Regeneration Rising

Episode 54 - Building a Collaborative Meat Business

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:35:32 -0700

In this episode, host Kristina chats with Jaimie Stoltzfus, owner of Cowgirl Meat Co. in Big Timber, Montana. Jaimie discusses nuances of her business including how she makes shipping meat worthwhile, the partnerships that support her work, and her marketing strategies. She also talks about her experiences working her way up from ranch hand to ranch manager and other roles that helped her as a business owner now.

Episode 53 - The Power of Local Food

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:51:20 -0700

In this episode, host Kristina chats with Meredith Rose, owner and operator of Rose West in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Meredith shares her journey from the suburbs of Chicago to becoming an aggregator of the local agricultural community. Rose West offers CSA boxes of local goods from partnerships with farmers and ranchers as well as products grown at Meredith’s homestead. Meredith discusses the significance of making local food accessible and the importance of connecting with your community.

Episode 52 - Highlights from REGENERATE 2025

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:04:57 -0700

On this episode, join host Kristina Britt as she recaps the transformative experiences and key takeaways from the recent REGENERATE Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico. With nearly 600 attendees, this conference was a hub for young agrarians, ranchers, and community leaders to connect, learn, and share. Hear firsthand accounts from new agrarian apprentices, Sims Wulbern and Jeff Courchaine, [Re]generation Fellows Brinton Reed and Katia Arami, and insights from executive director Xochitl Torres Small. Don’t miss out on these inspirational stories and mark your calendars for REGENERATE 2026!

Episode 51 - The Life of an Apprentice

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:50:17 -0600

In this episode, we welcome Quinn Taubman-Harper, a New Agrarian Program apprentice at Mannix Ranch in Montana. Quinn shares his journey in regenerative agriculture, discussing his diverse background, the meaningful connections he's made, and the valuable lessons learned as an apprentice. Tune in if you’re interested in applying to be an apprentice this fall or curious about the process.

Episode 50 - A Manager Fellow's Experience

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:29:46 -0600

On the latest episode, we have Jesse Pinkner, owner operator of Pinkner Land and Livestock, and also previous New Agrarian Program apprentice who just finished our first ever Manager Fellowship program. Jesse, alongside his wife Leah, is managing a ranch on leased family land in Texas. Jesse shares his unconventional journey into agriculture, the support and challenges faced within his family-run operation, and the invaluable lessons learned through Quivira's programs, including the Manager Fellowship. Tune in to hear about their experience with regenerative practices, building community relationships, and navigating financial strategies. Plus, don't miss important details about the upcoming REGENERATE conference and how you can participate!

Episode 49 - Knowing When to Shut Down the Farm

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:27:32 -0600

Join Kristina, the new podcast host, as she interviews Taylor Muglia, the former host and previous New Agrarian Program manager. In this heartfelt episode, Taylor shares her unique journey into regenerative agriculture, her experiences running and eventually closing a small farm, and the emotional struggles and triumphs along the way. While we talk a lot about how to get started in regenerative agriculture, it is also important that we talk about the challenges of working in agriculture as well as what it's like to make hard decisions to shut down your operation. We hope this honest conversation highlights the importance of community, resilience, and adaptability.

Episode 48 - Community Found in Butchery and Cookery

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:32:19 -0600

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dylan Boeken, who shares his journey from growing up to studying primates to owning a regenerative livestock farm and butchery. Dylan shares the importance of his relationships with mentors like Frank Fitzpatrick and Cole Bush, navigating challenges, and the vitality of holistic land management. Dylan also delves into his passion for whole animal butchery and cookery, emphasizing cultural, nutritional, and economic benefits. Learn how Dylan built his business, Boek House Hearth and Husbandry, focusing on lamb and mutton sales, butchery classes, and sustainable practices. If you’re passionate about sustainable farming, holistic management, and whole animal utilization, this episode is a must-listen!

Episode 47 - The Making of a Ranch Manager

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:10:42 -0600

In this episode, Fiona Jackson shares her unconventional journey from growing up in Redwood City, California with jeweler parents to becoming a ranch manager deeply involved in regenerative agriculture. Fiona talks about her initial exposure to agriculture at Cal Poly, her hands-on learning experiences, and her subsequent dive into the ranching world, including her stint at Flying Diamond Ranch in Colorado. She sheds light on her passion for sustainable grazing practices, learning from mistakes, and the importance of community, mentorship, and a positive mindset. Fiona also discusses her current role at Redwing Ranch and emphasizes the significance of combining profitability with ecological stewardship.

Episode 46 - Farm Life and Legal Lessons with Eva Caison

Tue, 27 May 2025 10:42:49 -0600

In this episode of the Regeneration Rising podcast, host Taylor Muglia dives into regenerative agriculture experiences and intricacies of farm law with Eva Caison, education program director at Farm Commons. The episode covers a breadth of topics, from Eva's journey into agriculture, her educational background, and practical farm experience, to the pivotal lessons she learned while running her own farm. We explore the invaluable work of Farm Commons and Eva shares insights about a new innovative coaching program designed to offer one-on-one support to producers. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge, personal anecdotes, and practical advice aimed at empowering new and seasoned farmers alike.

Episode 45 - Chris Zuehlsdorff on Farm Friendly Financing and Investing

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 10:23:19 -0600

In this episode, host Taylor Muglia sits down with Chris Zuehlsdorff, CEO of Iroquois Valley, to discuss how they're supporting the journey and future of regenerative agriculture. Chris shares his personal and professional background, highlighting his transition from a career in finance to helping farmers and ranchers access affordable mortgages and leases across the United States. The conversation delves into the importance of organic certification, the challenges of land access, and the support Iroquois Valley provides to farmers. Chris also shares inspiring stories of farmers who have successfully transitioned to organic farming. Tune in to learn more about the intersection of finance and sustainable agriculture and the impactful work being done to promote a healthier and more sustainable food system.

Episode 44 - Olivia Raine on Building a Goat Grazing Business

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:02:34 -0600

In this podcast episode, host Taylor Muglia interviews Olivia Raine about her journey in the field of agriculture, specifically her work in targeted grazing with goats and sheep. Olivia shares her deep-rooted passion for animals and her environmental consciousness that led her to agriculture. She discusses her extensive background, from working on vegetable farms to managing livestock, and the challenges she faced. Through three iterations of her business, Olivia pressed on and found the business model that works best for her (and the goats). She talks about the specific resources she used to set her up for success and finishes with some advice for beginning agrarians.

Episode 43 - Jarvisson King on Wool Pellets for Soil Health

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:32:14 -0700

In this episode of Regeneration Rising, Taylor Muglia interviews Jarvisson King, owner and operator of Laughing Goat Gardens in Arizona. Jarvisson shares his journey and how he brings traditional Navajo farming and modern regenerative agriculture techniques together. He discusses the impact of his mother's teachings, coping with grief after her passing, and his shift towards utilizing wool pellets for soil health. The episode highlights Jarvisson's innovative methods, his active presence on social media platforms to share knowledge, and his contributions to promoting regenerative agriculture within his community.

Episode 42 - Bridging the Land Access Gap through Land Link

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 11:51:25 -0700

In this podcast episode, host Taylor Muglia interviews Emma Lietz-Bilecky about her journey into agriculture and her work with Colorado Land Link, a program aimed at helping farmers find land and improve land access in Colorado. Emma shares her background, growing up in Colorado with a family history in agriculture, and her eventual return to farming after college. She discusses the challenges of land access for young farmers, the work Colorado Land Link does to facilitate these issues, and recent upgrades to their website to improve landowner and land seeker connections. Emma highlights the importance of innovative land access methods, such as partnerships between experienced landowners and new agrarians. She also shares success stories and offers advice for both land seekers and landowners. The episode wraps up with insights on the agricultural landscape in Colorado and a call for land seekers and landowners alike to join the Colorado Land Link platform at https://coloradolandlink.org/.

Episode 41 - Lauren Lees & Henry Harrington on Building a Life and Business Post-Apprenticeship

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 13:00:42 -0700

In this episode, host Taylor Muglia interviews New Agrarian Program alumni Henry Harrington and Lauren Lees about their diverse journeys into the agricultural world. Both came from non-agricultural backgrounds, but found a passion for ranching and regenerative agriculture. They share their experiences in the New Agrarian Program as well as their time post-apprenticeship in positions at Spikebox Ranch in Nebraska, Snaplands, and Round River Resource Management. Henry and Lauren discuss the educational and professional growth they experienced, their current work at Round River, and their personal aspirations. The conversation also delves into their involvement in the New Agrarian Program Manager Fellowship and their plans for starting a cattle enterprise, as well as balancing career aspirations with personal life, particularly getting married and starting a family.

Episode 40 - Davey Baron on Entrepreneurship as a First-Generation Rancher

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 11:52:16 -0600

After working on ranches in the Elk River Valley in northwest Colorado for a handful of years, Davey Baron had the jaw-dropping opportunity to start his own grazing and direct market beef business, and he pounced on it. In this episode of Regeneration Rising, host Taylor Muglia speaks with Davey about how he laid the groundwork for this opportunity to become Elk River Livestock, what life looks like in year two of running his own business, and how a strong community allowed him to build a lean enterprise. He shares that his experience in starting a business isn't exactly as cool as it seems, but a deep love of land and animals drives him to keep innovating and thinking outside the box to keep it growing.

