Friend,

To tell you the truth, I had no idea what kind of relationships I would make when I took this job. I’ve been chomping at the bit to chase a career in the center of the conservation–agriculture crossroads since I graduated college at 22. I came to Quivira’s New Agrarian Program as a burnt out range conservationist who really wanted to work with people as excited about regenerative ranching as I was. 

Quivira, and specifically the New Agrarian Program in Montana, had inspired me because of the people in their circle. The mentors I knew of in Montana were “big hitters” in my mind, people well-known in the regenerative agriculture world, folks I’d seen on stage at soil health and regenerative agriculture workshops. The thought of working with them, learning from them, and just being in their general vicinity was about the most exciting thing I could imagine. 

So, yeah, I was more than excited to meet the mentors in the program – but the real surprise was how it would be the apprentices that changed my life. 

I’ve personally supported 16 apprentices through their seasons in central and eastern Montana – from the Hi-Line bordering Canada to just a hop, skip, and a jump from North Dakota, and everywhere in between. Each year, my skills in supporting them improve. I’ve become a better listener, more sympathetic and empathetic. I am better at recognizing people's strength, and I’m even better about having hard conversions. 

But more important than the skills I’ve gained is the inspiration I’ve found  in the apprentices I get to work with. People have shared some really challenging moments with me and entrusted me to provide support and cheer them on. They’ve given me the opportunity to see just exactly what it is to take the road less traveled, and just how much more resilient they are because of it. 

Saying goodbye to the apprentices at the end of the season is truly getting harder each year. Tears are shed, mainly on my part. As we say farewell I think there is no way I will bond with next year's apprentices like this again… and yet, I do. 

So, as I am gearing up for interviews with applicants to the program for the 2026 season, I’m filled with inner turmoil –  sadness saying goodbye to the apprentices from 2025 who have a piece of my heart and soul, and also a sense of excitement for the upcoming year. I can’t wait to see a new group of people live out their passion and tackle the hard things in front of them. Like the last 16 apprentices, I know they will  inspire me to also do the hard, scary things in my life that ultimately will make me a stronger, better version of myself. I know they will push me and reshape me and make me better. 

Until the next season starts, I wait with anticipation.

P.S. Applications for the 2026 apprentice season are open until Dec. 15. 

Hayden Vandeberg

New Agrarian Program Northern Plains Manager

New Agrarian Program Announcements

Are you ready to start your career in regenerative agriculture?

Applications are open for the New Agrarian Program's 2026 apprenticeships! Be sure to check out our Locations page where you can learn about all of our incredible mentor sites who are hiring for next season. We will be accepting applications until December 15. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out at newagrarian@quiviracoalition.org.

New Regeneration Rising episode

Join host Kristina Britt as she recaps the transformative experiences and key takeaways from the recent REGENERATE Conference in Santa Fe. With nearly 600 attendees, this conference was a hub for young agrarians, ranchers, and community leaders to connect, learn, and share. Hear firsthand accounts from new agrarian apprentices, Sims Wulbern and Jeff Courchaine, [Re]generation Fellows Brinton Reed and Katia Arami, and insights from executive director Xochitl Torres Small.

Listen now.

Schnitzer Prize of the West

This year, the High Desert Museum debuts the Schnitzer Prize of the West, which honors exceptional collaboration and innovation in addressing the enduring challenges of the American West — issues such as water scarcity and allocation, tribal rights and sovereignty, land use and conservation, wildfire and climate adaptation, ecological change, and the dynamics of human communities, migration, and identity. More info and to nominate here.

Upcoming Events

For years, we've connected employers and job seekers through a listing of job postings in our monthly New Agrarian Newsletter. We're excited to now have a Regenerative Ag Job Board, where employers can post their opportunities and job seekers can find their next step. Post your next job or internship opportunity on the website via the form, and send any questions you have to newagrarian@quiviracoalition.org.