Farming in La Plata County, Colorado

Broader context

Without reviewed regional crop guidance for Colorado, the most reliable next step is the state's Extension service, which publishes crop, forage and livestock information for its own regions and can tell you what is commonly grown in La Plata County. The links below cover the essentials for any county.

• USDA NASS Quick Stats for crops historically produced in the county (statistics, not a suitability test)
• USDA plant hardiness map for winter cold limits on perennials (not annual crops)
• NRCS Web Soil Survey for mapped soils (a map is not a soil test)
• Crop and enterprise guides for what each enterprise needs from the land

Local help for La Plata County

County offices are best found through each agency's locator. Our directory is curated, not a complete list of local providers. All Colorado resources

• Colorado State University ExtensionColorado

  Colorado's land-grant Extension service. Its agriculture section covers farm and ranch management, and the Colorado Building Farmers program offers business planning classes for new farmers and ranchers.

  Cooperative ExtensionServes: Statewide (Colorado), through county officesFind a local officeVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction

• Colorado State University Soil, Water and Plant Testing LaboratoryColorado

  The CSU lab that analyzes soil, water, plant, feed and forage, manure and compost samples for farmers, homeowners, consultants and agencies.

  Tests listed by the lab: soil, water, feed and forage, plant tissue, manure, compost, sludge and growing media

  Submitting samples: The lab requires its current sample submittal form to be fully completed; it says it will cancel testing if a completed new form is not received.

  Sampling and submission instructions · Current fees

  Soil and plant testing labsServes: Colorado (open to farmers, homeowners, consultants and agencies)Phone: (970) 491-5061Verified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction

• NACD Conservation District DirectoryNationwide

  National Association of Conservation Districts directory page with a way to find your local conservation district. Districts are local groups that often work with landowners and NRCS on soil, water and conservation questions.

  Soil and conservationServes: NationwideVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction

• USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher CoordinatorsNationwide

  List of state coordinators who help new farmers and ranchers find USDA programs. The page asks you to reach out with details such as the location of your operation, so have a county or parcel in mind.

  USDA offices and programsServes: NationwideVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction

• USDA Service CentersNationwide

  Farmers.gov explains what a USDA Service Center is and how to get started there. Service centers are where a buyer or new farmer can reach Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development staff.

  USDA offices and programsServes: NationwideFind a local officeVerified Oct 30, 2026 (source)Report a correction

Farm and ranch listings in La Plata County

3 participating MyStateMLS listings (active, for sale). Each listing's own details decide what it can support; the guidance above does not.

For sale

Save 409 Old Snag Circle, Hesperus, CO 81326

$1,450,000

6.88 acres4 beds

$210,756 per acre (asking price ÷ reported acres)

Horse property

• Barn
• Stable or stalls
• Riding arena

409 Old Snag CircleHesperus, CO 81326

Listing courtesy of Ashley Blackmore · MyStateMLS #12045640

For sale

Save 5759 Cr 501, Bayfield, CO 81122

$3,000,000

36 acres4 beds

$84,270 per acre (asking price ÷ reported acres)

Small farm

• Greenhouse or high tunnel
• Well
• Pond

5759 Cr 501Bayfield, CO 81122

Listing courtesy of Ashley Blackmore · MyStateMLS #12045851

For sale

Save Tbd Highway 550, Durango, CO 81301

$1,350,000

16 acresNo home reported

$83,851 per acre (asking price ÷ reported acres)

Ranch

• Pasture
• Stable or stalls
• Fencing

Tbd Highway 550Durango, CO 81301

Listing courtesy of Ashley Blackmore · MyStateMLS #12045759

See all 3 listings in La Plata County