How did you get interested in agriculture? And what are you hoping to gain from your apprenticeship?May 2026
In my time spent in agricultural settings, my work becomes deeply integrated into the rest of my life. My commute is a walk to an old truck, my neighbors are my coworkers. Our tasks and movements are dictated by the animals and the weather, and tough luck if it’s a rough day because the cows still need to be fed. Scrub as I might every night I fall asleep with a little dirt of that land slivered under my nails. The land feeds us, in the fruits and meat and milk that we are nourished with, and in the moments of wonder we get to witness whenever we take the time to notice. In turn, we are not living solely for ourselves, but as part of the complex web of interactions happening every moment. The responsibility carried in stewardship of animals and land is felt every day.
My meaningful life includes people, too. I love to share meals, share beers, dance, lend a hand in each other’s corrals or gardens. Participation in the building of interdependent community with the people around me is life’s work. What joy it is to know and be known! And in this increasingly precarious world, established relationships, skills, and local resources go a long way. Being part of the New Agrarian Program ties me into community and relationships that have been built around Quivira for the past several decades, as well as to my fellow apprentices – past, present, and future.
I am George and Julie’s 30th apprentice (30!!! what a testament to their vision and mentorship) this year at San Juan Ranch. The skills and practice I am gaining in animal husbandry, grazing management, and stockmanship will apply to the livelihood of land and animals that I am so called to, wherever I end up. The opportunity to dip my toes into the business side of ranching during my apprenticeship as well is a step in building my own autonomy and adaptability in this line of work. Six weeks in, I feel so lucky! Every day I get to watch and learn from these cows, be strong in one moment and humbled the next, be so tired that sleep comes easy, then wake up to the sunrise over the Sangres and do it all over again.