Garfield County Archives - Colorado-based Business and Economic Research

In 2013 Colorado’s Coal bed methane and natural gas production declined by 5.8%, from 1.7 billion Mcf to 1.6 billion Mcf. The 2013 level of production is similar to 2009. Twenty-six of Colorado’s 38 counties that produce gas posted declines last year.

Three counties account for 81.3% of total production: Garfield, La Plata and Weld.

In 1999 production in Garfield County was 56.9 million Mcf. It rose to 700.1 million Mcf in 2012, but dropped off to 649.3 million Mcf in 2013.

La Plata County has been a leader in production since 1999. In 2003 production peaked at 473.4 million Mcf and has declined gradually since. In 2013 it has fallen to 356.5 Mcf.

Weld County has experienced steady growth between 1999 and 2013, rising from 127.7 million Mcf to 271.8 million Mcf. Unlike Weld and La Plata counties, Weld County showed solid growth in 2013.

The combined total of the other 35 counties has grown gradually from 1999 to 2013, from 145.1 million Mcf in 1999 to 355.3 Mcf in 2013.

Colorado has 26 counties where there is no gas production.

Natural gas production remains strong in Colorado — Despite the decline in 2013, natural gas production remains strong.

When you mention Greeley, Colorado some people think of the smell of money (the feedlots), others think of the Greeley Stampede, and some are reminded of their days in college at the University of Northern Colorado.

More recently, Greeley has gained notoriety as the leader of the state’s boom in oil production. In 2013 Weld County accounted for 81% of production for the state.

Between 2008 and 2013 oil production has almost tripled in Weld County, increasing from 17.6 million barrels to 51.9 million barrels. For this six year period, production at the state level more than doubled, rising from 29.6 million barrels to 64.1 million barrels.

Between 1999 and 2013 the total oil production for Rio Blanco and Garfield County was unchanged at 6.8 million barrels; however, production in this area was volatile during that period. In 2013 the combined total production of these two counties was the second largest for the state.

Between 1999 and 2013 oil production in the other 33 counties declined from 6.4 million barrels to 5.3 million barrels. Within this period, these 33 counties experienced significant volatility. Production increased in 14 counties, but decreased in 19.

Colorado has 28 counties where there is no oil production.

Tag: Garfield County

Colorado’s Natural Gas Production Declines in 2013

Can You Say Boom in Oil Production for Weld County?