Empowering Future Farmers through the Youth Agricultural Leaders Program

Guiding Youth in Agriculture
National Latino Farmers & Ranchers (NLFR) serves as a cornerstone of the Youth Agricultural Leaders (YAL) program, which aims to develop leadership and agricultural skills among high school and middle school students.
By partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), NLFR is committed to empowering the next generation of farmers and earth guardians. The program focuses on engaging youth in hands-on agricultural practices, fostering a deep connection to cultural and indigenous land and water traditions, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Through this initiative, NLFR seeks to cultivate leadership, enhance community food security, and create a network of young leaders dedicated to the stewardship of our natural resources.


31
+Youth Agricultural Leaders and Student Farm Workers trained by NLFR in agricultural leadership and farm management

8
Project Managers & thousands of pounds of produce distributed to local communities through partnerships

6
Agricultural sites developed and maintained, including fully functioning school farms and community gardens
How NLFR is Working with Youth Agricultural Leaders
NLFR collaborates closely with the YAL program to provide a comprehensive, proactive learning experience for students. The organization works with local schools and community partners to establish and maintain school gardens, community gardens, and farm sites in the South Valley and International District of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
By integrating modern agricultural science and technology with cultural and indigenous land and water traditions, NLFR ensures that the program not only imparts practical farming skills but also instills respect for the environment and sustainable practices.
The YAL program, supported by NLFR, involves high school Youth Agricultural Leaders and middle school Student Farm Workers in a variety of activities. These include preparing and maintaining soil, planting, growing, and harvesting crops. The produce grown is then distributed to local communities, addressing food security and promoting healthy eating.
NLFR provides mentorship and guidance through adult project managers who oversee the program, ensuring that the students receive the support they need to succeed.
Moreover, NLFR facilitates leadership development by having the Youth Agricultural Leaders manage operations, mentor younger students, and engage with community members. This intergenerational approach not only enhances the students' agricultural skills but also fosters a sense of responsibility and community engagement. Through regular budget management meetings, surveys, and focus groups, NLFR ensures the program's goals are met and continuously improved.
This strategic collaboration aims to create a sustainable model for agricultural education and community development, preparing students to be future leaders in environmental stewardship and food production.




NLFR'S Work Underway
Developing Agricultural Skills:
NLFR is dedicated to providing hands-on agricultural education to both Youth Agricultural Leaders (YALs) and Student Farm Workers (SFWs). At various sites, including Polk Middle School, Rio Grande High School, the Gutierrez Hubbell House, and the Project Feed the Hood community garden, students learn essential skills such as soil preparation, planting, crop maintenance, and harvesting.
Through partnerships with local agricultural programs, students are exposed to both traditional and modern farming techniques, including the use of technology in agriculture. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable farming and land stewardship.
Leadership Development:
Leadership development is central to NLFR’s role in the YAL program. By assigning high school YALs to responsible positions, NLFR ensures they acquire essential experience in managing agricultural projects.
These young leaders oversee the operations and maintenance of various garden and farm sites, mentor middle school SFWs, and engage with the local community. This role helps them develop critical skills such as project management, team leadership, and effective communication. The YALs’ leadership journey is supported by adult project managers who provide guidance, ensuring that the students can confidently take on their responsibilities and grow as leaders.
Community Engagement:
NLFR places a strong emphasis on community engagement as part of the YAL program. Students work closely with families and community members, involving them in the process of growing and distributing food.
This engagement fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, as local residents benefit from the fresh produce grown by the students. Through events, workshops, and collaborative projects, NLFR helps bridge the gap between the students and the community, promoting a culture of mutual support and learning. The produce grown is distributed through various channels, including local food hubs and the La Cosecha CSA program, ensuring that fresh, healthy food reaches those in need.
Program Coordination and Support:
NLFR ensures the smooth operation and success of the YAL program through meticulous coordination and support. Two adult project managers oversee the day-to-day activities, manage budgets, and ensure that the program’s goals are met. Regular budget management meetings, as well as close communication with NRCS staff, help maintain financial accountability and program efficiency.
Additionally, NLFR conducts surveys and focus groups to measure the program’s impact and gather feedback from participants. This ongoing evaluation process allows for continuous improvement and adaptation of the program to better meet the needs of the students and the community.
Educational Integration:
NLFR integrates educational components into the YAL program to enrich the students’ learning experience. The program collaborates with local schools to align with their agricultural and environmental curricula, enhancing the educational value of the hands-on activities.
For instance, Polk Middle School has developed an edible landscape and added hoop houses to extend the growing season, providing students with a real-world application of their classroom learning. This integration ensures that the agricultural projects complement the students’ academic studies, fostering a holistic educational experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills.