Feasible Alternatives for the Rogers Mesa Ag Experiment StationAugust 18 and 19, 2015Delta, CO

Purpose of meeting• Feasibility Study for Rogers Mesa site funded by Delta County,

Region 10, and CSU.

• From the SOW: • “This project will determine the market feasibility and

organizational sustainability of a potential agricultural-based education program and/or farm incubator on the Rogers Mesa site.”

• Today’s meeting• results of preliminary feasibility study• recommendations for next steps

Rogers Mesa Ag Experiment Station History• History of site use• CSU Ag experiment station since 1961• Tree crops, grapes, vegetables, alternative crops• Weather station and water monitoring

• Closed in June 2011 and commercial sale explored.• Stakeholder input led to sale delay in May 2014 and

discussions of alternative uses. • 2015 Feasibility study funding and contracting.• 2016 CSU decision on future use of property.

Rogers Mesa Site Assets and Constraints• Key assets• 83 acres of which 70 are irrigated.• Buildings including house, laboratory/classroom, greenhouse,

sheds.• Water rights and additional well for ag use; irrigation system.

• Key constraints to some potential uses• Buildings may need upgrading or repurposing.• Potable water may be constraint to some uses.• Ag well not adjudicated.• Most tree crops removed.• Site designed for small plots and research.

Rogers Mesa Agricultural Experiment StationSource: Google Earth

Use Arrangements with CSU• CSU will retain ownership of the land and requires any non-

profit user to adequately maintain the site.• CSU has ruled out reopening a research station site.• Any use agreement beyond 5 years must go to Board of

Governors for approval.• CSU will require fair market value rent for use of the site.• Other partnership arrangements or potential in-kind

contributions remain to be clarified.• Insurance required for participants in programs on state land.• Some grant programs would require CSU to partner or to take

the lead in processing grant funds.

Stakeholder Goals (from SOW)• To create a sustainable organization that complements the

agricultural heritage unique to Delta County;• To promote the economic development opportunities within the

agricultural industry, including the creation and expansion of value-added commodities;

• Enhance educational opportunities for students seeking a hands-on, experiential approach to learning, especially for those interested in a future of agriculture;

• Enhance research opportunities that provide objective analysis and best practices for local farmers and ag-producers in the county;

• Leverage existing partnerships to avoid duplication of services, and strengthen relationships amongst interested organizations within the community.

Delta County Organizations• Any new program requires an organization to take the lead for

staffing, fund raising, defining specific program goals and elements, seeking partnerships

• Some candidate organizations for participation include:• Delta County Economic Development• Delta County School District• Delta Soil Conservation District• Valley Food Partnership• Rocky Mountain Farmer’s Union• Commercial operator who would partner with above

Farm Incubator Models• Land, equipment, training provided at modest fee; applicants

screened for likely success; 3-5 years to progress• Supported through private donations or grants; modest

income from fees, sales.• Partnerships often include Extension, USDA, agbusiness• Staff can be part-time and some support required through

volunteer time of trainees• Incubator often combined with programs to support local food

systems, as multi-program use spreads overhead costs• Usually organic production methods but often not certified• Some include livestock; no perennials due to time frame

Farm Incubators in CO• Old Fort at Hesperus• Site owned by State Trust and dedicated to educational purposes• Small plots with graduated rents• Marketing and insurance through trainee cooperative• Training from local producers; CSU Beginning Farmer• Funds from private donation, SC grant, income from other

activities at site• Beth LaShell has indicated willingness to act as advisor

• Everybody Eats, Boulder CO• Funding from CSA sales and donations• Difficulty recruiting qualified trainees• Closing down

Implications for Rogers Mesa• Advantages of existing land, water, some infrastructure• Annual crops; livestock possible • Recruitment through existing local / regional programs that

offer intern/apprenticeships• Requires marketing plan for selling beyond region• Requires partner for training program• Could be difficult to utilize entire site and cover costs of

maintenance, rent

Ag Practicum Education Models• Most college level ag practicum or student farms are attached

to a campus so no residences• Costs covered through home institution overhead and general

student tuition• Many ag degree programs place students in

practicum/internships on commercial farms• Very few programs teach farming only; modest tuition ($3-

4,000 per season) for non-resident students; supported by grants and other activities

• Internships and apprenticeships pay participants modest wage

Ag Education in CO• CSU is the only institution offering 4 year ag degree programs• Organic Ag minor requires internship• Developing new program for regional undergrad research

• Western State env studies program has some ag content• Fort Lewis CC discontinued ag courses in 2012• WCCC (part of CMU) 2-yr Ag degrees with transfer to CSU; or

CMU Business• CNCC (Rangely) has new 2-yr Ag degree program (USDA grant)• DMTC does not offer ag courses• Three Delta County High Schools offer college credit courses in

partnership with community colleges

Implications for Rogers Mesa• Need partnership with degree granting institution for any

stand-alone program and none seems feasible• Educational opportunities require farm activities on the site • Summer internships for CSU or WSCU students• Stipend and housing to be resolved

• Practicum sessions or remote classroom activities for high school students in the college credit courses• Growing season vs school year• Student, instructor interests vs type of ag at site

Potential Grant Sources• Primary sources for incubator activities:• USDA Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program• USDA/CO Dept of Ag Specialty Crops program• USDA Western SARE program

• Private foundations with interests in local food systems, water and land conservation in CO

• CSU ownership and 5 year lease term place some constraints on grant applications

• Involvement of local groups, FFA a strong plus• Need organization with capability for auditable funds control

Alternatives for Rogers MesaSite Use Organization(s) Feasiblity/

ConstraintsPublic Benefit

Commerical (sale) Commercial Yes, but not desired

Land taxes; econ activity

Commercial (lease)

CSU; Commercial Yes, 5 yr term Econ activity

Commercial with education

CSU; Commercial; Educational

Yes, 5 yr term Econ activity; student opportunity

Farm Incubator CSU; non-profit Yes, overhead New econ opportunity

Education CSU; ? No NA

Incubator/Education/ Commercial

CSU; non-profit; education; commercial

Yes, 5 yr term, partnership

Economic, educational opportunities

Research Station CSU No NA

Example of a Multi-Use Program and Funding Needs• Farm incubator program on 20 acres• Commercial tenant on 50 acres• Agrees to mentor incubator trainees and to host interns,

practicum labs• Educational activities associated with HS courses• Interns with stipend in summer• Requires site coordinator• Sample operating budget shows a deficit of about $65,000

annually to be covered from grants, donations, or other sources

• Start up costs would include improvements; resolution of water, insurance, and equipment access

Recommendations

To focus specific feasibility analysis for the final phase of the study, two steps are recommended:

1) Delta County should request clarification in writing from CSU regarding the terms of any potential use agreement for the Rogers Mesa site.

2) Delta County should issue a call for Letters of Intent to determine which organization(s) will take the lead for

any new programs at Rogers Mesa.