The Montezuma County Colorado State University Extension office has started publishing a regular newsletter and has a new presence on social media.
Extension Director Kacy Riedel said the office has a renewed focus on community outreach. Besides the newsletter, the office will provide information on an updated website, new Facebook page and Instagram account: @montezumacountyextension. Staff also plan to present topics in local newspapers, on radio stations and through fliers.
“It is so important to get information about our programs out to the community we serve,” Riedel said.
The office’s new location is the lead story for Issue 1, Volume 1 of the newsletter. CSU Extension staff have moved from the basement of the county building to 103 N. Chestnut St. in Cortez.
The office is adding new programs and events and continues to develop existing programming in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, family and consumer sciences, and4-H Club youth development.
“Follow our website and new social media accounts for timely updates on these events and more,” Riedel says.
Upcoming events include:
On Jan. 29: “Lunch and Learn Webinar” at the extension office from noon to 2 p.m. The topic of agricultural marketing will be presented by CSU Agriculture and Business Management Economist Brent Young. The webinar is interactive and will allow for questions. RSVP at 970-565-3123.On Feb. 6 is the all-day San Juan Basin Beef Symposium at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. Registration is $25. This year’s theme is ranching profitability and herd health, including in times of drought. The symposium includes Beef Quality Assurance training.Speakers include New Mexico State University veterinarian Dr. John Wenzel, Montezuma noxious weed Director Bonnie Loving, CSU range specialist Retta Bruegger, NMSU beef specialist Dr. Craig Giffard and livestock marketing economist Katelyn McCullock.On Feb. 7 is “Lasting Legacy: Estate and Succesion Planning for Farm and Ranch Families” from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. Cost is $25 per person, dinner included.Cottage food industryThe Extension office is providing support courses for farmers who want to earn extra money selling their own food products. Producers are reporting earning up to $10,000 per year extra selling products, such as canned goods, reports extension agent Tom Hooten.
The Colorado Cottage Food Act allows producers to sell directly to consumers without licensing or inspections. The producer must be certified, however, by attending Cottage Food Safety Training, or participate in Serv-Safe for Food Managers.
The next trainings are:
Serve-Safe Training: Feb. 20-21, June 5-6, June 19-20 at the Montezuma County Public Health Department, 106 W. North St., Cortez. Cost is $120 per person, course book and exam included.Cottage Foods Training: March 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and May 23 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Classes are at the Montezuma County Health Department, 106 W. North St., Cortez. Cost is $30 per person.Food Safety works: March 20, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Montezuma County Health Department. Cost is $30 per person.To register, call 970-565-3123, or email at coopext_montezuma@Mail.Colostate.edu
