes new events this year, team roping on Friday night and a tractor pull on Saturday night. Also new this year will be a cow pie bingo on Thursday, Aug. 11. Only 200 tickets (at $10 each) will be sold, with winnings of up to $1,000. On the theme “Pulling for a Change,” the fair will begin on Thursday, August 4, and conclude with the popular livestock sale on the following Thursday, August 11. Events are held at Ski Hi Park in Monte Vista.
Witherspoon said there will also be new food vendors and educational booths. “I am excited about the changes we are doing this year,” she said. The fair also has a web site where folks can find the entire schedule, forms and other information. See www.sanluisvalleyfair.com/ Set up will begin on Thursday morning, August 4, with a horse exhibitors’ test in the morning and check-in for breeding livestock and dairy goats in the afternoon. Friday’s events will include 4-H/ FFA project interviews and judging, as well as open class judging. Friday shows include the breeding beef show, goat shows, 4-H horse show and the breeding sheep show. The dairy goat milking competition will also be held that day. The new team roping event will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5. Saturday’s events will begin with a breakfast from 7-10 a.m. hosted by the Monte Vista Ambulance crew. The market swine showmanship event will be held that afternoon, and the new tractor pull event will begin Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m.
in the arena. A free car seat checkpoint will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday’s events will include the 4-H dog show as well as livestock shows. On Monday, August 8, shows include poultry, rabbit, market sheep, market swine and the 4-H working ranch horse show. Tuesday begins with the Sangre de Cristo FFA alumni-sponsored pancake breakfast from 6-9 a.m. and concludes with the fashion show at 7:30 p.m. Livestock to be shown on Tuesday will be market beef and market goat. Enjoy Barnyard Olympics at 4 p.m. on Tuesday and the FFA/Blue and Gold Showmanship at 6 p.m. Wednesday morning’s breakfast will be hosted by the Alamosa County Council from 7-10 a.m. Contests that day include cake and cupcake decorating and robotics. The 4-H Gymkhana will also be held on Wednesday, with the horse awards ceremony following. Also scheduled for Wednesday are goat roping and round robin showmanship.
a great worry recently, the pests could resurface at any time, and the potential for economic damage from the pests can be substantial. This year, Ehrlich says, it could be tough to combat nematodes if a problem does arise, because an explosion at a DuPont chemical plant near Houston, Texas last year, killing four workers, has led to a shortage of the primary pesticide used to combat nematodes in various root crops. Sugar beet growers also could be affected. Vydate has suspended production since the incident in November so federal and Dupont officials can conduct an accident investigation and make sure the plant is safe to reopen. Currently, the company reports, the chemical is the only one in use to control nematodes. However, recent research carried on in the Valley shows bio-control products and microbial innoculants also are effective in controlling nematode infestation. Agro Engineeering, Inc,
in Alamosa, and Russell E. Ingham, Professor and Research Nematologist, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, conducted the research. The investigators detailed their studies in a progress paper for the Colorado Potato Administrative last year. They assessed the effectiveness See NEMATODE on Page 8
Nematode biologicals for potato pest prove effective
Editor’s Note: The following story includes information from an April interview with Jim Ehrlich; updated information on this year’s potato planting, etc. was not available at press time.
BY TERESA L. BENNS
MONTE VISTA — Potato acreage will remain about the same this year, Colorado Potato Administrative Executive Director Jim Ehrlich said in an April 2016 interview, and potato prices at this time appear to have edged up slightly from last year. Last year about 52,000 acres of potatoes were planted. The price of Valley white potatoes in 2015 brought anywhere from $9.25-10.50 per 50-pound carton, depending on size. Of course the crop growth and quality each planting season always depends on weather, soil conditions, pest problems and water supply, with nematodes being the main pest concern for potato farmers. While nematodes in the local potato crop have not been
Photo by Teresa L. Benns
White potatoes are in full bloom with the Sangre de Cristo mountain range showing in the background.
