The Sierra RCD would like to welcome Jessie Kanter as the Agriculture and Rangeland Program Manager. Jessie has brought significant experience and passion to her new role. With a background rooted in agriculture and soil science, a dedication to supporting farmers and fostering resilient food systems, Jessie is a valuable asset to our local producer communities.
Jessie’s path to Sierra RCD began at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she pursued her interest in agriculture. After college, she gained experience working on farms in Minnesota before traveling abroad to East Africa, where she worked at a non-profit called Gardens for Health. She then earned a master’s degree in International Agricultural Development and Soil Science from UC Davis. She later worked with the UC Cooperative Extension’s Small Farms Program in Fresno before joining Sierra RCD seven months ago.
Her inspiration comes from the relationships she builds with local farmers, the people who work tirelessly to feed their communities while facing growing challenges. With major concerns such as water shortages and an aging farming population, she recognizes the urgency of supporting sustainable practices and encouraging younger generations to enter the field.
One impactful project she has already led in her short time at Sierra RCD has been hedgerow plantings in the southwest region of Fresno. Seeing these efforts to support small farmers take root and thrive has reinforced her commitment to conservation and sustainable agriculture.
A valuable piece of advice that has stayed with her is that if you love your soil, you’ll barely see it. This statement emphasizes the importance of keeping soil covered and keeping roots in the ground. As an advocate for soil health, she focuses on relationship building, securing resources for farmers, and ensuring producers have access to the tools they need. Jessie is excited about the purpose and work of the Agriculture and Rangeland Program. Currently, she has developed a soil health assessment for producers, is fostering peer-to-peer learning networks to support education on sustainable farming and is implementing wildlife conservation and habitat restoration projects. Her vision and motivations include just and equitable ecosystems, a reimagining of future food systems, and thinking beyond land and people.
As Sierra RCD continues its mission, Jessie hopes to bring more awareness, education, and resources to producers for implementing conservation practices and to provide relief. Welcome and thank you Jessie.
The Agriculture and Rangeland Program envisions future generations of sustainable Farmland and Rangeland employing less resource-intensive, agroecological methods of production that keep farm operations profitable.
Recent Comments