In the spring of 2022 the Valley Food Partnership (VFP), Holistic Management International (HMI) and the Colorado State University's Food Systems Department hosted a learning series for the Cultivating Farmers and Ranchers that Thrive Program (CFRT) participants in Montrose, Colorado. The goal of the program is to support new and beginning farmers/ranchers in the Western Slope region. Cindy Dvergsten, a long time Holistic Management Certified Educator and mentor out of Dolores, Colorado, facilitated the Introduction to Holistic Management, the Holistic Financial Planning as well as the Holistic Marketing & Business Planning courses with in-person and online trainings spread out over four months.
The project is funded through a USDA Beginning Farmer/Rancher grant with a goal of supporting the development of up to 72 new farm operations in the region over the next three years. Cally Hale, CFRT Program Manager said, "VFP aims to give these farmers and ranchers a strong foundation of regenerative agricultural practices, hands-on experience, and to foster a strong community of new and experienced farmers and ranchers as they start their agricultural journey. This year’s cohort is a diverse group of students with a wide range of experience and locations."
ParticipantEvaluation Results:
The most useful things participants learned: