Routt county has a long agricultural tradition
Routt County possesses a rich heritage of agricultural production and ranch life.
Ranching and farming in the Yampa Valley started during the early history of the county. Cattle first arrived to the valley in 1871, and sheep arrived to the area about twenty years later, which resulted in the famous "range wars" between cattlemen and sheep producers. Today, Routt County raises cattle, sheep, horses, and even elk, bison, llamas and alpacas. Crop farming began with the hay production necessary to feed livestock. Farmers began harvesting wheat, oat, and barley in the 1880's, with later crop production of potatoes and head lettuce, and strawberries from the appropriately named "Strawberry Park" area.
Ranching and farming is an inherited lifestyle of Routt County. The county 4-H Program nurtures the area youth in a strong agricultural background and encourages responsible breeding and raising of livestock and preparation for taking the animals "to market". The 4-H Program is active through the entire year, and the annual Routt County Fair becomes an award-winning display for the local youth of their hard work in raising livestock and the rewards of their accomplishments.
Various organizations have developed to continue the tradition of an agricultural lifestyle and open space protection. The Community Agricultural Alliance was formed to maintain the farming and ranching traditions of Routt County, and The Yampa Valley Land Trust is active in preserving the integrity of the land and use of open spaces. These organizations have become vital resources to the agricultural community, particularly as land ownership continues to change over the years. Education of proper land stewardship for new property owners will maintain ranching and farming traditions in the Yampa Valley for future generations. Conservation of the agricultural and open land resources in Routt County provides the balance necessary for an agricultural lifestyle and for maintaining critical wildlife habitat and riparian landscapes.
The rich history of continued generations of ranching in this valley is the heart of the rural community. The spirit of Steamboat rests in the pioneering work ethic of the old West, where mending fences and tending to meadows and cattle is mixed with the enjoyment of the great outdoors. The agricultural community of the Steamboat area is very fortunate to still be living the western dream.
Community Agricultural Alliance, Inc.
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service
Soil and Water Conservation Society
Yampa Valley Land Trust
National Drinking Water Clearinghouse
US EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Agricultural Information Network
Grazing Lands Technology Institute
Family Gardening
