Don Brown (American politician)
Don Brown | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Brown in 2018 | |
| Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture | |
| In office 2015–2018 | |
| Governor | John Hickenlooper |
| Preceded by | John Salazar |
| Succeeded by | Kate Greenberg |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 29, 1954 Yuma, Colorado |
| Spouse | Peggy Brown |
| Education | |
| Profession |
|
Don Brown (born December 29, 1954) is an American politician, farmer, and businessman who served as the commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture from 2015 to 2018. Brown is a third generation farmer from Yuma County, Colorado. During his tenure as Commissioner of Agriculture, he spearheaded the agriculture extension for the Colorado Crisis Hotline.
Early life and education
[edit]Don Brown was born in Yuma, Colorado on December 29, 1954, where he was then raised on a family farm.[1] He attended Yuma High School and graduated there in 1973.[1] Brown was then elected Colorado Future Farmers of America (FFA) president, serving from 1973 through 1974.[1]
Brown enrolled at Northeastern Junior College (NJC) in 1974. At NJC, he served as president of the Associated Student Government from 1975 to 1976.[2] He graduated from NJC with a degree in agriculture, then transferred his credits to Colorado State University.[3] At CSU, Brown graduated with honors in vocational agriculture education.[3]
During his time at CSU, Brown was a legislative intern for Colorado Senate president Fred E. Anderson.[2]
Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture
[edit]In January 2015, Colorado governor John Hickenlooper, appointed Brown to his cabinet to be the commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA).[4] The Colorado Senate approved the appointment of Brown on Feb. 17, 2015.[3] The appointment came after John Salazar retired from the commissioner role in early 2015.[5] Brown completed his tenure as Governor Hickenlooper completed his final term, in 2018.[4]
At the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Brown spearheaded a program to train Colorado Crisis Services operators how to help agriculturalists that were experiencing a mental health crisis.[6] His work in the mental health space was honored with the 2018 Tribute Honorary Chair for Mental Health Colorado.[7] Brown also served as president of the 13-state Western United States Agricultural Trade Association and vice chair for the Food Regulatory Committee for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.[2]
In August 2017, Don's CDA and Colorado Proud launched "Faces and Stories of Colorado's Agriculture."[8] The program was created to help Coloradans "feel more connected to farmers and their food sources."[8] Panels and other outreach strategies were sent out across the state to display and discuss agriculture realities.[8]
Farming
[edit]Brown is a third-generation farmer, just southeast of Yuma, Colorado. He took over the operation of the farm and ranch after the accidental death of his father in 1993.[1] Since assuming management of the operation, the Browns have expanded their family operation tenfold.[2] Brown's practices have led him to serving as the president of the Yuma County Cattlemen’s Association and his farm being named the Yuma Soil Conservation Outstanding Conservationists in 1999.[3][1]
Brown's farming has led him down business paths and ventures that turned into successful businesses. He is the founder of Pivotal Fencing Systems, which developed two patents for their technologies.[2] Brown was also an early participant in horizontal drilling, forming Anchor Production LLC to develop and purchase oil and gas projects.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Don and Peggy Brown, Russ and Cindy Johnson receive NJC Alumni Association President's Award". Sterling Journal-Advocate. February 26, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f "NJC Alumni Association honors Don Brown with Pathfinder Award". Northeastern Junior College. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Don Brown named new ag commissioner". Sterling Journal-Advocate. January 29, 2015. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
- ^ a b "'Thank You' to Don Brown for his Service to Colorado Agriculture". COLORADO LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION. January 18, 2019. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
- ^ Ashby, Charles (January 12, 2024). "John Salazar to retire as Colorado ag chief". The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
- ^ "Don Brown". Mental Health Colorado. June 29, 2018. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ "2018 Tribute Honorary Chairs Archives". Mental Health Colorado. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ a b c Proud, Colorado. "Colorado Proud Launches "Faces and Stories of Colorado's Agriculture"". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved January 13, 2024.