John Stulp named Special Water Policy Advisor

Gov. John Hickenlooper announced John Stulp will be Special Policy Advisor to the Governor on Water and will chair the Interbasin Compact Committee. Stulp is now the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, a position he has held since 2006. In his new role he will continue working with Colorado’s agricultural community, developing policies and solutions to how water is managed statewide.

“John Stulp’s service to Colorado’s ranchers, farmers and universities is remarkable,” Hickenlooper said. “And a cornerstone of that service is his deep understanding of our water resources and the need to manage them carefully and effectively. Most importantly, John understands an age-old truth in the West: whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting. John’s task will be to replace the fighting with collaboration.”

Stulp, a farmer and rancher from Prowers County, committed himself to furthering Colorado’s agricultural community during his time at the Department of Agriculture. He pursued Chinese trade opportunities, participated in Canadian and cattle industry roundtables and played a lead role in numerous other producer and industry events.

“I am excited to be a part of the Hickenlooper team,” Stulp said. “Water has always been a critical part of Colorado’s quality of life. From food production to community development, to recreation, the environment, or how we create new jobs, Colorado’s water resources are an important piece of our future. Gov.-elect Hickenlooper’s emphasis on water and how we manage this limited resource speaks volumes, and I welcome this opportunity to be a part of Colorado’s water future.”

Stulp is on the board of directors of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), which works to develop and implement sound public policy and programs to support and promote the American agricultural industry, while protecting consumers and the environment. He is also the President of a subset of NASDA, the Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

A member of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union since 1975, Stulp has been a leading proponent of building wind farms in rural Colorado as a way to develop new economic opportunities and jobs for Colorado’s farmers and ranchers. Stulp’s family farming operation is home to the Lamar Light and Power Wind Farm, and Stulp is a principal in Prairie Wind Energy LLC.

Stulp served as a Prowers County commissioner from 1991, when he was appointed to fill a vacancy, until January 2005. He also served on numerous other boards and commissions, including the State Board of Agriculture (1986 to 1995), state Wildlife Commission (1995-99), the Connect Colorado technology committee (1996), the State Land Board (1997-2005), and the Colorado Ag Development Authority & Value Added Board (2005-06). Stulp graduated from Yuma High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science and a doctor of veterinary medicine, both from Colorado State University.