The purpose of RANCHFEST

RANCHFEST is held by People 1st Global Food and Land Reclamation Foundation and is a culmination of our past 3 annual conferences supporting farmers and ranches.

The mission for Ranchfest 2026 is Securing the Future of Agriculture. The theme is "Technology and Tradition: Innovate, Protect, Prosper."

This year the border has been shut down from the new world screw worm, the bird flu has affected major operations. Bio security is something not all farms are aware of and how to put a plan for prevention or treatment in place. We are grateful for AZDA for presenting on biosecurity!

With the rise of AI technology is being integrated and changing by the day. There are technologies that can help us, but there are always those that can hurt. Being aware of what to look out for, who is there to protect our food operations, what resources are available and more are needed to help to secure the future of agriculture. This is why we have a panel on Cyber security with the FBI, CISA and the Infragard to discuss the importance of security and how to proceed safely in the future.

Having access to larger associations, licenses, certifications and meeting the people who are in charge of these programs helps to realize there is support in Agriculture. We are happy to have Dr. Suzanne Mengis from the Arizona Cattle Growers Association come to speak. As a country we produce only 3% of the Organic food we consume. We hope to increase that percentage by helping producers understand that process, the opportunities and the assistance available. Arizona meat is very important in the Southwest! We hope to educate producers on requirements with the meat inspector from AZDA to explain the options available to support these producers in growing their operations! We are grateful for this amazing panel!

Arizona is growing rapidly and resources are being considered carefully. The water and energy crisis are of the utmost importance. How can we ensure the food facilities and producers will have the energy they need to power their operations? What are the current opportunities for farms regarding the growth of energy in Arizona. How can we ensure the building standards and energy produced is safe? We have a panel focused on energy security, building and fire safety.

HISTORY:

Our founder Rachael Stewart lived off-grid for two years. Rachael was also the founder of the Southwest Black Ranchers and understood what it was like to not have support or guidance. Each mistake takes time, money, and a toll on your mental health. After the first non-profit conference in 2022, Rachael was able to close on multiple commercial farms through the USDA. The non-profit then began to assist others with technical assistance to understand USDA programs. Aside from the USDA loans, Rachael Stewart assisted farmers to purchase over 1500 acres. The non profit assisted ranchers and farmers to gain access to over 2 million in ownership loans and over 1 million in operating loans. Our 3rd conference Ranchfest 2024 focused on growth and mental health. We believe while learning new information, to take it in celebratory style! This way it’s not overwhelming and integrates the information with positive memories!

Our food system not only needs new farms, but farms of all sizes need support to ensure their longevity and food for the future. Preparing for growth, building capacity, ensuring safety standards are met, that their data and procedures are safe to continue is of the utmost importance. Emergencies happen, but preparing for them is life and death for a farm. One emergency is enough to end an operation. Through coordination, cooperation, education and access to resources we can be better prepared for what is to come. Protecting the food operations properly, will allow farms/ranches to prosper in the future.

Rachael developed a network of food operations who support each other as they grow in the industry. Ranchfest 2026 is a celebration to integrate new information in a positive manner  farming, food, the environment, animals, music, art, rodeo, and more! With each ticket purchased, resources are going to support the non profit’s work. The non profit is currently working on assisting farms/ranchers to gain commercial contracts to grow local food and secure the future of agriculture in Arizona.