PROGRAMS

CAA MICRO LOAN PROGRAM

 

NEW PROGRAM
Community Agriculture Alliance is excited to announce a new program beginning December 2019.  The CAA Micro Loan Program is focused on providing financial support and help for local agriculture with business micro loans in NW Colorado.  The program is funded by an initial generous donor with a $10,000 gift to begin the revolving loan fund.  A Committee of CAA Board members will accept and review applications with a goal of providing short term, micro loans for local agriculture.  Loan terms and amounts will be based on specific project details.  Basic information and eligibility specifics below:

  • Must be existing agriculture business or operation, with a special interest in food production within Routt County
  • Must be 18 years old, or have adult co-signer
  • Must adhere to CAA Anti-Discrimination Policy and be current CAA member
  • Loan exclude general operating, land purchase or lease; applications should focus on specific need or project
  • Loans are small (under $10,000) and short term (3 months to 2 years) with interest rate of 2.5%
  • Repayment of loans will go back into CAA Micro Loan fund
CAA MICRO LOAN APPLICATION - DUE DECEMBER 31, 2019

WATER EDUCATION

Community Agriculture Alliance is proud to support and provide leadership for water education and outreach programs in the region.  For over 15 years we have provided forums, workshops and tours throughout Northwest Colorado helping our residents and guests better understand the value of and the pressure on our water resources.
LEARN MORE AT THE YAMPA-WHITE-GREEN BASIN ROUNDTABLE SITE

CAA works to support, educate and promote the goals of the Yampa-White-Green Basin Round Table and Colorado Water Conservation Board:

1. Raise public awareness of the YWG Basin Implementation Plan and the Colorado’s Water Plan

2. Raise public awareness of YWG Roundtable activities

3. Plan, implement and facilitate a series of Water Education Forums/Workshops/Tours in Craig, Meeker, Rangely and Steamboat

4. Increase collaborations and partnerships with other YWG basin organizations that wish to:

  • Promote water education
  • Encourage locally driven collaborative solutions
  • Encourage community participation in solution based discussions, issues and solutions
  • Provide professional, informative and educational activities in the region
  • Provide information on regional water projects, studies and related issues
  • Engage with area water interest groups to encourage constructive discussions and actions regarding water issues and projects in Northwest Colorado

LOCAL FOOD & PRODUCTS

CAA provides leadership and direct programs to support local food producers as part of our mission to keep agriculture vibrant in the Yampa Valley. We work with local ranchers, farmers and food producers providing direct support, educational programs and connections to help grow their businesses. The CAA Market provides a convenient, online option for producers to connect with local customers and sell products. CAA continues to provide leadership on regulatory issues related to agriculture and local food, connections for commercial/restaurant sales and coordination on storage/distribution issues.

NORTHWEST COLORADO FOOD COALITION

CAA partners with several other local/regional organizations on the Northwest Colorado Food Coalition. The NW CO Food Coalition is a broad based, diverse group. The mission is to facilitate communication, collaboration and integrate solutions among individuals and organizations to develop and sustain a resilient food system in NW Colorado. The Coalitions vision is to be recognized as the leader in assuring the NW Colorado community has equitable access to a resilient food system. Quarterly meetings are open to the public.

Partnering organizations include:

Some highlights of the Coalition work include a regional Food Assessment report and Community Food Dialogue.

NW CO FOOD ASSESSMENT REPORT
KEY FINDING SUMMARY REPORT
LOCAL FOOD DIALOGUE

LOCAL FOOD TASKFORCE

This working group focused on all things local food! Activities and outcomes focus on support and resources for local food producers, education and resources for consumers and community members, leadership and resources on Routt County regulatory process for local food production.

 

LiveWell Colorado and NW Food Coalition Routt County Food Assessments:
PART I - CONSUMER FOCUS
PART II - FOOD SECURITY
PART III - LOCAL FOOD

ADDITIONAL LOCAL FOOD RESOURCES

YAMPAVORE CAA MARKET

Be a Yampavore and shop for local food and products on our online market!

 

You can find everything from farm fresh eggs, to locally raised beef, pork and lamb meat. Seasonal vegetables, fresh baked bread and local honey.

Make a difference by supporting local farmers and ranchers and join the Yampavore movement!

VISIT CAA MARKET NOW

LAND STEWARDSHIP CLASS

FALL 2019 COURSE DATES SEPTEMBER 10 – OCTOBER 15
CLASS MEETS TUESDAY EVENINGS, 5:15 – 7:30 PM

A partnership between Community Agriculture Alliance and CSU Routt County Extension, this highly educational short course is for anyone interested in learning more about local agriculture and land stewardship.

Typically held every other year, this unique, short course focuses on land, water and natural resource stewardship. Course information focuses on issues effecting NW Colorado and features regional experts as topic speakers. Includes a mix of class room lecture and discussion and on-site tours/visits. The class is open to anyone in the community and offers professional continuing education credits for real estate professionals.

Course curriculum is based on the Living on the Land-Stewardship for Small Acreage courses produced by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension with collaborative efforts and input from our western states Cooperative Extension services. Land Stewardship 202 was developed and implemented for Routt County by the CAA and CSU Routt County Extension.

This course is approved for up to 12 Continuing Education Credits available for Real Estate professionals.

2019 Land Stewardship 202 Information Flier
2019 Land Stewardship 202 Course Registration Information

Previous Curriculum:

Integrating Your Stewardship
Ranching Stewardship
Water Stewardship
Livestock and Wildlife Stewardship
Grazing and Habitat Stewardship
Community Stewardship

Comments from participants:

“Overall a great opportunity for us to learn.”

“I learned so much that will help me be a better land owner and neighbor. Thank you.”

“Fabulously informative”

“Great class. Topics and speakers were excellent.”

RANCH TOURS

NEW —  Routt County Fair Tour   Thursday, August 15th  3:30-6:30pm

Never been to the wonderful Routt County Fair?  Join us for a behind the scene guided tour of the 105th Routt County Fair. The tour includes van with tour guides leaving from Steamboat Community Center, once at the Fairgrounds 4-H and FFA youth will lead the tour sharing stories of raising animals and Fair projects.  A tour of the Exhibit Hall will include vegetable growing in Routt County, home arts and crafts, and all things County Fair!  Don’t miss this fun, family-friendly tour.

 

Ranch Tours are a unique Routt County experience and bring first hand experiences and education about local working farms and ranches. Typically tours begin in Steamboat Springs with a short bus/van ride to visit 2-3 local farms and ranches. Local tour guides will be on bus to talk about agriculture, history and heritage and local food. Walking tour of ranch operations including irrigation, hay meadows, barns, horses and cattle grazing, other livestock, equipment and lifestyle. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. Dress for weather as we will be outside! No pets or strollers. Air conditioned coach will depart from and return to downtown Steamboat Springs.  to schedule a tour for your group,contact Community Ag Alliance at 970-879-4370.  Offered in partnership with CSU Routt County Extension.