The Colorado River irrigates 15 percent of the nation’s crops, making Western agriculture an issue that is crucial to the lives and dinner plates of all Americans. Conservation Generation is a new short film by the National Young Farmers Coalition that offers a look into the lives of four young farmers and ranchers in the arid West. Despite contending with the impacts of historic drought, climate change, and increased competition for water, the film’s farmers are each committed to their communities and to finding innovative solutions to water shortages. To read more about the four farmers featured and to help NYFC and local partners protect water, visit youngfarmers.org/conservationgeneration
Facts to share:
- 15% of all crops in the U.S. are grown with irrigation water from the Colorado River, making Western agriculture an issue that is crucial to the lives and dinner plates of all Americans.
- America needs more young farmers, and young farmers need our support. The average age of the American farmer is 58, and farmers over 65 outnumber farmers under 35 by a ratio of six-to-one.
- Young farmers are leaders in conservation. According to a report released by the National Young Farmers Coalition, 97% of young farmers surveyed considered water conservation important and 94% reported using some form of conservation on their farms.
This film was made possible by:
Director/Cinematographer/Editor — Spencer MacDonald
Producers — Kate Greenberg, Chelsey Simpson and Eva Verbeeck
The stars of our film, the farmers who opened their homes and lives to us —
Harrison Topp, Topp Fruits, Paonia, CO
Stacia Cannon, Topp Fruits, Paonia, CO
Tyler Hoyt, Green Table Farm, Mancos, CO
Kendra Mackenbach, Green Table Farm, Mancos, CO
Nery Martinez, Santa Cruz Farm & Greenhouses, Española, NM
Don Bustos, Santa Cruz Farm & Greenhouses, Española, NM
Casey Holland, Red Tractor Farm, Albuquerque, NM
This film was made possible by the generous support of Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE). SARE is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Music —
Keen Collective - Sweet Dreams
Blue Dot Sessions - EWA Valley
Keen Collective - Intervals
Lee Rosevere - Dream Colours
Evanjones4 - Space Music Ambient
Setuniman - Drum Loop 1M32