Please note: Davey will be a new MENTOR for the New Agrarian Program in 2025! If you liked this conversation and are considering applying to our apprenticeship program, you can find his site description at https://quiviracoalition.org/newagrarian/locations/.

Episode 39 - Julie Sullivan on Our First Ever Manager Fellowship

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 13:50:55 -0600

In this conversation, host Taylor Muglia interviews Julie Sullivan, mentor training and support specialist (and program founder) here at Quivira Coalition's New Agrarian Program. Julie discusses the inspiration behind creating the program's first Manager Fellowship and how it aims to bridge the gap between apprenticeship and ranch management or entrepreneurship for the "not-so new agrarian." She walks through the requirements to apply, nuts and bolts of the program, and her greatest hopes for the first cohort. This fellowship program is now open to the general public, not just New Agrarian Program alumni.

Episode 38 - Diane Anastasio on Lessons in Shepherding

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Our guest this week is Diane Anastasio, program manager & shepherd at Shepherdess Land & Livestock in Ojai, California. Diane describes how, although not growing up in agriculture, their Austrian and Italian family heritage is expressed through their practice of shepherding today, and how other creative endeavors like weaving and dancing tie in as well. We also talk about Diane's early experiences in agriculture at shearing school and New Cowgirl Camp, balancing an agrarian's need for urban and rural community, and what it's like to be a contract sheep grazier for fire mitigation on the hot hillsides of California.

Episode 37 - Nicole Scott on Growing Skills, Confidence, and Humility as a Beginning Farmer

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 08:53:19 -0600

On this episode of Regeneration Rising, we sit down with Nicole Scott, farm director of livestock operation and farm outreach at The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming in Cold Spring, New York. Nicole shares her story about getting started in agriculture and the different experiences that shaped her journey from apprentice to farm director. She describes what it was like to build confidence to do farm work after studying agriculture in classrooms in college, how her perspective changed as she gained more responsibility on the farm, and how she motivates herself and her apprentices to continue careers in agriculture.

Episode 36 - Jordan and Toni Sarazen on Life as Mobile Goat Graziers

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0600

This week on Regeneration Rising, Taylor interviews Jordan and Toni Sarazen, owners and operators of Goat Bros LLC, a mobile goat grazing business near Denver, Colorado. We discuss the huge life transition Jordan and Toni made from being financial advisors to living in a 5th wheel trailer custom grazing a goat herd up and down the front range, all caused by an idea Jordan saw on a tv show! They share tips about sound financial management for their small business, the importance of support to avoid burnout, and how they weather the ups and downs of goat grazing as a couple.

Episode 35 - Will Vogl on Grazing in the Urban/Rural Interface

Tue, 21 May 2024 09:54:50 -0600

On this episode, host Taylor Muglia speaks with Will Vogl, owner and operator of Vogl Homestead Farm near Black Forest, Colorado. Will discusses the difficulty of accessing affordable grazing land on the front range and the development pressure his county is facing. While this can be a setback for many graziers, Will has used it as an opportunity to work with landowners and graze sheep on smaller parcels that cattle ranchers wouldn't consider. He talks about how he balances the operation with being a husband, father, and firefighter (who occasionally likes to take a vacation!), and how his skills in wildfire mitigation help him diversify land management services for landowners beyond just grazing.

Episode 34 - Rachel Stoltzfus on Career Development Post-Apprenticeship

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 08:50:17 -0600

In this episode of Regeneration Rising, host Taylor Muglia sits down with 2022 New Agrarian Program alumna Rachel Stoltzfus, who now works as a Herdsman at Herr Angus Farm in Nottingham, Pennsylvania. Rachel talks about lessons she took from her apprenticeship at Round River Resource Management, her process and decision to take a job at a cattle farm near her hometown, and learning curves she faces as she builds her career and life in land stewardship.

Episode 33 - Katie McInnes on Growing a Diversified Farm from Scratch

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 08:11:10 -0600

In this month's episode of Regeneration Rising, host Taylor Muglia speaks with Katie McInnes, Co-owner and Operator of The Dogs Run Farm near Clearwater, Manitoba, Canada. Katie talks about her journey from acting into farming and how community relationships and a bit of luck led her and her now husband Colin to securing land for farming. Katie also talks about what their farm looks like today, how they plan to grow, and how she integrates the farm with motherhood and mentorship through the Young Agrarians apprenticeship program.

Episode 32 - Terrance Boyd on Food Sovereignty and Finding His Place in a Rural Community

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 13:49:56 -0700

On this episode of Regeneration Rising, our guest is Terrance Boyd, owner of Wild Boyd Farm in Matheson, Colorado. Terrance talks about his deep interest in being an active agent in his own food production, his journey into homesteading, and how he has turned the homestead into a ranch business that serves a variety of meat sales channels due to high demand for locally-raised meat in the Denver area. Terrance also talks about the complex cultural differences between rural/urban communities and challenges of equitable and affordable local food access.

Episode 31 - Quivira Interns Chase Hetler & Jessie Hook on Bridging Academia and Ranching

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:26:00 -0700

Chase Hetler and Jessie Hook spent much of 2023 as Quivira Coalition interns through the Carbon Ranch Initiative, investigating the financial and ecological viability of compost application and erosion control structures on rangeland in the southwest. Host Taylor Muglia chats with both interns about their experiences and how their internships changed the way they see academia's role in ranching.

Episode 30 - Mentor Louis Martin on Laying the Groundwork for First-Generation Ranchers

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 10:22:57 -0700

In this episode of Regeneration Rising, host Taylor Muglia chats with New Agrarian Program mentor Louis Martin, owner of Round River Resource Management near Rush, Colorado. They talk about Louis' background in agriculture and education, and how he found opportunities to access land and capital even though agriculture skipped a generation in his family. Louis has mentored over 60 apprentices; he explains what makes a great apprentice candidate, and how his ranch is specifically designed to support beginning ranchers.

Music attribution:
Wanderlust by Scott Buckley

Episode 29 - Ryan Koch & Samuel Moreno on their 2023 Apprenticeship Experiences

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 16:21:51 -0700

In this episode, host Taylor Muglia sits down with current New Agrarian Program apprentices Ryan Koch and Samuel Moreno to talk about their experience in the past year. From applications and interviews to successes and struggles during the season to plans post-apprenticeship, this conversation has so many valuable lessons not only for future applicants, but anyone considering starting a career in agriculture.

Photo of Sam by Alexis Bonogofsky

You can find Sam online here and Ryan here.

Episode 28 - Layna Jansen on Mentorship, Horsemanship, and Hot Coffee

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 13:01:25 -0600

In anticipation for the 2024 New Agrarian Program applications opening November 1st, we are spending some time today with mentor Layna Jansen, rancher and Beef Program Coordinator at the Home Ranch in Clark, Colorado. She shares details about her career path and what it takes to feel like you finally belong to a place after moving from Virginia to the Home Ranch as a young adult, and working her way up over almost 10 years. She shares her advice to folks considering apprenticeship and tips on how to create a positive work environment with a large team.

Find Layna on Facebook and Instagram.

Music attribution:
Wanderlust by Scott Buckley

Episode 27 - Stacy Lishka and Evanne Caviness on Cooperative Land Leasing

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 16:35:54 -0600

In this episode, host Taylor Muglia dives into the details of a creative land access model with Poudre Valley Community Farms Executive Director Stacy Lishka and one of the program's lessees Evanne Caviness, who also happens to be the Western Organizing Manager for the National Young Farmers Coalition. The two guests talk about what can go right and wrong with cooperative land leasing, and share insights they've gained along the way. These insights can help beginning farmers and ranchers find hope for land access in extremely expensive parts of the West, and inform public and private land managers to think about leasing land with an equitable and holistic mindset.

Episode 26 - Emily Brown on the Joys and Challenges of Returning to a Family Farm

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 12:26:13 -0600

Emily certainly didn't see herself coming back to her family potato and barley farm in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, but a husband, child, and global pandemic later, she finds herself learning how to farm from her parents, participating in succession conversations, and becoming an advocate within the ag community. In this episode of Regeneration Rising, host Taylor Muglia talks with Emily Brown about her fascinating story.

Find out more about Emily's work with Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and Annie's Project.

We're Hiring a Communications & Podcast Intern! Find out more here.

Episode 25 - Pork Rhyne on Profitable Farming Without the Hogwash

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 11:45:36 -0600

The New Agrarian Program's Taylor Muglia sits down with Pork Rhyne "The Pork Evangelist" to talk about his career path as a young farmer and transition into public speaking and consulting, as well as lessons he's learned from helping clients build profitable livestock enterprises. You can follow Pork Rhyne by visiting the youtube channel Agro Educators International, or visiting their website.