Photo by Sylvia Lobato
Alycia David prepares some detailed molds during the cake decorating competition during the 2015 San Luis Valley Fair. Her “crazy cake” drew ribbons in general competition Thursday, August 11, will be the Fair board members include: Lisa grand finale for the fair featuring Brown, James Cooley and Chad many fun events from model rocket Mortensen, Alamosa County; Bob launch competition, kids rodeo and Peterson, Melissa Booth and Jason mud volleyball to the 4-H dinner, pie Kreps, Conejos County; Wendy Fischer, auction and the livestock sale, with a Tomas Meastas and Christina Rodribit of cow pie bingo thrown in. guez, Costilla County; Betsey Strawn, Witherspoon applauded the fair Mineral County; Nick Malone (board board, superintendents and volun- president), Dale Becker and Peter Clark, teers for their efforts and support. Rio Grande County; Deanna Bartee, “They are just amazing,” she said. Barbra Davis and Jake Olson, Saguache “I could not do it without them.” County; and Tim Biggs, at large.
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SLV Fair & Summer Agriculture
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Alfalfa crops price down, harvest up
BY LYNDSIE FERRELL
SAN LUIS VALLEY— According to crop consultant and agronomist with Cactus Hill Farms, Maya ter Kulie-Miller, alfalfa crops around the Valley are seeing a rise in quality and harvest amounts. Though the numbers are almost double what they were in previous years, the crop prices have dropped by more than half, leaving area farmers barely able to break even in costs. “The first cutting went really well and had high quality,” said ter Kulie-Miller. Other reports have confirmed that prices are dismal compared to last year’s and growers are finding themselves in a dilemma. On average, U.S. prices vary from $140 a ton and up; yet this year’s reports show that prices are down to almost $120 per ton, a huge decrease compared to other seasons. Though prices are falling, quality is rising and the industry is suffering because of it. The need for alfalfa has not changed over the years, even though reports say that prices are expected to remain the same for the time being. Growers will continue to alternate their crops with other species like potatoes and barley within the Valley. “Relative seed levels are well above 200, which is excellent,” said ter Kulie-Miller. Alfalfa crops cover roughly 130,000 acres of the San Luis Valley and create a large portion of economic income for the farmers that grow it. This year’s crops have had significant challenges to face so far, yet seem to be maintaining a healthy growth. It is considered the second most successful crop in the Valley next to potatoes. Once the alfalfa has been planted, growers leave the plant alone for
three to five years. After a considerable amount of time the plant is removed from the crop and replaced with potatoes. The alfalfa provides many nutrients that the potato crop needs to be healthy. Precipitation can be a bittersweet enemy for many ranchers and growers in agricultural areas like the Valley. Alfalfa crops require a certain amount of time to dry on the ground once the plant has been cut. During the drying process, growers must watch the cuttings for signs of mold, mildew and insect infestation. Alfalfa is typically used to feed livestock and must meet certain health standards before it can be shipped to other areas. High precipitation can cause any number of issues within this area of agriculture. The first cutting of the season rated at 93 percent, making it excellent for livestock. The second cutting has only just begun and ter Kulie-Miller did not have numbers as of mid July. The second cutting from last season rated at a 21 percent. Most of the area ranches had late crop plantings because of the precipitation, making the crop late all together. According to the crop progress report, most of the precipitation was concentrated within the Valley and western parts of the state. The season started rather cold and then warmed up nicely according to ter Kulie-Miller, which in turn has helped increase the quality of the crop. Precipitation levels are down significantly from last season, which has also helped with the amount of alfalfa growing in the region. Some of the crop growers have reported damage from intermittent rainstorms that have laid the plant down, lowering the quality and value of the cutting.
