As Ag Week comes to a close, CFB wanted to share some words straight from our members. You heard from CFB president, Carlyle Currier, earlier this week about the importance of CFB and the work the organization does for the development of leaders in the agriculture industry and beyond. As a grassroots organization, it’s the voices of leaders within our ranks that make us strong and elevates our message so we can make an impact in policy and beyond.
One of those voices is CFB vice president, James Henderson. James raises beef cattle and grows alfalfa, grass, oats, barley, wheat, field peas and silage corn on 711 Ranch in La Jara, Colorado. James’ family’s farming history reaches back more than 138 years. Earlier this week, he provided his thoughts on the state of agriculture and what those outside the industry can do to support its success.
“…while the population may be small, Colorado agriculture is a critical industry within our state,” said James in his article. “Agriculture contributes more than $47 billion in economic activity, employing some 195,000 people and exporting more than $2 billion in goods, all while providing safe, nourishing food for you and me. Not to mention that for generations, farmers and ranchers have provided open space, wildlife habitat and important return-flows to rivers and streams.”
He also talked about the importance of technology and the need for investment in it so that farmers and ranchers can continue to innovate and continue to “balance the legacies of the past with technological, agronomic and environmental advancements that create a bountiful, secure and responsible future.”
It is an important read during a week where supporters of agriculture come together to highlight the great things the industry is doing, but it doesn’t stop here. James identified three ways to keep agriculture successful into the future:
- Listen and engage with agriculture stakeholders and let facts, science and reason guide regulation.
- Invest in agriculture research through our universities and institutions.
- Create collaborative partnerships to find win-win solutions for our present and future needs.
Thank you to James for using his voice to amplify agriculture’s message and advocate for what farmers and ranchers need to be successful, now and in the future.
