High Desert Conservation District

04/23/2026

Precipitation Monitoring and Record Keeping For Farmers and Ranchers
Where: SW CO Research Center 16898 Rd. Z, Yellow Jacket, CO
When: Friday, May 8, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Gain skills for collecting reliable rain, snow and hail information at your individual location. Learn how to use information for insurance and FSA programs.
Noah Newman, Colorado Climate Center
• How to collect and record precipitation information for your individual location
• Learn how to participate in the Community Collaborative Rain Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)
Emily Lockard and Gus Westerman, CSU Extension
• Hands on gauge demo
Kacey Reidel, FSA
• How to use information for FSA programs
Enjoy coffee and snacks while you learn!
Discounted precipitation gauges available for $20 at the training, cash or check please

04/21/2026

There is still time to register! https://col.st/onfdw Drought is something we’re all navigating in different ways—join us on April 23rd from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Lewis Arriola Community Center for a community conversation on agricultural drought management.

We’ll share a meal, hear a few local updates, and spend time talking through what’s working, what’s not, and how producers are adapting across Southwestern Colorado. Dinner is on us—hope to see you there.

04/20/2026

Sign up today for our Drought Management Workshop on April 23rd!

Please register here: https://col.st/onfdw

You don't have to make drought decisions alone!

Join us on April 23rd from 5:30–7:30 PM for dinner, discussion on drought management and insights on water in our region.

Where: Lewis Arriola Community Center, 21176 Rd S, Cortez, CO
RSVP: $5 registration, includes dinner, https://col.st/onfdw

Irrigation and Cropping Strategies During Drought, Todd Ballard;
Regional Water Updates, Gerald Koppenhafer;
Drought Management Discussion, Emily Lockard.

Questions? Emily Lockard 970-570-5497 or Neva Connolly 970 508-0674

04/18/2026

You don't have to make drought decisions alone!

Join us on April 23rd from 5:30–7:30 PM for dinner, discussion on drought management and insights on water in our region.

Where: Lewis Arriola Community Center, 21176 Rd S, Cortez, CO
RSVP: $5 registration, includes dinner, https://col.st/onfdw

Irrigation and Cropping Strategies During Drought, Todd Ballard;
Regional Water Updates, Gerald Koppenhafer;
Drought Management Discussion, Emily Lockard.

Questions? Emily Lockard 970-570-5497 or Neva Connolly 970 508-0674

04/15/2026

Spring Seedling Sale – This Friday! 🌱

High Desert Conservation District is hosting a Spring Seedling Sale this Friday, April 17th from 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM at 628 W. 5th Street in Cortez (parking lot sale).

We still have a limited selection of seedlings available, including:

Evergreens
Wood’s rose
Plums
Serviceberry
Black currant
Crabapple
Chokecherry
Western sand cherry
Box elder
Cottonwood

Online sales are now closed, but you’re welcome to stop by in person to browse what’s left and pick up some great plants for your property.

We look forward to seeing you there!

