GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – Ag Awareness Week is back, with the goal to plant the seeds of knowledge and grow appreciation for the people who keep Western Colorado’s plates full.
Local farmers, ranchers and producers are hosting a series of community events this week as part of second annual Agricultural Awareness Week, highlighting an industry that contributes $720 million to the regional economy.
One featured event is a screening of the documentary “A World Without Cows,“ which examines what the world would look like without cattle and presents multiple perspectives on the political debate surrounding the industry.
Janie VanWinkle, a local producer and Agriwest fellow, said the screening is meant to bring different viewpoints together.
“I’m hoping that those of us whose world revolves around cows have an opportunity to interact with folks who maybe have some concerns about it and have an opportunity to talk to each other and kind of find some middle ground and have those conversations,” VanWinkle said.
Dalida Sassoon Bollig, the Chief Executive Officer at the Business Incubator Center, hopes the week can create community connections.
“Whenever you have people come together with a goal to generate kudos for the community or impact for the community, something magical happens. [Especially] when it is around something so vital like food or production, “Bollig said. ”We are not just touching on how the economy runs, we’re also talking about continuum of humankind. That will not be there if we did not have producers willing to put in the work. So that’s why it is important.”
Here is a full list of events from the Business Incubator Center:
Mesa Conservation District Local Work Group -Annual Meeting – March 18
Local producers, conservation leaders, and community members will discuss conservation priorities, land stewardship strategies, and natural resource planning for the region.
AgriWest Coffee Club: Spotlight on Agriculture – March 20
A morning discussion highlighting the role agriculture plays in Western Colorado’s economy and community, featuring local leaders and agricultural stakeholders.
4-H Livestock Showcase & Targeted Grazing Demonstration at the BIC
Join us at the Business Incubator Center to meet local 4-H youth and learn about their livestock projects. This interactive event offers the chance to see animals up close, hear directly from young producers, and learn about the role of youth agriculture programs in our community.
The morning will also feature a demonstration from Rocky Mountain Golden Fleece, highlighting how sheep and goats are used in targeted grazing as a sustainable land management tool.
Colterris Corks and Forks: The Art of Pairing – March 21
A special event celebrating the connection between agriculture, local food systems, and wine production in Western Colorado.
Farm tour at Early Morning Produce – March 21
Attendees will learn about winter growing in greenhouses and how Tori at Early Morning Produce is prepping the farm for spring and summer planting. $20 ticket includes the farm tour and a locally sourced lunch from a food truck.
Mesa County Cattlewomen T-Shirt Design Contest
Students and community members are invited to participate in a creative contest celebrating agriculture through art and design.
The Cow Chronicles: Adopt a Cow for a Week – March 23–27
A fun educational opportunity allowing families and students to “adopt” a cow for the week while learning about cattle production and ranch life.
Ag Awareness Week Party in the Plaza – Colorado Mesa University – March 23
A lively community celebration featuring agriculture organizations, interactive booths, and student engagement activities.
CSU Extension Workshop: Drought on the Colorado Plateau – March 24
This workshop will explore drought conditions across the Colorado Plateau and discuss strategies producers and land managers can use to respond to evolving climate challenges.
World Without Cows – Asteria Theatre – March 24th
The pinnacle event of Ag Awareness Week will be a public screening of the documentary World Without Cows, a thought-provoking film that explores the global environmental, economic, and human implications of cattle production. The film invites viewers to consider how cattle influence global food systems, sustainability conversations, and rural livelihoods.
Following the screening, attendees will be invited to participate in a community discussion about agriculture’s future in Western Colorado.
The event is free. Tickets are required.
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