Photo Credit: Pork Rhyne

Episode 24 - Guest-Host Alumnus Graham Holtrop and His Mentor Jim Spinner Talk About Life as a Ranch Manager

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 15:08:02 -0600

New Agrarian Program (NAP) alumni Graham Holtrop guest-hosts this episode, interviewing his former mentor Jim Spinner (current NAP mentor at The Veebaray). Graham and Jim discuss what he loves about ranching, what it takes to be ranch manager, and advice for first generation ranchers who may pursue ranch management, as opposed to ownership. Jim talks about his challenges raising a family and navigating work/life balance. And if you needed any more evidence of how cool Jim really is, we also learn that he does indeed have a ski boat, he does indeed drive 3 hours each way to the nearest Montana lake, and he did indeed teach Graham how to knee board. Not sure knee boarding can go on the program skill checklist, but we'll accept it.

Find Jim on Instagram

Find Graham on LinkedIn

Episode 23: Hannah Breckbill on Creative Land Purchasing, Cooperative Business Models, and Building Queer Farmer Community

Mon, 22 May 2023 14:58:04 -0600

Hannah Breckbill, co-farmer at Humble Hands Harvest in Decorah, Iowa, felt a desire to own land originally because of a yearning to incorporate perennials into her vegetable and sheep operation. This can be a frustration for land renters who feel unsure of their longevity on a piece of land. In this episode, Hannah sits down with Taylor Muglia of the New Agrarian Program to talk about the process of working with a community-owned land-holding company that served as a "bank" to allow her to purchase land at a reasonable pace with no interest. Hannah also talks about weaving all owners and employees into the Humble Hands business model in a cooperative way, and how she has found a deeply meaningful community through creating the Queer Farmer Network.

Find Humble Hands Harvest on Instagram and Facebook.

Episode 22: Guest-Host Natalie Berkman and Fellow NAP Alumna Susan Elder Talk Life After Apprenticeship

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:21:33 -0600

New Agrarian Program (NAP) Alumna Natalie Berkman (Milton Ranch, 2020/2021) joined as a guest-host to interview Susan Elder (Charter Ranch, 2020/2021) for a conversation about their lives post-apprenticeship as managers of ranches in Montana and Kansas. The conversation highlights lessons learned from apprenticeship and challenges of the transition, with some good laughs sprinkled in about purple riding helmets and brie cheese.

Find Susan on Instagram @ferrellranch or @susandalt

Episode 21: Tony Vorster on Graduate School Options for Beginning Agrarians

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:12:56 -0600

Tony Vorster, Research Scientist at Colorado State University (CSU), Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory sits down with host Taylor Muglia to talk details of the new CSU Western Ranch Management and Ecosystem Stewardship Program and options beginning agrarians might have for further education. They discuss the Summer Field Course, the importance of learning alongside peers of diverse specialties, and how to think about the "flavors" of grad school to choose the right path for you.

Episode 20: Ryan White on the Complexities of New Agrarianism

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:17:56 -0700

In this conversation, New Agrarian Program's Taylor Muglia has a powerful conversation with Ryan White, CEO and Founder of SnapLands LLC. Ryan talks about his winding road into agriculture, which is rooted deeply in his appreciation for nature which he has carried since childhood. Ryan discusses difficult career decisions he's faced in the industry of regenerative land management, expands upon "earning his meal ticket", and shares a few impactful pieces of advice for folks entering an industry that struggles to provide work/life balance, financial stability, mental health support, and amenities available to our counterparts outside of agriculture.

Michelle Hughes on Becoming a Force for Change

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 13:25:05 -0700

Quivira Coalition's Taylor Muglia sits down with Michelle Hughes, the Operations and Impact Director at National Young Farmers Coalition. Michelle speaks about her background in farming and livestock production and how she transitioned to advocacy work, then became staff at NYFC. She talks about the challenges and successes of weaving racial equity into an agricultural organization, and how accountability must be a part of that system. Michelle also speaks about her experience on the Equity Commission at USDA and how each young farmer can find their voice.

Instagram @youngfarmers

Episode 18 - Akwese Majolie on Regenerative Food Systems in Cameroon

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 12:57:21 -0700

Quivira Coalition's New Agrarian Program Colorado Manager Taylor Muglia sits down with Akwese Mbendang Milene Majolie. Akwese was an intern this summer with Quivira's Carbon Ranch Initiative. Working remotely from Rwanda where she attended school at the African Leadership University Rwanda, she helped with biochar projects and educational guides, and expanded her knowledge of regenerative agriculture with Quivira staff located in New Mexico. Originally from Cameroon, Akwese is passionate about sharing regenerative techniques with smallholder farmers in her region and innovating ways to reduce post-harvest loss. In this episode, she shares her story and dreams for the future.