Alfalfa crops around the Valley are preparing for the second cutting of the crop for the 2016 season. Prices are down and quality is up making it a buyers’ market and leaving growers barely able to break even. Aphid infestation is also lower this management plan or IMP. ter fowl populations to help control a year, but with the sweet comes the Most growers prefer to use the bio- grasshopper infestation. sour. “Grasshoppers are abundant logical manipulation by introducing All in all, the crop is doing well this this year for a reason we have not yet natural enemies to the pests attacking season and growers are eager to see determined,” said ter Kulie-Miller. the crops. For example, alfalfa grow- the prices increase in order to balance Most area growers utilize an active ers in the Valley depend on local wa- quality with price per ton. program that can be found on the Department of Agriculture website that gives a weekly update on insect infestation as well as suggestions on how to get rid of the particular insect. Many of the crops across the Valley participate in what is known as an integrated pest management plan for when and if the crops are attacked. The plan helps growers fight pest infestations without causing harm to the plants or the environment. The plan is a long-term based management strategy that uses biological and habitat manipulation according to the definition of an integrated pest
has increased. Considering heifers, steers and cull cows, 19 to 22 percent of beef products come from the dairy sector. And 30-36 percent of this beef comes from Holsteins, the most predominant dairy breed, (http:// lmic.info/publications/in-the-cattlemarkets). One Valley rancher said last year that herd numbers are the lowest since 1951, but should go up because producers are retaining more heifers. Holsteins, once viewed as poor quality beef, now are considered more acceptable in the market place thanks to improved weaning practices. Overall, Internet reports show,
cattle futures hit new lows this month. Corn prices also have increased, driving production costs higher. Warmer than usual weather contributed to the corn price increase. Corn had dropped in price last year and the year before. Markets also have been negatively affected by the recent rise in the U.S. dollar’s value. The U.K.’s exit from the European Union occasioned the rise, making beef exports more expensive. Ranchers are advised to watch carcass weights, which should increase until winter. Last week the U.S. Dept. of AgriPlease see CATTLE on Page 8
Photo by Lyndsie Ferrell
Dairy market cattle production up
BY TERESA L. BENNS
SAN LUIS VALLEY — According to recent statistics, dairy cow herds have increased over the years with over 9.3 million head counted in dairy cow herds nationwide last year, and accounting for 57 percent of total cow slaughter in 2015. According to the CSU extension website, there were an estimated 82,000 beef cows and calves and over 300 dairy cows in the San Luis Valley in 2013. It is estimated there are about 130,000 dairy cows in the state. The number of beef animals harvested in the past several years has been low and the dairy steer supply
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SLV Fair & Summer Agriculture
San Luis Valley Fair Schedule th
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Thursday, Aug. 4
July 31, 2016
August 4-12, 2016
Saturday, Aug. 6
8 a.m.-12 p.m. Fair Set Up 10-11:30 a.m. Horse Exhibitors Test MCMULLEN BUILDING 4-6 p.m. Breeding Livestock Check In 4-6 p.m. Dairy Goat Check In
Friday, Aug. 5 INDOOR BUILDING 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Open Class Check In 8-11 a.m. 4-H/FFA Project Check In 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 4-H/FFA Project Interview Judging 1–5 p.m. Open Class Judging LIVESTOCK PAVILLION 9 a.m. Breeding Beef Show MCMULLEN BUILDING 8 a.m. Dairy Goat Show followed by Milking Competition 1 p.m. Breeding Sheep Show 3 p.m. Breeding Swine Show/Mike Kelley Memorial Open Barrow Show 5 p.m. Production Meat Goat Show ARENA 7 a.m. Horse Check In 8 a.m. 4-H Horse Show 7 p.m. Team Roping Breeding stock check out by 9 p.m.
INDOOR BUILDING 7-10 a.m. MV Ambulance Breakfast MCMULLEN BUILDING 8-10 a.m. Market Beef Check In/Weigh In 8-10 a.m. Market Goat, Sheep & Swine Check In 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Market Swine Weigh In 12-1 p.m. Market Goat Weigh In 1-2 p.m. Market Lamb Weigh In 3 p.m. Mandatory Exhibitors Meeting McMullen Building Arena 3:30 p.m. Market Swine Showmanship POOL PARKING AREA 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free Car Seat Checkpoint ARENA 6:30 p.m. Tractor pull
Sunday, Aug. 7 INDOOR BUILDING 9 a.m. 4-H Dog Show MCMULLEN BUILDING 6-8 p.m. Rabbit & Poultry Check In
Monday, Aug. 8 MCMULLEN BUILDING 9 a.m. Poultry Show 10 a.m. Rabbit Show 2 p.m. Market Sheep Show followed by Market Sheep Showmanship 5:30 p.m. Market Swine Show ARENA 8-8:30 a.m. Horse Check In 9 a.m. 4-H Working Ranch Horse Show
Tuesday, Aug. 9 Courtesy Photo
Isaias Minchaca and Keaton Fischer of Costilla County run their robot for points in the SLV Fair Robotics Competition.
