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Former Chicago science teacher, Rick Bieterman now farms in the Colorado High Desert, growing hay. Watershed Ranch has an annual precipitation of 11 inches and sits at 8,000 feet in elevation – providing about 90-100 frost free days per season. Add in poor soil quality, and farming becomes a challenge.

Rick got involved in Colorado’s STAR program which focuses on soil health practices. When prices of synthetic fertilizers soared during the COVID pandemic, his goal was to figure out how to move away from their use and improve soil quality. He found compost to purchase and later received a Western SARE grant to learn how to make his own. 

Listen in to this conversation as Rick discusses the unique challenges of farming in a high alpine desert, the importance of community connections, and innovative practices he’s trialing. He also reflects on the learning process, embracing failures, and the continuous quest for improvement in farming. 

Also watch Rick's YouTube videos on fungal compost

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