Dr. Kris Nichols, Soil Microbiologist
KRIS Systems Education & Consultation
Dr. Kris Nichols is a leader in the movement to regenerate soils for healthy crops, food, people and a planet. She is the founder and principal scientist of KRIS (Knowledge for Regeneration and Innovation in Soils) Systems Education & Consultation and a sub-contractor with Soil Health Consulting, Inc. Her current focus is to address current and future agricultural needs by building upon a soil health foundation to identify biological methods for agricultural production and tools and practices to reduce pest issues, soil erosion, fossil fuel use, and greenhouse gas emissions. These systems are resilient and adapt to climatic uncertainty by increasing nutrient and water use efficiencies; improving pollinator activity and food security; and providing long-term solutions to agricultural economic viability, food insecurity, and the loss of ecosystem services. Kris continues to develop and evolve methodology and tools farmers, home-owners, and students may use to examine and appreciate their soil. Her work on carbon movement from plant to microbes and nutrient and water cycling have led her to also expand her research into exploring the similarities between the soil and gut microbiomes to improve soil and animal including human health. Throughout her career, Kris has given over 250 invited presentations to a wide variety of audiences, authored or co-authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, been cited or interviewed for more than 50 magazine or newspaper articles, highlighted in five books, and has numerous videos on-line.
Dr. Nichols was the Chief Scientist at Rodale Institute for over three years where she oversaw approximately fifteen projects on organic agriculture, including the Farming Systems Trial®, a side-by-side comparison of conventional chemical grain production to organic, biologicallybased production, and the initiation of the Vegetable Systems Trial. She was also instrumental in obtaining funding for these projects including recently being primarily responsible for the receipt of a ~$6 million, six-year project to explore the impacts of agricultural management practices on water quality in the Delaware River Watershed. Prior to joining Rodale Institute, Nichols was a Research (Soil) Microbiologist with the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in North Dakota for 11 years and a Biological Laboratory Technician with ARS in Beltsville, MD for 3 years. During her time with USDA, she focused on mycorrhizal fungi and the investigation of glomalin – a substance produced by AM (arbuscular mycorrhizal) fungi. Glomalin contributes to nutrient cycling by protecting AM hyphae transporting nutrients from the soil to the plant and to soil structure and plant health by helping to form and stabilize soil aggregates. Kris received Bachelor of Science degrees in Plant Biology and in Genetics and Cell Biology from the University of Minnesota in 1995, a Master’s degree in Environmental Microbiology from West Virginia University in 1999, and a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Maryland in 2003. In recognition of her work, Dr. Nichols has received several awards including the 2012 Conservation Research Award from the International Soil and Water Conservation Society.
Dr. Nichols was the Chief Scientist at Rodale Institute for over three years where she oversaw approximately fifteen projects on organic agriculture, including the Farming Systems Trial®, a side-by-side comparison of conventional chemical grain production to organic, biologicallybased production, and the initiation of the Vegetable Systems Trial. She was also instrumental in obtaining funding for these projects including recently being primarily responsible for the receipt of a ~$6 million, six-year project to explore the impacts of agricultural management practices on water quality in the Delaware River Watershed. Prior to joining Rodale Institute, Nichols was a Research (Soil) Microbiologist with the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in North Dakota for 11 years and a Biological Laboratory Technician with ARS in Beltsville, MD for 3 years. During her time with USDA, she focused on mycorrhizal fungi and the investigation of glomalin – a substance produced by AM (arbuscular mycorrhizal) fungi. Glomalin contributes to nutrient cycling by protecting AM hyphae transporting nutrients from the soil to the plant and to soil structure and plant health by helping to form and stabilize soil aggregates. Kris received Bachelor of Science degrees in Plant Biology and in Genetics and Cell Biology from the University of Minnesota in 1995, a Master’s degree in Environmental Microbiology from West Virginia University in 1999, and a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Maryland in 2003. In recognition of her work, Dr. Nichols has received several awards including the 2012 Conservation Research Award from the International Soil and Water Conservation Society.
Bart Eller, Paonia Soil Co, Paonia, CO
For many years, Bart Eller was the director of Paonia.com Inc, bringing Internet service to under-served communities globally. With Paonia Soil Co, he combines his expertise in business and infrastructure with his love of horticulture, building organic super soil mixes to share with you. Bart applies the work of soil science pioneers like Dr. William A. Albrecht, combined with his own research, to help growers achieve the best yields with the least cost and effort.
Bill and Kelli Parker Parker Pastures, Gunnison, CO
Born with a passion for healthy lands and humanely raised livestock, Bill and Kelli Parker founded Parker Pastures in 2006 after many years studying and gaining experience in livestock production, ecology, and Holistic Management. Along with their 3 children, they own, manage, and provide most of the labor for this family owned business.
Parker Pastures is a family owned and operated business in Colorado providing excellence, inspiration, and leadership. It is a profitable, land-based business that creates health and abundance for all. We promote ecological regeneration through the production of high quality grass-fed meats. We actively share our story as a thriving family that is intentional about our quality of life. Our customers enjoy 100% Satisfaction and a meaningful connection to us, the land, and their food source. We know our financial freedom is dependent upon serving others, and this is the cornerstone of all of our relationships. Using appropriate tools and technology, using superb systems, and having clear roles and responsibilities within the business helps us achieve this vision.
Parker Pastures is a family owned and operated business in Colorado providing excellence, inspiration, and leadership. It is a profitable, land-based business that creates health and abundance for all. We promote ecological regeneration through the production of high quality grass-fed meats. We actively share our story as a thriving family that is intentional about our quality of life. Our customers enjoy 100% Satisfaction and a meaningful connection to us, the land, and their food source. We know our financial freedom is dependent upon serving others, and this is the cornerstone of all of our relationships. Using appropriate tools and technology, using superb systems, and having clear roles and responsibilities within the business helps us achieve this vision.
Chuck Peacock Soil Scientist, NRCS
Chuck Peacock is a Soil Scientist with NRCS based in Grand Junction, Colorado. He is currently the MLRA (Major Land Resource Area) Office Leader and supervises a small crew of 2 Soil Scientists and one Ecological Site Specialist. The office is responsible for soil surveys and ecological sites in the majority of Western Colorado and good chunk of Eastern Utah. His work primarily entails mapping soils for publication in soil surveys (Web Soil Survey) and assisting the public in using those surveys and educating people about the nature and properties of soils – and specifically “biologically active” healthy soil. He has been mapping soils and delivering these services in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming for over 25 years. Prior to NRCS he was a "lab rat" performing various soil, water, & tissue analysis at the CSU soil testing lab. Chuck is native of the North Fork Valley in Western Colorado. He has a Master's degree in Soil Genesis & Morphology from Colorado State University (CSU) and a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy/Soil Science also from CSU.
Cindy Lair Colorado State Conservation Board
Cindy Lair manages the Colorado State Conservation Board program for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. This program provides financial support and administrative oversight to the 76 Conservation Districts within Colorado. Representing the Department of Agriculture, Cindy collaborates on critical natural resource/agricultural issues, such as: alternatives to agricultural water transfers to municipal and industrial uses, reducing nutrient water pollution, agricultural climate resiliency, soil health/cover cropping in Western agriculture, farm succession planning, etc. Cindy serves as the past president on the USDA Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE) Administrative Council and is the past president for the National Association of State Conservation Agencies. She represents Colorado on the US Climate Alliance Natural and Working Lands Working Group
Cindy has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management from Colorado State University and is an alumna of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program. She is also a Certified Instructor for Vital Smarts’ “Crucial Conversations”.
Cindy has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management from Colorado State University and is an alumna of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program. She is also a Certified Instructor for Vital Smarts’ “Crucial Conversations”.
Chris Hazen Exec. Dir, San Miguel Conservation Foundation
Chris Hazen is an Ecologist that has been living in San Miguel County since 1991. His initial work upon arrival in southwest Colorado was with the San Miguel Watershed Coalition during its inception, followed by a graduate degree at Oregon State University. A ten year stint with the Telluride Ski & Golf Company, as their director of Environmental Affairs, focused on the ski company's wetland restoration obligations with the Environmental Protection Agency. Since 2008, Chris has freelanced as an environmental consultant focused on water quality issues, mined land reclamation, and more recently on land preservation as Executive Director of the San Miguel Conservation Foundation - a land trust in San Miguel County.
Clint Evans State Conservationist, NRCS
Evans started his career with NRCS in March of 2000 as a Soil Conservation Technician in Altamont, Kansas, but that wasn’t his first experience with the Agency. His introduction to NRCS was in the late 1990s while working on the ranch where his then employer enrolled in the Environmental Quality Incentive Program. Evans served as a soil conservationist in two Kansas field offices and was then promoted to District Conservationist in Kingman, Kansas. Evans’ next move was to the Kansas State Office where he served as a resource conservationist on the programs staff and shortly thereafter he was selected as Idaho’s assistant state conservationist for Programs in 2009. In an effort to gain a wider range of expertise and experience, in 2013 Evans transferred to serve as Idaho’s assistant state conservationist for Operations. In 2015 Clint moved to Colorado as the State Conservationist.
Additionally and in cooperation with his permanent assignments, Evans served on numerous details in other states and Washington, D.C. Evans attended Kansas State University where he studied animal science, agri-business and agronomy earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agriculture.
Additionally and in cooperation with his permanent assignments, Evans served on numerous details in other states and Washington, D.C. Evans attended Kansas State University where he studied animal science, agri-business and agronomy earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agriculture.
Dave Dearstyne Soil Scientist, Retired
Dave has been a soil scientist for over 35 years, and a Soil Health Technical Provider and passionate advocate for Soil Health for the past 12 years. Dave’s experience includes over 30 years as a soil scientist for NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) and includes several areas in the states of Colorado, Florida, and Maine. Since retiring from NRCS in December of 2014, Dave has continued to work in the soils field as a Soil Health Technical Advisor for the Shavano Conservation District, a National Resource Inventory specialist in the states of Colorado, New Mexico, and Nebraska, a soil scientist on a BAER team (Burn Area Emergency Response) for public land agencies, and as a Soil/Soil Health consultant. Dave has been actively involved with the Western Slope Soil Health conference for the past 10 years (since inception), serving in the capacity as Soil Health team moderator, conference emcee, and presenter. Dave is an avid gardener, teaching a local gardening series and helping other gardening enthusiasts learn about gardening and soil health.
Dave “DK” Kanzer, P.E. Deputy Chie Engineer
Now as Deputy Chief Engineer at the Colorado River District, Kanzer has been working on the complex web of water quality and quantity issues facing the Colorado River Basin for 25 years.
Since 1995, DK has focused on both large, regional long-term Colorado River Basin water supply planning issues, as well as on smaller, local implementation programs down to the field level to address water supply and demand imbalances, exacerbated by growth and climate change.
In addition to developing and implementing water use efficiency projects, Kanzer has been active in drought contingency planning efforts. This cooperative seven basin states initiative includes analyzing the potential to reduce water use through demand management techniques (e.g., deficit irrigation, rotational fallowing, etc.) and increasing water supplies via cloud seeding to guard against the potential for water supply availability shortages for multiple beneficiaries, including agricultural, municipal, environmental and recreational interests.
DK takes his work with him seven days a week and 12 months a year. His passion for water resource management has taken him from the peaks of the Colorado River watershed through the guts of the Grand Canyon and on to the vast savannahs, plateaus and irrigated valleys that make up the bread basket and salad bowl of the southwestern US.
Kanzer is a registered professional engineer in Colorado; he earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.
Since 1995, DK has focused on both large, regional long-term Colorado River Basin water supply planning issues, as well as on smaller, local implementation programs down to the field level to address water supply and demand imbalances, exacerbated by growth and climate change.