INDOOR BUILDING 6-9 a.m. SDC FFA Alumni Pancake Breakfast 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Fashion Revue Practice & Judging 7 p.m. Fashion Show
July 31, 2016
SLV Fair & Summer Agriculture
San Luis Valley Fair Schedule August 4-12, 2016
August 4 Continued
LIVESTOCK PAVILLION 9:30 a.m. Market Beef Show followed by Market Beef Showmanship MCMULLEN BUILDING 2 p.m. Market Goat Show followed by Market Goat Showmanship 6 p.m. FFA Blue and Gold Showmanship ARENA 4 p.m. Barnyard Olympics Release non-sale rabbits & poultry from 5-6 pm. Release of other non-sale animals may begin after last show. Non-sale animals must be out of McMullen Building by 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 11.
Wednesday, Aug. 10 INDOOR BUILDING 7-10:00 a.m. Alamosa County Council Breakfast 9:30-11:00 a.m. Cake Decorating Contest 9:30-10:30 a.m. Open Cupcake Decorating Contest 2-3:30 p.m. Robotics Competition ARENA 8 a.m. 4-H Gymkhana The Horse Awards Ceremony will be held after completion of the Gymkhana on the Indoor Building Stage. MCMULLEN BUILDING 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Goat Roping 5 p.m. Round Robin Showmanship
Thursday, Aug. 11 SPORTS FIELDS 9:30 a.m. Model Rocket Launch Competition TBA Mud Volleyball INDOOR BUILDING 4:30-7 p.m. 4-H Dinner 5 p.m. FCE Pie Auction Dance immediately following the Sale ARENA 12 p.m. Kids Rodeo MCMULLEN BUILDING 5 p.m. Cow Pie Bingo 6 p.m. SLV Fair Junior Market Livestock Sale
Friday, Aug. 12 8-10 a.m.Release 4-H/FFA Projects 8 a.m. Tear Down/Clean Up - all 4-H/FFA exhibitors
th 4 1 1
Photo by Anthony Guerrero
A dog show will once again be held during the San Luis Valley Fair. The dogs and their handlers will demonstrate the ability to maneuver through obstacles and provide evidence of high obedience training.
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July 31, 2016
Water remains big issue in SLV
SAN LUIS VALLEY—From exciting rafting to abundant trout to local irrigation to praying for just a few more feet in New Mexico and Texas, the Rio Grande is lifeblood for places along its meandering path. That’s water on top of the Earth. What about places that must depend on irrigation to survive? The San Luis Valley is 8,000-squaremiles of flat lands where only some seven inches of rainfall annually, so it isn’t a surprise when a farmer cancels a dinner engagement with the comment, “my water is coming in.” Rapidly exchanging suit and tie for coveralls and tall boots, the head gate becomes his most important place to be. While rainfall is scanty, a deep artesian aquifer and a shallower underground reservoir store vast amounts of water. The days of abundance are gone, however. For the past 10 years, those resources have been drained by record drought and state control of wells has been a distinct reality. The Rio Grande Basin, which is home to the fertile San Luis Valley, has been vulnerable to the tragedies that befall common resources — problems that will only worsen in the drier years that climate change is expected to usher in. Farmers are accepting that agriculture has outgrown its water supply, fallowing many acres that once were home to cash crops. The annual harvest, mostly of
potato, barley and alfalfa, is worth some $300 million, keeping small towns alive. It all revolves around irrigation water. Cleave Simpson, general manager of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, pointed to the creation of Subdistrict No. 1 and planning for five others to come on line as a partial solution. Inspired by the forced shutdown of groundwater wells along the South Platte and Arkansas rivers, groundwater users in the Valley devised the subdistrict as a voluntary mechanism in which groundwater users taxed themselves to restore the aquifer. “Subdistrict No. 1 is unique in that it’s a community solution to a community problem,” he said. Since its creation in 2012, the subdistrict, which takes in the most densely irrigated area in the valley, has reduced groundwater pumping by a third among its roughly 3,000 wells. Lawmakers also heard how the Valley’s projects place an emphasis on having multiple benefits for multiple user groups. One of the four examples included the Rio Grande Cooperative Project, which funded the rehabilitation of two reservoirs and invested in software to research the timing of their water releases. Partners included Trout Unlimited, the San Luis Valley Irrigation District, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy
District. With uncertainty surrounding state funding for water projects, officials in the San Luis Valley hosted state lawmakers in mid-July with an eye toward reminding them why the region was a good investment. Local water officials applauded initiative water users have undertaken to solve their own problems and the collaboration they’ve displayed in implementing water projects with multiple partners and benefits. “We used to have an attitude that’s adversarial,” said Nathan Coombs. “That’s dissolving away.” His remarks were directed at the Water Resources Review Committee, which held a two-hour hearing and earlier in the day toured a string of projects in the south end of the valley. Coombs is the manager of the Conejos Water Conservancy District and he also heads up the Rio Grande Basin Roundtable. Since lawmakers created the roundtables in each of the state’s major river basins in 2006, none have secured as much funding as the $12.8 million the Rio Grande did for its 29 projects. But the revenue stream used by the state to fund roundtable projects faces some uncertainty. The Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting projects the severance tax on oil and natural gas producers, a portion of which goes toward water projects, will decline by 77.6 percent, from $218 million to $63
BY SYLVIA LOBATO
Brent Alderfer, president of Community Energy, Inc., is enthusiastic. “Thanks to Xcel Energy’s ‘Solar On The Bill’ program and KeyBank’s industry leading financing, we can offer long-term solar power to electric customers who want to make solar happen, without putting it on their roof.” Other solar panels are on the roofs of homes, on the ground near dwellings and on movable structures outside of homes. Antonito Solar was installed on 3.5 acres of an old illegal dump by Namasté Solar Electric using ReneSola solar modules and ATI single-axis trackers. With this latest tracking technology the solar modules follow the sun each day as it tracks from east to west, allowing the project to generate 1,114,000 kilowatt hours of fuel-free, solar-generated electricity each year, about enough to power more than 100 homes. Business buildings across the area have installed solar panels on their roofs, schools have solar arrays either on the buildings or nearby and the value of the San Luis Valley’s “cool sunshine” is evident to those who take
advantage of it. In fact, the remote Summitville Superfund site has harvested some of Antonito’s garden and cut its electrical costs in the process. While solar panels wouldn’t work at the high mountain mine reclamation site, tying into the array on the flatlands below did. This isn’t confined to Conejos County. In December 2015, utility of-
Courtesy photo
In Saguache County, a solar farm contrasts with crop circles as harvest time approaches. million, this year. the proposed fund juggling until they The decline is due to slumping oil consider the water projects bill in next and natural gas prices and also to a spring’s session. state Supreme Court ruling in the “It will require your support,” spring on tax deductions for producers Smith said. of oil and natural gas. Regardless of that potential funding Travis Smith represents the Rio fix, local officials used the hearing to Grande basin on the Colorado Water bring home why the Rio Grande basin Conservation Board, which admin- was a good place to park state funds. Just what role Mother Nature will isters and gives final approval to play as climate change becomes approjects from the roundtables. He told lawmakers the board was parent is one of the big “ifs,” and so is working on a way to redress the fund- available funding and money that may ing decline and could vote on a pro- be coming. Will “my water’s coming posal when it meets later this month. in” be replaced by “the funding has Lawmakers would likely not see been approved?”
Harvesting sunbeams big business
SAN LUIS VALLEY—Getting “off the grid” has become important to millennials buying small “ranchettes” and working to live there. Important to all of them is use of the San Luis Valley’s abundant natural energy. They, like some surrounding communities and established agriculture, are harvesting sunbeams. Most of the large arrays tie in with existing electrical and natural gas usage among subscribers, while settlers working to get off the grid still maintain small generators to supplement the sun’s largesse. Statewide, rooftop solar jumped 50 percent last year, the number of active community solar programs spiked 80 percent, and 27 state legislatures or utility commissions nationwide took up net-metering reform as debates raged about how much to compensate homeowners for excess power sent to the grid. The San Luis Valley is a perfect place for solar, with vast expanses of barren land and more than 300 days of sunshine each year. This takes into consideration not only days with bright sunlight, but times of partial sunshine. Basically, these are days when solar panels will collect energy and store it away for future use. In January 2015, Community Energy, Inc. announced completion of 500 kilowatts of community solar generation in Antonito, and 44 commercial and residential customers subscribed to receive power from the project under a long-term service agreement that allows customers to receive a 10 percent discount on their electricity costs. Crestone has long offered residents a cut of the sunshine pie, while other small communities are getting on board. As a community solar project under the Colorado Community Solar Gardens Act, subscribers receive a credit for solar generation from the project directly on their utility electric bill. This is now being offered to consumers around the San Luis Valley.
