Most of what Colorado Malting Company produces falls into your standard fare: wheat and barley. But Cody has started tapping into specialty grains too like locally grown quinoa and millet, which is essentially bird feed, shown here. (Luke Runyon/Harvest Public Media)

National Craft Beer Week: Growing Local Beer, Farm to Glass

On May 16, 2013 By

The country’s craft beer industry is growing at a tremendous rate. Last year, more than 400 breweries opened nationwide. In some states, like Colorado, there are so many craft breweries they’re beginning to blend together. As Harvest Public Media’s Luke Runyon reports, in such a crowded field, startups are trying a more unique approach.

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Repairing the Rocky Ford Cantaloupe Image

On May 14, 2013 By

Two years ago, a cantaloupe farm in southeastern Colorado was responsible for the deadliest foodborne illness outbreak in decades. A packing facility there sent cantaloupe infected with listeria, a pathogen known for its high mortality rate, across the country. Since then, melon growers in the renowned Rocky Ford region have been trying to repair [...]

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Vernon Hugh Bowman, who took his case to the Supreme Court, lives outside the small town of Sandborn, Ind.

Supreme Court Rules For Monsanto In Case Against Farmer

On May 13, 2013 By

An Indiana farmer bought soybeans that he knew likely included some with genetic modifications developed by Monsanto. The agribusiness giant sued because it controls the patent on such soybeans. The Supreme Court says the farmer infringed on Monsanto’s legal rights.

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Inspectors to Target Cantaloupe Farms and Processing Facilities

On April 29, 2013 By

Federal food inspectors will start checking cantaloupe farms and other processing facilities throughout the country and here in Colorado for deadly food borne bacteria. As KUNC and Harvest Public Media’s Luke Runyon reports, the increased scrutiny is in direct response to two large-scale outbreaks.

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Fourth-generation farmer Kent Peppler will have a hard time securing irrigation water this year. The ongoing drought has forced cities to hold on to their supplies, which means Peppler will have to fallow some of his fields in Mead, Colo. (Luke Runyon/Harvest Public Media)

Drought Years Challenge Water Agreements between Cities and Ag Land

On April 8, 2013 By

Farmers throughout the Great Plains are preparing for what could be a tough growing season. They’re scrambling to find irrigation water, made scarce by the region’s persistent drought. In eastern Colorado, thirsty cities have gobbled up water rights for decades, selling what they don’t need back to farmers. As KUNC and Harvest Public Media’s Luke [...]

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Seed Library Sprouts on Western Slope

On February 5, 2013 By

A Western Slope public library is trying something new this spring: a seed collection. With a library card in hand, you can check the seeds out, grow the plants, and within nine months, harvest the new seeds and bring them back. Aspen Public Radio‘s Luke Runyon recently spent some time in the [...]

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Want to Live on a Farm in Trinidad for a Month?

On January 9, 2013 By

Our friend Victoria Rust and her family are looking for a short-notice intern to work on their farm in Trinidad, mostly with animals. Here are the details and contact info if you’re interested:

We are looking for a short-term farm intern starting January 16th. The internship would be ending on February 17th. Housing [...]

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Snow Series: Water at the State Level

On January 2, 2013 By

Tackling the issue of low water supplies and increasing demand will be a top priority for lawmakers during the upcoming legislative session. As part of our series on snow, Statehouse reporter Bente Birkeland takes a look at some of the proposals being floated around and talks to state leaders about preparing for the worst.

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Snow Series: Arkansas River Basin, Snow Pack, and Drought

On December 27, 2012 By

For many in Southern Colorado, the Arkansas River is the lifeblood of healthy communities. But the region suffered through this year’s extreme and exceptional drought conditions. And as KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin reports, all along the Arkansas River, people are in some ways, holding their breaths to see what this winter brings.

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Snow Series: Ranches Struggle with Drought

On December 26, 2012 By

Business is booming at cattle sales yards throughout Colorado, but that’s not so good for ranchers. Last year’s dry winter combined with an ongoing drought are forcing the hands of many. And as KVNF’s Ariana Brocious reports as part of our series on snow, without a wet winter, ranchers will be forced to make even tougher decisions next year.

