Northern Colorado Farmers and Ranchers Face Challenges
Colorado voters are considering economic issues this election season, and ranchers and farmers are highlighting the pressures they face, particularly due to rising operating costs and ongoing drought.
Rancher Nate Bowers' Experience
Rancher Nate Bowers shares his struggles: "Fertilizer and drought together were pretty tough on us." Drought reduced his operation to 30% of average production, while fertilizer and diesel costs reached record highs. He expresses hope that politicians will prioritize agriculture without making it a political issue, emphasizing that "agriculture's in Colorado's DNA."
Willie Altenburg's Concerns
Willie Altenburg, another Colorado rancher, agrees on the challenges of high input costs. At a recent livestock auction, he noted paying $6.59 per gallon for diesel. After 50 years in agriculture, he believes farmers and ranchers deserve more recognition for their role in feeding the nation but observes a growing divide between rural and urban communities.
Kellen Riedlinger's Perspective
Kellen Riedlinger, a younger farmer, focuses on the impact of rising diesel prices on agricultural and everyday consumers alike. He believes farmers across the political spectrum face similar economic challenges as other Coloradans.
As voters head to the polls for the midterm elections, these farmers and ranchers advocate for their industry's viability, hoping their concerns will be addressed. Bowers stresses the importance of elected leaders' support for ranchers and agriculture in the West.