Historic water cuts on Colorado River put strain on downstream farmers
It’s no news that water is scarce in the arid west. But last week marked an unprecedented moment in the history of the Colorado River and the millions of people nationwide who rely on it for drinking water, meat and vegetables. Based on historically low flows in the Colorado River, the Bureau of Reclamation–a federal […]
Introducing Jeff and Debbie, NYFC's Arizona Field Organizers
We’re pleased to welcome Jeff Meilander of Flagstaff and Debbie Weingarten of Benson/Tucson area as NYFC’s new Arizona Field Organizers! Debbie is one of the founding farmers of Sleeping Frog Farms, an extremely successful young farmer & farm education operation serving southern AZ. Jeff is a professor at Northern Arizona University and is also founder […]
Ranching for Conservation along the U.S./Mexico Border
Thirty-eight miles from the Arizona/Sonora border lies a fourth-generation ranch managed by two young ranchers, Sarah and Joe King. The ranch spreads over 55,000 acres of private and state land, rising up over the Baboquivari Mountains. Sarah and Joe raise 450 head of grass-fed cattle to sell at auction, slaughtering only a few due to […]
A Letter from NYFC’s New Western Organizer
Dear agrarians and friends, I’m from Tucson, Arizona and my name is Regina. I joined the National Young Farmers’ Coalition team this month to organize young farmer & rancher chapters in the Colorado River Basin. I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself and close with a question to all of you. I live […]
A Farm By and For Youth in Tucson, Arizona
Nestled a stone’s throw from the Rillito River lies an urban farm built by and for youth in Tucson, Arizona. Before Tucson Village Farm broke ground, founder Leza Carter worked at a multitude of school gardens. In January of 2010, armed with a strong understanding of the benefits and constraints of the traditional school garden […]