Comment on Colorado farmers use new tools to teach public about agriculture industry

Agriculture contributes more than $40 billion and 173,000 jobs to Colorado’s economy every year, according to the state program that promotes local food and agricultural products. In more digestible numbers, that includes: 26 million pounds of peaches 1.19 million watermelon 97.7 million ears of sweet corn 200 million pounds of onions 56 million pounds of cabbage But today’s crop of farmers face a decidedly different environment than their parents and grandparents, a panel of Colorado agricultural producers said Monday at a farm-to-table lunch hosted by Colorado Proud. “Consumers, they want to meet growers now,” said Michael Hirakata, a fourth-generation farmer at Hirakata Farms in Rocky Ford. For farmers who would much rather be in a field of cantaloupes than in front of a crowd, that means stepping outside their comfort zone and getting better at telling their farm’s story — something that became increasingly important for Hirakata Farms in the aftermath of a 2011 listeria outbreak traced to Rocky Ford cantaloupe grown on another farm in the area, he said. Related ArticlesAugust 29, 2016 Apple harvest in Colorado hurting, but aims for comeback August 12, 2016 3 years into nation’s hemp experiment, crop’s future is hazy August 7, 2016 Passion keeps farmers going — and delivering $41 billion to Colorado economy each year That includes sharing photos and videos on social media to provide an inside look at the farm and how far along the melons are, he said. “You’ve got to be engaged,” Hirakata said.