Correction: Workshop Will Address the Future of Colorado Ranching

Note to Reporters: Correction to the following information regarding speakers at the event and a panel discussion that will be included as part of the event.

Ranching has been a part of Colorado’s culture and vital to its economy since pioneers moved West. But this tradition is slowly declining as a growing number of ranchers face a series of new and complex challenges.

The Western Center for Integrated Resource Management in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University along with the National Western Stock Show Scholarship Trust Fund is pleased to host the 11th annual Nick Petry Workshop on Friday, Dec. 3, with topics designed to help Colorado’s ranching community carry on its legacy.

This year’s workshop is “Creating a Lasting Legacy: What Every Rancher Needs to Know about Continuing the Operation.” Topics include:

– leaving a legacy: more than money and real estate;
– including your family in succession planning;
– sharing your values and life lessons;
– dealing with possessions of emotional value;
– estate planning, long term care, and tax considerations; and
– panel discussion on estate planning experiences.

Speakers include Jeff Tranel and Rod Sharp, CSU Extension agriculture and business management specialists; and Cliff Polk of the Rocky Mountain Financial Group. A panel discussion will include Scott Johnson from the Flying Diamond Ranch; Eric Peterson of Peterson, Rosenberg; Linly Strum from Thunderbird Livestock and Land, Inc.; and James Walker of Rothgerber, Johnson and Lyons.

“With this workshop, the Western Center for the Integrated Resource Management joins with the National Western Stock Show to continue to honor Nick Petry’s memory. This year’s topic will be timely and useful for those steeped in the tradition of Western ranches,” Kraig Peel, director of the Western Center, said.

The one-day workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. at the National Western Stock Complex, Centennial Room, 4655 Humboldt St., Denver. Registration is free but required before Nov. 19. Registration is available online at www.wcirm.colostate.edu. Lunch will be provided to all registrants.

The workshop is in memory of Nick Petry, a longtime Stock Show president and chairman. Petry was dedicated to the Western way of life, especially ranching, Western livestock production and funding to improve National Western facilities.

The Western Center for Integrated Resource Management has a long history of providing education to Colorado farmers and ranchers. The focus of the center is to provide educational opportunities to equip producers and promote sustainability of agricultural enterprises. The center provides these opportunities through undergraduate courses, a one year masters degree, and various short courses.

For more information, contact Maggie Graham at (970) 491-1610, Margaret.Graham@colostate.edu or visit www.wcirm.colostate.edu.

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