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In 2026, the legislature passed several agricultural bills pertaining to pets, pollinators, and cottage foods. Additionally, several notable bills were considered but did not become law.

Drought is defined as a shortage of water associated with the lack of precipitation.  Drought is a regular feature of Colorado’s climate, and Colorado has endured significant dry periods and droughts in recent history. Drought is a unique type of weather event because it typically occurs slowly and its impacts compound over time, making it difficult to determine specifically when a drought begins and ends. Additionally, different regions of the state are affected by drought in different ways, which can complicate response efforts.

This issue brief discusses pesticides, including use in Colorado, detection in water, and costs

Until the 1980s, farming practices relied heavily on shared knowledge, experience, and intuition. The introduction of precision agriculture – the use of technology and automation to make farming more efficient – both transformed farming practices and introduced a number of agriculture data challenges. Today, data-driven digital agriculture is expected to play a crucial role in producing 60 percent more food to feed the projected global population by 2050 (Yu et al. 2025).

This memo analyzes the public health implications of raw milk consumption, noting that while proponents cite perceived taste and nutritional benefits, scientific evidence shows unpasteurized dairy products cause significantly more illnesses and outbreaks than pasteurized dairy products. Raw milk may have a protective effect against early-childhood asthma and allergies; however, there are also risks of life-threatening infections, particularly for vulnerable populations like children.

During the 2026 legislative session, House committees of reference will consider 16 functions of Colorado state government and 6 advisory committees subject to sunset review. Sunset laws allow the General Assembly to periodically review the need for state regulations, advisory committees, or state agencies, and to update the law creating the agency or function.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also commonly known as bird flu, is present in Colorado and nationwide. Recently, it has caused outbreaks in poultry and dairy herds, resulting in the largest animal disease outbreak in the state’s history. 

Regenerative agriculture includes farming and ranching practices that reduce environmental impacts, maintain soil longevity, increase soil nutrients, and retain soil moisture, while simultaneously increasing or maintaining crop production. This issue brief provides information to policy makers about commonly used regenerative agriculture practices, and highlights state and federal resources to assist producers in implementing these practices.

This issue brief provides an overview of state laws related to pet animal facilities. These facilities are licensed and regulated under the Colorado Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA).

In response to the ongoing drought in Colorado, the General Assembly passed House Bill 22-1151 to promote the efficient and maximum utilization of Colorado’s water resources by decreasing the amount of irrigated turf within the state. The bill required the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in the Department of Natural Resources to create a turf replacement program that incentivizes the voluntary replacement of nonessential irrigated turf across the state.

This memorandum provides information about the interstate compacts, Supreme Court decrees, and international treaties that govern Colorado’s use of interstate streams. Specifically, it gives a brief history of each compact and outlines the specific components and requirements of each compact currently in state law. In addition, the memorandum discusses the two memoranda, two Supreme Court decrees, and two international treaties that govern rivers in Colorado. Appendix A outlines the technical components of the laws affecting Colorado’s rivers.

The 75^th General Assembly passed several bills related to veterinary care, animals, state parks, wildlife management, agriculture, and food regulations. There were also some notable bills that were introduced, but did not become law.

During the 2024 legislative session, the General Assembly passed several pieces of legislation related to veterinary care, species conservation, public engagement, and potatoes.

This issue brief provides an overview of conservation easements in Colorado and discusses the certification process, federal and state tax incentives for the donation of conservation easements, and state purchases of conservation easements.

Report No. 2024-TE7

As one of the top agricultural states in the United States, Colorado agriculture generates approximately $47 billion annually in economic activity. Agriculture in Colorado is made up of about 30 million acres of farmland, with approximately 36,000 different farm operations, employing more than 195,000 people. This issue brief gives an overview of agriculture in Colorado, including the Colorado Proud label, the wine industry in the state, and a map showing the economic value of agriculture in each county.

The recently renamed Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee (WRARC) was created to contribute to and monitor the conservation, use, development, and financing of Colorado's water resources and agriculture for the general welfare of the state (Section 37‑98‑102, C.R.S.). In 2022, the committee charge was updated to include Colorado agriculture issues. The committee is also required to review statewide planning for water resources. The WRARC reviews and proposes legislation to further its purpose.

Report No. 2023-TE13

During the 2023 legislative session, the Colorado General Assembly considered a variety of measures related to agriculture, including pesticides, livestock health, industry, and wildlife.

Report No. 2023-TE9

The Legislative Council Staff’s Water Policy Handbook is intended to serve as a reference guide to Colorado's water policies and programs.  The book is divided into three parts.  Each part covers a different aspect of Colorado water law and policy.
 

An estimated 3.3 million people in Colorado are affected by drought, with 2022 being the driest year to date over the past 128 years.  In response to the ongoing drought in Colorado, the General Assembly passed HB 22-1151 to promote the efficient and maximum utilization of Colorado’s water resources by decreasing the amount of irrigated turf within the state.  The bill requires the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in the Department of Natural Resources to create a turf replacement program that incentivizes the voluntary replacement of nonessential irrigated turf acr

During the 2022 legislative session, the Colorado General Assembly considered measures related to agriculture, including wildlife and conservation, workforce, the Colorado State Fair, and other agriculture‑related topics.

This memorandum provides information about irrigation districts in Colorado.  Specifically, it discusses the current irrigation districts, the powers and duties of irrigation districts, and how those powers and duties compare to those of special districts.

Sunset laws allow the General Assembly to periodically review the need for state regulations, advisory committees, or state agencies and to update the law creating the agency or function.  To accomplish this review, committees of reference hold public sunset hearings on sunset reports issued by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).