Ranching is more complex than ever and these complexities can be daunting for both those who have grown up in agriculture and those who are just beginning their own ranching operation

A changing ranching industry also leads to greater possibilities to diversify and explore business opportunities that offer unique strategies to bring the next generation to the ranch quicker. Whether individuals are coming back to their family ranch or are in search or first-generation ranching opportunities, the institutional knowledge of the older generation is not being conveyed to their young and beginning operators. Thus, IT is evident that a robust educational program is needed to prepare young and beginning farmers and ranchers to step into their ranching roles and take advantage of opportunities in an ever-changing marketplace. The colorado cattlemen's association (CCA) and colorado state university (CSU) will offer educational opportunities to beginning farmers and ranchers in colorado, through the colorado ranching legacy program. Beginning with the ranching legacy lectureships, which will be held throughout the year, with the objective to provide comprehensive, hands-on educational lectureships for beginning farmers and ranchers in addition, ranching legacy online will be hosted through CSU online with the objective to provide comprehensive, flexible education for any person interested in ranching, specifically beginning farmers or ranchers. Each component of the ranching legacy program has different structures and targets different audiences, but work in collaboration to accomplish the goal of reaching a greater number of young and beginning producers. Through these educational programs, young and beginning farmers and ranchers will gain the educational training they need to lead their operation and ensure IT is a sustainable, working landscape into the future.