A Record-Dry Winter Puts the METROGRO Farm to the Test 

Spring is now here, but as most know, in Colorado, winter was a dud. The lack of snow has dominated weather headlines leading into the spring. So, it’s fair to wonder what that means for Metro Water Recovery’s METROGRO Farm. 

We’re happy to report that despite the record-high temperatures, the METROGRO farm is showing its resilience. “Wheat is a very durable crop,” explains METROGRO Farm administrator Jason Zimbelman as he drives past the fields of the wheat crop, well-sprouted and growing. The wheat growing this year was planted shortly after last year’s harvest, which was the farm’s second-largest harvest on record. Because of early planting, the seeds were able to get the required hard freeze and do not seem to be affected by our very unseasonably warm winter. Zimbelman points out that last year’s record harvest also followed a dry winter, but late-spring and early-summer moisture propelled the harvest to the numbers they saw. “I’m not worried yet, ask me again in a few months, I might have a different answer,” laughs Zimbelman. 

A key benefit for the METROGRO Farm this winter, thanks to a bountiful 2025 harvest, is the silos are stocked full. The team was able to store wheat and wait for more favorable market conditions before selling. In the months ahead, leading up to the late June 2026 harvest, the bins will be gradually emptied to make room for the next crop. 

As the 2026 harvest approaches, the farm prepares for the unpredictability of spring and summer. Dry weather can heighten fire risk, while a sudden return of rain, even though welcomed, can slow harvest and affect crop quality. Wheat depends on dry conditions, and too much moisture at the wrong time can lead to delays. Then there’s Colorado’s signature wind, capable of bending or flattening stalks and making harvest more difficult. Each of these challenges is familiar territory, and with every season, the METROGRO Farm adapts to meet them. 

Off-Season Improvements 

While Jason and his team are about to become very busy as spring kicks off, things weren’t exactly quiet out on the farm over the winter months. One of the biggest projects happening at the farm currently is the rebuilding of the Farm’s extensive dirt roads.  

“I think when this was built, we went with the path of least resistance, but now we’re rebuilding and reenforcing some of our roads,” explains Zimbelman. Improved roads will help the farm in the long run, as less maintenance and repair will be needed when rain and snow events erode the current roads. This will ultimately save the team time and money that would normally be spent patching and upkeeping the roads. 

During the post-harvest months, METROGRO product was applied to the north farm fields. As operations ramp up, this area will transition to a staging site for land application on fields that are resting this season in preparation for the 2027 growing cycle.