Agriculture & Natural Resources Services
Our Extension office staff is proud to serve the local producers, ranchers, farmers, and residents of Garfield County. Contact us or swing by our office to ask a question or schedule a site visit.
We’ll work to connect you with a variety of resources on topics ranging from livestock production to pasture/rangeland management to vegetable crop production.
Feed & Crop Testing
Our staff can assist with collecting hay and forage samples to identify feed quality and suitability for different species. We have a hay probe available for check out with sample kits and instructions.
We can assist with crop plant tissue testing to help identify soil fertility needs, help with sample collection, identify the type of testing needed, and connect you with a lab. We can also interpret test results to help inform future management.
Our office can assist with plant disease diagnostics for vegetable crops and can help determine when further laboratory testing may be needed.
Soil Testing & Analysis
We can help with soil sample collection, testing, and test interpretation. We offer soil sampling kits and instructions, along with a soil probe available for check out. In-house, we can preform basic soil screening tests to assess soil texture, Ph, salinity, and free-lime presence. You can either drop off samples at our office or schedule a site-visit.
For more in-depth soil nutrient analysis, we can assist with sample collection and finding a lab. We offer interpretation of lab soil test results to inform future management choices.
Fees vary with laboratory, test type, and shipping. We do not charge to assist with sample collection or interpretation.
Water Sampling
We can assist with water and well testing to assess for for drinking water, irrigation water, and livestock water suitability. Water sampling kits and instructions are available for pick up. We can also assist in collecting and sending samples to a lab. Fees vary with laboratory, test type, and shipping needs. We do not charge to assist with sample collection.
Our suggested lab for chemical water analysis is ServiTech Labs. Our suggested lab for bacterial water analysis is Mesa County Public Health Regional Lab.
Consultations
Need help with your agricultural operation, farm, or ranch? We can work to answer any question and connect you with a variety of resources to assist with livestock production, pasture and rangeland management, vegetable crop production, agriculture business management and more.
Pesticide Applicator Exam Center
Our office is a proctor location for Colorado Pesticide Applicator examinations. Tests are required for Qualified Supervisor, Certified Operator, and Private Pesticide Applicator licensure. Visit Colorado Environmental Pesticide Education Program for more info and study resources. We also have hard copies of the study manual available at our office.
Exam applications and scheduling can be completed through Metro Institute. During registration you will be able to pick the time and location for your exam. There is an examination fee of $41.50 per test. After passing your exam(s), there is a $75 license fee due to the CDA.
Respirator Fit Testing
The EPA requires that all individuals working with pesticides labeled for respiratory protection complete a medical evaluation, respirator fit test, and training prior to use of a respirator. We offer qualitative respirator fit testing in compliance with Appendix A of the OSHA Standard 1910.134. The fit test determines if the respirator forms a complete seal with the person’s face.
Cost: $5 per fit test.
Trail Camera Library
Trail cameras are available for agriculture producers in Garfield and surrounding counties. Cameras can be checked out at no cost for six-month time periods. Please see the Library Borrower Agreement for details.
Fill out an interest form or email mariah.foley@colostate.edu with any questions.
This program is funded through the CDA Wolf Conflict Minimization Grant.
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