Photo by Jennifer Alonzo
The Rio Grande runs through much of the Valley.
ficials flipped the switch on Colorado’s newest, huge solar power plant, a 50-megawatt solar power plant covering 320 acres at Hooper in the San Luis Valley began sending power to Colorado customers of Xcel Energy Inc. The plant can generate enough electricity to serve about 13,500 average Colorado homes, Xcel said.
Large solar farms around the area were once the nation’s largest, but are rivaled by installations in other desert areas, as well as far away lands such as Dubai. It all boils down to one thing. Harvesting sunbeams is both profitable and economical, not to mention a clean way of powering the area.
July 31, 2016
SLV Fair & Summer Agriculture
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Hemp reaching to the sky in Valley
BY LYNDSIE FERRELL SAN LUIS VALLEY— Jim and Lisa Strang opened their hemp farm several years ago in hopes of helping people with a variety of ailments, including pain management, by using the hemp plant. The farm has grown in acres and popularity in recent years due to the increase and legalization of the marijuana plant in Colorado. Strang and his wife have been spreading the word and educating the public in the differences between hemp and marijuana, as well as the many benefits the hemp plant can produce compared to its psychoactive counterpart. Cannabidiol, which is the active ingredient found in hemp plants, is used to create oils, lotions and other types of materials used in pain management. Otherwise known in the industry as CBD, Cannabidiol can be found in both the marijuana and hemp plants, yet does not possess the psychoactive traits of Tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC). Hemp plants can be genetically altered to contain high amounts of CBD and low amounts of THC in order to be used for other products like paper, rope, fabric and even food. Strang stated that though there are no documented results through scientific research, he has seen the effects of CBD oil first hand. Strang and his wife recently witnessed a miracle in their home concerning the family dog that
was diagnosed with stage four cancer. A local veterinarian gave them the news and told them that there was not much they could do for the beloved pet, other than to take it home and make it as comfortable as possible. Having had other instances throughout his hemp career, Strang opted to begin giving the family pet a dose of CBD oil three days after the diagnosis. The Strangs continued this routine for well over three months, watching with amazement as the dog began first to eat, then to become more aware and finally returning to the dog they had come to love. Strang returned to the veterinarian for a checkup, only to find that the animal tested cancer free the second time blood work was completed. “We can’t say for certain that the oil helped, but Lisa and I both know it did,” said Strang Due to the lack of research done on the product, researchers have suggested against the use of CBD oil as a remedy for any kind of illness in animals or humans. Strang also stated that his veterinarian advised him to stop giving his dog the oil because the extended use had begun to toxify the animal. Strang states that more research needs to be done in order to figure out the correct formula for using CBD oils as a healing remedy. Green Acres Hemp Farm provides lotions, oils, sandals and clothes made out of the hemp plant. There are also studies nationwide that show the plant
can be used for many things including biofuel. Their website contains several testimonial stories at www.greenacres. com where they also provide online shopping and descriptions for all of their products. Hemp regulations According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture(CDA), regulation section 8, CCR 1203-23 that passed in March of 2015, there are two types of registration a hemp grower must complete either for commercial or personal hemp crops. The regulation states that any hemp plant must be monitored under an entity of higher education or through the Department of Agriculture, making the commercialization of the plant and its potential products very difficult to produce. The CDA has the right to randomly inspect any hemp crop for THC levels and quality of the plant. The drug percentage of THC cannot exceed more than three-tenths of one percent in order to pass inspection. The CDA must also approve any seeds being used in the U.S. and growers must prove that production of the plant, when harvested, is done in the U.S. as well. Not only do growers have to face all of these challenges that still remain in the hemp business, but research and experimentation of growing the plant continues as well. Hemp crops have been illegal for almost 50 years now,
Lettuce harvest; crop good BY TERESA L. BENNS CENTER — Chief Financial Officer Mike Jones with Skyview Cooling in Center says the lettuce crop this year is very good and harvest began July 8, with little in way of weather to slow things down. “The weather’s been ideal,” he said. “Very little wind and the heat in June and July made the plants really flourish.” While there was a labor problem last year, this year Skyview went with a program through the Department of Labor that brought workers to the Valley on visas from the southern and interior regions of Mexico. This year’s lettuce outlook is much the same as last year’s, Jones said this spring, with little change in the market pricewise or in the number of acres planted. Last year Southern Colorado Farms planted 830 acres of mainly iceberg and some romaine lettuce varieties. Pricing for the crop is also projected to be about this same this year as last year. “The market has been very stable for the last three years,” Jones said. “We had favorable weather last year and we loved the rain but it did cause some difficulty with mildew.” According to Jones, not much of
what the farm grows is sold in the Valley, although some of the Iceberg lettuce grown by another local producer, Charles Johnson, probably circulates back through City Market and Safeway. Southern Colorado Farms 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 Skyview Cooling’s warehouse for refrigeration until they are shipped. Southern Colorado Farms also grows organic carrots for baby food suppliers Gerber and Hain Celestial, as well as other organic food suppliers. Lettuce information Lettuce is usually planted in stages starting May 1 and harvested beginning in mid-July. After the heads are cut, the boxes are transported on special trucks to a vacuum cooler. Head lettuce is then shipped in refrigerated trucks to Midwest and Eastern markets. The cold winters and dry climate minimizes disease and insect problems. Sprinkler irrigation produces a more uniform and higher quality head of lettuce. Lettuce production is centered
Photo by Teresa L. Benns
Farm workers harvest lettuce along Highway 285 just outside Center. in Center because of the location of the vacuum cooler plant. The vacuum cooler, trucks and crews move seasonally from Yuma, Ariz., to southern New Mexico to the San Luis Valley for the summer, and then back to New Mexico and back to Yuma, Ariz., for the winter.
