The Colorado Master Steward program in Montezuma County offers a short course to help farmers create a healthy, sustainable environment and help increase production.
The course begins with a review of current property activities and includes a soil test and an on-site visit from a technician make plans for the future for domestic and wild animals alike.
The management plan during the nine-week course helps to:
Improve soil structure and fertility
Maintain healthy pastures that have fewer weeds
Understand ways to reduce soil erosion
Maximize use of irrigation water while promoting healthier water quality in rivers
Manage livestock more effectively
Recognize what is needed to maintain defensible space from potential wildfires, and much more.
This program, provided by Colorado State University Extension, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Dolores Conservation District, the Montezuma Valley Farm Hub, and other partnering agencies, was developed to help small-acreage landowners.
Classes are Wednesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. April 23 through June 18 at the First National Bank of Cortez. Registration fee is $120 per property. Information: John Rizza: john.rizza@colostate.edu; (970) 241-5068 Ext. 128; or Judy Garrigues at doloresconservation@gmail.com, 565-9045 Ext 118. To register: www.ext.colostate.edu/sam/ms.