In January 2026, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Professor of Economics Nathan Perry, PhD, led a presentation commissioned by the Business Incubator Center, unveiling a comprehensive study on the economic impact and health of agriculture across Western Colorado. The study — commissioned by the Business Incubator Center and through its AgriWest initiative — brought together decades-worth of data, producer insights and economic analysis to paint a clear picture of where agriculture stands today and what challenges it faces moving forward.
“This study confirms what we see every day on the ground: agriculture is a core economic driver and a complex business sector. Farms and ranches are capital-intensive enterprises facing real pressures, from water and labor to succession and financing. This report gives us a shared, data-driven foundation to align capital, policy and innovation in ways that strengthen long-term viability for producers and the regional economy," said Dalida Sassoon Bollig, CEO of the Business Incubator Center.
At the core of the presentation, Perry explained that agriculture remains a significant economic force in the five-county region, including Mesa, Delta, Montrose, Garfield and Rio Blanco, accounting for about $720 million in economic output. The agriculture industry also accounts for thousands that lift the local economy. His team combined economic contribution modeling with producer surveys and agricultural census trends to reveal not just hard numbers but also what those figures mean on the ground for ranchers, growers and local communities.
Beyond the economic highlights, Perry stressed a growing concern about the aging agricultural population and land use patterns. With a large share of producers over age 65 and a decline in total farmland acreage — even as the number of small farms increases — he emphasized the need for policies and community action that support succession planning, business viability and the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.
Agriculture contributes to the economy in both direct and indirect ways. Beyond its role as an economic driver, agriculture also provides broader benefits to the region. On the Western Slope, agriculture is part of the area’s history and identity, and being close to working farms, agribusinesses, and open agricultural landscapes, including the views they provide, is a major reason many people choose to live in Western Colorado,” said Perry.
Perry’s outreach allows for direct engagement with local producers and stakeholders, allowing professionals and employees of the industry to use his research findings to influence practical strategies and policy decisions throughout 2026 and beyond.
To view the full presentation, visit Colorado Mesa University on YouTube.