BOULDER, Colo. - Michael Richters is turning a pasture behind his house in eastern Boulder County into the state's first commercial lavender farm.
In 2007, he planted 18,000 lavender plants on three acres in what he hopes will become a lucrative crop. The farm opened for its second season this weekend, offering pick-your-own lavender, lavender bath products and lavender treats like ice cream.
"It's been a learning experience and a challenge," Richters said. "I've had to learn patience."
Richters may be the new face of Boulder County farming.
Local farmers and ranchers began fading into the background a decade ago as the high-tech industry boomed and housing developments took over where crops once grew.
But with all the interest in eating locally produced food, there's also a renewed interest in farming. Instead of growing traditional crops like corn, hay and grain, a new generation of farmers is turning to smaller, intensive organic vegetable and herb gardens.
"The re-emergence of small-scale, local farming is part of a national trend, and Boulder is on the forefront of that trend," said Dave Georgis, founder of Boulder's Everybody Eats program, which promotes local, sustainable and organic agriculture. "It makes sense here, where land values are very high and water is scarce."
Uncertain future for farming
Longtime Boulder County farmer John Ellis estimated that about a dozen full-time farmers raise grain and feed crops on large acreage in the county.
"Growing up here, it was all hay and grain and livestock," the 60-year-old said. "It's changing. The income per acre is going up. The number of acres is going down. It's so hard to farm big time."
SUPPORT OUR
SPONSORS
New Generation of Farmers Going Small-Scale
-
Still, future uncertain as traditional farming dwindles
By Amy Bounds
The Daily Camera - CO, July 26, 2009
Straight to the Source
