BONNY RESERVOIR FIELD DAY TO SHOWCASE INNOVATIVE GRAZING TECHNOLOGY AND CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS

Live cattle demonstration, virtual fencing, forage monitoring, and chuckwagon lunch planned for October

WRAY, Colo. — What if ranchers could manage cattle movements, establish grazing boundaries, and monitor their livestock using technology right from their smartphones? The Yuma County Conservation District (YCCD) invites producers, landowners, conservation professionals, and community members to see these innovations in action during the Bonny Reservoir Adaptive Grazing Field Day on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Wagon Wheel Campground gazebo at the South Republican State Wildlife Area near Idalia, Colorado.

The field day will highlight an innovative conservation demonstration that combines traditional livestock grazing with modern technology to address vegetation management, wildlife habitat restoration, and wildfire fuel reduction at Bonny Reservoir.

Once a popular recreational reservoir, Bonny was drained to meet obligations under the Republican River Compact. The changing landscape created new challenges for managing vegetation, maintaining wildlife habitat, and reducing accumulated plant material that can contribute to wildfire risk.

Through a partnership involving YCCD, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the Bureau of Reclamation, and other conservation and technology partners, adaptive livestock grazing is being demonstrated as a practical management tool for this changing landscape.

“Bonny Reservoir has faced some significant changes over the years, and we saw an opportunity to approach those challenges a little differently,” said Tanya Fell, District Manager of the Yuma County Conservation District. “This project is about more than putting cattle back on the landscape. It's about bringing together producers, conservation partners, and new technology to find practical solutions for managing our natural resources. We've learned a tremendous amount this year, and we're excited to share both our successes and our challenges. If what we're doing at Bonny can help other landowners and land managers think about grazing as another tool in their conservation toolbox, then we're accomplishing exactly what we set out to do.”

A critical component of the project has been the development of livestock water infrastructure, including solar-powered pumping systems, pipelines, and water tanks. These improvements help distribute cattle across the landscape and make grazing possible in areas where reliable livestock water was previously unavailable.

The project also incorporates Halter virtual fencing technology, which allows grazing boundaries to be established and adjusted through a smartphone rather than relying exclusively on traditional physical fences. Satellite-connected collars help guide cattle movements, monitor livestock locations, and provide producers with new tools for managing grazing rotations.

A highlight of the field day will be a live cattle handling and virtual fencing demonstration, allowing attendees to see the technology in action and learn how it is being used under actual grazing conditions.

Participants will also learn about RangeView satellite forage monitoring technology, which provides information about forage biomass, vegetation response, and grazing utilization. These monitoring tools help evaluate changes across the landscape and support informed grazing management decisions.

Local cooperating producer Darrell Smith will share his firsthand experiences implementing the grazing project, including cattle training, managing virtual boundaries, adjusting grazing rotations, and lessons learned during the demonstration's first grazing season.

Representatives from CPW, the Bureau of Reclamation, YCCD, Halter, and RangeView will discuss the history of Bonny Reservoir, project development, water infrastructure, conservation objectives, and opportunities for future management.

The program will include a complimentary Dutch oven chuckwagon lunch prepared by John Schaffner and sponsored by Halter, providing an opportunity for attendees to visit with project partners and fellow producers.

The afternoon will feature a live demonstration near the boat-ramp area, including a look at the portable corral system, virtual fencing collars, and cattle movements managed through the Halter system.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026

• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m.)

• Location: Wagon Wheel Campground Gazebo, South Republican State Wildlife Area, near Idalia, Colorado

• Cost: Free, including lunch

• RSVP Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026

This is an outdoor event. Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and field conditions. Follow event signage from Highway 385 and County Road 2 to the Wagon Wheel Campground gazebo.

Registration is requested by October 16 to assist with meal planning. Register online at:

https://www.ycconservation.com/events/bonny-reservoir-adaptive-grazing-field-day

For additional information, contact the Yuma County Conservation District  and please RSVP by October 16, 2026, at www.ycconservation.com or by calling 970-332-3107 ext. 9002. The event schedule is available on the YCCD website.

The Centennial Harvest Celebrates Yuma County Agriculture and Colorado's 150-Year Legacy

Yuma County Vendor Showcase and “Setting Colorado's Table” Book Talk Set for October 29

WRAY, Colo. — From the fields and pastures of eastern Colorado to the tables of families across the state, agriculture has helped shape Colorado's history for 150 years. This fall, the Wray Museum and the Yuma County Conservation District invite the community to celebrate that legacy and the people who continue it today.

The Centennial Harvest: Yuma County Vendor Showcase and “Setting Colorado's Table” Book Talk will take place Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Wray Community Center (Roundhouse), located at 245 W. 4th St. in Wray.

