From the Editor's Desk:

This issue of our Journal is inspired by the theme of our successful Sixth Annual Conference: "Fresh Eyes On The Land: Innovation and the Next Generation."

The purpose of the event was to use "fresh eyes" to explore innovative ideas, practices, and relationships that give hope to, and receive inspiration from, the next generation. Creating hope and options for the future is the key to all our efforts. Whether the goal is staying on the land, exploring and understanding nature, or simply `going home again,' the next generation needs new opportunities to achieve their dreams.

Miguel Santistevan is a farmer in Taos, New Mexico. He directs the Sembrando Semillas project for the New Mexico Acequia Association - the goal of which is to mentor youth in agriculture, to document traditional knowledge, and cultivate relationships. They do this through an innovative mixture of farming, radio programs, and video technology.

Estevan Arellano is a writer and researcher based in Embudo, New Mexico, whose work includes fiction, journalism, poetry, and photography. His latest book, "Ancient Agriculture," is the first English translation of Gabriel Alonso de Herrera's 1513 treatise on Spanish agriculture.

Vanessa Prileson recently completed an internship on George Whitten and Julie Sullivan's ranch in the San Luis Valley, in southern Colorado.

Dr. Mark Brunson is a professor at Utah State University, and Dr. Lynn Huntsinger teaches at the University of California, Berkeley.

The issue concludes with a letter from Wendell Berry, who responds to a question from a fan who heard him speak at the Conference.

On behalf of everyone at The Quivira Coalition, I would like to thank all our contributors. I think this issue makes a small but significant contribution to the critical question about future generations. Let me know what you think.

Happy Reading! -Courtney White

Contents:

• Sembrando Semillas: Planting Seeds of Traditional Agriculture for Future Generations -Miguel Santistevan and young farmers
• Querencia: The Soul of the Paisano -Estevan Arellano
• A Young Cowhand on the Rio Grande -Vanessa Prileson
• The Next Generation of Conservation: a Rough Draft -Courtney White
• Rancher Demographics, Socioeconomic Pressures, and the Challenge of Meeting Conservation Goals -Dr. Mark Brunson and Dr. Lynn Huntsinger
• Letter to the Editor -Wendell Berry