Rocky Mountain Voice

Tag: VanWinkle Ranch

VanWinkle Ranch Vows to Rebuild and Stay Put After Wildfire
Local, Approved, The Daily Sentinel

VanWinkle Ranch Vows to Rebuild and Stay Put After Wildfire

By Jace DiCola | The Daily Sentinel Less than two weeks ago, Colorado Politics reported that the VanWinkle family, known for their local cattle ranch and statewide agricultural advocacy, was considering selling their operation. VanWinkle Ranch co-owner Janie Van-Winkle told The Daily Sentinel this week that a full exit from the industry was never a consideration. Rather, the family was considering a move to more “ag-friendly” states, like Kansas or Nebraska. Then, the Turner Gulch Fire sparked. Just a few days after, it spread onto nearly half of the VanWinkle’s land leased through the U.S. Forest Service — a 39,000-acre parcel the family has cared for since Van-Winkle’s great-grandfather.“ The fire has made us realize that we need to be here, and we need to be a part of puttin...
‘This is no longer an agriculture-friendly environment’: Colorado ranchers slam Polis agenda
Colorado Politics, Approved, State

‘This is no longer an agriculture-friendly environment’: Colorado ranchers slam Polis agenda

By Rachael Wright | Colorado Politics Ranchers and farmers assess Polis administration Janie VanWinkle is contemplating something she never thought she’d ever consider — selling the family ranch after four generations of living and working in Colorado. “The political environment is so toxic that if we do speak up at all, it falls on deaf ears,” said VanWinkle, a Western Slope rancher. “This is no longer an agriculture-friendly environment or atmosphere. Five years ago, I could never imagine having this conversation with my family.” Colorado's agricultural industry is the state's second-largest economic driver, accounting for more than $47 billion in activity and employing more than 195,000 people. The export of Colorado cattle as of 2024 generated nearly $4.5 billion, making Co...

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