The New Mexico Prescribed Fire Council (NMPFC) is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the use of prescribed fire in New Mexico to benefit ecosystems, watersheds, forests, rangelands, and communities. The Council, established in 2010, is run by a volunteer board and is supported by a dedicated group of stakeholders from across the state that are well versed in the art and science of prescribed fire. The NMPFC’s mission is to encourage the exchange of information, techniques, and experiences among practitioners of prescribed fire in New Mexico, and to promote public understanding of the importance of benefits of prescribed fire use. The Council hosts monthly meetings, educational workshops and training events, and has an annual, in-person meeting each year. Further, the Council regularly engages in outreach, education, communication, and collaboration efforts.

Roundtable Facilitator

Alyssa Cain is a 4th generation cotton farmer who dabbles in cattle ranching, chicken raising, and direct market meat sales at a community level. Altogether she manages 1600 acres, working to regenerate the land by improving the resiliency and productivity of the soil, and changing the biological community that depends on it by shifting the landscape from brush encroachment to productive grasslands and croplands. Her goal is to bridge the gap between conventional agriculture and the regenerative movement, helping families see how the values of each family and the need for livelihood can be achieved through sustainable agricultural practices. She has learned that by improving the soil ecology and resiliency of the land and with good family communication and careful financial planning, agriculture can be profitable and enjoyable again. 

Roundtable Facilitator

Sharing the Challenges and Joys of Building Soil Fertility and Community through Crop Farming in Arid Environments

Crop Farming/Gardening in arid environments can be challenging and discouraging. It can also be rewarding and profitable. In this roundtable we will be discussing what people have tried, what the challenges are that they have faced, and what successes they have had. Through shared experience we can improve our ability to steward the land, grow local food for our families and communities, and better learn how to connect with those who want that food or the knowledge of how to grow in these challenging landscapes. Land and community stewardship is a key action and outcome of building soil fertility and of offering direct to consumer/community food.

Sarah Robertson grew up in Taos, New Mexico and has always been passionate about land stewardship, growing things, and nurturing others. After completing a BA in Communication from the University of New Mexico and working with local non-profits, she started her journey as a first-generation farmer. Since 2015, she has been learning and growing alongside her husband, Mark, on various leased properties in Albuquerque, NM and running a small market farm with goats, chickens, hogs, and a CSA. Their farm, Loose Leaf Farm won the Edible NM Magazine “Local Hero Award” for Best Farm Bernalillo County 2024 because of their quality produce and soil health practices. In her role as Program Manager at HMI, Sarah brings her enthusiasm for regenerative agriculture, devotion to supporting others, and drive for lifelong learning and growing.

Roundtable Facilitator

Sharing the Challenges and Joys of Building Soil Fertility and Community through Crop Farming in Arid Environments

Crop Farming/Gardening in arid environments can be challenging and discouraging. It can also be rewarding and profitable. In this roundtable we will be discussing what people have tried, what the challenges are that they have faced, and what successes they have had. Through shared experience we can improve our ability to steward the land, grow local food for our families and communities, and better learn how to connect with those who want that food or the knowledge of how to grow in these challenging landscapes. Land and community stewardship is a key action and outcome of building soil fertility and of offering direct to consumer/community food.

Avery Thompson is a Livestock and Forage Specialist with Washington State University Extension, where she leads educational programming and applied research in livestock production and forage systems across southcentral Washington. Avery’s work is grounded in hands-on experience managing diversified livestock operations and implementing regenerative practices, as well as teaching courses on grazing, soil ecology, fiber processing, and more. She has collaborated on international research in Australia and is currently conducting a study in the western U.S. on women farmers’ engagement with agricultural public policy. Through her programs and research, Avery explores how producers adapt and innovate in real-world contexts. She believes in the importance of examining how we define innovation and think creatively to improve ecological and economic outcomes in agriculture.

Roundtable Facilitator

Melinda Sims graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2000 with a degree in Animal Science, focusing on production. While at UW she met and married her husband, Shanon. After college they began working for the family business, Sims Cattle Company, in McFadden, Wyoming. They have two children, a son, Kagan, and a daughter, Jentry, who are the fifth generation on the ranch. Throughout her 26 years on the ranch, Melinda has become very involved in every aspect of ranching, from daily management of animals and land to long term planning and business management. She attended Ranching For Profit in 2020 and 2021, and was an Executive Link member for 2 years. She became a Ranching for Profit instructor in 2022 and appreciates the opportunity to see other ranchers develop profitable and resilient businesses. Melinda strives to understand holism and how it applies to Sims Cattle Company and has worked diligently with Shanon and his family to breed profitable cattle that work in their environment using Ranching for Profit and Holistic Management principles.

Plenary Speaker

Stewardship Through the Generations

Sims Cattle Company is a 5th generation ranch that has been dedicated to taking care of our resource so that future generations have a business and a land base they aspire to return to. Our operation has dedicated lifetimes to understand and applying holism as well as the principles of profitability taught by Ranching For Profit to continuously improve not only our resource base, but our animals, our finances and our relationships. Melinda will guide you through her family’s journey of learning and gratitude passed on through the generations.