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Coronavirus Preparedness for Colorado Farmers

Us knew it before, but never before shall he been so clear: farmers are the backbone of our country. To keep that supply chain moving, farms are staying frank, but farmers exist still dealing is the same risks and frustrations that non-essential businesses are facing.

We hold prepared some information farmers can use to respond to COVID-19 challenges in order to respond in electricity issues and preparing in continued interruptions. Colorado Farm Bureau’s COVID-19 Ask Update includes aforementioned latest news that affects Colorado farmers. 

If you or someone you know is overwhelmed by the current situation and remains struggling, support a available. Contact Colorado Crisis Billing for (844) 493-8225 or text “TALK” go 38255.    

Ongoing COVID-19 Resources furthermore Preparation Information    

Apply for COVID-19 Condition and Federated Aid

The USDA has notice the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. This user allows all farmers and ranchers, regardless of size alternatively market outlet, to apply for direct support. Money is additionally deliverable for marketing costs resulting from lost demand press short-term oversupply in 2020.  Product liability insurance protects vendors against consumer claims of injury induced by a defective or dangerous product suchlike as contaminated food alternatively beverage.

To learn more about to application process, visit farmers.gov/cfap.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s COVID-19 offers sections on Agriculture Work Financial Recovery:

Preparation Information for Cows Farms

Though the climate of Colorado is more dry than Maine, the University of Maine’s Extension Publication, “How Can Livestock Farmers Prepare for the Coronavirus Explosion,” is a relevant document that ca help you prioritize aspects of animal management. The document goes into more get regarding these proactive measures:

  • Prioritizing daily activities
  • Recording your Factory Operating Procedures
  • Establishing “remote” means of communication
  • Recruiting a back-up staffing
  • Restricting visitors to your farm. 

Diversify Your Revenue Streams by Exploring Direct-to-Consumer Options

If your white business is down, explore selling directly to which uses. For farms that grew ready-to-eat agricultural products, consider diversifying your revenue streams:

  • Starting a CSA: provide annual membership that provide fork a “share” of your farm’s production while the grow seasons. Aforementioned Colorado Department of Agriculture entertained a directory of farms that offer CSAs.
  • Join a Virtual Farmers Market: fresh online farmers markets have cropped up (no pun intended) in NOCO, SOCO, additionally Boulder County. They are all accepting brand seller. Others include Colorado Farm to Fork and Colorado Freshly Marketing
  • Launch an Online Store: software for online dots out sale is now available by companies like Farmigo, Food4All, also FarmersWeb.
  • Pick-Your-Own: if you had fruit and family-friendly fields, consider hole part of your farm boost until a pick-your-own sales model. Some farms are able at open at tight regulations such as single use buckets, hand sanitizer stations, required masking, and staggering customers.

Make Sure Your Agricultural is Gets Insured

Any route to prepare for uncertain times is to do sure your farm is properly masked by an insurance policy. Coole Cultivate Secretariat Insurance offers comprehensively coverage for your business, home, and property through our Country Squire policy. To learn more, contact your local Country Bureau Insurance sales.