Find Akwese on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. And her project Chakula Poda on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Episode 17 - National Young Farmers Coalition Land Advocacy Fellows on Land Access for BIPOC and Beginning Agrarians

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 15:25:46 -0600

The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) Land Advocacy Fellowship is a two-year advocacy and leadership fellowship for current and aspiring young farmers and ranchers. In this episode, host Taylor Muglia sits down with Benú Amun-Ra, Tanisha Diggs, and Óscar Vital, three Fellows from right here in Colorado. They talk about their land access goals, how it can be even harder for BIPOC to access agricultural land, capital, and resources, and they share their policy suggestions for the 2023 Farm Bill as a part of the One Million Acres for the Future Campaign—an initiative to ensure that land is equitably transitioned to the next generation of farmers.

Instagram - @youngfarmers

Facebook

youngfarmers.org

Land Advocacy Fellowship

NYFC National Survey Report

One Million Acres for the Future Campaign

Episode 16 - Caroline Caldwell on Land Transition and Advice for the New Agrarian

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 15:16:12 -0600

Caroline Caldwell is a rancher, academic, traveller, Corgi-owner, and Quivira's very own Northern Plains Manager here at the New Agrarian Program. In this episode, we pick Caroline's brain about land transition and her work with American Farmland Trust, her perspective on how new agrarians can find success without inheriting land, and what qualities you can work on to become a great ranch manager.

Find Caroline on Instagram

Photo credits: Charles Sullivan, Ada Smith, Bart Morris

Episode 15 - Martha Skelley on Recovering from Workaholism in Ranching

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 11:33:14 -0600

If you've ever had to rush through evening chores, change your smelly boots, and make it to town in time for a date, this podcast will feel very relevant to you. Martha Skelley, Farm and Livestock Manager at Paicines Ranch sits down to talk about her "fast-tracked" path into agriculture, the general culture of workaholism she has noticed and embodied during her career, and the reality check of wanting more out of life (Ahem... Romance? Hobbies? Kids?) after being laser-focused, and quite successful, in reaching her career goals for the past 12 years.

Episode 14 - Donne Gonzales on Farming for Healing

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 10:30:29 -0600

Formally, you might know Donne Gonzales as the Los Sembradores Farm Trainer & Youth Education Coordinator at the New Mexico Acequia Association, but it's impossible to parse out where her personal passions end and her professional work begins. In this episode, Donne teaches about the magic of acequias, her work teaching farming skills (however big or small a garden might be) and preserving the traditions of her community for future generations. If you need a heaping dose of farming motivation, give this episode a listen!

Ep. 13: Caleb Valdez on Door-Knocking, Starting Fires, and Local Beef Terroir

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 15:31:38 -0600

In this episode of Regeneration Rising, NAP's Taylor Muglia sits down with Caleb Valdez, a young rancher and owner of Uncompahgre Farms in Montrose, CO. Caleb has built his grassfed beef business from scratch, starting out by knocking on doors of neighbors with land to see if he could graze his small cattle herd. He talks about building a rapport with the community, crafting a brand, using his background in wildland firefighting to use fire as a management tool, and his experience as a young person committed to growing a ranching business. Find Uncompahgre Farms on Instagram.

Episode 12: Caity Roberts on Regenerating Land, Ourselves, and Rural Communities

Mon, 23 May 2022 11:29:36 -0600

Caity Roberts, 2nd year Apprentice/Apprentice Coordinator at Ferrell Ranch/4L Grazing in Beaumont, Kansas sits down to talk about her journey in agriculture, and particularly how she has learned to care for her mental health and mindset while working on vineyards and ranches. Caity has helped Ferrell Ranch build their own apprenticeship program and has discovered the beauty and joy of living in the Flint Hills of Kansas.

Episode 11: Geoffrey Van Wants You To Run the Numbers

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 15:25:59 -0600

Quivira Coalition's Taylor Muglia sits down with Geoffrey Van, Program Director of the Changing Hands Program at Rogue Farm Corps. Geoffrey talks about a childhood surrounded by concrete in Hong Kong, then moving to the US and finding his passion in farming, first on a goji berry farm, and then in raising livestock. He found himself learning butchery in Brooklyn, New York for a bit, which solidified his love for soil and being outside in the countryside. He started his own operation with some friends called Spoon Full Farm in 2017, then decided to walk away from that venture and help other farmers develop business plans and navigate the resources for starting a farm through the Changing Hands Program. We talk business plans, dreaming smaller, and advocating for what you need for a healthy life balance.

Shalini Karra- A Journey from NAP Apprentice to Holistic Livestock Manager at Apricot Lane Farms - and Everything in Between.

