Community Agriculture Alliance is proud celebrate agriculture with local Ag Appreciation Week.  This idea initially started with National Ag Day in 2014. CAA took the idea of recognizing agriculture and expanded it to a week because one day just wasn’t enough.

CAA adopted the Naked and Hungry tagline for fun and to help make the point that everything we eat and most of what we drink and wear is from the agricultural industry. It touches everyone. On a more local level, so many live and work in the Yampa Valley because of it’s natural beauty. The open spaces, scenic fields of horses and hay or grazing cattle are all connected to local agriculture. 

Heritage of local agriculture runs deep. Starting with the first settlers to this area through times when there were fields of lettuce and strawberries to historic centennial ranches, the Yampa Valley has a long history of hard work, dedication and commitment to the land with agriculture. Current producers bring new ideas and perspectives. Many seek ways to increase availability of local food for local customers while keeping agriculture vibrant in the community.

Ag Appreciation Week is not only an opportunity to recognize and thank local ag producers but to celebrate the area’s heritage and future. CAA is hosting and coordinating many events with opportunities for everyone to get involved. 

The following is a list of ways to avoid being naked or hungry.

• Become a sponsor today. Businesses can align with CAA and support local agriculture. Ag Week is the one time each year when we ask for business contributions. Individuals can join as well.
• Eat at a supporting restaurant, many featuring local food specials with proceeds donated back to CAA: Taco Cabo; Creekside Cafe & Grill; Rex’s Salt & Lime, Mazzola’s, Big House Burger and Laundry; Cloverdale; Smell that Bread; and Moe’s BBQ.
• Try a local cobbler, crisp, buckle or crumble at Taste of Routt County on March 16 at the Tread of Pioneers Museum.
• Discuss art, water and working ranches a The Arts Depot on March 17.
• Hear stories about growing up in Routt County from locals on March 19 at the Ag Heritage Story Telling at the Bud Werner Memorial Library.
• Learn about water on March 20 at State of the River at the Steamboat Springs Community Center.
• Have a beer and support CAA at Mountain Tap Brewery Token Tuesday March 20 and 27.
• Hear about creating power with water at a micro hydro workshop on March 22 at Steamboat Springs Community Center.
• Sample local food, meet producers and shop at CAA Market pickup on March 23 at CAA offices.
• Eat, drink and dance at Local Ag Night at Western BBQ, top of gondola, Thunderhead Lodge on March 25 with a portion of proceeds donated back to CAA programs.

Event details and more information avaialbile at communityagalliance.org  or call us at 970-879-4370. Everyone is invited to join in celebrating agriculture. Thank a rancher or farmer today.

Michele Meyer is the local food and products coordinator for Community Agriculture Alliance.