After decades of dedicated service to agricultural science and the communities of the Lower Arkansas River Valley, Dr. Michael Bartolo will be honored with induction into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2025.

The vision for MIRASOL, Looking at the Sun, originated in 2022 with a goal to amplify the importance of conservation by sharing the story of Pueblo’s multi-generational farming community through a short film.

Local farmers and food producers work tirelessly year after year to feed their communities, and now more than ever, they play a key role in combating rising food costs.

Just 45 minutes from Colorado Springs, a vibrant farming community east of downtown Pueblo stretches the length of the Bessemer Irrigation Ditch, one of Colorado’s most important waterways.

Palmer staff members headed to Telluride for the Mountainfilm Festival, where they had the honor of screening MIRASOL twice to sold-out audiences. Kristie Nackord, vice president of external affairs, reflected on the experience.

We’ve been working on a special documentary film for the last two years, and we are thrilled to celebrate the first public screening with the Pueblo community.