From heritage grains to climate-friendly whiskey, Colorado’s regenerative agriculture pioneers are taking center stage at the Newtopia Now trade show, running from August 20 at the Colorado Convention Center. Presented by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the Climate Smart Showcase highlights innovative farmers, millers, and food brands creating a healthier future for people and planet—starting with the soil.
Growing a Movement: Heritage Grains and Regenerative Practices
Across Colorado’s plains and peaks, local growers are rethinking the way we farm. By embracing regenerative agriculture, these producers focus on soil health, biodiversity, low/no-till methods, and climate-resilient crops like millet, heirloom corn, and heritage wheat. Their mission? Build regional grain economies and reconnect people with their food—starting with what’s inside your pantry.
Field-to-Shelf Innovation: Haxtun Heritage Mills & Roaring Fork Mill
Haxtun Heritage Mills, led by Roy and Emily Pfaltzgraff, is the state’s only fully gluten-free millhouse, using regenerative farming to grow millet, oats, and heirloom corn. Roy’s mission: make food inclusive, delicious, and educational—starting with QR codes on packaging that link each mix to the exact field it came from.
“Healthy soils grow healthy plants. Healthy plants make healthy food. And healthy food tastes delicious,” Roy explains. Their diverse crop lineup supports the land and turns out versatile baking mixes like cookie bases and savory scones.
Meanwhile, Roaring Fork Mill’s Jacob Trumbull is driving demand for Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) grains with seven new flours and a shortbread cookie debuting at the show. What began as a tabletop mill has grown into a full-fledged stone milling operation supplying restaurants, retailers, and local consumers.
“Heritage grains are digestible, nutrient-dense, and better for the planet and the body,” says Trumbull, who focuses on being the “middle of the supply chain” to support both farmers and eaters.
Meet the Climate Smart Exhibitors at Newtopia Now
Here’s a look at the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s featured brands:
Haxtun Heritage Mills – Booth 653
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Founded by: Roy & Emily Pfaltzgraff
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Focus: Gluten-free, regenerative baking mixes & flours
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Try: Their famous brownies and whole grain mixes
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Fun fact: You can trace every bag to its original field
Roaring Fork Mill – Booth 655
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Focus: Regenerative Organic Certified heritage flours
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Try: ROC flours and their new shortbread cookie
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Note: Awaiting ROC butter for full product certification
Dry Land Distillers – Booth 755
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Founded in: Longmont, 2018
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Specialty: Spirits made from local regenerative grains
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Try: The first 100% Regenerative Organic Straight Rye Whiskey
Dry Storage Mill – Booth 756
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Mission: Restaurant-quality flour using heritage grains
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Project: Reviving Silk Road-era wheat like India Jammu
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Try: Baked goods like baguettes and pastries
Rye Resurgence Project – Booth 754
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A women-led coalition of 10 rye farmers
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Focus: Water-efficient, high-alpine rye farming
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Try: Their collaborative rye whiskey made with Dry Land Distillers
Pastificio Boulder – Booth 654
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Founded by: Claudia Bouvier & Ted Steen
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Product: Organic heirloom dry pasta in plastic-free packaging
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Award-winning: 2021 NEXTY Award for Best New Mission-Based Product
Spark + Honey – Booth 656
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Founded by: Lisa Steinkamp in Boulder
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Offerings: Certified gluten-free, organic granolas
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Try: Flavors like Cranberry Coconut Almond & Blueberry Lemon Zest
Taste the Change
Each of these exhibitors brings something unique to the table—literally. Whether it’s climate-smart cookies, traceable pancake mixes, or plastic-free pasta, the Colorado Climate Smart Showcase offers a delicious education in what sustainable food systems can look like.
It’s not just about farming better—it’s about feeding a future that works for the earth, the community, and your plate.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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