Get Ready for the 2025 Mentorship Program!

Oct 23

By Katie Meade, Mentorship Program Organizer & Humane Farming Program Associate

*Photo courtesy Sandra Jones of* *Jones Hill Ranch*

We’re thrilled to announce a new season of FACT’s Humane Farming Mentorship Program! Since 2017, this program has supported livestock and poultry farmers to improve and scale-up their humane and pasture-based farm businesses. By pairing less experienced farmers with experienced mentors, participants receive personalized guidance specifically to meet their farm business goals and needs.

While many mentees focus specifically on humane livestock management, our program also offers mentees an opportunity to gain valuable insights into a variety of topics such as business management, improving profitability, creating climate-smart land-use strategies, and building stronger connections within their farming communities. By strengthening their skills and improving animal welfare alongside the greater business aspects of farming, participants can gain holistic support that promotes overall farm success no matter their farm size.

One often overlooked benefit of farming mentorships is the potential to build lasting friendships among farmers. These relationships foster meaningful exchanges of knowledge and experience, creating a supportive network for both parties. Mentees gain personalized advice, learning from their mentor's experiences and mistakes, while mentors benefit from fresh perspectives and reflections. Together, these partnerships not only support the individuals involved but can also strengthen the broader agricultural community, enhancing both professional and personal growth.

*Photo Courtesy* *Jones Hill Ranch, 2023 & 2024 Mentorship Program Participant*

FACT’s Mentorship Program is available nationwide and will begin accepting applications on November 4th, 2024. After all applications are submitted, a careful matching process is conducted by FACT staff and participants to ensure the best fit between mentors and mentees. Once participants are successfully matched, the program kicks off, running from February through December, offering participants nearly a full year of one-on-one guided support and collaboration.

Another benefit of the program is that all Mentorship Program participants are eligible for FACT’s Conference Scholarship. This award covers up to $400 in registration costs for a variety of conferences and workshops, making these valuable educational opportunities even more accessible to our network of farmers.

To learn more about how to apply or participate in the Mentorship Program, visit the Food Animal Concerns Trust website.

Happy farming!