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Tough Tirr�es <br />y now it's common knowledge that 2002 brought, Colorado its most devastating <br />drought conditions within the past 50 years. Some even report that 2002 shaped up to <br />be the driest year since record keeping began in the State. ` No matter what, we can all <br />agree that the longstanding dry spell hit hard, and the industry most severely impacted <br />is one of the states biggest: agriculture. <br />Agriculture in Colorado is a $4.4 billion industry and to date millions of dollars <br />have been lost due to dried crops. Ranchers have reportedly sold more 'than l million <br />`/ cattle: that's half of the state's total including breeder stock, as indicated by the <br />Colorado's Cattleman's Association. Rangeland remains in critical condition as the 23 million acres of <br />Colorado's native rangeland that support livestock and livestock products, which make up more than 73% of the <br />State's $4.4 billion agricultural industry, remain in jeopardy. Rangeland is key to grazing in the state and also <br />provides other valuable benefits such as erosion protection, plant diversity, wildlife <br />habitat ,and open space. <br />Although areas of Col( <br />lions since 1998, the past thri <br />difficult for agricultural prod <br />across the state. Many in ou <br />ative ways to adapt to changi <br />result, Colorado's lead agricu <br />agencies are emphasizing tray <br />cy methods as well as explor <br />ways to manage water quanti <br />This insert entitled "W <br />was developed as a guide for <br />to help them survive through <br />outlines a bit of drought histc <br />as some background on droul <br />available drought - and consei <br />tural producers from Federal <br />To learn more about w <br />nni the IWY2 <br />Working together, we are convinced that we can position agriculture for a promising; future. <br />Don Ament, Commissioner Milan Rewerts, Director <br />Colorado Department Colorado State University <br />of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service <br />Allen Green, State Conservationist Gigi Dennis, Director' Lewis Frank, Director <br />US Department of Agriculture US Department of Agriculture US Department of Agriculture <br />Natural Resources Conservation Service Rural Development Farm Service Agency <br />