Learning and Growing Together: A Visit to Parker Pastures

In the regenerative farming community, support and learning flow freely between farmers. This commitment to growth and knowledge-sharing isn’t driven by corporate salespeople, pushing products or agendas. Instead, we rely on each other—our fellow farmers, ranchers, and stewards of the land—each of us working to strengthen the bond between healthy soil, animals, and communities. I recently had the privilege of meeting Cloe Parker of Parker Pastures in Gunnison, Colorado, and experienced this spirit firsthand.

A Legacy of Regeneration

Parker Pastures is a family-owned ranch in Gunnison’s high mesa, founded by Bill and Kelli Parker in 2006. Through years of dedication, the Parkers established a ranching model rooted in holistic management and regenerative agriculture, focused on improving soil health, water retention, and biodiversity. Tragically, Kelli Parker passed away in June 2023 after a battle with cancer. The responsibility of carrying forward the vision of Parker Pastures has now fallen to her daughter, Cloe Parker. At just 20 years old, Cloe has stepped into her mother’s role, becoming the CEO and owner of Parker Pastures. Despite the immense loss, Cloe’s resilience and commitment to regenerative ranching have only deepened. Her leadership is a testament to her family’s legacy and a bright beacon for the future of regenerative agriculture.

Embracing Responsibility and Continuing a Family Legacy

Meeting Cloe was an inspiring experience. Here was a young woman who, amid personal grief, had embraced the stewardship of her family’s ranch. She’s not just following in her parents' footsteps but leading with a passion uniquely her own. In a world where young people are often encouraged to leave the family farm behind, Cloe’s commitment is exceptional. Her role extends beyond the day-to-day management of cattle and pastures; it’s about continuing a vision built on holistic principles, ecological integrity, and the production of nutrient-dense food.

The Power of Community in Regenerative Agriculture

Cloe and I discussed our shared philosophies and challenges, exchanging ideas that reflect our different landscapes. Though Gunnison’s high mountain terrain and Indiana’s farmland may seem worlds apart, the principles that ground us are the same. Regenerative farming isn’t confined by geography or bound by rigid protocols. Each farm, each ranch, has its own approach, but we all share a common purpose: to restore, nourish, and regenerate. What makes regenerative agriculture distinct is the spirit of collaboration. Visits like this one aren’t rare in our community; they’re essential. We gain from each other’s experiences—whether it’s insights on pasture management, animal health, or business resilience. This collective approach strengthens each of our farms and ensures that we’re all better equipped to face challenges, from unpredictable weather patterns to market pressures.

Moving Forward with Integrity and Determination

Cloe is an amazing young rancher, a true leader despite her youth, already balancing the responsibilities of ownership with a deep respect for the land. She is a reminder that regenerative agriculture is as much about people as it is about practices. Farmers like her—leaders who value land stewardship over profit margins—are reshaping the future of farming. Cloe’s journey isn’t just a story of perseverance but a powerful example of what it means to carry forward a family’s mission with integrity and determination. In an age where corporate control dominates agriculture, it’s refreshing and reassuring to know that our regenerative farming community remains grounded in mutual respect and genuine care for one another. Through exchanges like these, we continue to grow, rooted in our shared values and commitment to a sustainable future.