The celebration begins with a Yuma County Vendor Showcase from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., featuring local agricultural producers, businesses, organizations, and products. Visitors will have an opportunity to meet local vendors, discover products and services connected to agriculture, enjoy samples from participating vendors, and learn more about the people and businesses contributing to Yuma County's agricultural heritage.

At 5:00 p.m., the event will feature a special presentation by Dr. Rachael Storm, Head of Curatorial Services and Curator of Business and Industry at History Colorado, and author of Setting Colorado's Table: 150 Years of Agricultural Legacy.

Created in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Setting Colorado's Table commemorates Colorado's 150th anniversary of statehood by exploring the agricultural history, traditions, challenges, and accomplishments that have shaped the state.

Organized around five central themes — Water, Land, Life, Resilience, and Celebration — the book shares personal stories and essays highlighting the farmers, ranchers, families, and communities whose dedication has helped build Colorado's agricultural legacy.

The limited-edition, 86-page hardcover coffee table book also features artwork from a 35-foot mural created by renowned Colorado artist Thomas “Detour” Evans.

Beyond celebrating the past, the publication supports the future of Colorado agriculture. Thirty dollars from every book sold will support farmers and ranchers through the Colorado Soil Health Program, helping advance stewardship practices and protect Colorado's valuable soil resources for future generations.

A limited number of copies of Setting Colorado's Table: 150 Years of Agricultural Legacy will be available for purchase during the event. Those interested in securing a copy may reserve one in advance by contacting the Wray Museum. The author will sign books purchased at the event.

The Wray Museum encourages residents throughout Yuma County and surrounding communities to attend this special celebration of local agriculture, Colorado history, and the generations of people who have helped put food on our tables. In keeping with the spirit of Setting Colorado's Table, attendees are encouraged to help fill the tables of neighbors in need by bringing a nonperishable food donation for Manna Pantry. Donations collected during the event will support local families and serve as a reminder that agriculture is not only part of our history, but also an important part of caring for our communities today.

Event Information

• Thursday, October 29, 2026

• 3:00–5:00 p.m.: Yuma County Vendor Showcase

• 5:00 p.m.: Setting Colorado's Table Book Talk

• Location: Wray Community Center (Roundhouse), 245 W. 4th St., Wray, CO 80758

For more information or to reserve a copy of the book, contact the Wray Museum at 970-332-5063 or wraymuseum@cityofwray.org.

About the Wray Museum

The mission of the Wray Museum is to inspire appreciation and understanding of the vibrant history of Wray and the surrounding area through the documentation, study, and exhibition of artifacts in order to foster community pride and enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.

About the Yuma County Conservation District

The mission of the Yuma County Conservation District is to provide a legal organization to assist in the effort to accomplish maximum economical and beneficial use and conservation of all land, water, and plant resources by providing technical assistance, facilities, and equipment as is available. Our goal is to create as many good stewards of natural resources as possible without the use of mandates and regulations.

Yuma County Conservation District Hiring Part-Time Office Assistant

Yuma County Conservation District is looking for a dependable, organized person to join our small team. This position helps keep the District office, finances, meetings, and public programs running smoothly. The ideal candidate enjoys varied work, pays close attention to detail, and is comfortable working with numbers, records, partner agencies, and the public.

What You Will Do

•  Maintain QuickBooks records and assist with routine accounting, budgeting, financial reports, insurance, and workers' compensation filings.

•  Prepare materials for monthly YCCD Board meetings, attend meetings, draft minutes, and maintain official meeting records.

•  Assist with Republican River Watershed Association meeting preparation, planning, minutes, and follow-up.

•  Provide friendly customer service and help with correspondence, records, newsletters, the website, tree sales, workshops, and other District activities.

What We Are Looking For

•  Bookkeeping or accounting knowledge and experience with QuickBooks or similar software; training may be provided to the right candidate.

•  Strong organization, communication, computer, proofreading, and recordkeeping skills.

•  Good judgment, accuracy, confidentiality, reliability, and the ability to manage several deadlines.

•  High school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. Relevant office, bookkeeping, governmental, nonprofit, agricultural, or conservation experience is preferred.

•  Ability to successfully complete and maintain the federal background, suitability, credentialing, and access requirements necessary to work in the NRCS office.

Position Details

•  Hourly pay range: $16 to $21 per hour.

•  Benefits: Limited to those required by applicable Colorado law.

•  Schedule: Approximately 20 hours per week, with occasional meetings or events outside regular office hours.

•  Application deadline: October 23, 2026.

How to Apply

Send a resume and brief letter of interest to yccd77@gmail.com or deliver them to Yuma County Conservation District, 247 North Clay Street, Wray, Colorado 80758. A complete job description is available upon request.