To help producers create a proactive plan in the face of drought, there’s a workshop coming up on Wednesday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center.
“Hoping for rain is not a drought strategy. I advocate for a written plan; it reduces stress,” said CSU Extension Western Region Rangeland Specialist Retta Bruegger at the Colorado Beef Symposium back in January.
Bruegger will be at the workshop Wednesday, and so will Emily Lockard and Gus Westerman of CSU Extension.
“While they can’t control the weather there are things they can control to make drought less impactful on their agricultural operations,” said Lockard.
“This workshop will help producers identify what actions they can take. It will also connect them with resources to support them to make the best decisions they can with the information we have at the moment,” said Lockard.
Producers who attend the free workshop will walk away with a written drought plan, personalized to their operations.
They’ll also secure a free copy of a Drought Planning Handbook, as well as knowledge on how to file insurance claims, other risk management strategies and things they may learn from mingling with peers.
Lockard said that a survey of those who have created drought plans show that:
- 100% reported that they would recommend the Drought Plan Program.
- 94% felt more prepared for drought conditions than before.
- 91% reported that they know their plan of action if drought occurs in the future.
- 91% were more aware of resources and tools to help with drought related decision-making.
“Drought can be overwhelming but being prepared can help make it less stressful,” she said.
Though it’s free to attend, in order to get lunch, attendees must RSVP online or contact:
- Emily Lockard, (970) 570-5497, or via email at emily.lockard@colostate.edu.
- Gus Westerman, (970) 677-2283, or at Westerman@colostate.edu.
