Today on Colorado Edition: We explore concerns from Colorado ranchers about the future of the beef industry. We'll also hear about one teacher who views COVID-19 as a learning opportunity. Plus, we hear from an emergency room doctor, and the owner of a spice shop.
Concerns Over The Future Of Beef
Colorado meatpacking plants, like the JBS plant in Greeley and Cargill Meat Solutions in Fort Morgan, have become hotspots for COVID-19 in our state. But President Donald Trump, through the Defense Production Act, issued an order requiring meat processing plants to stay open during the pandemic. Despite the move, ranchers in Colorado are still concerned about possible supply chain disruptions, and how those disruptions could impact the price of beef. Jesse Paul, a reporter for the Colorado Sun, joined us to discuss the story.
Conversation With An Emergency Room Doctor
At a press conference last week, Gov. Polis urged Coloradans who need emergency medical care to go to the emergency room. To talk about this concern, we spoke to Dr. Theron Risinger, medical director for the North Colorado Medical Center emergency department.
A Unique Opportunity For Learning
The transition to virtual learning has presented many challenges for Colorado's K-12 educators. This includes getting classes online and making sure students have the technology to access them. But as KUNC's Stephanie Daniel reports, one Northern Colorado teacher also sees COVID-19 as an occasion for learning.
Owning A Spice Shop During "Safer-At-Home"
Under the state's move to a safer-at-home order, non-essential businesses are starting to re-open, with certain precautions. To talk about what it's been like operating a business during a pandemic, we spoke to Susan Kirkpatrick, owner of Savory Spice in Fort Collins. She is also the former mayor of Fort Collins.
Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!
Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions:
- “The Bus At Dawn” by Holyoke
- "Only Lonesome" by Calumet
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman (@HWZimmerman), and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. Managing editor Brian Larson contributed to this episode.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.