Fall 2012: Rooted in Colorado
![](https://www.watereducationcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/SNIP_Grown-in-Colorado-FI.png)
Grown in Colorado
October 2, 2012 by Caitlin Coleman
Colorado boasts ideal growing conditions for a wide range of products once water is added to the mix. The state’s farms and ranches provide a bounty that reaches 115 nations and, in Colorado, is one of the leading drivers of the state’s economy.
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A Public Resource With a Private Right to Use
Colorado’s doctrine of prior appropriation is a legal system governing water’s use. A look at how the system evolved, how it actually works, and, in a watershort year like 2012, how it plays out for the state’s farmers and ranchers.![](https://www.watereducationcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/SNIP_Keepingwateronthefarm2-500x332.png)
Keeping Water on the Farm
Farms need water. Cities and industries need it too. Why creative approaches are necessary to maximize Colorado’s ability to maintain the best of both worlds.![](https://www.watereducationcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/29_TheEverEvolvingFarmer_BryanKelsen2_Fall2012-500x332.jpg)
The Ever-Evolving Farmer
Access to water boosts yields and minimizes risk in an inherently risky industry, where the up-front costs are high and the returns uncertain. Faced with drought and an increasingly competitive marketplace for water rights, farmers must innovate to survive.![](https://www.watereducationcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/11_ClimaxComesBack_FreeportMcMoRan_Fall2012-286x332.jpg)
Climax Comes Back
How water resources are being protected at Leadville’s newly re-opened Climax molybdenum mine.![](https://www.watereducationcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/12_ClassroomConnection_ColoradoFoundationForAgriculture_Fall2012.jpg)
Classroom Connection
Bringing agricultural awareness into Colorado’s classrooms.![](https://www.watereducationcolorado.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/10_ColoradoOnFire_DougConarroe1_Fall2012-500x332.jpg)