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westernskies_gears

Western Skies: November 2012, “Innovation”

On November 4, 2012 By

It was Thomas Edison who said, “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Edison, of course, is one of the great American inventors. This month, we’re delving into that equation with a look at innovation.

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AM Round-Up: Drought conference hears from experience; CSPD offers reward for Waldo Canyon fire info; Chimney Rock to be designated National Monument

On September 21, 2012 By

This year’s stubborn drought and the changing climate will have serious consequences for Colorado’s multi-billion dollar recreation and farming industries, as well as the state’s forests that have seen severe, unnaturally large wildfires recently…Colorado Springs police are offering a reward for information regarding the start of the Waldo Canyon fire…Chimney Rock to be designated a National Monument.

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drycracked_re

Governor: CO’s Drought at ‘Historical Dimensions’

On September 20, 2012 By

Governor John Hickenlooper says the drought gripping most of Colorado is at “historical dimensions,” and the state’s water supplies are being stressed like no other time in history. The Governor’s remarks came at a statewide drought conference this yesterday in Denver.

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Round-Up: Final fatality count at 33 for 2011′s listeria outbreak; Crews battle fire in NW Larimer County

On August 28, 2012 By

The final tally of deaths associated with a 2011 listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupe from Jensen Farms in Southeast Colorado has increased to 33…Crews are battling a growing wildfire burning in beetle-killed forests in remote northwestern Larimer County near the Wyoming border.

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Round-Up: Defense Dept. awards another construction contract in preparation for Combat Aviation Brigade; Lawmakers seek extended emergency order

On August 24, 2012 By

The Defense Department has awarded another multimillion-dollar construction contract for a new helicopter brigade at Fort Carson…With the severe drought still gripping the region, two Colorado Republican lawmakers are asking the federal government to extend an emergency order that opened up more lands for livestock grazing and haying.

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Round-Up: Cantaloupe farmers prepare for selling season; Sen. Udall touts bill to cut beer excise tax at brewery

On July 13, 2012 By

Colorado cantaloupe growers are promoting new safeguards as Rocky Ford melons begin returning to grocery stores a year after a listeria outbreak killed 30 people nationwide…Senator Mark Udall toured two Boulder craft breweries today using the opportunity to tout his long-stalled bill that would cut in half the federal excise tax on beer.

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Round-Up: Drought conditions across much of the state; Peterson airmen in France for D-Day commemorations

On June 1, 2012 By

Most of Colorado is in a moderate to extreme drought, and the outlook for June doesn’t appear like conditions will improve…and, Airmen from Peterson Air Force Base’s 302nd Airlift Wing are in France for commemorative D-Day events.

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Planting and Planning for the Upcoming Cantaloupe Season

On May 2, 2012 By

A listeria outbreak in cantaloupes last fall that was traced to a southeastern Colorado farm killed thirty people and sickened dozens more in 28 states. The economic fallout from the tragedy has also been far reaching; consumer demand for melons dropped in half. Now with the spring planting season underway, farmers are looking to [...]

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Round-Up: Draft Environmental Assessment released on proposed AF training area; Rural union looks to co-op model for health insurance

On April 30, 2012 By

The Air Force says a proposed expansion of a flight training area in eastern Colorado and western Kansas would have no significant environmental impacts…The costs of health insurance have become so high in Colorado’s rural areas that the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union says many farmers and ranchers carry policies that only cover them in case of a dire emergency. As a result, the organization is using a familiar business model and forming a healthcare co-op.

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Lindy Wallace, president of the board overseeing the Colorado Health Insurance Cooperative, Inc., with her horse Joe. Credit: JW Stephens/Colorado Public News

Farmer’s Union Looks to Draw Down Costs via Health Insurance Co-op

On April 30, 2012 By

The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union says the costs of health insurance have become so high that many people who work in Colorado’s rural areas carry policies that only cover them in case of a dire emergency. So the union is seeking to do for healthcare what it has done successfully for milk, livestock and equipment: Form a co-op.

