Sarah Wentzel-Fisher on working lands, community, science, and more
Jun 26, 2024
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Sarah Wentzel-Fisher, the executive director of Quivira Coalition, shares her diverse journey from creative arts to agriculture. She discusses the essential role of scientific inquiry in regenerative farming and the coalition's mission to foster resilience in working lands. Sarah highlights challenges in agriculture, such as climate change and an aging farmer demographic, while emphasizing the importance of community support through programs like the New Agrarian Program. The conversation also delves into sustainable food systems and the impact of corporate monopolies on local economies.
The Quivira Coalition emphasizes the integration of regenerative practices in agriculture to enhance both ecological health and economic sustainability.
Challenges such as climate change and market consolidation impact farming, yet the interest from young people in agricultural careers presents new opportunities for innovation.
Deep dives
Mission of Kivira Coalition
Kivira Coalition focuses on building resilience on working lands, which are areas where people sustain their livelihoods through land stewardship. This includes the production of food, fuel, and fiber, where the organization emphasizes the importance of regenerative practices over extractive ones. By promoting education, Kivira helps farmers and ranchers transition to methods that benefit both the land and the economy. Their mission highlights a commitment to harmonizing ecological health with economic viability, aiming to foster sustainable agricultural systems.
Challenges in Modern Agriculture
The podcast discusses the increasing challenges faced by agriculture today, such as climate change impacts, market consolidation, and the declining number of young people entering the farming profession. The average age of farmers is rising, creating a concerning trend for the future of agriculture. Despite the barriers, there is a notable interest among young people in pursuing agricultural careers, driven by a desire for meaningful connections with land and community. However, high land prices and consolidation in ownership present significant obstacles for these aspiring farmers.
Innovative Practices and Collaboration
Innovative practices are emerging within farming communities as individuals adapt to barriers in accessing land and resources. Examples include conservation easements that protect land from development while keeping it in agricultural use, and collaborative efforts such as community-supported agriculture initiatives. The Kivira Coalition facilitates dialogues among ranchers, public land managers, and agencies, fostering adaptive management strategies that respond to ecological needs. These collaborations illustrate how local communities can rethink land use and develop more sustainable agricultural models.
Role of Science and Education
Science plays a crucial role in improving agriculture and fostering healthy landscapes, providing valuable data that informs land management decisions. Integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research helps to validate effective agricultural practices. Educational initiatives, including the New Agrarian Program, aim to connect young people with experienced ranchers for hands-on learning and knowledge exchange. This program supports the next generation of farmers while reinforcing the importance of community in cultivating resilient agricultural systems.
Sarah Wentzel-Fisher is executive director of Quivira Coalition. A native of South Dakota, she came to her work in agriculture and leadership via a circuitous path that included the creative arts, writing, community and regional planning, collective problem-solving. In this podcast we discuss everything from the purpose of scientific inquiry in regenerative agriculture, to Quivira's history and current programs, to her own work in farming.
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