Quivira Coalition

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.