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Round-Up: Partisan battle emerges over Lower North Fork Fire; House approves tax credit for farmers & ranchers

On April 24, 2012 By

A partisan political battle is emerging at the state capitol over last month’s deadly Lower North Fork Fire…

The House approved a bill today that would grant a tax credit for farmers and ranchers who paid an inheritance tax if they continue to user their land for agricultural purposes.

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agrictulture_farm

Veteran Farmers Project

On March 13, 2012 By

The USDA is funding a pilot program aimed at supporting veterans interested in farming. The program will be mid to late March in both Nebraska and Kansas, but also reaches out to veterans in other states, including Colorado. KRCC’s Katherine-Claire O’Connor reports.

More information is available through the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, [...]

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USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, 2012. Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Accessed from http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Plant Hardiness Zone Map and Climatological Changes

On March 9, 2012 By

Since 1936, American farmers and gardeners have been able to select plants best tailored for their land by using the Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which is produced by the Agricultural Research Service, a branch of the USDA. The map uses average extreme low temperatures to divide the nation into climate zones. The 2012 version of [...]

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News

Getty Images
The Doors’ Keyboard Counterpoint Goes Silent: Remembering Ray Manzarek
May 21, 2013 | NPR · Ray Manzarek, whose keyboard was a trademark of The Doors sound, died at the age of 74 on Monday.
 

Courtesy of the Brownsville Community Health Center
Texas Medicaid Debate Complicated By Politics And Poverty
May 21, 2013 | KHN · In Texas, it may be politically unwise to cross the governor, but some politicians and advocates in the poor Rio Grande Valley are starting to speak out in support of expanding Medicaid. Governor Perry opposes all parts of Obamacare.
 

NPR
The Global Afterlife Of Your Donated Clothes
May 21, 2013 | NPR · The deadly collapse of a textile factory in Bangladesh has heightened awareness about cheap clothes. Many Americans have become used to inexpensive clothing, but the garments are also discarded at a remarkable rate: Billions of pounds of clothing are recycled each year; nearly half is exported.
 

Arts & Life

After Crashing In Canadian ‘Abyss,’ Four Men Fight To Survive
May 21, 2013 | NPR · On an icy night in 1984, a commuter plane crashed in the wilderness. Six passengers died, but four survived: the pilot, a politician, a policeman and a prisoner. Carol Shaben’s Into The Abyss describes their fight to make it through that frigid night alive.
 

Courtside Chemistry: How NBA’s Phil Jackson Won ‘Eleven Rings’
May 21, 2013 | NPR · Jackson is famous for his philosophical take on basketball and for the many stars he led to championship triumphs. He taught his players yoga and gave them assigned reading — but also pushed them to intensely practice fundamental skills. His new book looks back on a legendary coaching career.
 

UnCabaret
At L.A.’s UnCabaret, 25 Years Of Letting It All Hang Out
May 20, 2013 | NPR · Launched as an alternative to the stale stylings of the ’80s stand-up circuit, Beth Lapides’ event bills itself as a venue for “idiosyncratic, conversational comedy.” It’s helped establish careers for performers from Kathy Griffin to Randy and Jason Sklar.
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Music

Getty Images
The Doors’ Keyboard Counterpoint Goes Silent: Remembering Ray Manzarek
May 21, 2013 | NPR · Ray Manzarek, whose keyboard was a trademark of The Doors sound, died at the age of 74 on Monday.
 

Getty Images
Ray Manzarek, Founding Member Of The Doors, Dies
May 20, 2013 | NPR · The keyboardist co-founded the band after meeting Jim Morrison in California. The Doors went on to become one of the most successful rock ‘n’ roll acts of the 1960s. Manzarek, 74, died in Germany after a long battle with bile duct cancer.
 

Courtesy of the artist
Aesop Rock And Kimya Dawson Showcase Their Strengths
May 20, 2013 | NPR · As The Uncluded, the two cancel each other’s weaknesses — Dawson gains heft, while Aesop Rock lightens up. Critic Robert Christgau says the collaborative album is almost like two halves of a whole.
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