Colorado ranchers compensated for wolf-related livestock losses, but may not last due to a budget crisis

Colorado ranchers are receiving nearly half a million dollars in compensation for livestock losses due to wolves.

Two ranchers in Grand County were approved for payments. Ranchers can receive up to $15,000 per animal from the state’s Wolf Depredation Compensation Fund.
The fund also covers secondary losses, such as stress-related issues in livestock.

However, the future of the program paying producers remains uncertain due to a state budget crisis.

Related Stories
Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, provides new updates on winter storm impacts and the outlook for rural power reliability.
Jessi Grote from the AgriSafe Network provides winter safety guidance for rural communities still recovering from the recent winter storm.
CattleCon 2026 officially kicks off Tuesday and continues through Thursday, bringing producers together to shape the future of the U.S. cattle industry.
The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
The changing political climate in America is leading to a drop in migrant crossings near the U.S.-Mexico border, where ranchers like Dr. Mike Vickers say they witnessed horrors from death to child trafficking.
Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.