We can’t control drought. But we can change how it impacts our agricultural operations.

Join us for a hybrid program that combines virtual and in-person training opportunities, specifically for retail agriculture, agricultural services, extension, or with agriculture-focused agencies/organizations.

Participants will learn technical skills and knowledge on 

• Using forecasts in drought planning
• Risk management in drought
• Drought management strategies for livestock and range,
• Drought management strategies for cropping systems. 
• Stress management in drought
• Drought planning

The curriculum was developed by researchers, farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals and will bring in expert speakers from around the region. 

Who should attend?

Anyone working in retail agriculture, agricultural services, extension, or with agriculture-focused agencies/organizations working alongside producers, farmers and ranchers is encouraged to attend.  

Course Overview

This course consists of 4 webinars, and attendance at 1 of 2 in-person workshops,  March 8-9 (3170 B ½ Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81503) and March 15-16 (19201 Co Rd 24, Brush, CO 80723).

CEUs are available from Certified Crop Advisors and the Society for Range Management (Pending).

Participants will need to join 3 of the 4 webinars or watch the recording to attend the in-person training and receive CEU credit. However, drop-ins are welcome for individual webinars if you do not plan on attending the full series. 

At the conclusion of the course, participants will have a deeper understanding of drought coping strategies before, during and after drought occurs. 

About the Colorado Ag Drought Advisors

Colorado Agricultural Drought Advisors, is a partnership among Colorado State University Extension, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, the USDA Northern Plains Climate Hub, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Ditch and Reservoir Company Alliance, Colorado Ag Water Alliance, Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Colorado Water Conservation Board. 

Our mission is to build short and long-term resilience to drought among Colorado Producers by working with farmers and ranchers to connect resources, identify/assess risk, and implement practices that lessen the impact of drought. We work with individuals to assess resources, identify risk, develop planning tools, and implement practices to lessen drought hardship and stress.

Our Partners

• Colorado Department of Agriculture
• Colorado Water Conservation Board – Department of Natural Resources
• Ditch and Reservoir Company Alliance
• Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
• USDA Northern Plains Climate Hub
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Colorado Ag Water Alliance

Drought Training Leads

• Retta Bruegger, CSU Extension
• Harrison Topp, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
• Micaela Fenton, CSU Extension and Colorado Agricultural Drought Advisors 
• Julie Elliott, NRCS and The USDA Northern Plains Climate Hub
• Emily Lockard,  CSU Extension, Montezuma County
• Gus Westermann,  CSU Extension, Dolores County
• Greg Felsen,  CSU Extension, Montezuma County 
• Amber Weber, Ditch and Reservoir Company Alliance (DARCA)
• Jenny Beiermann, CSU Extension
• Jill Zarestky, CSU School of Education
• Greg Peterson, Colorado Ag Water Alliance
• Lauren Vilen, CSU School of Education