The Forum: Wednesday April 8, 2026

The City of Montrose held a community forum on April 8, 2026, focusing on the local agricultural economy and its challenges. Key speakers included County Commissioner Sue Hansen, local rancher George Etchard, and agricultural business representative Nancy Fishering. Discussions highlighted the economic significance of agriculture in Montrose, including crop and livestock sales, and the impact of drought conditions on water availability for irrigation. The forum addressed issues such as rising costs, labor shortages, regulatory pressures, and the need for innovative solutions to preserve farmland and support succession farming. Water management challenges were detailed by Steve Pope of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association, including infrastructure leaks and the critical need to regulate water use amid historic drought conditions. While the meeting did not focus on specific procurement actions, it underscored the importance of water infrastructure maintenance and potential capital improvements to support the agricultural sector.