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In the West, spring has arrived with hail, a foot of snow and three-digit temperatures. As climate change comes to the farm, we’re reminded how much we need a strong farm community. This newsletter is all about how NYFC is bringing farmers together to face local challenges as a united front. We’ll fill you in on chapter events, policy updates, new developments in our Western water projects, and our May forum expert—who you won’t want to miss!
Six farmers exemplify water resiliency in the West
Read the complete profile of Mike De Smet and how he is protecting his soil and water on the NYFC blog. Water is increasingly one of the greatest challenges for young and beginning farmers in the arid West. To understand how young farmers are managing their water, NYFC visited six farmers from four Western states. From a hops grower in Colorado to a raw milk dairy farmer in New Mexico, these growers of varying scales share one thing in common: a sharp focus on soil health as the foundation for conservation and resilience. But it doesn’t end with profiles. Based on feedback from the field, we are bringing farmers and ranchers together to share best practices in soil health through our larger Water Resiliency Project. This project covers seven states of the arid West and will culminate this fall in a farm tour, published case studies and a short film. Stay tuned for more! Young farmers shape Colorado Water Plan
With increasing stress on water supply, Colorado Governor Hickenlooper issued an executive order in May 2013 for the creation of a state water plan. Local citizen-led groups are tasked with shaping the plan based on public opinion. At stake is the future of agriculture in the state and the health of the rivers on which we depend. Will we find a balance? NYFC has led call-ins to the Governor, published Op-Eds promoting conservation first, and is teaming up with the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union to increase awareness, host events and serve as a direct link to the State. We need you to help us make the most of this opportunity. Email kate@youngfarmers.org to get involved. Sign the Colorado River & Western Water Pledge!
Whether you are a farmer or an eater, in the West or beyond, we all play a role in ensuring our rivers and streams continue to flow. Take 30 seconds now to sign the pledge!
Events Come find us at an event near you! Rio Grande Farmers Coalition Meeting with Congresswoman Lujan-Grisham Albuquerque, NM — May 15th 10am-12pm at MRCOG office, Albuquerque, NM. For more info, contact sarah@youngfarmers.org Nevada County Farmers Guild Kick Off Nevada City, CA – May 15th 6pm at First Rain Farm 19832 Rector Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959 More info at: www.farmersguild.org Southwest Young Farmers Gathering Mancos, CO — May 18th 9:30am at Mt. Lookout Grange, 680 Grand Ave, Mancos, CO 81328 For more info, contact Kate at kate@youngfarmers.org
Columbia, MO — May 18th 1-5pm at Happy Hollow Farm More info at: cropmobcolumbia@gmail.com Mendocino Farmers Guild Willits, CA – May 20th 7pm, Little Lake Grange Hall 291 School St, Willits, CA More info at: www.farmersguild.org TXYFC Hang Out & Farmer Mixer Austin, TX – May 21st Black Star Co-op, 7-9pm Join TXYFC, farmers, and food lovers for an evening of connecting, conversing, and libations every third Wednesday of the month. Sonoma Valley Farmers Guild Sonoma, CA – May 25 6pm, Sonoma Valley Grange Hall 18627 California 12, Sonoma, CA More info at: www.farmersguild.org New CT Farmer Alliance Summer Farm Tour Morris, CT – May 25th 4pm-6pm at Truelove Farm Topic: sustainable pastured raised meat 122 Thomaston Rd Morris, CT 06763 After the tour stay for a potluck social. Bring a dish to share and a plate, utensils and drinking glass. Meet other farmers in CT to network and share ideas, stories and challenges! More info at: https://www.facebook.com/NCTFA Vermont Young Farmers Coalition May Potluck Huntington, VT– May 25th Starting at 1:30pm Maple Wind Farm– 1338 Carse Road, Huntington VT. For more info, email Ashley at Ashley@nofavt.org Mendocino Coast Farmers Guild Caspar, CA – May 25th Kick-off! 6:30pm Caspar Community Center 15051 Caspar Rd, Caspar, CA More info at: www.farmersguild.org
Missouri Young Farmers Coalition Monthly Potluck Auxvasse, MO— June 1st Starts at 4pm More info at: missouriyoungfarmers.squarespace.com
Nebraska Young Farmer Night hosted by NSAS & Big Muddy Urban Farm Omaha, NE — June 3rd 6-8pm, Location TBD For more info, contact healthyfarms@gmail.com
Young Farmers and Ranchers of Mesa County Movie on the Barn Fundraiser Palisade, CO — June 14th 6:30-9pm at Mesa Park Vineyards 3321 C Rd. Palisade, CO 81526 New CT Farmer Alliance Summer Farm Tour Durham, CT – June 29th 4pm-6pm at Starlight Gardens Topic: Using Hoop Houses for Profitability with David Zemelsky 54 Fowler Ave., Durham, CT 06422 After the tour stay for a potluck social. Bring a dish to share and a plate, utensils and drinking glass. Meet other farmers in CT to network and share ideas, stories and challenges! More info at: https://www.facebook.com/NCTFA In Solidarity, Kate, Kacey, Daniel, Sarah and Debbie
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Mike De Smet is known for his friendly disposition, his inability to say no to a challenge, and a deeply ingrained love of dairy farming. De Smet grew up on the 125-acre dairy farm he now manages. But this is not his father’s dairy—he and his wife, Erica, have embarked on an ambitious and pioneering effort to build New Mexico’s first, and only, USDA certified organic, raw, grass fed dairy farm with a focus on on-till methods to conserve water.
It is a rare opportunity that citizens are invited to craft state policy. But luckily that’s the case with the 
You don’t have to live in Colorado or any other Western state to show your support for healthy farms and healthy rivers. Our representatives need to hear that these two things matter to us– the 