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 13:26:51 -0600

In this episode we speak with Shalini Karra. She's the Holistic Livestock Manager at Apricot Lane Farms in Moorpark, California. Shalini didn't come from an agricultural background, but took several important opportunities - including a New Agrarian Program apprenticeship and working with Gabe Brown - that allowed her to develop a career in regenerative agriculture. She talks about the bumps in the road, but also some things that never lose their magic, including a healthy baby lamb.

Elena Miller-ter Kuile - Cultural Legacy on a Colorado Sheep Ranch

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 11:02:46 -0700

Shepherdess, mother, and generational farmer Elena Miller- ter Kuile tells us more about the history of her family's operation, Cactus Hill Farm in La Jara, CO. She explains how she revived the sheep operation and developed a fiber business, with eyes on a direct-market lamb enterprise. Her family also helps run the farm operation with alfalfa, grains, and vegetables. Motherhood on the ranch has presented challenges, as well as sexism and racism, but Elena encourages other young people in regenerative agriculture to keep pursuing their dreams, and ignore the haters.

Content Warning: We get a little graphic in our conversation regarding animal and human birthing processes. (But it really gave us a good laugh!)

Find Elena and Cactus Hill Farm on Facebook and Instagram.

Kate Mannix- Crafting a New Life in Agriculture

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 10:47:00 -0700

In this episode, Taylor Muglia with Quivira Coalition's New Agrarian Program interviews Kate Mannix. She's a rancher, a natural dye/fiber artist, an employee at the Blackfoot Challenge, and former New Agrarian Program apprentice! Kate walks us through her path into ranching, her apprenticeship experience, and how she found her true community in Helmville, Montana. Along the way, she gives new agrarians some great advice about getting a foothold in regenerative ranching and finding a meaningful life doing it.

From Lifelong Land Stewardship to Ecological Architecture - Internships as a Vehicle to Stewardship Dreams

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 11:12:05 -0700

Quivira Coalition occasionally hosts interns, often for summer projects and occasionally for longer-term projects. Meet two of Quivira's interns in this episode! Levi Shije is a Tribal member of Zia Pueblo and alum of the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, who conducted compost research at his family farm over the summer of 2021. And Luis Rodriguez weaves together sustainable agriculture and architecture while conducting research on the ground through his internship. Join host Leah Potter-Weight as she learns more about each of their lives, connection to land stewardship, goals for the future and advice for fellow land stewards.

Maggie Hanna - What Exactly is a Conservation Easement Anyway?

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 13:21:13 -0600

Maggie Hanna is the Director of External Relations at the Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust. New Agrarian Program Colorado Manager Taylor Sanders has a conversation with Maggie, which helps us understand what conservation easements are, why they matter in the West, and she shares some of the rewarding aspects of being involved in conserving vast landscapes in her home state.

Byron Palmer - Navigating Rural Life for New Agrarians

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 15:30:18 -0600

Byron Palmer has a storied career with beginnings in the suburbs of California, attending "hippie camp" in the countryside as a young agrarian, and then working for Sonoma Mountain Institute and beginning his own direct-market, consulting, and grazing business, Grounded Grassfed. Taylor Sanders, NAP Colorado Manager talks with Byron about the struggles of the transition from urban/suburban to rural life, strategies to cope with loneliness, and chats about how young agrarians can fit into the many careers involved in regenerative agriculture.

Follow Byron:

Facebook - @groundedgrassfed
Instagram - @groundedgrassfed
Sonoma Mountain Institute
Grounded Grassfed

Music attribution:

Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Alyssa Barsanti - Starting a Livestock Business in an Increasingly Expensive West

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 12:59:12 -0600

In this episode, Taylor Sanders, the Colorado Manager for Quivira's New Agrarian Program, talks with Alyssa Barsanti of Marigold Livestock Co. Taylor and Alyssa met several years ago while working together at ACES Rock Bottom Ranch. Alyssa talks about her recent experience starting her own livestock operation on leased land, including some of the unanticipated challenges and expenses she's encountered along the way.

Find Alyssa on Instagram and Facebook.

Meghan Filbert - Collaboration and Creativity in Iowa's Corn Belt

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:18:02 -0600

Quivira Coalition's executive director Sarah Wentzel-Fisher talks with Meghan Filbert, the Livestock Program Manager at Practical Farmers of Iowa. In addition to supporting beginning farmers and ranchers through her work at Practical Farmers, Meghan has advice to share that stems from her own journey starting a livestock operation in central Iowa.

Find Meghan on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Music attribution:

Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Noelle McDonough and Sam Schmidt - Unexpected Lessons from Apprenticeship

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 14:00:58 -0600

In the first episode of Season 2 of Regeneration Rising, Quivira Coalition's Southwest Coordinator Tarryn Dixon, talks with apprentices Noelle McDonough and Sam Schmidt, both in their second year at San Juan Ranch in Saguache, Colorado. Noelle and Sam talk about their path into agriculture, why they sought out a New Agrarian apprenticeship, and the unexpected lessons they found in their first year of apprenticeship."

Find Sam and Noelle on Instagram:

@nodeyoddle -Noelle
@punchin_sam -Sam

Also find them on the New Agrarian Voices Blog

Music attribution:
Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Julie Morris, Joe Morris (Morris Grassfed Beef) and Marissa Taylor (Lonetree Ranch)

Sat, 03 Aug 2019 05:00:00 -0600

Julie Morris, Joe Morris (Morris Grassfed Beef) and Marissa Taylor (Lonetree Ranch) discuss the thrills and challenges of their calls to ranching, searching for a life in agriculture that contributes to the common good, the double-edged sword of having access to robust consumer markets, and the hope of bringing land stewards back to the land.

Deborah Clark (Birdwell & Clark Ranch) and Katie Scarbrough (Wellborn 2R Ranch)

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 06:00:00 -0600

Deborah Clark (Birdwell & Clark Ranch) and Katie Scarbrough (Wellborn 2R Ranch) discuss their development as business owners and entrepreneurs. Managing a ranch takes more than physical labor; it takes strong people skills and business skills to create profitability. Deborah and Katie also reflect on their partnerships, being kind to themselves, and the importance of having a holistic goal.

Louis Martin, Christopher Burke, Marianna Zavala, Willard Humphries III, Daniel Cleveland (Round River Resource Management)

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 10:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Louis Martin, mentor and manager of Round River Resource Management sits down with Christopher Burke, Round River's Director of People and Culture, and apprentices Marianna Zavala, Willard Humphries III, and Daniel Cleveland, to have an engaging conversation about what it means to live in community and grow as new agrarians.

Betsy Ross (Betsy Ross Grassfed Beef), Nicole Masters (Integrity Soils) and Christine Su (PastureMap)

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 17:12:00 -0700

Betsy Ross, Christine Su, and Nicole Masters have an intergenerational conversation about the connections between soil health and community health. Christine Su is the co-founder and CEO of PastureMap, grazing and livestock management software helping producers improve profits on healthy grasslands. Christine is joined in conversation with Nicole Masters, an agroecologist, systems thinker, and the director of Integrity Soils, and Betsy Ross, the co-owner and founder of Betsy Ross Grassfed Beef as well as the CEO of Sustainable Growth Texas, LLC.

Betsy Ross brings deep experience to the conversation from many years managing her grassfed beef operation. Betsy, Nicole, and Christine discuss their experiences and what they’ve seen on the land, and draw parallels between soil and community resilience. Here are a few of our favorite ideas from their conversation: composting personal failures, leaving mental pore space for new people and ideas, and taking time to regenerate ourselves in addition to regenerating the land. If you were at the Quivira Coalition's Regenerate Conference in early November, you caught their conversation as the keynote panel, "Sisters of the Soil."

Wendell Gilgert and Bre Owens (Point Blue Conservation Science and Cobblestone Ranch)

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 08:00:00 -0700

Wendell Gilgert and Bre Owens discuss passion, purpose, deep listening, and the importance of collaboration between folks with different land ethics. Bre is the owner of Cobblestone Ranch and the Rangeland Watershed Initiative Coordinator at Point Blue Conservation Science, where she works under the mentorship of Wendell Gilgert to assist owners and operators of working lands in implementing conservation practices designed to improve landscape function for the benefit of wildlife and ranch sustainability.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Cobblestone Ranch

Point Blue Conservation Science

Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold

The Shepard’s Life: Modern Dispatches from an Ancient Landscape by James Rebanks

Anna Jones-Crabtree, Doug Crabtree, & Paul Neubauer (Vilicus Farms)

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 06:00:00 -0700

Anna Jones-Crabtree, Doug Crabtree, and their new Farm Operations Foreman Paul Neubauer discuss building a new agrarian community, the role of long-term mentorship, and important moments in their respective agrarian journeys. Paul is the new Farm Operations Foreman at at Vilicus Farms, an organic, dryland crop farm in Northern Hill County, Montana founded by Anna Jones-Crabtree and Doug Crabtree. Since 2009, Vilicus Farms has grown to a 7,400-acre organic farming operation with a conservation-based ethic. In addition to stewarding their land, Anna and Doug are also committed to cultivating beginning farmers. They launched a beginning organic farmer apprenticeship program in 2013 to build their community in Northern Montana. We hope you enjoy the inaugural episode of the Regeneration Rising podcast.