Courtesy photo
Green Acres Hemp Farm has had a plentiful crop this year and will produce almost double during harvest from previous years. which makes finding the prime location for the crop to grow somewhat of a mystery. Several hemp growers are trying new strategies and growing operations to learn what type of climate and conditions the plant needs to grow abundantly. Strang has been a staple in farmer markets around the Valley, spreading the word about this miraculous plant and all it has to offer. “We have seen a huge increase in people coming to visit our booth. People are really starting to get interested, which is great,” said Strang. Whether visitors are merely curious about the plant or have personal experiences to share with Strang, it seems that their efforts to educate the public are finally paying off. Strang also reports that their crop is at an all-time high. Strang explained
that the plants are over six feet tall this year and the crop is so thick, he can barely walk through the rows. Between the heavy moisture and even the dry periods throughout the Valley, the crop is flourishing and will produce about 11 pounds of useable product an acre. The industry is well on its way to becoming a steady crop in the Valley. Though it has not been confirmed, Strang states that there is an interest from Adams State University to begin research on the plant and the ability to grow crops in the area. Strang and a partner are also working to get licensing for a production plant near Green Acres Hemp Farm. “Whether it’s me or someone else, I hope to see a plant open here in the Valley in the future and for the industry to continue to grow,” said Strang.
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July 31, 2016
Monte Vista Potato Festival will feature Arch Hooks BY ANTHONY GUERRERO
MONTE VISTA— The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee (CPAC) is gearing up for the 2016 San Luis Valley Potato Festival in Monte Vista. The festival is an opportunity for farmers, workers and community members to celebrate the harvest. Since the potato crop has done well with the increased moisture this year, the 2016 celebration should be a lively event. This year’s festival will take place on Friday, Sept. 9 and Saturday, Sept. 10. For the past several years the Potato Festival has held a free concert at Chapman Park on Friday evening. This year will continue the tradition and will feature Arch Hooks. He is returning to the potato festival by popular demand. Hooks is a multifaceted performer who has performed for 5 million people worldwide. Playing the piano since the age of four Hooks is considered a prodigy. Hooks’ performances are an
incredible musical journey and he has the unique ability to connect with each member of the audience. Known for performing with dark prescription sunglasses because he likes to play piano in the dark, Hooks has released three original music CD’s. They have all been met with great critical reception and the admiration of audiences and fans. The concert begins at 5 p.m. and is surely not one to be missed. During the concert this year a special menu featuring Colorado potatoes will be served and prepared by SpudNation from Denver. According to their website the “soul behind SpudNation is that of freedom and innovation-the freedom to go beyond and do what has never been done before without fear. SpudNation inspires others to embrace the ability to enjoy potatoes through innovative recipes and uses. SpudNation is about the community-farmers, customers, employees and beyond.” After the Friday evening concert the
activities will continue on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. at Chapman Park. The morning will begin with the opportunity for anyone interested to participate in a 5K race. This is not a typical 5K race however. Hosted by the Monte Vista Recreation Department it is filled with potato obstacles such as a potato sock hop. It is sure to be a truly enjoyable and unique racing experience. Throughout the day there will be food, crafts, music, tours, a kid’s carnival, live musical performances and free baked potatoes. Saturday musical entertainment will be provided by San Luis Valley based band Two Weeks in Figi. The popular professional chef cook off and demo will be held on Saturday afternoon. This event brings student and professional chefs from the American Culinary Association to the San Luis Photo courtesy of CPAC Valley. This is usually a crowd favorite Ready, aim… fi re! The potato gun target shoot is one of the at the San Luis Valley Potato Festival. more popular events of the annual festival. Attendees also have the opportunity to try