{"id":1058,"date":"2026-06-02T12:04:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T18:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/san-miguel\/?p=1058"},"modified":"2026-06-08T12:47:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T18:47:39","slug":"june-2026-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/san-miguel\/2026\/06\/02\/june-2026-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"June 2026 Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"Mountains<\/span>
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June News<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n\n\n
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From Our Office<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hey you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sky is darkening as I write this and my typing fingers are double-crossed as I hope for rain. We need it. Irrigation water is running, gardens are pushing upwards and the baby calves I pass by on my drive to work are growing. As a community we are stepping into one of the most busiest times of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am thinking a lot lately about the interconnectedness of rural life. A healthy field depends on snowpack. Our thriving fair depends on happy and driven volunteers and our resilient community depends on neighbors showing up for one another again and again (quietly, without need for recognition, because that’s what rural people do). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the Extension Office we honor this as our work continues to grow from those same roots: practical education, local connection, stewardship of land and resources, and creating opportunities for youth and adults alike to learn, gather, and build resilience together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, I hear your worried conversations in the snack isle at Clark’s: what will we do when the wildfires come? Will there be enough water? <\/em>But I also see your resourcefulness, early planning efforts, and care for one another. One way or another we will pull through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This month\u2019s newsletter includes upcoming workshops, agricultural resources, educational opportunities, regional events, and Extension-hosted programming happening across the Basin. We work hard to make these relevant and accessible to YOU our community in changing and concerning times. We hope to shine light on what is working and build hope into the fabric of who we are as people choosing to live a rural life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As always, thank you for being part of this community and for helping keep rural life vibrant, thoughtful, and deeply rooted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With gratitude,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Annika Kristiansen
<\/strong>Director, San Miguel Basin Extension
Colorado State University<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Annika<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Small Town – Big Talk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Featuring Annika Kristiansen – San Miguel Basin CSU Extension Director, Mesa Mom, Yogi and Backyard Chicken Keeper. Real conversations ROOTED in our community. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In this segment, meet Jacob Gordon, our new Livestock\/Natural Resources and Agricultural Program Coordinator as we discuss rural life, this new position and what it means for our community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Listen Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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San Miguel Basin Extension
Community Needs Survey (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

San Miguel Basin CSU Extension is here to support our community with practical, research-based programs in agriculture, natural resources, youth development (4-H), and community wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we welcome a new Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Livestock Program Coordinator, we\u2019re taking time to listen. Your input will directly shape workshops, resources, and on-the-ground support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This survey takes 5\u201310 minutes. Thank you for helping us serve you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Take Survey<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Events, Workshops & Learning Opportunities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regional Learning Opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Financial Foundations for Food Brands <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(begins June 8th) <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Define your customer and your unique value, understand costs to ensure profitability, and master key financial documents for growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Register<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Consultant Training <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(begins June 11th) <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn market trends and business models; master financials, performance, and funding strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Register<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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9th Annual New Mexico Working Lands Summit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 11\u201312 | Taos, NM<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s summit centers on collaboration and resilience, with a focus on acequias as a powerful example of regenerative systems that support both ecological and social health. This is a rich space for peer-to-peer learning, storytelling, and connecting with others working to steward land in the West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Register<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Mountain Meat Summit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 12\u201313 | Fort Collins<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hands-on learning + networking for producers and processors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Move \u2019Em Right: The Art of Calm Cattle and Confident Crews<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 17\u201321 | Redwing Ranch, Gardner, CO<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join renowned clinician Dawn Hnatow for a three-day, immersive experience focused on practical, low-stress stockmanship. Learn how to move, handle, and sort livestock effectively\u2014in pasture and corrals, on foot and horseback. This is hands-on, skill-building work that can directly improve your operation and your relationship with your animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Register<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Effective Stockmanship for Ranching with Wolves<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 24\u201325 | Salida, CO<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A two-day workshop designed for producers navigating the realities of ranching in wolf country. Learn techniques to reduce herd vulnerability, strengthen grazing strategies, and build confidence in working landscapes with predators present. Led by experienced ranchers and conservation professionals, with opportunities to practice skills in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Register<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Funding & Grant Opportunities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

USDA Announces Local Agriculture Market Program Funding Opportunities<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened applications for its Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) grants to support the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing; local and regional food markets and enterprises; and value-added agricultural products. These include the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP)<\/a>, and the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AMS hosted a webinar for applicants to each of these grant programs, and the recordings are posted on the<\/a> <\/a>AMS Grant Webinars<\/a> <\/a>page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

USDA is accepting applications for these grant programs until June 5, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LAMP and its accompanying grant programs are administered by USDA\u2019s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and are funded through the 2018 Farm Bill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More information<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"A<\/span>
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Sip Tea & Paint – Last Session!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A tiny masterpieces series with Katherine Banta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Join us for a relaxed morning of creativity, tea, and community. These guided painting classes are designed for all ages and skill levels – whether you painted before or just want to try something new!<\/p>\n\n\n\n