In addition to developing and implementing water use efficiency projects, Kanzer has been active in drought contingency planning efforts. This cooperative seven basin states initiative includes analyzing the potential to reduce water use through demand management techniques (e.g., deficit irrigation, rotational fallowing, etc.) and increasing water supplies via cloud seeding to guard against the potential for water supply availability shortages for multiple beneficiaries, including agricultural, municipal, environmental and recreational interests.
DK takes his work with him seven days a week and 12 months a year. His passion for water resource management has taken him from the peaks of the Colorado River watershed through the guts of the Grand Canyon and on to the vast savannahs, plateaus and irrigated valleys that make up the bread basket and salad bowl of the southwestern US.
Kanzer is a registered professional engineer in Colorado; he earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.
Harrison Topp Director of Membership, RMFU
Harrison Topp works with the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union as the Director of Membership. He works with a diverse spectrum of farmers and ranchers in Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico, to build community driven chapters and organize around local, state, and federal issues that impact agriculture. Additionally, Topp is a first generation farmer, operating a certified organic orchard in Paonia, CO. A native of Colorado, he graduated from New York University in 2009 with a double major in Film and Television Production and Anthropology.
Hilary Cooper San Miguel County Commissioner
Hilary Cooper is currently serving as a San Miguel County Commissioner. Wanting to develop San Miguel County's Payment for Ecosystems Services Program, Hilary started working with stakeholders from around the state over a year ago discussing soil health issues in Colorado. Eventually the group became the Colorado Collaborative for Soil Health which is now leading efforts to develop soil health programs around the state.
Jerry Allen Irrigation Water Management Specialist, SCD
Jerry is Irrigation Water management Specialist for the Shavano Conservation District and soil health team member. He is a retired agriculture education teacher and current recorder for the Uncompahgre Soil Health Team. Jerry is instrumental to the planning of the Food and Farm Forum and the Western Colorado Soil Health Conference.
Liz Mauro
Liz Mauro works for the Pitkin County Solid Waste Center near Aspen where she manages the County's Class III composting facility and other diversion programs like aggregate recycling, topsoil recycling, and hazardous waste collection. Call her at 970 429 2887 to schedule a tour of the facility or to request recent lab analysis for their compost and topsoil.
Lowell King
Lowell grew up on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania. So as long as he can remember he has been involved in farming. Lowell and his brother moved to Colorado in 2004 and began farming in the Grand Valley. With his brother and brother-in-law, they farm 950 acres with a focus on horse hay production. Along with growing alfalfa and grass hay, Lowell rotates in corn, wheat and cover crops. Livestock, cattle and sheep, are integral to their farming operation.
Lowell has been planting cover crops for the past 6 years and implementing no till practices for 4 years. In addition to farming, he is a seed dealer for Green Cover Seed, and Esch no-till drills. Lowell is very willing to help other land owners by sharing what he has learned over the years no till farming and incorporating cover crops.
Lowell has been planting cover crops for the past 6 years and implementing no till practices for 4 years. In addition to farming, he is a seed dealer for Green Cover Seed, and Esch no-till drills. Lowell is very willing to help other land owners by sharing what he has learned over the years no till farming and incorporating cover crops.
Paul Kehmeier Salinity Program Coordinator, CDA
Paul Kehmeier is the western Colorado Salinity Program Coordinator. He works for the Conservation Services division within of the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Paul’s job is to help ditch companies and individuals put together funding packages to improve their irrigation systems. He has experience as project manager for two Bureau of Reclamation funded projects to pipe the canals coming to his farm and as project manager for two NRCS projects on his farm.
Paul grew up on his family’s farm on the Surface Creek Mesa north of Delta, Colorado. He holds a Master’s Degree in Range Science. He can be reached at the NRCS office in Delta Colorado.
Paul grew up on his family’s farm on the Surface Creek Mesa north of Delta, Colorado. He holds a Master’s Degree in Range Science. He can be reached at the NRCS office in Delta Colorado.
Randy Friend
Randy is a 4th generation farmer on his home place between Montrose and Olathe, with his kids and nephews who help him, being the 5th generation. Randy went to CSU and received his BS in Agriculture Business with a minor in Agronomy. He worked for 8 years with Olathe Spray Service as a Crop Consultant. He has also been a Fire Fighter and EMT for the Montrose Fire Department for 18 years.
