Colorado Corn

Corn Rooting Architecture Study - 2011 Poster

Evaluating root structure and profile of recognized drought tolerant varieties. Irrigation Research Foundation – Yuma, Colorado.

• Drought tolerant genetics do not indicate root development characteristics or typical architectural profiles of developed hybrids.
• Root development characteristics greatly influence the efficiency of water and nutrient uptake and are critical to survival of corn in limited water environments.
• The amount of water available for agricultural use is diminishing over time due to intensifying need by non-agricultural sectors.

Alternative Agricultural Water Transfer Methods

Alternatives to “Buy and Dry” approach to water procurement from agriculture to meet the needs of growing municipalities. In partnership with Ducks Unlimited, Aurora Water, CSU Water Resource Institute, Brown and Caldwell, with assistance from the State of Colorado and the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

• Water owned by agricultural interests is seen as the most accessible alternative to supply municipal needs, but results in loss of agricultural production and devastation to rural communities when rights are permanently transferred.
• Rotational fallowing as a production practice on a large scale may represent potentially viable alternatives for meeting a portion of water supply needs for growing municipalities.
• With development of an administration mechanism, water could be made available for long term lease to municipalities without permanent “dry up” of agricultural communities.
• The goal is to develop a practical template for use by producers to evaluate and engage in various alternatives to permanent removal of water from farms.

Farm Safety

Understanding how to positively affect safety culture on Colorado farms. Colorado State University’s High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, Fort Collins, CO.

• Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in the Unites States.
• In addition to the obvious losses associated with casualties, lost productivity, increased stress, and other secondary impacts on affected farming operations take a staggering toll.
• Colorado has among the highest rates of any state for injury and death in the farming sector with 10.6 to 14.5 injuries per 100 workers.
• A known loss history database will be used to evaluate operations with historically high vs low loss ratios to research possible clues that could lead toward effective tools for change of safety culture on farm operations.