KVNF's Farm Friday

The Colorado Department of Transportation has closed a bridge on US Highway 50 west of Gunnison. The Federal Highway Administration requested the bridge closure after an inspection on Thursday identified defects in the structure.The closure is in place between US Hwy 50 Mile Point 131 which is the intersection with Colorado Highway 92 and MP 138. Local traffic will be allowed through the closure point to reach residences.

On today’s KVNF Farm Friday feature, we hear from Libby Christensen, Statewide Food and Ag Specialist Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension, on the recent shortfall in funding for the Health School Meals for All program that’s affecting students, school food service workers and Colorado Ag Producers.

On today’s extended KVNF Farm Friday feature, we hear from Libby Christensen, Statewide Food and Ag Specialist Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension, on the recent shortfall in funding for the Health School Meals for All program that’s affecting students, school food service workers and Colorado Ag Producers.In November of 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition FF to increase the state budget by over $100 million dollars. The budget increase would come by increasing taxes on those making more than $300,000 annually and completely fund the Health School Meals for All program.KVNF previously reported that the program was slated to have a huge financial impact on ag producers for years to come. Producers statewide were encouraged to move forward with contacting schools or food hubs to provide produce or value added products for schools. Now, many financial losses and trust in the program.

The upcoming extension to the nation’s Farm Bill is drawing the attention of ag producers around the state. On today’s KVNF Farm Friday, Brad Haynes, who farms in Northeastern Colorado, shares his thoughts on the bill.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed reports of wolf depredation in Grand County earlier this week. A landowner, whose name and property location are not being released by CPW, called wildlife officers to report a dead calf. Officers conducted a field investigation, and confirmed a wolf-livestock depredation had occurred.

On this KVNF Farm Friday, Lisa Young speaks with Pete Kolbenschlag, Executive Director of Colorado Farm And Food Alliance about the North Fork delegation that traveled to the nation’s capital to discuss issues impacting the Western Slope.

Representatives from western Colorado’s North Fork Valley recently returned from another lobbying trip to Washington DC. Each year the Colorado Farm & Food Alliance, Western Slope Conservation Center and the Valley Organic Growers Association sends a delegation to the nation’s capital to discuss issues impacting the Western Slope.

Paonia Trustees voted against purchasing the former Vo-Tech school in Paonia, reports the Delta County Independent. The decision came after a tour of the building and community comments during Tuesday night’s meeting.

On today’s KVNF Farm Friday we check in with Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey for our Western Water and Snowpack Update.

On today’s Farm Friday we continue our conversation on mental health wellness for Colorado farmers, ranchers and ag producers. Chad Reznicek (REz-ne-check) is the Behavioral Health State Specialist for the Colorado AgrAbility Project under Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension.