Mission

Create supportive relationships to challenge paradigms
while building profitable and sustainable enterprises
to regenerate our land for the next generation.

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I just love this image for the month of February so much that I had to use it again this year! Valentines is a day of love and it is fun to think about the things we do and/give up for the love of pursuing a goal or dream. I think we can all recognize the things we do in our operations, for the love of soil. Happy Valentine’s Month!

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A word from the Coordinator

Hello Regenerators!
I want to begin by sharing how much I have truly enjoyed collaborating with many of you during my time with EMRA. As I embark on new opportunities, I am saying goodbye to my formal position and transitioning back into a member role. I still plan on seeing many of you around! I’d like to take this moment to highlight the available Coordinator position.

• Enthusiastic Board: You’ll be working alongside a dedicated team.
• Remote Flexibility: Enjoy the benefits of a remote work environment.
• Supportive Colleague: You’ll have the privilege of working with Sue, one of the founders of EMRA.

The coordinator role is focused on regeneration, community engagement, education, flexible and designed for your success. Have I interested you? I encourage you to check out the details below and reach out to Sue with any questions.

Again, thanks for being such a wonderful group of people! Hope to see you at upcoming events and meetings.

Wishing you all the very best,

Sarafina Claeys

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Now Hiring-Coordinator

Are you ready to have an impact on regenerative agriculture in Eastern Montana while working for a flexible schedule, from home for the most innovative, progressive farmers and ranchers in Eastern Montana?

How to Apply – Send a cover letter, resume and list of references to emra.regen@gmail.com Include in the subject line “last name” Coordinator. Application deadline is 5 p.m., February 11, 2026.

Download the Job Description from emragroup.org scroll down on the homepage.

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Start the new year with new ferments. Fermented foods include; Kombucha, fermented pickles, kimchi, raw apple cider vinegar, keifer, sauerkraut, yogurt and more!

Kefir Grains- A fermented food

You can’t make kefir without kefir grains. The ‘grains’ are actually bacteria and yeast that look like tiny cauliflower florets, bound together in a kefiran polysaccharide matrix. If you know someone who already makes kefir, ask them if you can have some – as little as half a teaspoon will be enough to make your own. Alternatively, fresh grains can be purchased online…..

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Gardening Blurb

March is just around the corner! This is your sign to gather your seeds, notebook, and pencil to start garden preparations.

Zone 4 Gardening Milestones

• March – April (Indoors): Start peppers, tomatoes, and other long-season crops 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
• Late April – Early May (Outdoors): Plant cool-season crops like peas, spinach, lettuce, radish, and onions once the soil is workable
• Mid-May – June 1 (Outdoor Planting): Transplant hardened-off tomatoes, peppers, and warm-season flowers after the danger of frost has passed.

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Resources available

Resources available under the NEWS tab. Along with newsletters there is a Rangeland Health Guide and a Podcast/Reading list available.

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2026 Committees

These EMRA committees consist of volunteers who register during the EMRA Annual Meeting and typically serve for one year, with the option to continue if they wish. Committees chart the course for the EMRA year.

If you are a member interested in volunteering for a committee, please reach out to us!

Strategic Planning Committee

This committee plans to meet in-person to chart the course for EMRA by defining goals, vision, and core pillars. To narrow the scope of EMRA and plan for the next 5-10 years. 2026 volunteers include: Sue FitzGerald, Sarafina Claeys, Katrina Johnson, Chelsea Phipps, Colin Manuel, and Daniel Magalsky.

R2R Technical Assistance Committee (mentorship)

This committee will meet (typically via ZOOM) as needed to review the R2R program goals and plan activities to meet these goals. 2026 volunteers include: Sue FitzGerald, Sarafina Claeys, Colin Manuel, Levi Forman, Wally Harbaugh, and Chester Meyer.

Education Committee Update

This committee meets monthly to organize education workshops, tours, and gatherings throughout the year. 2026 volunteers include: Sue FitzGerald, Sarafina Claeys, Adele Stenson, Abbey Bruski, Katrina Johnson, and Bryan Phipps.

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In the News

K/X speaks at Regen Ag Workshop

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Podcast Highlight- RSA

Gut Check: How Soil Health Shapes Human Health

RSA Podcast with Sara Keough

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Innovation Spotlight

Upcoming Events:

This workshop will dive into the legal side of succession as well as the lesser-discussed interpersonal dynamics that can make the process so challenging.

• A panel discussion of farmers and ranchers who have creatively and successfully navigated succession will offer their perspectives
• Break-out sessions for both experienced and beginning agrarians will give participants an opportunity to learn from their peers.
• Those who attend the workshop will leave with a toolkit for knowing what questions to ask as they start their succession planning journey.

Coffee, light snacks, and lunch will be provided. 

Registration is open on our website, and we are offering a tiered pay structure, making it affordable for anyone who wants to attend. Additional donations are also appreciated.

Additional Financial Support: If you are a Montana resident and are interested in receiving financial support for registration and/or lodging, funding is available from Rural Employment Opportunities of Montana. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here. Questions? Contact Ashley Milsop, Client Service Coordinator at 406-437-2382 or ashley@reomontana.org.

Lodging: Attendees can reserve hotel rooms for March 15-16 at the Sleep Inn & Suites Miles City until February 16, 2026. Call (406) 232-3000 to reserve a room in the “Succession Planning Group” block at a discounted rate of $139/night. Limited rooms are available. (See financial support info below for assistance with lodging costs.) 
We’d also love your help in spreading the word about the event. Please share Quivira’s most recent social media post on instagram and facebook, as well as the registration & info page, and the attached flyer to your networks. 
Please reach out with any questions you have and we really hope to see you there!

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Ongoing Opportunities

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Thank you for reading!

Let us know what you’d like to see in upcoming newsletters: emra.sarafina@gmail.com

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