Strengthening Partnerships: Colorado Livestock Association EAP Stakeholder Update

Every Monday morning, the AGPROfessionals team gathers to kick off the week together. These meetings are more than just a scheduled rundown; they are a chance for our team to reconnect, celebrate wins, share some laughs, and stay up to date on the issues shaping agriculture across Colorado and the West.

CLA & EAP: Working Together for Colorado Agriculture

At a recent meeting, Miguel Mena, APROfessional's Agronomist, provided information about the Colorado Livestock Association (CLA) and Environmental Ag Program (EAP) Stakeholder Meeting held on October 21st in Aurora, CO Miguel provided our team with a comprehensive summary of the discussions, regulatory updates, and emerging industry concerns.

The EAP is responsible for enforcing both state and federal air and water quality regulations for animal feeding operations across Colorado. Established in 2005 and funded primarily by producers, the program plays a vital role in ensuring environmental compliance within the livestock industry. EAP oversees the implementation of Regulations 61 and 81, which provide the framework for clean water protections and set the standards for water quality assurances required for permitted operations.

Miguel’s slide deck guided our staff through the latest developments impacting livestock producers, environmental compliance, and statewide collaboration efforts. The meeting provided an opportunity for livestock industry leaders, including AGPROfessionals, Smithfield, Five Rivers, CLA representatives, and CDPHE’s Environmental Ag Program team, to engage in open dialogue about regulatory processes and ongoing challenges across the state.

Below is a summary of topics covered:

Permit Litigation and Rising Scrutiny from NGOs

• This was one of the most significant discussion topics centered on ongoing permit litigation.
• Colorado’s livestock permit framework recently prevailed at district court, but several environmental NGO, including Food & Water Watch and the Center for Biological Diversity, have filed appeals.
• The appeal window has been extended to February, and CLA’s legal team continues to monitor developments.
• Groups such as the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project have been reported to be conducting sampling of pollutants around CAFOs, signaling that CAFOs still continue to receive scrutiny from NGO activist groups.

Updates on Housed Commercial Swine Feeding Operations (HCSFOs)

• Colorado’s housed swine operations continue to receive regulatory attention, particularly regarding land-application sites and potential pollutant transport.
• While concerns were raised about heavy metals, EAP may issue waivers when long-term sampling indicates extremely low risks. While comments were made if the EAP has the authority to issue these waivers, no significant regulatory pushback was established.
• HCSFOs must demonstrate that any pollutant transport to groundwater would take over 100 years. Many have successfully done so by showing impermeable soil layers or nonexistent groundwater presence.

Collaboration with CSU on Crop Fact Sheets

• The EAP team recently met with Colorado State University faculty to discuss much-needed updates to CSU Crop Fact Sheets, which inform nutrient management planning.
• Fact sheets automatically fall off extension sites after 10 years, creating gaps for regulated operations required to use them.
• Current sheets often evaluate crops from an economic standpoint first, rather than focusing on nutrient management, posing challenges for HCSFO planning.
• EAP shared data on acreage, soil trends, and crop nutrient uptake to help CSU prioritize updates.
• The absence of a department head in CSU’s Soil and Crop Sciences program has slowed progress.

Federal Budget, EPA Activity & Colorado’s Outlook

• Due to last year’s updated fee schedule, the EAP budget remains stable, even with federal uncertainty.
• While “EPA drop-ins” have been reported in other regions, Colorado has not seen similar activity.

Rocky Mountain National Park Initiative

• The initiative’s report is still moving through federal channels, and the original 2032 goals may need adjusting.
• Stakeholders are exploring alternative pathways to demonstrate progress.

Digesters & Air Quality

• The state continues evaluating air quality concerns related to digesters.
• Agricultural activities remain exempt under current state regulation, but monitoring continues.

Looking Ahead

The next major update on permit litigation is expected during the April EAP Stakeholder Meeting. AGPROfessionals will continue to stay engaged, informed, and proactive in supporting our clients and Colorado’s livestock community.

A Team That Shows Up for Agriculture

Our Monday morning meetings always close with reminders of who we are and why we do what we do:

“We are professional problem-solvers achieving clients’ goals and advocating their success.”

As Miguel’s presentation highlighted, agriculture continues to face evolving challenges, but also strong partnerships, dedicated leadership, and a future built on collaboration and shared commitment.

AGPROfessionals will remain at the forefront, helping producers navigate regulatory landscapes and ensuring agriculture continues to thrive.