Did you know that according to the USDA Census of Agriculture, nearly 50 percent of all farmers in Colorado are women? Women are a growing driver of our local economies, helping to feed and fuel all of us in Southwest Colorado.
On March 5 and 6, Colorado State University (CSU) Extension of Archuleta and La Plata counties are proud to bring a unique conference to the fairgrounds in Durango. While open to everyone, we created an event that will bring together women from around the region to talk about what it takes to move beyond surviving and focus on thriving in this occupation.
Dr. Heather Shotton, president of Fort Lewis College, will welcome everyone together. Keynote speaker Dr. Theresa Larson will help us find our own resilience through understanding what challenges us and how to rise to the occasion. Dr. Becky Bolinger, a former CSU climatologist, will give us tools to better understand the changes in our climate and how to improve our sustainability practices. We will close with Beth LaShell, director of the Old Fort, who has a lifelong relationship with agriculture from the Midwest to Colorado and an incredible legacy to share.
Not only will there be amazing keynote speakers, but a ton of presentations, workshops and vendors (and of course free goodies), all coming from a place of experience, expertise and wisdom to help us learn how we can take better care of our land and animals, as well as ourselves.
Workshops will range from ranchers to ag business professionals; drone and robot specialists; and orchard, veggie and viticulture experts. We are elated to share that we will also have women from the Southern Ute farming community to share their knowledge, history and farming experiences as a true example of resilience.
Other exciting highlights to this incredible conference include free child care, meals prepared by local chefs and a “wellness” room to take care of yourself. We are even providing a “dinner and a movie” night on Thursday to celebrate the amazing work taking place in Colorado’s agricultural community.
This unique conference is open to everyone, of course, but with special attention to the women who make this industry what it is and what it can be in the future.
For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/WomeninAgDGO or email cindi.galabota@colostate.edu.
Heather Houk is a CSU Extension horticulturalist in La Plata County and Cindi Galabota is the CSU Extension director in Archuleta County.
Learn to Can Raspberry Jam class
Join us at the Archuleta County CSU Extension building on Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. for our Learn to Can Raspberry Jam class.
Terry Schaaf will lead participants through up-to-date canning recommendations, food safety and high-altitude canning basics. Participants will make and take home a jar of raspberry jam during this hands-on workshop.
Preregistration is required, and the cost to attend is $25. Make it a date night, come with your bestie or come on your own and learn to can raspberry jam.
To register, visit Archuleta.extension.colostate.edu or call (970) 264-5931.
When you have questions, CSU Extension has research-based answers. Contact your Archuleta CSU Extension Office to learn more about high-elevation food preparation.
Email list
Do you want to be added to our email distribution list to learn about upcoming programs and the latest resources? Email cindi.galabota@colostate.edu to be added to our list.
Or, to learn more about the many programs, resources and services offered by CSU Extension, visit https://extension.colostate.edu.
Seed potatoes, seed onions
Seed potatoes and seed onions are for sale. Place your order today for Colorado certified and non-GMO seed potatoes. Five varieties of potatoes are available. Order by April 30 and pick up your potatoes May 12, 13 and 14 at the CSU Extension Office. Visit https://archuleta.extension.colostate.edu or call (970) 264-5931to learn more and place your order today.
CPR and first aid classes
CPR and first aid certification classes are offered every other month at the CSU Extension office, generally on the third Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost for the classes is $80 for combined CPR/first aid and $55 for CPR, first aid or recertification. Call the Extension office at (970) 264-5931 to register.
Check out the online option on our website, https://archuleta.extension.colostate.edu/.
Join the fair board
Join the Archuleta County Fair Board and make history. Be a part of preserving the rich heritage and timeless tradition of the Archuleta County Fair and help plan the 75th anniversary Fair in 2026.
You’ll contribute to an annual tradition that brings our community together, supports local agriculture and creates lasting memories for generations to come. To learn more, contact Tonya Steadmon at tsteadmon@archuletacounty.gov or (970) 264-5931.
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