RBC | In Rio Blanco County, agriculture isn’t just part of the landscape — it’s a major piece of the local economy.
According to a 2026 study from Colorado Mesa University’s Davis School of Business, agriculture supports 452 jobs locally, accounting for roughly 9.4% of all employment in the county — one of the highest shares in the Western Slope.
The same study shows agriculture contributes $3.27 million in labor income and $14.7 million in local GDP, with total economic output exceeding $53 million when ripple effects are included.
“Agriculture is both a key economic driver and part of the identity of the Western Slope of Colorado,” the report notes.
A working landscape
Rio Blanco County remains deeply rooted in ranching.
Of the county’s 466,136 acres of agricultural land, more than 73% is pastureland, reflecting a landscape dominated by livestock production.
Cattle remain the backbone of the industry, with beef cattle ranching accounting for the majority of agricultural employment, followed by smaller contributions from crop farming and other animal production.
At the same time, the data shows a mix of operation sizes — from small acreage properties to large-scale ranches. About 21.8% of farms exceed 1,000 acres, while roughly 45% are under 180 acres.
Small margins, big impact
Despite its economic importance, agriculture in Rio Blanco County operates on tight margins.
More than 82.9% of farms report less than $100,000 in annual sales, and 42.7% bring in under $2,500 per year.
That means many local operations are either part-time, supplemental income, or struggling to remain viable.
“It drives jobs, supports local businesses, shapes the landscape, and is part of why people choose to live in the region,” the report notes.
An aging industry
The long-term outlook raises concerns. More than 41.8% of agricultural producers in Rio Blanco County are over age 65, while just 7.8% are under 35.
The report also notes that “the findings confirm both the scale and the fragility of the sector.”
Growth — with challenges
There are signs of growth. The number of farms in Rio Blanco County increased from 245 in 2002 to 321 in 2022, and total farmland expanded by about 24% over that same period.
But financial trends tell a more complicated story.
While total agricultural sales have remained relatively stable at around $23.2 million, net cash farm income declined to about $1.5 million in 2022.
At the same time, producers face ongoing challenges including ongoing drought, rising operational costs and labor shortages, according to survey responses in the report.
More than an industry
Even with those challenges, agriculture remains one of Rio Blanco County’s defining industries — economically, culturally and geographically.
From cattle operations along the White River to hay production and small-scale farming, agriculture continues to shape the land, support families and drive local business.
“The decisions made in the coming years will shape not only the future of agriculture on the Western Slope, but the long-term economic health of the region itself,” the report notes.
To access the full report covering all of Western Colorado, visit https://gjincubator.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ag-Study-1.19.26.pdf
According to a study conducted at Colorado Mesa University, agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, remains a key economic driver in Rio Blanco County. Future concerns include aging producers and small profit margins. JARED HENDERSON PHOTOS