A landscape photo of the Rogers Mesa growing fields

WCRC – Rogers Mesa

As a 100% certified organic research center, WCRC-RM serves as a nationwide knowledge hub for organic agriculture in arid climates. Located near Hotchkiss, CO at 5,800 feet, the 80-acre property has 30 irrigated acres, a climate-controlled greenhouse, and equipment and infrastructure to support fruit tree orchards, grape vineyards, perennial pasture, and vegetable production. Their vision adheres to pertinent issues faced by growers with a focus on vegetables and perennial fruit crops, and all of the produce is donated to hunger relief organizations. Research topics include ecological pest and disease management, variety and rootstock trials, and regional adaptation of annual crops. 

100 Years

Serving the community in the Gunnison River North Fork Valley

20,000 Lbs

Average pounds of produce donated to hunger relief organizations annually

100% Organic

The only fully organic land grant university research station in the country

WCRC – Rogers Mesa Programming

green chile plant

Regional Seed Vegetable Variety Trials 

wine grapes<br />

Wine grape variety trials for the North Fork Valley

Gala apples<br />

Apple rootstock trials

Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project logo

Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project

peach-tree-branch

Organic Solutions to Cytospora Canker Disease in Peach 

peaches in baskets

The North Fork Peach Rootstock Trial 

apple trees covered in mesh

Controlling Codling Moth in Apple 

fruit orchard

Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Assessing Orchard Agrivoltaics

apple flower

Organic Options for Assisted Apple Thinning 

corn rows in farm field

Addressing the Pest: Seed Corn Maggot in Sweet Corn 

Contact Information

Physical Location

30624 Hwy-92
Hotchkiss, CO 81419
(970) 872-3437

Brad Tonnessen

Research Scientist
brad.tonnessen@colostate.edu
(970) 872-3437

Bryan Braddy

Research Associate III
bryan.braddy@colostate.edu

Max Kirks

Research Associate I
max.kirks@colostate.edu

 

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Inversion Information at Rogers Mesa

These data are provided by CSU’s CoAgMet Colorado’s Mesonet.

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Get Current and Historical Climate Information for WCRC – Rogers Mesa

You can get even more information about all the climate data we record at Rogers Mesa.