Southwest Grain Collaborative, in partnership with the NMSU Cropping Systems Research Program, uses a participatory plant breeding approach to work with farmers across the Southwest to propagate and increase seed stocks of traditional regional food crops such as ancient corn, bean, and small grain cultivars, scaling production for new market opportunities.

Our flagship program is the selection and development of diverse, drought-tolerant, regionally adapted, locally grown and certified organic cover crop seed to be grown for distribution to Southwestern farmers transitioning to, or already working with, regenerative-organic cropping systems.

We provide practical guidance on agroecosystem management and crop rotation planning focused on soil health, water conservation, and farm business viability. We teach regenerative practices and assist with infrastructure and market connections, bringing new income streams to farms and rural communities.