Ranching

Local News

Longtime La Plata County ranchers named cattlemen of the year

Husband and wife duo – Gerald and Phyllis Ludwig – own small ranch just outside Bayfield

May 2, 2026

Local News

Southwest Colorado yaks offer healthy, eco-friendly beef alternative

Animals that evolved on the Tibetan Steppe becoming more popular across America

January 21, 2026

Local News

Sunnyside plant one piece of food security system in La Plata County

‘Americans have become very separated from where their food is produced,’ owner Jerry Zink says

January 14, 2026

Business

Colorado ranchers say White House beef policy making tough job even tougher

Ranchers say the Trump administration’s decision to buy more Argentine beef was damaging during the time of year when they…

December 10, 2025

Local News

Drought, range control, New World screwworm – La Plata County ranchers have a lot on their plate

Plata-Archuleta Cattlemen discuss management strategies

November 21, 2025

Food

Farmers Market: Mesa Lamb & Wool sells both meat and fiber

Navajo churro sheep are raised and grazed on Florida Mesa

October 15, 2025

Business

Western Slope farmers and ranchers still tallying the cost of summer wildfires

Some of Mesa County rancher Janie VanWinkle's U.S. Forest Service grazing lands are only easily accessible by ATV or on…

October 8, 2025

Local News

High Country Cattle Auction brings top-notch stock and country charm to Southwest Colorado

run, generational business dates back to 1940s

October 1, 2025

Gallery

Photos: La Plata County Fair on Friday

Scotlyn Bobbin, 3, holds onto her lamb while participating in Pee Wee Showmanship on Friday during the La Plata County…

August 9, 2025

Local News

CPW emphasizes collaboration as Southwest Colorado ranchers prepare for wolf encounters

round of releases planned for Gunnison Basin area

July 22, 2025

Regional News

Officials approve another $100,000 for rancher whose livestock was killed by wolves

Colorado Parks and Wildlife commission voted 6-5 to compensate Conway Farrell after heated debate

July 18, 2025

Food

Farmers Market: Big Ben’s Meats carries on a family legacy

Gomez raises chickens, sells eggs

June 16, 2025

Local News

La Plata County’s Vaughn Johnson named Cattleman of the Year

Physician-turned-rancher honored for decades of dedication to local agriculture

June 15, 2025

Food

Farmers Market: Bell Beef raises cattle, runs country store near Cortez

meat is grass-fed, grass finished and antibiotic- and hormone-free

June 4, 2025

Food

Farmers Market Profile: Chick’n Bac’n Ranch raises animals east of Durango

farm specializes in eggs, whole chickens and soy-free pork

May 27, 2025

Local News

Should CPW reimburse labor costs associated with wolf depredation?

Jackson County rancher sought $435 for his time treating injured cow

May 7, 2025

Local News

Calving season arrives – but vets are in short supply in Southwest Colorado

Plata County faces shortage of large-animal veterinarians

April 30, 2025

Local News

Out to dry: Water managers brace for lean supply in Southwest Colorado

Vallecito Reservoir expected to fill, but low snowpack means short irrigation season

April 9, 2025

Local News

Cattle rustling suspected southwest of Montrose

inspector, law enforcement investigating more than 180 cows reported missing

December 31, 2024

Regional News

Ranchers at odds with Colorado governor over wolf reintroduction

at a recent conference turned adversarial

December 24, 2024

Regional News

CPW looking for fifth wolf pup left behind in capture

26 groups want CPW to put off any more wolf releases until they address concerns

October 4, 2024

Gallery

Photos: Ribbons and buckles at La Plata County Fair

Livestock showmanship competition held on Saturday

August 10, 2024

Gallery

Photos: Friday at the La Plata County Fair

Eleanor Strietze, 18 months, pets one of Zantha Kugles chickens as she is held by mom Amber Strietze on Friday…

August 10, 2024

Gallery

Photos: Ranch life rodeo in Cortez

Montezuma County Fair Ranch Rodeo took place Friday

August 3, 2024