Ag Awareness Week will take place March 14–24 across Mesa County, featuring ranching events, educational workshops, student programs, and a documentary screening focused on the region’s agriculture, food systems, and livestock industry.
Mesa County residents will have a chance to explore the region’s agricultural roots and modern food systems during Ag Awareness Week, a community-wide event series running March 14–24 across the Grand Junction area.
Organized by AgriWest and community partners, the week is designed to help residents better understand how agriculture shapes the local economy, environment, and culture. From livestock producers to specialty crop growers, agriculture remains one of Western Colorado’s foundational industries, and the event series aims to connect community members with the people and practices behind the region’s food system.
Ag Awareness Week includes a variety of events ranging from educational workshops and community gatherings to student programs and film screenings.
The week kicks off March 14 with the Mesa County Cattlemen’s Association Meat-In, a community gathering at the Mesa County Fairgrounds that highlights the role of local beef production and the ranchers who help sustain the region’s food supply.
On March 20, the AgriWest Coffee Club: Spotlight on Agriculture will feature AgriWest Initiative Lead Janie VanWinkle, who will discuss how the organization is working with producers and partners to strengthen agriculture across Mesa County.
Community members can also participate in a Mesa County Cattlewomen Ag Awareness Week T-Shirt Design Contest, running throughout the week, inviting artists to create agriculture-themed designs celebrating Western Colorado farming and ranching.
Several events during the week focus on agricultural education.
A program titled “The Cow Chronicles: Adopt a Cow for a Week” (March 23–27) pairs students with a real ranch cow through a classroom-based learning experience that shares daily updates from the ranch. The program helps build agricultural literacy and gives students insight into livestock production.
The Colorado State University Extension Workshop: Drought on the Colorado Plateau, scheduled for March 24, will bring together researchers, producers, and land managers for a full-day conversation about drought conditions and strategies for resilience in the region’s working landscapes.
In addition, members of the Colorado Mesa University Rodeo Team will visit schools during the week to speak with students about agriculture, animal care, and career opportunities connected to the industry.
One of the final events of the week is a documentary screening of A World Without Cows on March 24 at the Asteria Theatre in Grand Junction. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the film beginning at 6:30 p.m. The free screening will include a short presentation about livestock and sustainability.
Ag Awareness Week is intended to bring together producers, educators, students, and community members to better understand the role agriculture plays across Mesa County.
From ranching operations to specialty crops and emerging food businesses, organizers say the goal is simple: help residents learn more about where their food comes from and how agriculture continues to shape the region’s future.
