

Colorado River Basin
Discovery Farms
Examining the impact of soil health practices on water resource management and soil-water interactions with and for the community
Our Mission
The Colorado River Basin Discovery Farms project unites Colorado State University researchers and professionals with local producers in a shared pursuit: to discover practical, science-backed ways that soil health practices can strengthen water resource management and drought resiliency. By focusing on the real challenges farmers face in the Colorado River Basin, we aim to create lasting change that supports both the land and the people who depend on it.

What is a Discovery Farm?
A Discovery Farm is a working farm that volunteers to be at the forefront of the research-outreach nexus. Each site adopts, tests, and refines soil health practices alongside our CSU team, collecting data and hosting demonstrations to show what works—and what doesn’t—in a real-world setting. The goal is to close the gap between academic research and on-the-ground realities, empowering producers to lead the way in sustainable, water-conscious farming.


Interested in becoming a Producer Partner?
We’re looking for passionate growers to join our team! If you’d like to explore becoming a Discovery Farm Partner or simply want to learn more about our work, use the link below to fill out an interest form. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient agricultural future for the Colorado River Basin.
Questions? Email Dr. Lexi Firth at lexi.firth@colostate.edu