On July 21st, 2023, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and members of the General Assembly joined AgNext faculty and staff at the CoBank center at Colorado State University’s Agricultural Research, and Development Education Center (ARDEC).
The attendees that joined AgNext for our event came from various organizations, bringing in differing perspectives and expertise that support the AgNext mission towards developing more sustainable animal agriculture practices.
As the event got underway, AgNext Director, Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Director of Government Relations, Tyler Garrett, welcomed members of the General Assembly. They spoke of the various partnerships that are supporting evolutionary work within the agriculture industry, which then lead into Dr. Stackhouse-Lawson’s introduction into AgNext goals.
The work that is done at AgNext could not be achieved without the help from Dr. James Pritchett, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Dr. Sue VandeWoude, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Both deans spoke about their partnership with AgNext and how it is benefitting the curriculum in both colleges and practices in differing fields.
Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, Kate Greenburg, and State Representative Karen McCormick addressed the group and thanked legislatures and partners for leaning on leadership in agriculture that strive for climate research and support. They also emphasized that the work done at AgNext is critical for developing positive action and support for the agricultural community.
Colorado State University President, Amy Parsons welcomed and introduced Governor Jared Polis to the group. She explained that CSU has an eye for innovation in many disciplines, making it valuable to partner with all fields to benefit education, as well as local and national practices.
Governor Jared Polis then spoke emphasizing that he hopes to build a future for agriculture nationwide and especially in Colorado because it is valuable to our state’s heritage and economy. As he concluded, Polis stated, “AgNext brings great minds together to make the industry sustainable and stronger for future generations.”
Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson retook the podium to thank Governor Jared Polis, the General Assembly, and industry partners for coming to ARDEC to learn about our innovative research. She proceeded to give a brief presentation about AgNext describing our unique team and research capabilities highlighting the Climate-Smart Research Facility – the largest facility in the country dedicated to climate-smart research in animal agriculture.
Following this presentation, the group was taken to the Climate-Smart Research Facility to see the facility and observe ongoing research. Dr. Sara Place gave an in-depth tour describing the machines and equipment in the facility and explaining their purpose in our studies. The group left the Climate-Smart Research Facility with an understanding of the work done at AgNext as well as how our team and facilities enable us to identify and scale sustainable solutions for animal agriculture. We look forward to the work that will be completed in the future at AgNext with the help of legislation, partnerships, and community support.
