Farmers and ranchers need real-world, context-specific data to make informed decisions about adopting new agricultural practices. The Discovery Farms and Ranches Initiative meets this need by establishing long-term research sites on working farms and ranches across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. These living laboratories provide a space for producers and researchers to collaboratively test, refine, and implement innovative soil health and sustainability practices tailored to local conditions. By grounding research in real-world challenges, Discovery Farms ensure that agricultural solutions are practical, effective, and scalable.

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More than just research sites, Discovery Farms serve as hubs for collaboration, education, and policy-relevant learning. Through field days, fact sheets, and other outreach efforts, these farms connect producers, scientists, and stakeholders in a co-learning environment, fostering a dynamic network of knowledge-sharing. Additionally, social science research at these sites explores the motivations and barriers producers face in adopting new practices, shedding light on the cultural and economic drivers of lasting change.

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This vision is already taking shape in the Colorado River Basin, where IN-RICHES is launching Discovery Farms to examine the links between soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, and irrigation water needs. With additional investment, this initiative can expand statewide to address pressing local priorities such as drought resilience, water optimization, and land rehabilitation. By supporting Discovery Farms, you can help equip producers with cutting-edge science, hands-on learning, and actionable solutions—securing a resilient and sustainable future for agriculture in Colorado and beyond.