Using Innovative Outreach and Producer Testimony to Reach Colorado Farmers and Ranchers on Nutrient Management Practices.

In Colorado and across the United States, agriculture is identified as a significant source of nutrient pollution. In 2012, the State of Colorado passed limitations on total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations for surface water bodies. This policy, titled Regulation 85, initially will limit point sources of nutrient pollution but currently addresses agricultural and other nonpoint sources by encouraging the adoption of best management practices. Regulation 85 sets a 2022 timeline for evaluation of this voluntary approach for reducing nutrient pollution in surface waterways. Additional regulations may be considered, depending on the success of these voluntary efforts. Colorado State University collaborated with the Department of Public Health and Environment as well as a diverse group of stakeholders to produce outreach resources to inform and motivate producers to address potential nutrient losses in their operations. This outreach effort, Colorado Ag Water Quality has produced nutrient management and water quality resources for Colorado farmers and ranchers located at ColoradoAgNutrients.org. These resources, including a highly praised video will be featured in the presentation.