Ag Awareness Week: A Community Rooted in Agriculture
Agriculture is more than an industry in Western Colorado, it’s a way of life, a foundation of our economy, and a defining part of our landscape and identity.
Over ten days in March, the first-ever Ag Awareness Week brought that reality into focus. Organized through the Business Incubator Center’s AgriWest Initiative, the week united producers, partners, students, and community members in a shared effort to elevate awareness and appreciation for agriculture across Mesa County.
This was more than a series of events. It was a community coming together around something that matters.
A Week of Connection, Learning, and Visibility
From the opening Meat-In event to workshops, farm tours, and community gatherings, Ag Awareness Week created opportunities for people to engage directly with agriculture in meaningful ways.
Across the region, partners hosted events that showcased the diversity and depth of agriculture, from livestock production and conservation practices to local food systems and emerging challenges facing producers today.
At Colorado Mesa University’s Party in the Plaza, more than 150 students and community members engaged with agricultural organizations, while CMU rodeo team members and agriculture students played an active role in supporting events throughout the week. Their involvement brought a strong next-generation presence to the initiative an important reminder that the future of agriculture depends on those stepping into it.
At the Business Incubator Center, a 4-H livestock showcase and targeted grazing demonstration gave attendees the opportunity to experience agriculture up close—connecting youth, producers, and the community through hands-on learning and conversation.
Bringing the Conversation to the Community
Ag Awareness Week was designed not just to inform, but to start conversations.
Through events like the AgriWest Coffee Club, conservation meetings, and producer-led experiences, community members were invited to better understand the realities, challenges, and opportunities within agriculture today.
The week also highlighted broader issues impacting the industry—from drought and land use to succession planning and the long-term sustainability of food production in Western Colorado.
A Powerful Finale: World Without Cows
The week culminated with a full house at the Asteria Theatre for a special pre-screening of the documentary World Without Cows.
The film explored the global role of cattle through environmental, nutritional, cultural, and economic perspectives, setting the stage for a thoughtful and engaging community discussion.
Following the screening, a panel featuring Emily Stackhouse (Alltech), Janie VanWinkle (AgriWest Fellow), Dr. John Ritten (Colorado State University), and CMU student Wylee Mitchell brought together national expertise, local leadership, and next-generation insight.
The conversation reflected exactly what Ag Awareness Week set out to do: create space for meaningful dialogue about the future of agriculture.
Rooted in Community, Built for the Future
Ag Awareness Week was a first-of-its-kind effort and a clear demonstration of what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
It brought visibility to the people behind our food systems.
It created new connections between producers and the public.
It elevated the role agriculture plays in shaping our region’s economy and identity.
Most importantly, it laid the groundwork for what comes next.
Through the AgriWest Initiative, the Business Incubator Center is committed to continuing this work supporting producers, strengthening local food systems, and ensuring agriculture remains a vital part of Western Colorado’s future.
This Is Just the Beginning
The success of Ag Awareness Week reflects the strength of the agricultural community and the willingness of partners across the region to step forward and try something new.
It also signals something bigger: a growing recognition that agriculture deserves visibility, investment, and ongoing support.
This was the first year.
And it won’t be the last.