Humane Farming Program Staff Update

By Harry Rhodes, Executive Director

Goat selfie at Elodie Farms in North Carolina

After 18 years at FACT, our Director of Humane Farming, Larissa McKenna has decided to move on professionally. Larissa built this department into what it is today. Our network of farmers and farm organizations has grown to more than 11,500. People in that network benefit from the 20+ free webinars offered each year, the Fund-a-Farmer Grant Program that gave out over $253,000 to 87 farmers earlier this spring, our mentorship program with 32 pairs of mentor/mentees, scholarships to 77 farmers so far this year, plus so much more. Larissa’s last official day in the office will be May 12.

Larissa has developed important relationships with farmers and organizations throughout the country. FACT has a reputation for being a good partner and collaborator, including working closely with NSAC to promote sustainable farm policies. Whenever I travel and meet people who have worked with Larissa I only hear positive things, about how great she is to work with. Larissa shared:

“It has been a true honor and pleasure to be a FACT staff member for almost two decades. We have done so much good work to build and develop the Humane Farming Program, and I’ve loved helping it grow and evolve. I would like to recognize everyone who has supported our program throughout the years – FACT staff and leadership, external partners and funders, and of course all of the farmers and ranchers who are working every day to care for their animals. We have created something special and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved (and also know that it will only continue to flourish in the coming months and years!).  While it is bittersweet to say farewell, I am looking forward to the new challenges that lie ahead and sincerely hope that we will stay in touch.”

Larissa has also worked to develop a strong staff. I feel confident that while we will all miss Larissa, there will be a strong team in place to continue this work.

Larissa and Harry (right) with FACT Staff, Steve Roach and Charlotte Isles

I am happy to announce that Samantha Gasson, our current Humane Farming Program Associate, will take on the role of Humane Farming Program Manager. Samantha is a veteran farmer in North Carolina, and an expert in pasture-based farming. She helped expand and strengthen the mentorship program and this past year initiated FACT’s Humane Farming Online School. Samantha has experience working with groups and hosting farm tours. This past year she has represented FACT publicly and is a very good spokesperson for our organization.

Samantha was actively involved in hiring Katie Meade, who will move from a part-time Humane Farming Program Assistant to a full-time Humane Farming Program Associate. Katie is a farmer in Oregon who has experience raising sheep on pasture and doing workshops for farmers in her region. Katie has also developed and run a mentorship program in the past. She will be responsible for our mentorship program and assisting Samantha with our other Humane Farming activities.

Larissa and Samantha Gasson outside the Capitol Building at the farmer Rally for Resilience.

We have been very fortunate to have Larissa at the helm of our Humane Farming Program for so many years. She will be missed. We are also fortunate to have in place amazing people who will continue this work and nurture the program as we continue to grow and support the pasture-based and regenerative farming movement. I am confident that we are in a good position to carry on this important work. If you have any questions, please let me know.