ABOUT

MISSION & VISION

Mission Statement

To preserve the agricultural heritage of the Yampa Valley by initiating, supporting and encouraging actions, programs and policies that mutually benefit and connect agricultural producers and consumers.

Vision

Act today to ensure that the agricultural community can adapt to changes in the local and regional economy and be active and vital in the Yampa River Valley for generations to come.

Values

  • A commitment and passion to agriculture is the core of our existence
  • The credibility of our organization is paramount
  • We treasure our heritage while adapting to the future
  • We honor diverse perspectives
  • Together we will achieve more

Strategic Anchors

  • Enhance and promote local agriculture (food, fiber, products and services)
  • Provide education about the critical importance of agriculture
  • Serve as an Ag Resource Connection

Ensuring the vitality and continuity of agriculture in the Yampa Valley is our primary focus.
Through actions and programs we lead Community to grow Agriculture and to create Alliance among individuals with shared passions and goals.

HISTORY

The Community Agriculture Alliance (CAA) is a Colorado incorporated, non-profit community organization serving Routt County and the Yampa River Valley. The CAA was established in 1999 to ensure that the agricultural community can adapt to changes in the local and regional economy and still be active and vital in the Yampa River Valley for generations to come.

The Yampa Valley is truly a unique place. We have a rich history of cattle and sheep ranching, dating from the 1870s, with many of the ranches still in continuing family ownership. We have a deep economic base of coal mining with a heritage of gold and silver mining. We are located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies and are blessed with abundant scenery and wildlife that provides a strong recreational economy. We are also home to the Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation, an internationally acclaimed ski and snowboard area, which provides a strong resort and service economy. All segments of the area are dependent upon each other for economic survival because of soaring land prices, continual residential and commercial growth and the desire to maintain the rural way of life. The challenge is to intermingle all of the players in northwest Colorado to assure that the amenities that we so love will exist for generations to come.

CAA BOARD & STAFF

Michele Meyer

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Michele has worked at CAA since 2010 and assumed the Executive Director role in 2018. She brings over 15 years of professional fund raising and marketing experience to the CAA. Michele previously worked for United Way, Hospice of Larimer County and has her own business as a personal trainer/yoga and spinning instructor. With a diverse background, Michele comments, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Community Agriculture Alliance. I truly believe in the organizations mission of preserving, promoting and supporting agriculture.  One of the main reasons we moved here, and I think a very common one, is the western culture and heritage.  The natural beauty of the area and working landscapes are critical to keeping the Yampa Valley so unique and special.  I am honored to work on their behalf.”

michele-meyer-executive-director-community-agriculture-alliance

Patrick Stanko

AG RESOURCE COORDINATOR

Patrick is a fourth-generation rancher on a local Yampa Valley ranch that has been in the family for more than 100 years. After a 20-year hiatus from the valley getting his Engineering degree and working in the business world, Patrick moved back to the valley in 2013 to help with the family ranch. Starting work for the CAA in 2018 Patrick is excited to promote agriculture in the Yampa Valley. As the Agriculture Resource Coordinator, Patrick will continue the water education, land stewardship classes and supporting the agriculture community in the Yampa Valley.

michele-meyer-executive-director-community-agriculture-alliance

Shirl Cox

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Shirl Cox

2020 Board of Directors

Shiloh Whaley, Chair
Lore Marvin, Past Chair
Bill Badaracca, Treasurer
Mikinzie Taylor, Secretary
Greg Brown
Adele Carlson
Samantha Easley
Kent Sandstedt
Karla Trevithick
Craig Townsend
Joella West

 

2020 Board of Advisors

Shine Atha
Kyle Bond
Jia Carroll
Patrick Chrisman
Kristi Doran
Christina Gumbiner
Shania Gurr
Todd Hagenbuch
Doug Monger
Meredith Rose
Sarajane Snowden
Erik Taylor