Randy has been farming for himself for the past 13 years. Currently farming 1,800 acres, Randy grows a wide variety of crops including onions, green beans for seed, pinto and yellow beans, sweet corn, field corn, triticale, sunflowers, oats, spelt, and alfalfa. He is a very innovative farmer, and incorporates cover crops after his sweet corn when it fits into his busy operation. If that isn’t enough, he plants and manages a pumpkin patch and corn maze that is a popular fall attraction for many folks in the area. He also pastures cattle on much of his crop acres during the winter months.
For the last 3 years Randy has grown hemp. He is a hemp grower, but he is also very involved in hemp seed production and last year was involved in hemp oil extraction. He grows the hemp crop in many different ways using his knowledge of growing so many other crops to be able to successfully produce hemp.
Randy has been farming for himself for the past 13 years. Currently farming 1,800 acres, Randy grows a wide variety of crops including onions, green beans for seed, pinto and yellow beans, sweet corn, field corn, triticale, sunflowers, oats, spelt, and alfalfa. He is a very innovative farmer, and incorporates cover crops after his sweet corn when it fits into his busy operation. If that isn’t enough, he plants and manages a pumpkin patch and corn maze that is a popular fall attraction for many folks in the area. He also pastures cattle on much of his crop acres during the winter months.
For the last 3 years Randy has grown hemp. He is a hemp grower, but he is also very involved in hemp seed production and last year was involved in hemp oil extraction. He grows the hemp crop in many different ways using his knowledge of growing so many other crops to be able to successfully produce hemp.
Reed Irwin
Reed has been growing plants commercially and in his hone garden for more than 50 years. His special interest is growing plants in different ways using unconventional methods. This includes applying soil health principles in the backyard vegetable garden. He uses 15 different cover crops and several techniques which are not usable by large-scale commercial producers.
Retta Bruegger Range Management Specialist, CSU Ext.
Retta Bruegger works for Colorado State University Extension in western Colorado as the regional specialist in range management, and she is based in Grand Junction. She has a Master’s degree in range ecology and management and is originally from western Colorado.
Dr. Reza Keshavarz Agronomist, CSU Extension
Reza Keshavarz is the Research and Extension Agronomist for the Western Colorado Research Center at Fruita, CO. His applied and field-oriented research and extension program aims to improve sustainability and profitability of the farming systems in western Colorado while seeking environmental protection. Intensification and diversification of the cropping system, conservation soil management practices, cover cropping, nutrient and fertilizer use management, and water us productivity are among the topics studies in his program.
Seth Urbanowitz Agronomist, CSU Extension
Seth Urbanowitz received his B.S. in Agribusiness Cconomics from Southern Illinois University, M.S. in Agronomy from South Dakota State University and M.S. in Education from the University of Tennessee. Seth is the agronomy agent for Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Ouray counties. He previously worked as an agronomist for a farmer’s cooperative and an extension educator focusing on irrigation management, agronomy and produce safety. He is the former chair of the White Pine County Soil Conservation District in Nevada and is currently a board member on the Shavano Conservation District in Montrose, CO. He has scientific and technical experience in a variety of crop production systems. Seth works at offices in Delta County (970) 874-2197 and at WCRC-Fruita in Mesa County.
Steven Woodis Wildlife Biologist, Retired
Steve worked for the Natural Resources Conservation Service for 30 years. For a short period of time as a Soil Conservationist in eastern Colorado (Cheyenne Wells) and for the majority of his career in the Montrose Field office as a Wildlife Biologist. Steve received his Bachelors degree from Colorado State University (CSU) in Wildlife Biology and his Master's degree in Range Science also from CSU. Steve and his wife own a small farm west of Montrose.
Steve is currently working as a private consultant under the name of Down to Earth Natural Resource Solutions, LLC.
Steve is currently working as a private consultant under the name of Down to Earth Natural Resource Solutions, LLC.