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A ranch in Colorado’s Yampa Valley, operated by Jan and Pat Stanko, is helping introduce livestock guardian dogs like Turkish Boz Shepherds to protect against predators, particularly as the state reintroduces wolves. These dogs, backed by a USDA program, offer nonlethal protection and require careful training to fit specific ranching needs. While this might sound like progress, it’s only necessary because urban voices from places like Denver and Boulder influence rural policy, forcing ranchers to adapt their operations—thanks to bureaucratic meddling that didn’t exactly scream “local solutions.”

Look, I will land on the side of defending Colorado’s agriculturists all day, any day. If the ninnies in Boulder wouldn’t have had their way in enacting a feel-good, but worthless, policy which made these ranchers’ herds an all you can eat buffet for wolves, we wouldn’t need this. But they mandated policy from the comfort of their Boulder County Starbucks – and our ranchers suffer and pay.

And so do the rest of us. Ultimately, in higher protein prices, but did you notice what this article is about? A USDA provided dog. And who pays for said canine. You and me, friends. But we always wind up paying, don’t we?

About the author

Scott K. James

A 4th generation Northern Colorado native, Scott K. James is a veteran broadcaster, professional communicator, and principled leader. Widely recognized for his thoughtful, common-sense approach to addressing issues that affect families, businesses, and communities, Scott, his wife, Julie, and son, Jack, call Johnstown, Colorado, home. A former mayor of Johnstown, James is a staunch defender of the Constitution and the rule of law, the free market, and the power of the individual. Scott has delighted in a lifetime of public service and continues that service as a Weld County Commissioner representing District 2.

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