Date:
8/10/2009 12:00:00 AM
Title:
Colorado Ranching Legacy Program Announces Candidates
Arvada, Colo. August 6, 2009 – The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, in partnership with the Western Center for Integrated Resource Management at Colorado State University and The Nature Conservancy; proudly announce the candidates for the inaugural Colorado Ranching Legacy Program: Tyler Karney, Olney Springs, Colo.; Nathan Andrews, Kirk, Colo.; Tonya Merz, Greeley, Colo.; and Clayton Beaman, Walden, Colo.
Tyler Karney comes to us with a BS in Agribusiness from Texas A&M. He was raised in agriculture and dreams of one day owning his own cattle ranch. As assistant manager of his family’s ranch, he's no stranger to hard work - cutting 2500 cedar posts and building ten miles of wire fence in one season. Tyler currently works as assistant manager for Ordway Cattle Feeders and finds time for professional rodeo and auctioneering. He considers himself a steward of the land.
Nathan Andrews recently attended The Ranching for Profit School and comes to us with a zest for lifelong learning. He became a full partner in his family operation after completing high school. He is the owner of Andrews Genetics and built a purebred Angus cow herd from initial purchase of six heifers to its current size of 75 head. Nathan is a charter member of the Three Rivers Alliance, a member of the Shortgrass Prairie Partnership, and the Hale Fire and Rescue Department.
Tonya Merz has a degree in Agricultural Business from Colorado State University. She currently works for the USDA as an Agricultural Commodity Grader. She has been president of "Future Farmers of America" as well the 4-H program. Tonya was raised on a 160-acre farm in Fort Lupton which was farmed in a very traditional way. Her parents still farm the ranch, which now produces hay; while making the majority of their living on the homestead raising game birds. Tonya's hope is to develop a plan for her family to own a working cattle ranch and pairing it with niche markets to ensure profitability.
Clayton Beaman attended classes at NMSU in Wildlife Science and at Otero College in Ranch Management. He was a cooperative producer for Kit Pharo and used to own his own ranch. He currently works as ranch hand for Evans’ Cattle Company. Clayton's goal is to raise his three young daughters on a ranch he successfully manages. All three of his daughters are involved in 4-H now and show steers, horses, pigs, and sheep. Clayton hopes to continue teaching them by instilling the values of good stewardship of the land and open spaces.
The Colorado Ranching Legacy Program is a two-year program designed to equip young and beginning ranchers to be innovative leaders in land management and conservation. The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, the Western Center for Integrated Resource Management at Colorado State University, and The Nature Conservancy have partnered to create the Colorado Ranching Legacy Program in order to assist in the development of the next generation of stewards vital for conserving family ranches and healthy, intact landscapes. The program kicks off early September in Fort Collins with an evening banquet, and is followed by several classroom days focusing on goal setting, continuous improvement, and innovation. October will feature tours of the Bohart, Brett Gray and Fox Ranches.
Through the Colorado Ranching Legacy Program, Fellows will gain knowledge, networks and mentors, a business plan, and all three partners’ best efforts to assist them in their ranching goals. This three-tiered partnership between the industry, education, and conservation communities makes this program unique and opens doors to various financial tools, networks, and management opportunities.
-CCA-
Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is the state’s only non-profit trade organization exclusively representing Colorado’s cattle producers. Founded in 1867, CCA is the nation’s oldest state cattlemen’s association.
-WCIRM-
Western Center for Integrated Resource Management’s mission is to improve the sustainability and profitability of forage-based agriculture and natural resource systems through integrated and innovative multidisplinary research and education programs.
-TNC-
The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide.