Phil Castle, The Business Times

The agriculture industry plays a substantial role in the Mesa County economy, but also faces encroaching development, changing attitudes and other difficulties.

“It’s an ongoing challenge,” said Bruce Talbott, co-owner and operator of Talbott’s Mountain Gold in Palisade.

Talbott was among three Mesa County producers who discussed the future of agriculture during a presentation at the Western Colorado Economic Summit in Grand Junction. The group also included Janie VanWinkle, co-owner of the VanWinkle Ranch based in Fruita, and Lowell King, who operates a regenerative farm and ranch operation in the Grand Valley. Jenny Beiermann, an agriculture and business management specialist with the Colorado State University Extension, moderated.

Beiermann said the results of the last agricultural census conducted in 2017 placed the value of agricultural products in Mesa County at more than $94 million — about $48 million for livestock and $46 million for crops. 

Cattle accounted for nearly $30 million, while fruits, tree nuts and berries accounted for a total of more than $22 million, she said. Hay accounted for another $9 million.

By one estimate, that money recirculates in the economy 2.4 times, more than doubling the contributions, Beiermann said.

The 2,465 farms and ranches counted in the 2017 census in Mesa County constituted a 9 percent increase over the 2012 census, she said. But the more than 342,000 acres in production in 2017 represented an 11 percent decline. At 139 acres, the average size of a farm or ranch was smaller by 19 percent.

Talbott said many farmers and ranchers sell to customers outside of the county, meaning they bring new dollars into the local economy. 

VanWinkle said the cattle her family raises goes into a worldwide food chain, but the money comes back to Mesa County.  According to one estimate, each cow ranchers raise in the county equates to a $600 to $800 contribution a year to the local economy, she said.

King said farmers and ranchers contribute to the economy through payrolls as well as the batteries, tires and equipment they need for their operations.

The agriculture sector faces challenges, though, as the population continues to grow and development encroaches on farms and ranches, the panelists said.

Talbott said he’s especially concerned about the area around Palisade because of the unique growing conditions found there for peaches, wine grapes and other crops. “We can’t duplicate this many other places.”

He said he also understands why some producers sell their properties to developers to fund their retirements.

VanWinkle said producers also face challenges from new neighbors with less tolerant attitudes.

And then there’s the challenges posed by climate change.

Talbott said growers rely on what he described as “boring” weather, but climate change could bring more erratic conditions that hamper production.

King said his operation uses a sustainable approach with no tilling and cover crops. The result is improved soil health and less evaporation.

Talbott said the orchards on his operation act as hundreds of thousands of sequestration units that pull carbon from the air.

At the same time, producers constantly look for ways to improve practices — to increase production while decreasing costs.

VanWinkle said ranchers have taken advantage of better genetics, nutrition and animal care to sustain beef production with 30 percent fewer cows.

Asked about supporting agriculture in Mesa County, VanWinkle and King encouraged residents to buy from local producers. 

More tolerant attitudes and support of multiple-use policies on public lands also helps, VanWinkle said. “Those are little things. Each of us can have an impact.”