Agriculture

KUNC's Alex Hager rode nearly 50 miles on the Poudre River trail and learned about the wildlife, people and farms that use its water along the way.

Those fast planes diving over fields in Northern Colorado are crucial for taking care of crops. But a different type of agricultural aircraft is slowly, but surely, taking to the skies.

On August 14, the Palisade Insectary marked its 80th anniversary as heroes of the Colorado agricultural community.

The Larimer County Fair provides a fun learning opportunity to those involved in 4-H while promoting the importance of agriculture in Northern Colorado.

The Grassland Conservation Reserve Program allows the Farm Service Agency to pay ranchers to protect grasslands. But the program is facing significant cuts, which can harm wildlife habitat.

US Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins unveiled plans for a “complete reorganization of the USDA.” Thousands of USDA jobs in D.C. will be relocated to five new regional hubs, including one in Fort Collins.

 The federal government abruptly canceled funding for Climate Smart Agriculture in April. The move cut millions of dollars for important scientific research into how farmers can adapt to climate change.

Federal money for solar projects, especially for smaller rural farms, could be at risk as Congress attempts to pass a federal budget through reconciliation. Small farms in the Mountain West could lose out on those benefits.

Imagine being able to tell the vegetables in your garden when to ripen. Researchers at Colorado State University say they’re developing genetic “toggle switches” for plants that would let people control when and how their crops grow.

Students in rural northwestern Colorado, where ranching and hunting are a way of life, are learning the mechanics of processing meat to help the ag industry. Listen to "Morning Edition" host Michael Lyle, Jr. discuss this story with Colorado Sun reporter Erica Breunlin and the read the Colorado Sun story at the link below.