several different potato recipes. There is a tour through downtown the process of growing and producing Monte Vista with several different potato crop. In year’s past this tour dishes available for tasting by visiting has included stops to the Colorado Continued from Page 2 different Monte Vista merchants. State University Research Extension Additional events for fun include Center and Martinez Farms. It is an and harvest begins in early September, require 20 irrigations, a total of 18 continuing through early October. inches of water. Many times the tops the hilarious mashed potato dunk opportunity learn about new varieties of Small whole or cut potato pieces are are killed with a mechanical beater or tank which in year’s past has afforded potatoes, disease control, insect control, planted four to six inches deep; the with a vine-kill agent to set the skins residents the opportunity to dunk local water consumption and other elements leaders such as members of the police which are involved in the grow process. row width is usually 34 inches. Most properly. of the potatoes grown in the Valley Harvest requires lots of labor and department, city council and the mayor. Tour participants may also get to see are red potato varieties and about two lots of trucks. Some growers will There are also several activities geared machinery used in the production and percent of the yellow varieties also are harvest for 30 days before they are towards children such as the potato deco- transporting of potatoes in live action. The San Luis Valley Potato Festival is grown here. done. Nearly all the potato crop rating contest and potato sack race. Most Plants emerge in early June, tubers will be put into storage before being activities at the Potato Festival are free. a tradition deeply related to the culture An event which should not be missed of the area. Celebrating harvest and begin to form in early July, and the washed and sorted in the warehouse, is the potato field bus tour. This tour is agriculture it is one of the best events tops begin to die down in mid-to-late then shipped. High technology potato an exciting educational experience into to appreciate the hard work of local August. The crop is irrigated every storages regulate the temperature and two and one-half to three days dur- humidity as well as providing air flow the potato fields of the San Luis Valley. farmers, workers and to honor their Participants will gain knowledge of contribution to the Valley’s way of life. ing the growing period and this may for the potatoes.
NEMATOES of three bio-control products —Bio Blend, Innovak-25 and MeloCon — which, the report states, “all significantly reduced reproduction of CRKN (nematodes) at the rates and timing of applications used in this trial.” MeloCon suppressed reproduction more that Bio Blend, the report said. Bio-control products tested contain natural enemies of the nematodes as well as crop nutrients. Nematodes are microscopic worms in the soil that cause damage to tubers that can prevent the tubers from being marketable,” Ehrlich explained. “This is the third year we have funded the project. Without Vydate, growers will be looking to try different control strategies this year.” Potato facts from SLV Research Center Potatoes are planted in early May
CATTLE
Continued from Page 3 culture reported: “No trend is available for feeder steers and heifers due to limited current FOB (free on board) trades but a higher undertone noted. Demand moderate to good. Supply consisted of 100 percent over 600 lbs; 49 percent heifers. Unless otherwise stated prices are FOB, (https://www. ams.usda.gov/mnreports/gl_ls165. txt ). The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association website sums up the cattle industry in Colorado as follows: • Cash receipts for Colorado livestock and products total more than $3.7 billion, of which more than 75 percent of cash receipts come from cattle and calves. • Of Colorado’s $3.7 billion livestock industry, 75 percent comes from cattle and calves. • Traditionally, Colorado has around 2.65 million head of cattle each year, valued at over $2.8 billion. • Colorado feeds almost 2 million head of cattle including cattle from other states. • Colorado ranked 10th in the United States in total cattle in the year 2011. • The current concept of feedlots and packing houses used in the United States began in Greeley, Colorado. • Today Colorado is home to 11,600 farms with cattle and calves, 206 feedlots, and 24 USDA certified slaughter plants. • Colorado is the fourth largest exporter of fresh and frozen beef in the United States, (http://www.coloradocattle.org/coloradobeefstatistics. aspx).