MONTE VISTA, Colo. (RFD News) — An 80-year-old family potato farm is finding new ways to adapt as drought continues to reshape farming across the region.
Farmer Tyler Mitchell says the operation has adjusted its crop rotation in recent years, replacing malt barley with less water-intensive crops like quinoa and winter rye while incorporating cattle grazing to improve soil health and reduce water use.
Mitchell says growers continue to face challenges from a drought that has persisted for more than two decades, along with weak potato prices following last year’s large national crop.
Despite those challenges, he remains optimistic about the future of potato farming and says organizations like the National Potato Council help represent growers on policy issues.
USDA reports that colony numbers increased in the first half of 2026 as beekeepers continued to replace losses and manage Varroa mites.
August 11, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Excess moisture is increasing disease pressure across the Corn Belt as growers monitor southern rust, tar spot, stalk health, and harvest conditions.
August 10, 2026 02:30 PM
·
Producers with eligible 2023 or 2024 disaster losses now have through Sept. 30 to apply and additional options for documenting quality-related losses.
August 10, 2026 01:00 PM
·
For farmers and ranchers, the combination of expanding export opportunities, uncertain Chinese demand, and unpredictable weather will continue to shape markets heading into the months ahead.
August 10, 2026 12:30 PM
·
The Idaho Farm Bureau highlights how ranchers and volunteers are responding as the wildfire continues to spread.
August 06, 2026 01:00 PM
·
