This article highlights the hands-on apprenticeship program at Elk River Livestock, a regenerative ranch in rural Colorado, where young agricultural apprentices like Jackson Watford learn climate-smart ranching techniques. Under the mentorship of experienced rancher Davey Baron, apprentices gain practical skills in managing cattle and pastures through intensive rotational grazing, a method that promotes soil health and adapts to the region’s increasingly dry climate. This approach reflects a broader shift in agricultural education, emphasizing the necessity of climate adaptation for sustainable farming and ranching in a warming world.

The apprenticeship program, run by the Quivira Coalition, complements classroom learning by providing real-world experience in regenerative practices and climate resilience. As climate change intensifies, agricultural education nationwide is evolving to include advanced technologies like drones and precision agriculture, equipping students with scientific knowledge and practical tools to manage environmental challenges. For apprentices like Watford, the immersive, experiential learning on the ranch proves more impactful than traditional classroom instruction, preparing them to be innovative and adaptable stewards of the land amid climate uncertainty.