In the early 2000’s, Niman Ranch saw its network of small, independent family farmers and ranchers struggle to bring the next generation back to the farm. One significant hurdle was student loan debt. We knew we could help.

 

Niman Ranch made a commitment in 2006 to help this next generation of farmers through a scholarship program.

 

This program helps in several ways:

• It keeps farms in the family and not lost to development.

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• It ensures traditional and sustainable farming practices are passed down and not lost as agriculture becomes more industrialized.

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• It helps future farmers and agriculture leaders gain new skills and expertise, without crippling debt.

 

The benefits of the Next Generation Foundation scholarship program go beyond the individual farmer and farm family, creating a positive ripple effect in rural communities. Small, family farms support many local businesses, organizations and institutions like their local veterinarian, the church, hospital, and school system. For every small farm that is able to be passed down to the next generation, a rural community shares in those positive effects.

 

Since the Foundation’s establishment, together with the companies who sell our products, the chefs who feature Niman Ranch meats on their menus, the grocery stores who put the items on their shelves and the consumers who serve Niman Ranch to their families, we, collectively, have helped more than 270 young people who are committed to family farming and ranching. Many of these scholarship recipients have returned to the farm and their rural communities.