The recipient of the first I Am Texas Slim Foundation educational grant is Jason Wrich of Wrich Ranches. A first-generation rancher from Colorado, Jason embodies the future of regenerative agriculture with his dedication to restoring topsoil, revitalizing pastures, and fostering hands-on education. His diverse background, which spans from military service to electrical engineering in coal mines, offers a unique perspective and unwavering passion to ranching.

This grant will serve as a catalyst for Jason’s ambitious plans to launch an internship program at Wrich Ranches. His vision is to create a space where young men and women, uninterested in conventional careers — people who are "not candidates for a cubicle" — can immerse themselves in the world of regenerative agriculture. With the funds from the I Am Texas Slim Foundation, Jason will build low-impact structures, such as yurts, to house interns and agritourists, allowing them to learn about sustainable ranching and ecosystem restoration firsthand.

Through hands-on education, Jason aims to pass down essential agricultural knowledge to the next generation — knowledge that is critical as America faces a growing disconnect from its agrarian roots. This grant marks the beginning of a ripple effect. As more young people engage in regenerative practices, new “nodes” of sustainable ranching will spread, ensuring that the values of resilience, sustainability, and community are carried forward.

Jason’s work is the first step in scaling these efforts, not through industrialization, but by inspiring and educating future ranchers—one piece of land, and one generation, at a time.

In northern Florida, a young 9th grader named Emily is redefining her future—one steer at a time. With no family history in agriculture, Emily’s path into ranching was unexpected, but it’s become a life-changing journey. Thanks to the support of the I Am Texas Slim Foundation, Emily is not just raising cattle; she’s building a foundation for a career in regenerative ranching that could transform her life and the future of sustainable agriculture.

It all started with a simple search. Wanting to raise her second steer but unsure how to take the next step, Emily Googled "beef production places in Texas" and discovered The Beef Initiative. That click led her to the I Am Texas Slim Foundation, a community dedicated to empowering the next generation of ranchers. "I didn’t know where to start, but when I found The Beef Initiative, everything just fell into place," Emily shares.

The Foundation’s support came through its Adopt-A-Rancher Sponsorship, a key part of its mission to help young ranchers like Emily. With a $500 donation, Emily was able to raise her steer and focus on her future goals. This financial help, paired with mentorship and community, gave her the confidence to continue growing her herd and pursuing her dream of owning a ranch. “I want to breed my Angus heifers and have calves by next year,” Emily says, eyes set on the future.

Emily’s journey is just one story of what’s possible when passion meets support. The I Am Texas Slim Foundation believes in the power of educating young people to create a sustainable, decentralized food system rooted in regenerative agriculture. With more support, the Foundation can extend its reach, enabling even more young ranchers to transform their futures—and the future of our food.

The question isn’t just what Emily can accomplish—it’s what we can accomplish together. As Texas Slim himself says, "Each step these young ranchers take is a building block for a sustainable future in ranching."

In early 2024, the Texas Panhandle Wildfires swept through the region, burning over 1.1 million acres and endangering the livelihoods of countless ranchers. The fires left 40,000 cattle at risk, destroying pastures and creating an urgent need for feed, hay, and medical supplies. In response, the I Am Texas Slim Foundation stepped in to provide critical support. Texas Slim personally traveled through the affected areas to assess the damage and highlight the immediate needs of the ranching community. This effort underscores the Foundation's commitment to disaster recovery and future preparedness. Your support can help rebuild the American cattle industry and ensure it remains resilient in the face of future challenges.

Our Herdshare Program is designed to strengthen communities across the U.S. by providing direct access to local food sources. This innovative model connects consumers directly with farmers, allowing individuals to invest in and benefit from local herds while supporting sustainable agriculture. By keeping food dollars within the community and promoting responsible livestock stewardship, the program enhances the resilience of local food systems. Our goal is to empower communities to sustainably access and enjoy the benefits of their own food resources, fostering a healthier, more self-reliant future.

Our Beef Industry Research and Advocacy initiative targets the key areas of policy, business, and philosophy, led by Texas Slim, President of the I Am Texas Slim Foundation, and Breeauna Sagdal, Senior Writer and Analyst. Through comprehensive research and proactive advocacy, we aim to shape a more ethical, sustainable, and prosperous future for the beef industry. Our work focuses on driving positive change in industry standards, promoting business practices that benefit both producers and consumers, and encouraging a philosophical shift toward responsible resource stewardship. By leading in these critical areas, we strive to ensure the beef industry's growth aligns with sustainability and equity, creating a healthier planet and society for generations to come.