Colorado Ranchers Face Setbacks After USDA Funding Cancellation
William Vogl has deep roots in Colorado’s agricultural landscape, having grown up on a 600-acre cattle ranch in El Paso County. His family’s operations focused on raising beef cattle for direct sales. However, the harsh realities of climate change became evident in 2001 when an extended drought struck Colorado, leaving parts of their ranch without rain for nine continuous months. Vogl recalls watching their cattle business falter drastically under these conditions. “I witnessed their cattle operation just come to a screeching halt and collapse,” he reflected.
Fast forward to today, Vogl now manages a seven-acre homestead east of Colorado Springs, where he embraces “regenerative agriculture” to foster soil health and enhance drought resistance. “So that’s where it tied back to me being a kid, and watching what can happen,” he explained. Presently, his small operation supports about 100 sheep and leases an additional 200 acres for grazing. He is also developing a robust composting initiative, which he claims is producing remarkable results by improving soil’s capacity to retain water and nutrients.
Concerns over Drought and Soil Challenges
As climate change intensifies, farmers in Colorado are increasingly grappling with severe drought conditions and fluctuating temperatures. Colorado’s notoriously difficult sandy and silty soils, which are more susceptible to erosion, add to the challenges. In light of these issues, the state has committed significant resources over the years, especially since the catastrophic Dust Bowl era of the 1930s, to bolster agricultural resilience.
Vogl secured a federal grant via the Quivira Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to regenerative agriculture and conservation, to expand his composting efforts and scientifically measure improvements in soil quality. This initiative aimed to demonstrate the viability of sustainable farming practices for small ranchers. However, in April, the USDA unexpectedly revoked this federal funding, labeling the program, known as Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, as part of a “green new scam.”
Financial Impacts of Funding Withdrawals
The Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program was designed to assist farmers in adopting climate-friendly methods through funding and technical support. Despite a budget exceeding $3 billion, the USDA’s abrupt decision has left many projects, including those in Colorado, in jeopardy. Leah Ricci, the interim director of the Quivira Coalition, indicated that their organization would attempt to continue the program on a limited scale by tapping into their operating budget. The loss of federal funding significantly hampers their ability to support and expand these initiatives.
Brooke Rollins, USDA Secretary, mentioned that some selected projects would be allowed to proceed, while others may reapply for funding in a revamped program. However, details regarding the number of grants canceled and reapplications received in Colorado remain vague.
| Program | Funding Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities | $3 Billion | Support sustainable farming practices |
| Quivira Coalition Grant | $3.9 Million | Improve soil health |
| Colorado Soil Health Program | $25 Million | Enhance agricultural practices |
The Future of Agricultural Support in Colorado
Evanne Caviness, director of conservation at the Colorado Department of Agriculture, expressed disappointment over the funding cancellation, which undermines years of effort to promote environmentally sustainable farming practices. “We are not in the business of breaking trust,” she said, emphasizing the challenges posed by the unexpected withdrawal of support.
The Biden administration initiated the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program in 2022 as a part of its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Various agricultural practices, such as compost application and reduced tillage, were advocated to cut agricultural emissions and enhance resilience against climatic shifts. Strikingly, agriculture produces up to a third of greenhouse gas emissions globally, making these initiatives crucial.
In light of this setback, Colorado’s farmers may need to rely on state resources, which now amount to only $50,000 annually for grant distribution, a stark contrast to the $25 million previously available. Despite the challenges, Vogl remains optimistic. He believes expanding his composting operations is critical for his farm’s sustainability in a climate-affected future.
