Agriculture on Open Space & Mountain Parks The Open Space and
Mountain Department (OSMP) has a long history of supporting
local agricultural producers. Just over 14,000 acres of land is
leased to local farmers and ranchers in support of their family
operations. Livestock production is the most widespread
agricultural use of OSMP land, followed by hay and forage
production. Due to soil types, slope, and access to irrigation
water, most of the land owned by OSMP that is leased for
agricultural purposes is best suited for livestock grazing. The
native grasslands and irrigated hay meadows surrounding Boulder
have long been used to support a viable livestock industry in
Boulder County. Currently, Open Space and Mountain Parks leases
land to four producers who are certified natural beef producers.
One OSMP cattle producer has been naturally certified for over
10 years, while most of our other producers have been certified
for the last 5 – 7 years. Combined, these producers lease over
7,600 acres. The natural beef p