I hold a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education and a master's degree in Agronomy from Colorado State University.  I have managed farms and ranches for absentee landowners since 1979.  Earned Accredited Farm Manager designation from American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.  Extensive experience with irrigation of field crops, peaches and vinifera wine grapes.  Negotiated oil and gas leases and dealt with oil field problems on mineral leased land.  Negotiated various types of rights of way, including pipeline and power line.