Inside FACT’s Mentorship Progam
By Katie Meade, FACT’s Humane Farming Associate
Mentorship is a powerful model built on relationships and one-on-one interactions. Our mentorship program is unique as we connect participants across the US, allowing mentees to tap into a larger pool of experts beyond their immediate community. While video calls and photo sharing help us stay connected, we deeply appreciate the value of meeting in person and visiting each other's farms. At FACT, we provide each mentorship participant with a travel stipend to encourage and facilitate in-person meetings. We understand that mentorship can be transformational, and we take pride in supporting our participants in every way we can. Here are two examples of farmers who made use of this perk and were thrilled they did!
In mid-July FACT’s mentor, Mike Guebert owner of Terra Farma, showed his dedication to his mentee, Hassena Kassim (Sena) when traveling from his farm in Corbett, Oregon to her farm in Hot Springs, NC. Despite the long plane ride and several hours of driving, he made the journey to help Sena figure out how to graze more parts of her uniquely shaped property with varied terrain. Mike shared that he had trouble visualizing it during their online meetings because of the unique terrain and felt he needed to see it in person to accurately guide Sena. After spending a couple of days on the farm, they came up with a vision for a rotational grazing system that would be both manageable and make use of currently under-utilized forage.
The two also spent time reviewing her website, marketing and social media plans, and future poultry expansion program! Mike notes that while much planning, designing, and practical advising is beneficial, “spending several days together really helped [them] get to know each other on a more personal level, which will help make future discussions so much more meaningful.”
For Sena, the experience was equally positive sharing, “Talking over Zoom just ain't the same as seeing in person. [Mike’s visit] made a huge impact on understanding pasture rotations, and safer milk handling procedures.”
Back on the West Coast, FACT’s mentee Alexandria Miranda with Hen and Harvest Farm in Turlock, CA made a trek to visit her mentor Lydia Strand, owner of Lydia's Flock, in Bellingham, WA. Lydia was hosting a fabulous Beginning Shepherding workshop that Alexandria was able to participate in and spend some coveted one-on-one time with her Lydia. The two spent their time touring Lydia’s farm where Alexandria experienced firsthand how a well-designed rotational grazing system that includes good pasture and parasite management can support a thriving flock.
Additionally, they discussed wool processing as Lydia’s Flock of registered Icelandic Sheep are known for their glorious fiber production. While Alexandria had to take time away from her own bustling farm to make this trip, according to her it was time very well spent and reported back to us “It was so valuable and just further built my confidence in raising sheep humanely!”
These are just two examples, among many, where mentors and mentees have come together to share a brief yet incredibly meaningful experience. Such meetings help in building trust, and connections and broaden our farming network of support, which can last for years to come! Although taking a break from our farms is challenging, taking advantage of an opportunity to connect with your mentor and mentee is worth the investment. FACT is pleased to support its mentorship participants in making this possible!
Photo Credit: Hassena Kassim (first three pictures), and Alexandria Miranda (two pictures above).