The challenges facing rangelands and the human communities that rely on them are increasingly intense and variable. Management of the modern threats of damaging fire regimes, invasive plants, variable climates, and desertification of rangelands across the globe requires a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Historically, most rangeland management professionals came from agricultural backgrounds, obtained a rangeland degree through educational programs that provided extensive hands-on field experiences, got real-world experience through internships or summer jobs, and/or received extensive training and mentoring through their employers. Many emerging rangeland professionals today, however, come from urban backgrounds, often with little or no direct exposure to rangelands. Time constraints on established rangeland professionals, due to increased workload and limited personnel, result in le ss opportunity for emerging professionals to learn from experienced rangeland management trainers and mentors. A proposed emphasis on recruiting, embracing diversity, engaging modern educational practices, and fostering intentional mentoring is needed to empower emerging rangeland professionals to develop a full complement of important knowledge, skills, and leadership traits to successfully manage rangeland resources. The Society for Range Management is committed to supporting and promoting the full continuum of educating, training, and mentoring future rangeland management professionals. Programs include those targeting high school and college students as well as a new program for early career rangeland professionals called the Academy for Rangeland Career Success. While these efforts are largely focused on the United States, ideas and engagement are needed worldwide. Effective programs will be presented and opportunities to share ideas and successful approaches from across the globe will be highlighted to support the theme of valuing rangelands and pastoral systems for their societal contributions.
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