About
Located near Hotchkiss, Colorado, WCRC – Rogers Mesa focuses on applied research and community engagement to serve organic growers in Delta County as well as the greater Western Slope of Colorado. Research areas adhere to the issues faced by farmers today, and our produce is donated to hunger relief organizations.
WCRC – Rogers Mesa re-opened in 2017 and is located three miles west of Hotchkiss, CO and sits at an elevation of 5800 feet. Our organic research farm has a 125-day frost-free growing season and sits on nearly 80 acres of 100% certified organic land. Our work emphasizes organic agriculture for tree fruits, table and wine grapes, organic vegetable production, alternative crops, and greenhouse cultivation.
Our Purpose
Perform
applied research and deliver reliable results pertinent to current issues faced by organic growers.
Engage
with the community through education and cooperation.
Emphasize
organic production and environmental sustainability.
Vision
Increase organic agricultural opportunities in support of the well-being of farmers in Western Colorado.
Mission
To be a source of scientific rigor, dependable and accessible education, and organic methodologies n pursuit of solving current agricultural issues in Western CO.
Values
- Accessibility
- Community engagement
- Trustworthy science
- Sustainability
- Conservation
- Diversity and Inclusion
Advisory Committee Members
The WCRC – Rogers Mesa Advisory Committee convenes annually to provide advice about research & engagement programs, facilities, priorities, and resources. We are grateful for their support and guidance.
David Harold
Tuxedo Corn Co.
Laura Parker
High Desert Seed & Garden
Steve Ela
Ela Family Farms
Harrison Topp
Topp Fruits
Robbie LeValley
Delta County Administrator
Nicole Didero
Regional Specialist CSU Extension
Emma Kottenstette
Farm Runners
Mark Waltermire
Thistle Whistle Farm
Alex Castillo
Llamas Family Wines
Abbey Andersen
Uproot Colorado
Matt Springer
Grey Owl Gardens
Jayme Henderson & Steve Steese
The Storm Cellar
Paul Maudlin
Excelsior Orchards
Sue Hansen
Montrose County Commissioner
Karen & Brent Helleckson
Stone Cottage Cellars