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Setting Colorado's Table: CDA's New Mural Inspires Look at Statewide Ag Legacy

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Broomfield, Colo. — Governor Jared Polis has helped the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) kick off the celebrations of America's 250th birthday and Colorado's 150th anniversary of statehood by unveiling a new large-scale, traveling mural that showcases Colorado's agricultural history: past, present, and future. The mural, which is 35 feet wide and was recently completed by Colorado-based artist Thomas "Detour" Evans, was formally unveiled at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS), and will be on display throughout the 16-day event.

"Colorado's agricultural community is an important part of our 150 years of history and our future, and this mural celebrates  hardworking Coloradans who put food on our tables and help drive our local economies. As we celebrate our sesquicentennial this mural will travel the state to celebrate the role of agriculture in Colorado," said Governor Polis.

The mural can be seen by the public in the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center, in the CoBank Arena West Concourse on the second floor. Grounds admission to the Stock Show is necessary to see the mural.

"This mural is a powerful way to kick off our celebration of America's 250th birthday and the 150th anniversary of Colorado's statehood while celebrating our state's agricultural legacy," said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. "Detour's work brilliantly captures the heart of our farming and ranching traditions, from those of the past to the innovative spirit of today shaping the future. It showcases how agriculture is integral to 'Setting Colorado's Table' and we hope it will inspire Coloradans to connect with our state's agricultural communities and feel part of Colorado agriculture."

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From the plains to the mountains, the mural represents the varied agricultural communities of Colorado.

"When you walk through the National Western Stock Show, you feel the stories of generations who helped build Colorado. These are the families, farmers, ranchers, and communities who worked the land and cared for one another," said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. "This mural brings that story to life, honoring where we've been, celebrating who we are today and inviting all of us to imagine the future we're building together."

As the Centennial State, Colorado has the unique opportunity to celebrate dual anniversaries this year.

"I am excited to be part of the unveiling of the mural that celebrates the rich history and diversity of Colorado farming and ranching," said former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. "As Colorado celebrates 150 years of statehood and our country celebrates 250 years of being the world's beacon of liberty and freedom there is no better place for the unveiling of a mural recognizing the contributions made by farmers, ranchers, and producers to the state and nation than at the National Western Stock Show, America's premier stock show."

This year brought a renewed focus of highlighting art at the National Western Stock Show.

"Western art is a significant pillar for us, and we are excited to partner with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission to host this special mural and its unveiling here at the 2026 Stock Show," said Wes Allison, president and CEO of National Western Stock Show.

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The mural unfolds as a visual narrative from left to right, designed to spark imagination and highlight the interconnected systems that sustain agriculture across the state. The narrative is fueled by the snowmelt of Colorado's Rocky Mountains — an essential source of life that feeds the fields, rangelands, and livestock. By showcasing a range of geographic and climate conditions, the mural depicts a key strength of Colorado agriculture: the wide diversity and variety of foods produced in our state.

"Contributing artwork in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Colorado agriculture was a true honor," said Detour. "Creating this mural was an opportunity not only to reflect on 150 years of agricultural history, but also to inspire curiosity and pride in what comes next. If the work encourages even one young viewer to envision themselves as a future farmer, rancher, or steward of the land, then it has fulfilled its purpose."

After debuting at NWSS, the mural will make several appearances across the state as it makes its way down to Pueblo for the Colorado State Fair in August 2026. Upcoming locations will be announced at SettingColoradosTable.com.

In addition to the mural, CDA is also planning other ways to celebrate these dual anniversaries. In partnership with History Colorado, CDA is releasing a coffee table book about the history of agriculture in Colorado, which will also include more than two dozen oral histories collected from farmers and ranchers across our state. CDA will also partner with Longer Tables, an organization focused on bringing communities together over a shared meal, to host harvest table dinners that highlight how agriculture brings us all together. The kick-off harvest dinner will be at the Colorado State Fair, which takes place in Pueblo from August 28 - September 7, 2026.

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