Colorado farmers, ranchers receive $13-million boost for conservation

BROOMFIELD, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado farmers and ranchers are getting a big boost, thanks to the Department of Agriculture securing more than $13.7 million to help protect their lands and improve conservation practices amid an ongoing drought throughout the state, officials announced Friday.

Known as the Advancing Markets for Producers, the funding comes from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). In a statement, Gov. Jared Polis said the money would only help improve the work farmers and ranchers do across the state.

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"Agriculture is essential to our way of life in Colorado, and now we can offer more support to our farmers and ranchers and invest in our future success," Polis said in his statement. "Our farmers and ranchers are leaders in conservation and protecting the lands we love. This funding will strengthen that work and support more participation in these efforts."

State officials said the funding will come in what is known as "director-to-producer grants," ranging between $20,000-$300,000 and expected to help recipients for about two years.

In a statement, the Colorado Department of Agriculture said the goal is to make it easier for farmers and ranchers while promoting conservation practices.

The funding "will help cover the cost and reduce the risk of implementing conservation practices while finding and developing new markets for crops grown with these practices," the department said. "Soil conservation practices include, but are not limited to, cover-cropping, reduced or no till, irrigation water management, noxious weeds management, rotational grazing, and nutrient management. All these practices have been shown to increase soil health, reduce erosion and improve water retention, and help with carbon sequestration. 

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