Garfield County backs West Slope meat producers

PRESS RELEASE
March 16, 2021

Commissioners back “All Meats March” in response to governor’s meatless promotion

Garfield County Commissioners proclaimed March of this year as “All Meats March” and March 20 as “Meat-In Day” in a showing of support for local ranchers and meat producers. As a right-to-farm county, the resolution promotes the agricultural heritage of the county and Western Slope.

The resolution is in response to Governor Jared Polis promoting a “meat-out” on March 20 in Colorado to encourage meatless diets. The meat-out is supported by the Maryland-based Farm Animal Rights Movement or “FARM,” which advocates for animal rights and veganism.

“This resolution recognizes the contributions of local livestock producers and supports the ranching industry in Garfield County,” said Commissioner Tom Jankovsky. “The governor of Colorado has proclaimed a boycott of all meat products through his ‘meat-out.’”

He added that the resolution shows the importance of farming and ranching in western Colorado. The resolution notes that farming in Garfield County dates back to the 19th Century.

“Following the 1862 Homestead Act, livestock production and supporting industries have historically been, and continue to be, one of the key economic drivers in Garfield County,” the resolution notes.

“What the governor is doing is a slap in the face of the ranchers in our state,” Jankovsky added. “He has no connection with rural Colorado.”

The resolution passed unanimously, 3-0.