Begin Farming Mentorship Program

Coaching the Next Farm Team

About the Mentorship Program

Be a part of the future of farming! Starting a farm business is hard, and experienced farmers have a wealth of knowledge and skills to pass on to the next team of farmers. A mentoring relationship not only benefits a new farmer, but can also provide mentors with new learning and networking opportunities. 

Program Overview and Benefits

• Eight-month mentorship between one mentee (or farm unit) and one mentor 
• Monthly communication initiated by mentee 
• One visit by the mentor to the mentee’s farm (or an alternate site if the mentee is still seeking land) 
• Program fee of $75 paid by the mentee  
• Mentor honorarium of $275 
• Support services from OEFFA’s Begin Farming Team 

Who is eligible to be a mentor? What is a mentor’s role?

Farmers with substantial experience (typically 10 years or more) in commercial farming are eligible to

become mentors  

Support provided by the mentor may include:

• Responding to specific questions from their mentee 
• Aiding in development of management skills 
• Identifying realistic plans and implementing new ideas 
• Assisting in setting and meeting goals 

Who is eligible to be a mentee? What is a mentee’s role?

Those farming for commercial purposes for less than 10 years are eligible to become a mentee.  Mentees will receive special guidance, feedback, and support from a mentor. The mentee will complete a Farming Skills Evaluation to assess current skill levels. The mentee will then complete a Growing Season Learning Plan with the mentor to set specific learning goals and timelines to guide the mentorship. 

Learning goals for the mentee may include:

• Scaling up production 
• Engaging in a new farm enterprise 
• Marketing 
• Farm design and management 
• Developing a farm business plan 
• Transitioning to organic production 
• Other goals as identified by the mentee 

Application and Matching Process

Mentor Application

Mentee Application

This program is supported by NIFA USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (2019-49400-30033).