Christine Martin lives in Leon County, TX where she raises clean (no chemicals, hormones or antibiotics) and nutrient dense beef (Dexters), chicken, turkey and eggs which she sells as meat direct to consumer. Using Holistic Management principles and practices, the livestock are managed to allow the four fundamental ecosystem functions to be restored thus improving the health of her land and an increase in carrying capacity. As a Holistic Management International Professional Certified Educator, Christine has coached clients in improving their land, their finances and their quality of life, moving them towards their dream life! Christine was born in Argentina from a ranching family, raised in Brazil and moved to Michigan to earn a B.S. in Business at Eastern Michigan University and M.S. in Agricultural Economics at Michigan State University.

Roundtable Facilitator

When the Land Isn’t the Problem: Exploring the Human Side of Regeneration

Many land stewards adopt regenerative practices expecting better outcomes, yet still feel stuck or uncertain in their decisions. This roundtable explores the role of the human in land stewardship—how mindset, internal narratives, and conditioned tendencies can become the limiting factor. Together, we’ll reflect on where we may be forcing outcomes or second-guessing ourselves, and how greater awareness can lead to clearer thinking and more effective stewardship. This is not about adding more tools, but about seeing more clearly.

Anne Phillips and her husband Jim milk 135 crossbred cows on their 315 acre farm in Marathon, NY. They have been operating as a seasonal dairy for almost 30 years; certified organic since 2007; 100% grass-fed certified since 2014 and in 2025 became a certified Regenerative dairy. The Phillips ship their 100% A2 milk to the Origin Nutrition company. Anne and Jim also raise 50 Dorset sheep for meat sales, mainly targeting the Easter market. Anne would like to diversify more—get back into producing beef and pork for direct market channels, and possibly even open a farm-store, but for now, she is too busy with furthering her education in the areas of Permaculture and Regenerative Soils along with her consulting and involvement with HMI as a Holistic Management Educator.

Roundtable Facilitator

Exploring the Many Paths to Improving Animal Health & Performance

Any livestock operator must be able to understand the basics of animal care and health. Yet many people, whether new or experienced livestock producers, note that animal care, handling, and overall health and performance is an ongoing learning curve. In this roundtable we will explore how people have set up policies and procedures to be proactive in improving animal health and performance. We will explore what are people’s challenges and what are the tools and networks they have created to address these needs whether for their own personal considerations or because of additional animal welfare requirements for certification.

Holly Napier was raised in the mountains near Durango, Colorado, where her family’s outdoor education business fostered a lifelong connection to the natural world and experiential learning. She holds an M.Agr. in Agricultural Sciences–Integrated Resource Management and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Global Stability in Agriculture from Colorado State University.

Holly’s professional experience includes managing a diversified livestock farm producing pasture-raised poultry, eggs, lamb, and goat meat, as well as serving as office and production manager for her local USDA-inspected meat processing facility. In these roles, she worked closely with livestock producers and local food systems throughout the Four Corners region. Since 2022, she has worked with Quivira’s New Agrarian Program, supporting apprentices and mentors while helping cultivate the next generation of farmers and ranchers through hands-on training, mentorship, and professional development.

Roundtable Facilitator

Challenges and Opportunities for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

This facilitated roundtable invites beginning farmers and ranchers to discuss their experiences developing agricultural skills, training opportunities, and adapting to climate and environmental challenges. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, identify current challenges, and discuss practical solutions for strengthening the next generation of agricultural producers. Whether you are just getting started or several years into your ag journey, we welcome you to come and join this discussion.

Erin is a social scientist partnering with AFT’s national staff to advance collaborative research with farmers, ranchers, landowners, rural communities, and other partners to better understand the social drivers of agricultural resilience. Erin has a doctorate in Earth, Environment, and Society from Portland State University. Her research focuses on understanding the human dimensions of complex environmental challenges, including how water governance and climate change impact decision-making for farmers in agricultural regions. She has extensive experience conducting research in agricultural regions in North America, South Africa, and Australia.

Roundtable Facilitator

Kiera McCabe, a Diné farmer and founder of Skoden Farm, is dedicated to growing traditional foods that nourish and sustain her community. As a beginner farmer with three years of hands-on field experience, her work is deeply rooted in who she is and where she comes from. Kiera recently graduated from Fort Lewis College with a Bachelors in Sociology and Human Services, alongside minors in Business Administration and Native American & Indigenous Studies and a certificate in Regenerative Food Systems. A massive turning point in her journey was participating in the 2024 Bidii Baby Foods Farmer-in-Rezidence program. This was an incredible opportunity that allowed her to learn, grow, and build the foundation for her farming operation. She now operates her 2.5 acre farm in Aztec, New Mexico and provides internship opportunities.

Plenary Panelelist

Preserving Heritage Crops and Livestock: A discussion with stewards in the Southwest
It takes many hands to keep the tradition of raising heritage crops and livestock going. More than food, crops and livestock that exist on the margins of commodities embody culture, biodiversity, and stewardship of a holistic approach to agriculture. In this panel discussion, hear from producers who are maintaining a place-based, sustainable agricultural practice by growing culturally relevant and ecologically resilient crops and livestock. Learn about how they navigate a premium market as a small-scale producer. Understand the challenges faced by those in both the early and later stages of their lives and careers as farmers and ranchers. And, get to know what makes some of the resilient heritage crops and livestock grown in the Southwest special.

Moderator: Mary-Charlotte Domandi
Panelists:
Kiera McCabe (Skoden Farms)
Sarah Jones (Jones Family Farm and the Rye Resurgence Project)
Tyrrell Tapaha (weaver and sheepherder)