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INVESTIGATOR: Ricci, L.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
QUIVIRA COALITION
1413 2ND ST STE 1
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 875053435

MENTORSHIP AND BEYOND: SKILLS, SUPPORT, AND RESILIENCE FOR BEGINNING RANCHERS AND FARMERS ON LARGE-LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS IN THE WEST

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Beginning ranchers and farmers on large-landscape operations in the arid and semi-arid West face unique barriers to entry. Ranch or farm businesses in arid regions require large acreage to successfully and sustainably operate. Ranch businesses in particular face high startup costs due to the capital required to purchase livestock and the land needed to sustain them. For young people pursuing careers in this sector, isolation has also been cited as a top challenge because of the large and dispersed nature of their operations. To address these needs, Quivira Coalition will partner with experienced ranchers and farmers who are using regenerative practices to host 8-month apprenticeships on large-landscape operations in NM, CO, WY, MT, and SD. Quivira will support this unique population of beginning ranchers and farmers by providing trainings and resources that can be remotely accessed on soil health, biological monitoring, land access strategies, farm business finance, and entrepreneurial skills. This project will also build a community of support for beginning ranchers and farmers through a monthly podcast, regional gatherings, Career Connections networking events, and trainings on communication and mentoring skills. Ultimately, these activities will prepare beginning ranchers and farmers for successful regenerative agriculture careers on large landscape operations in the arid and semi-arid West, increase the number of beginning ranchers and farmers in the region who receive skilled mentorship, and ensure that beginning ranchers and farmers in this region are supported post-apprenticeship for lifelong careers in agriculture.

OBJECTIVES: The major goals of this project are to: 1) prepare beginning ranchers and farmers (BFRs) for successful careers in regenerative agriculture on large acreage ranching and farming operations in the arid and semi-arid West, 2) increase the number of BFRs who receive skilled mentorship from experienced ranchers and farmers and 3) ensure BFRs are supported post-apprenticeship for lifelong careers in agriculture.Goal 1: Prepare BFRs for careers in regenerative agriculture on large-landscape operations in the arid and semi-arid West through introductory workshops, 8-month apprenticeships, and regenerative agriculture education webinars.Objectives: 1) Help BFRs with less than two years of ranching experience acquire the skills needed to apply for and participate in an apprenticeship in regenerative agriculture. 2) Increase the number of BFRs who apply for NAP apprenticeships in regenerative agriculture. 3) Train BFRs for the unique demands of ranching and farming on large-landscape operations in the west through immersive, 8-month apprenticeships with experienced ranchers and farmers. 4) Improve support and access to resources for geographically isolated BFRs in regenerative agriculture in the arid west, both within and beyond the scope of NAP. Goal 2: Increase the number of BFRs who received skilled mentorship from experienced ranchers and farmers on large landscapes in the arid and semi-arid West. Objectives: 1) Support both NAP and non-NAP mentors with best practices and training on effectively mentoring BFRs. 2) Increase the number of experienced ranchers and farmers who host BFRs for apprenticeships.Goal 3: Ensure that BFRs are supported post-apprenticeship for lifelong careers in agriculture in the arid and semi-arid West. Objectives: 1) Provide opportunities for BFRs to share their experiences with one another, to reduce feelings of isolation and build community among BFRs on large-landscape operations in the West. 2) Provide BFRs on large-landscape operations with continued support post- apprenticeship in order to address the gaps between apprenticeship, management, and ownership in years 3-10 of their careers. 3) Create opportunities to exchange knowledge and facilitate hiring BFRs on large-landscape operations in the west. ?