New Agrarian Program Fellowship

 

 

We are no longer accepting applications for this fellowship, the deadline has passed. Please check back next year!

In an effort to support a broader network of beginning agrarians, we are piloting our New Agrarian Program fellowship! 

This fellowship is designed to be an extracurricular addition to a working experience on a ranch or farm. Fellows will receive access to a community of support and additional resources to supplement their experience and advance their careers in regenerative agriculture. Fellows are responsible for securing their own farm or ranch job in order to participate.

This fellowship is not a technical training program. It adds educational opportunities related to the broader realm of regenerative agriculture, connects participants with other beginning ranchers and farmers, and supports their professional development, assisting participants in determining their career path and what steps they can take next to move forward. 

The NAP fellowship program specifically targets beginning farmers and ranchers with a deep interest in regenerative agriculture. Applicants must have secured full- or part-time employment at a ranch or farm, with the job lasting at least six months. The NAP fellowship will begin in April/May 2024 and end in October/November 2024. The farm or ranch job can be classified as regular employment, apprenticeship, or internship.  

Since 2008, NAP has partnered with ranches and farms around the West to offer eight-month apprenticeships and has successfully graduated over 120 apprentices. We believe that one reason for the NAP program’s longevity and growth is the support our team provides to the apprentices both during the apprenticeship season and as NAP alumni. We’re excited to grow the ways we support beginning ranchers and farmers and to be able to offer a more flexible way of participating through the NAP fellowship program!

Program support and required elements during the 6-8 month fellowship:

  • Virtual orientation to meet other fellows and the NAP support team (April 2024)

  • Monthly virtual supplemental education webinars on topics pertaining to regenerative agriculture, focused on Western working landscapes and livestock production (i.e. soil health principles, grazing planning, livestock husbandry, etc.)

  • Monthly scheduled check-ins with other fellows and a NAP coordinator

  • Holistic goal setting overview and 1:1 consultation with NAP staff member

  • Self-assessment on technical and interpersonal skills three times per season to track progress and inform learning goals

  • Free registration, lodging, and partial travel to the REGENERATE Conference (November) to learn, network, and also attend the Career Connections Opportunity Fair

Upon completion of the NAP fellowship, continued support and benefits will include:

  • $500 stipend upon finishing the program and all required elements
  • Certificate of completion
  • Southwest Grassfed Livestock Association (SWGLA) free membership, including access to numerous ag finance, marketing, and ag operation webinars
  • Scholarships for Holistic Management International winter virtual, interactive online classes
  • Addition to the NAP Fellows Alumni Google Group to keep connected to current and past fellows and receive updates on job and educational opportunities
  • Opportunity to apply for technical assistance grants and future educational opportunities through the NAP program as available

An ideal candidate:

  • Is a beginning agrarian
  • Has a deep interest in regenerative agriculture
  • Has interest in continuing to work in production agriculture
  • Has secured employment at a ranch or farm (part-time or full-time) in 2024
    • Can be a regular employee/ranch hand (including working members of a family ranch), intern, or apprentice
    • Preference will be given to those located in the Western United States
    • Preferably you will be working for at least a 6-month period in 2024 on the same operation
  • Has discussed this opportunity with their employer
  • Has access to reliable internet during the season
  • Is committed to learning, connecting with other beginning agrarians, and attending all monthly check-ins and supplemental education calls

    Applications open on February 6, 2024 and will close on March 15, 2024.

    Applications will be scored using a rubric based on the bullet points above. Top candidates will be invited for a short interview with program staff in mid to late March, with positions being offered in early April. Preference will be given to individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, BIPOC, or veteran status.



    Please email newagrarian@quiviracoalition.org with any questions or help applying.