BOULDER COUNTY FARMERS

Jun 01 2026ENVIRONMENT

How tiny soil microbes shape mercury risks in rice fields

Farmers growing rice in contaminated soil face a hidden dilemma. Tiny soil microbes control how mercury turns into a more dangerous form called methylmercury—a toxin that can build up in rice grains. Scientists wanted to see what happens when these microbes start disappearing, which climate change m

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May 20 2026OPINION

Boulder County’s Battle Against Cheatgrass

Boulder County owns or protects more than 108, 000 acres of open space. The land is a mix of county property and private parcels that have been sealed with conservation easements thanks to taxpayer money. Once the land was secured, a duty followed: keep it healthy and safe. The county’s plan says t

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May 15 2026OPINION

Boulder’s open spaces: where cycling thrives but official plans don’t

Boulder County calls itself a cycling paradise, but its parks department seems to have missed the memo entirely. Leaders now want to cut mountain bike access at key spots like Heil Valley Ranch and Hall Ranch, blaming "user conflicts. " The real picture tells a different story. Official numbers show

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May 10 2026ENVIRONMENT

This summer’s fruit harvest might be smaller and pricier than usual

Farmers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are bracing for a tough season ahead. After a sudden heatwave in mid-April followed by unexpected freezes just days later, many fruit crops are struggling to recover. Peaches, apples, and even some berries were hit hard, with some farms losing most of their pro

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Apr 27 2026SCIENCE

Small algae, big changes: how broiler chickens respond to high-chlorella diets

Farmers looking for plant-based feed alternatives often turn to microalgae like Chlorella vulgaris because it’s packed with nutrients and grows quickly. But when chickens ate diets where soy meal was swapped for 20 % Chlorella, something unexpected happened—growth slowed down and certain fats in the

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Apr 09 2026ENVIRONMENT

Why Boulder’s Growth Plan Needs a Reality Check

Boulder’s approach to managing its future has always stood out for balancing growth with environmental limits. But the latest draft of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan takes a risky turn by loosening the strict rules that kept development in check for decades. One big change? Dropping the old n

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Mar 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Dry air and strong winds raise fire risks in Boulder

Boulder is facing a high danger day for wildfires on Wednesday. The National Weather Service has put a red flag warning in place from noon until 7 p. m. for areas below 6, 000 feet elevation. The warning focuses on conditions that could turn a small spark into a fast-moving blaze. Two main weather f

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Mar 14 2026SCIENCE

Smart Nitrogen Use Saves Money and Protects Water

Farmers in the area are trying a new way to cut costs and keep groundwater clean. A local extension teacher started the “Nitrogen Challenge” after farmers asked if they were still adding too much fertilizer to their fields. The goal is simple: give each crop exactly the amount of nitrogen it n

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Feb 27 2026WEATHER

Wildfire Watch: Strong Winds and Dry Air in Boulder County

Boulder County will face a red flag warning from 8 a. m. to 6 p. m. Friday, meaning conditions could make any fire spread quickly. The National Weather Service says the main danger is wind and low humidity. Wind speeds are expected to stay between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph in lower ele

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Jan 26 2026BUSINESS

Farmers Face Tough Choices as Health Insurance Costs Skyrocket

Farmers in the US are facing a tough situation. Their income is dropping. At the same time, the cost of health insurance is going up. This is because the extra help from the government to pay for insurance is gone. This help was part of the Affordable Care Act. It ended last year. Farmers like Jame

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