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.

"*" indicates required fields

Personal Information

Name*

First Last

Email*

Phone*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Do you identify as the following:

BIPOC

LGBTQ+

Military Veteran

What is your highest level of education?

How did you hear about the NAP Fellowship Program?*

Will you have reliable access to internet during the fellowship?*

Ag Operation & Employer Information

Employment status

I am still working on finding a farm or ranch job

I have secured a ranch/farm employment position

Other

Name of Farm or Ranch where you will be employed

Ranch or farm location where you will be employed

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Name of Employer

Employer Email

Describe the ranch or farm you will be working for during the fellowship.

Please describe the size, type of crops, types of livestock raised, number of staff, how long they have been in operation, and anything else you feel is pertinent to describing the ag operation.

What is the timeline of your employment or internship?

Describe your relationship with this ranch or farm and how you learned about them

Motivation and Experience

Please describe any agricultural experience or previous exposure to agriculture.*

As a beginning farmer or rancher it's fine if this job is the first step in your agricultural experience.

In your own words, define regenerative agriculture. What does it mean to you?*

What do you want to get out of this fellowship?*

What are your personal and professional long-term goals?*

How do you see this fellowship furthering your future career goals?*

Tell us about a job, educational opportunity, or other activity (i.e., sports, music, art) where you demonstrated commitment.*

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Certification*

I have read and understand the required elements of the NAP fellowship.

Certification*

I certify that my answers to these questions are true to the best of my knowledge.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.