Whether you’re curious about farming or dreaming of stewarding your own land, this resource provides a supportive roadmap for developing skills, confidence, and community in regenerative agriculture in Colorado. Created in collaboration with the USDA, University of Colorado Capstone students, and other partners, this five-year framework outlines stages, barriers, and resources that have helped others succeed. Paths differ, but the continuum is valuable for beginners and experienced growers alike.

Stage 1

Rooting In

Hands-on Experience &
Knowledge Building

Stage 2

Growing Forward

Access &

Opportunity

Stage 3

Established Roots

Build on Foundational Skills & Operational Experience

Please Note:
This is a living, collaborative document, and we’d love your input! While it currently focuses on the Roaring Fork region (where the Farm Collaborative is based), it’s only a starting point. If you have ideas, feedback, or additional resources to share, please reach out to liz@farmco.org so we can keep learning and growing together.

We also recognize that there are many ways to farm—this resource guide represents just a small slice of Colorado’s diverse agricultural landscape. Many programs overlap across stages, so feel free to explore the footnotes and cross-references to find what best supports your unique journey.