Nick Colglazier, Executive Director of the Colorado Corn Promotion Council, discussed the impact of high fertilizer costs on farmers, noting a 100% increase since 2020. He highlighted an FTC investigation into fertilizer price manipulation, emphasizing the lack of competition due to consolidation in the U.S. market. Glaser also mentioned efforts to promote E15 fuel, 

Patrick Sanders, Director of Agronomy Enablement at Nutrien, discusses the importance of tissue sampling for in-season nutrition decisions. He explains that soil tests indicate total nutrients available, while tissue samples show actual plant uptake, crucial for optimizing fertilizer applications. Sanders highlights the use of AI and digital tools to enhance agronomic logic and decision-making. He emphasizes key sampling times: early vegetative stages, rapid growth, and just before reproductive stages. He also mentions new sensing technology for higher-resolution sampling and the importance of corrective actions based on tissue test results to maximize yield and ROI.

UnCommon Farms, led by Matt Ronken, provides business advisory services to farms across the U.S. and Canada, focusing on strategic planning, succession planning, leadership development, and risk management. The company, headquartered near St. Louis, serves clients from Washington to Florida and into Canada. UnCommon Energy, led by Jack Scatizzi, focuses on helping farmers manage energy usage and understand the value of their land for energy projects like data centers and battery storage. They offer customized renewable energy solutions to reduce peak demand charges and consult on land use for energy projects, aiming to improve farm margins and support landowners in energy development deals.

Jake Erker, a farmer from the Keensburg/Roggen, Colorado area, shared how the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP) has strengthened his leadership skills and broadened his understanding of agriculture across the state. He highlighted the program’s value in improving public speaking, networking, and relationship‑building — skills he says are essential for modern producers. Jake emphasized the importance of farmers telling their own stories and staying engaged in their communities.

He also previewed upcoming CALP activities, including a trip to Cortez for farm visits and leadership exercises, and noted the annual Colorado Ag Forum as a key event bringing industry experts together. Overall, he encouraged greater involvement and accurate representation of agriculture within the broader public.

Cindy Hofmeister, a semi-retired teacher and Executive Director of Colorado Ag in the Classroom, discusses her participation in the Colorado Ag Leadership Program (CALP). She highlights the program's professional development opportunities, networking benefits, and the value of meeting producers and learning about diverse agricultural practices. Hofmeister emphasizes the importance of hosting seminars, which fosters community relations and deepens her understanding of local agriculture. She encourages potential applicants to apply for CALP Class 18, detailing the application process and the upcoming Ag Forum. Cindy also shares her positive experiences with media training and Toastmasters presentations.

Troy Schneider, a board member of the National Corn Growers Association, discussed the recent progress on E15 year-round sales legislation. After multiple trips to Washington, D.C., and bipartisan efforts, the House passed a standalone bill decoupled from the farm bill, achieving a 218-vote majority. Schneider highlighted the importance of this legislation, which would modify the Clean Air Act to allow E15 sales year-round, benefiting consumers and the corn industry. He emphasized the need for continued support from the Senate and urged farmers and associations to advocate for E15 to ensure its passage.

Alicia Marrs, Associate Vice President of Western Water at the National Wildlife Federation, discussed the organization's efforts to conserve water resources, particularly in the context of low snowpack in Colorado. She emphasized the importance of nature-based solutions like low-tech process-based restoration (LTPBR) to mimic natural water processes and improve ecosystem health. Marrs highlighted collaborations with federal and private landowners, including the Bureau of Land Management, to restore degraded lands

Nutrien Senior Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard discussed the current and future weather patterns affecting the Corn Belt. He noted a transition to a pattern similar to last winter, with cooler air from Canada and showers from the Great Lakes. Dry conditions persist in the Central Plains, while central Illinois has experienced standing water after a drought. Pritchard highlighted the impact of El Niño, predicting a stormy summer with four corridors of storminess. He also mentioned warmer temperatures in the west and lower heat stress risks in the Corn Belt due to storms. Producers are advised to monitor weather developments closely.

Elena Chavez, Southern Colorado territory manager for Halter, discussed their virtual fencing technology. Halter, based in Colorado, uses direct-to-satellite technology to manage large, mountainous ranges. The collars, designed for cattle, use auditory and electric cues for containment, and vibrations for positive reinforcement. The collars, made of durable Gorilla Glass, are intended for lifelong use. Halter's service costs $96 per collar per year and includes 24/7 human support. The technology helps producers manage pastures more efficiently, shorten gathering times, and monitor animal movement and distress.

The Colorado Farmable Program, funded by a 2501 grant held by Goodwill of Colorado, assists underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers in Colorado with agricultural business planning. The "From Field to Funded" course, lasting 8-10 weeks, provides no-cost business planning education, helping participants create lender-ready business plans. The program, which includes one-on-one technical assistance, has had 10 participants in its first cohort and aims for 10 per cohort. Success stories include a veteran flower farmer near Canyon City who is 90% complete with his business plan, aided by ongoing support from the program.