04/15/2026

This is a long post but may be worth a read if you have perennial landscape plants, alfalfa, winter wheat, or trees. Typically, we are concerned about losing a fruit crop or setting back the first cutting of alfalfa. This year it could mean losing the tree or alfalfa stand itself.
The weather forecast for Friday night and Saturday morning is currently showing a low of 21 degrees Fahrenheit for Dove Creek. These temperatures are not out of the norm for this time of year, but what is out of the norm were the warm temperatures experienced through the month of March and early April.
This can be shown by looking at Growing Degree Days (GDD) that we have accumulated since the beginning of March. GDD show the accumulated time temperatures have been adequate for plant growth and development. According to the Dove Creek CoAgMET Weather station (temp thresholds set to a base of 50 degrees/max 85 degrees), the historic average of Growing Degree Day Accumulation for April 14th is 221.2 GDD. This year we are currently at 347.9 GDD. This explains why our fruit trees are blooming and other perennial plants have broken dormancy.
At these growth stages many of these plants have lost winter hardiness and are at significant danger to cold temperatures. We all understand that these temperatures will most certainly have large impacts to blooming fruit crops. The difference this year is that our trees (All trees out of dormancy) have lost winter hardiness and are at risk of damage or mortality. This goes for any tender perennial plant that has broken dormancy. For small trees and flower gardens, plants should be covered with frost cloth, sheets, or whatever may be available. This is not possible for everything but should be strongly considered.
Crops are also at significant risk from this event. Alfalfa crops in the area have begun actively growing. After breaking dormancy alfalfa can be injured at temperatures lower than 24 degrees Fahrenheit. Many of our alfalfa crops are also to the point where these low temperatures could potentially damage the crowns of plants causing plant mortality. It will be recommended to sample alfalfa crowns next week to determine the extent of damage or crop mortality.
Winter Wheat can also be at significant risk of injury. Some of the local winter wheat crops have begun the “jointing” stage or Feekes Stage 6. This is a critical period where the plant’s growing point moves above the soil and is susceptible to damage at temperatures below 24 degrees Fahrenheit. Wheat in the “boot” stage or Feekes Stage 10 is susceptible to damage at temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
The main factor that may help in this situation is topsoil moisture. Moist soils are more insulated to temperature changes than dry soils. The hope is we go into Wednesday and Thursday with moist soil and get enough sun to warm the soil which can provide protection from crop damage or mortality.

04/14/2026

Worried about water? Join us on April 23rd from 5:30–7:30 PM for dinner, discussion on drought management and insights on water in our region
Where: Lewis Arriola Community Center, 21176 Rd S, Cortez, CO
RSVP: $5 registration, includes dinner, https://col.st/onfdw
Agenda: Irrigation and Cropping Strategies During Drought, Todd Ballard;
Regional Water Updates, Gerald Koppenhafer;
Drought Management Discussion, Emily Lockard.
Questions? Emily Lockard 970-570-5497 or Neva Connolly 970 508-0674

04/08/2026

Agriculture Drought Management Workshop

Join CSU Extension - Montezuma County and High Desert Conservation District on April 23rd from 5:30–7:30 PM for dinner, discussion on drought management and insights on water in our region

Where: Lewis Arriola Community Center, 21176 Rd S, Cortez, CO

When: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 5:30 PM-7:30 PM

RSVP: $5 registration, includes dinner, https://col.st/onfdw

Agenda: Irrigation and Cropping Strategies During Drought, Todd Ballard; Regional Water Updates, Gerald Koppenhafer; Drought Management Discussion, Emily Lockard.

Questions? Emily Lockard 970-570-5497 or Neva Connolly 970 508-0674

04/03/2026

⚠️ Protect your operation—join us April 7! ⚠️

High Desert Conservation District and CSU Extension – Montezuma County are hosting a Liability & Risk Management Workshop designed specifically for farmers and ranchers.

Learn how to better protect your operation, your assets, and your peace of mind:

✔️ Farm & ranch insurance options
✔️ Risk management programs through FSA
✔️ Agritourism liability (farm tours, events, visitors)
✔️ Practical strategies to reduce on-farm risk

Whether you're hosting events, expanding your operation, or just want to make sure you’re covered—this workshop will help you understand your options and avoid costly surprises.

📅 April 7, 2026
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 First National Bank Cortez

📞 Questions? Call 970-508-0674

👉 Join us and get ahead of risk before it becomes a problem!

04/02/2026

🚨 Don’t miss this opportunity! 🚨

The Ranching for Profit Workshop is coming up April 10–11, and there’s still time to sign up!

Join us for two days of practical, hands-on learning focused on improving profitability, decision-making, and long-term resilience in your ranching operation. This workshop is led by Dallas Mount and is designed for producers who want to take a closer look at the business side of ranching.

✔️ Understand the key drivers of profit
✔️ Learn practical tools for better grazing and financial decisions
✔️ Gain strategies to build a more resilient operation

Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your approach, this workshop offers valuable insights you can apply right away.

📅 April 10–11
📍Lewis Arriola Community Center, 21176 Rd S, Cortez, CO 81321

👉 Sign up now to reserve your spot!

For questions or to register, contact us at 970-508-0674 or https://high-desert-conservation-district.booqableshop.com/products/ranching-for-profit-2-day-workshop .