Why Coloradans are cultivating connections with local farmers

Summer may be winding down, but many northern Colorado farmers' markets are still humming, with people lining up to buy crates of Palisade peaches, Olathe sweet corn, Pueblo chiles, and other locally grown produce. But growing in Colorado can be challenging – the growing season is short, the sun is scorching, and the rainy season can be very unpredictable. Coloradans seem to appreciate how difficult it is for farmers – which may help explain some of the demand for fruits and vegetables grown here. But there are plenty of other reasons for that homegrown produce pride, according to Colorado State University professor and agricultural economist Dawn Thilmany. In today's episode she talks with host Erin O'Toole about why we place so much importance on buying local.In the episode, we brought up this story from KUNC's Rae Solomon about folks suffering from "peach anxiety" this Spring. We also mentioned the idea of visiting local farms and ranches in the episode - including Miller Farms in Platteville, which celebrates the Fall harvest by allowing you to come harvest your own veggies through mid-November. And there are plenty of corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and CSAs near you if you're ready to get out and celebrate the coming of autumn.