SALIDA — The single-day, first-ever Colorado Grain Summit is going to be held on March 8 where the grain community from the San Luis Valley will have a strong presence among featured presenters discussing the potential opportunities to be found in increasing local grain sourcing in Colorado.  

Heather Dutton (SLV Water Conservation District) and Sarah Jones (Jones Farms Organics) are the conference keynote speakers on the topic of “Rye-sing Tides Float All Boats”. Dutton and Jones are creators of the Rye Resurgence Project, which champions high alpine rye for a sustainable future in the San Luis Valley. 

Subsequent break-out sessions include presenters from the Valley like Kristian Gosar with Monte Vista based Mountain Mama Milling who will be presenting on “The Grain Chain in Action”. 

Jake Gefell, co-founder of Tomorrow’s Bread and Tumbleweed Bread, will be presenting on “Whole Grains for Whole Communities: Advancing Food Equity.” 

Eric Pfannenstiel, who owns Monte Vista based Rocky Mountain Hay Farms with his brother, will also be participating in the conference along with Valley Roots Hub which will be both tabling and participating.  

Additional sessions include expert panel discussion on topics that are front and center in agriculture today, including “From Soil to Shelf: Agroecology’s Market Potential”, “Growing Direct to Consumer Markets”, “Building the Middle of the Supply Chain Markets” plus “Growing and Transitioning in the Face of Climate Change.” 

The conference ends with “Grain Sensory Session and Rye Tasting” by CSU Spur. 

The event is the work of The Colorado Grain Chain, a membership based, 501(c)3 Colorado nonprofit whose mission is to grow and connect a vibrant community-centered grain economy in the state. Their goal in holding the inaugural summit is to inspire those businesses who are using locally grown grains to envision and eventually create new pathways capable of sustainable growth while yielding a greater market impact. 

Studies have shown that an increasing number of consumers are showing an increased preference for locally sourced grains, based on both taste and a stated support for both local farmers, the local ag economy and a reduced carbon footprint.   

 “Our goal is to create an environment that fosters partnerships, provides pathways to market expansion and connects grain producers with businesses across Colorado,” says Colorado Grain Chain Executive Director, Lisa Boldt. 

The Colorado Grain Summit will be at the Steam Plant Event Center, 220 West Sackett Avenue in Salida on Saturday, March 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

For more information about the Colorado Grain Summit or about scholarships that are available, visit online www.coloradograinchain.com/page/colorado_grain_summit2025 or coloradograinchain.com@events_listings.