Updates From Our Humane Farming Mentorship Program
By Katie Meade, Mentorship Program Organizer & Humane Farming Program Associate
Marty Thomas from Kakadoodle Farms, a 2024 mentee
We're excited to share the latest updates to FACT's Humane Farming Mentorship Program for 2025, designed to better support the evolving needs of our farming community. Since 2017, this program has been a vital resource for livestock and poultry farmers, providing personalized guidance to strengthen humane, pasture-based farming practices. As the agricultural landscape changes, we remain committed to adapting alongside our farmers, ensuring our programs continue to offer meaningful support. With these new enhancements, we aim to help both new and experienced farmers grow, succeed, and thrive with their farming aspirations.
Two Tailored Tracks: Beginner and Production Farmers
Recognizing the diverse needs among our mentees, we've developed two distinct mentorship tracks:
Beginner Farmer Track: Ideal for those with 0-3 years of farming experience, this track offers comprehensive support to new and aspiring farmers committed to humane livestock management. Participants will receive one-on-one guidance on topics such as selecting appropriate breeds, setting up essential farm infrastructure, and developing effective business plans.
Production Farmer Track: Designed for established farmers aiming to elevate their existing operations, this track focuses on refining and scaling up humane, pasture-based practices. Mentees will collaborate closely with experienced mentors to identify and achieve a significant project goal that enhances their farming practices or business operations. To further support their success, mentees in this track can earn a $1,000 award upon completing a pre-approved project within the 20-week session.
Flexible Scheduling to Accommodate Seasonal Demands
Understanding the seasonal nature of farming, we've structured the program into two 20-week sessions annually:
Winter/Spring Session: January 27 – June 16, 2025
Summer/Fall Session: July 21 – December 8, 2025
Each session is limited to twelve mentees to ensure personalized attention and meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. Additional applicants will have the option to join a waitlist for future sessions.
Additional Benefits for All Participants
All mentees, regardless of track, will have access to:
FACT’s Conference Scholarships: Up to $400 to attend relevant workshops and conferences, fostering continuous learning and networking opportunities.
FACT Webinars: A wealth of online resources covering various aspects of humane farming.
At FACT, we're committed to evolving alongside our farmers, ensuring our programs meet the dynamic challenges and opportunities within humane agriculture. We believe these enhancements will provide valuable support, fostering growth and success for farmers dedicated to humane and sustainable practices.
Applications for the Summer/Fall session open in April 2025. To stay informed and receive updates, we encourage you to join our Farmer Newsletter. Together, let's continue to cultivate a compassionate and thriving farming community.