Ranchers moving cattle between fields, along CR 270 in fall, 2019. Photo by Jan Wondra
Conflict Reduction Training Prepares Colorado Producers for Next Calving Season with Wolves
On Monday the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) announced its partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services, and Colorado State University Extension to bring trainings to Colorado livestock producers related to coexistence with wolves and the highly effective non-lethal deterrent methods available to them through the State of Colorado.
According to the CDA, this is part of a larger effort to assist producers with implementation of non-lethal conflict mitigation tools, including range riding, carcass disposal, guardian dogs, and a flexible grant program.
“We are reaching out to producers across Colorado who are interested in learning more about non-lethal predator conflict reduction methods, whether wolves are in their community already or not,” said CDA’s Non-lethal Conflict Reduction Program Manager Dustin Shiflett. “Before new wolves are released in Colorado, we want to spread awareness about the tools available through the state and how to use hazing and other deterrents.”
The goal: to support Colorado livestock producers with proactive training as they get ready for new calves and lambs in the spring.
“Through our conflict mitigation grants and through these trainings, CDA is building partnerships with trusted local leaders to help ranchers and livestock owners coexist with Colorado predators,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg.
“Colorado Parks and Wildlife is committed to supporting our agricultural community as we move forward with wolf restoration in the state,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “These conflict reduction trainings are an essential step in ensuring that livestock producers are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to minimize conflict with wolves. By working together with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and other partners, we can proactively address concerns and promote coexistence between livestock operations and Colorado’s wildlife.”
The training program is a joint effort covering a range of topics, including:
Information on wolf depredation investigations
Range riding
Carcass management
Using livestock protection dogs
Right now, four meetings are scheduled, with more being planned. These meetings are free to the public and food is provided. Interested producers should register online to confirm their attendance.
Upcoming meetings are scheduled for the following locations:
October 22 – Craig – Moffat County, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. today
October 23 – Steamboat Springs – Routt County, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
November 4 – Meeker – Rio Blanco County, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
November 5 – Glenwood Springs – Garfield County, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
All upcoming meetings will be posted on the CDA events page at ag.colorado.gov/events.
CDA, is working in conjunction with Working Circle. It is also offering invitation-only, hands-on stockmanship clinics in communities across Colorado. The first training was held in Jackson County, with 17 producers in attendance.
During the stockmanship clinics, producers have a chance to learn Bud Williams stockmanship techniques and will get to practice these techniques hands-on with cattle during the second day of the clinic. Producers interested in attending stockmanship training should contact the CDA Non-lethal Conflict Reduction Program Manager to learn about future opportunities.
Additionally, CDA is offering grants to help producers implement non-lethal wolf conflict reduction measures. Grants are available to Colorado livestock associations or other organizations that provide support to multiple producers. Interested organizations can apply at ag.colorado.gov/wolves.
For questions about the trainings, stockmanship clinics, or grants, contact Dustin Shiflett, CDA Non-lethal Conflict Reduction Program Manager at dustin.shiflett@state.co.us or call 720-902-1222.