Humane Farming
Mentorship Program

Gain the necessary knowledge to achieve your humane farming goals with peer support from a Mentor

2025 Mentorship Program applications open
Nov. 4th, 2024

Have questions and wondering if this program is right for you?
Email Katie at kmeade@foodanimalconcerns.org or
come to the Mentorship Program open
office hours on Zoom, Nov 4th, 6th and 7th, 9-11am pst.

ABOUT

The program is open to all levels of livestock & poultry farmers looking to enhance their livestock knowledge, farm business strategies or land management practices.

Duration: 10 mos (February - December)
Location: On-Farm & Virtual, Nation-wide
Mentee Cost: $200
Mentor Compensation: $500
Travel Stipend to visit one another's
farm: $300 each

PROCESS

With support from the FACT Mentorship Organizer, mentors and mentees are matched through a detailed interview process. We work with farmers across the country, providing participants with a wide selection of potential matches, often within their region, though local matches are also possible. Once paired, mentees set three goals that will shape their meetings and discussions. The pair collaborates on a schedule and works together to achieve these goals. The program’s pace and success are driven by the mentee’s commitment and effort.

To learn more about our Mentorship Program, read our blog posts: All About FACT’s Humane Farming Mentorship Program and Humane Farming Mentorship in Action.

Testimonials

“This program was incredible. Not only was I paired with someone who was most clearly the perfect Mentor, but now she will become a lifetime friend.” Rachel, 2023 Program Mentee

“...having mentors can be the most important resource for beginning farmers. When your mentor has a lifetime of mistakes and successes they are willing to share, it can really save you and your animals. “ Carissa Miller, mentee 2022 & 2023

“... this program is highly successful in not only helping people identify what they truly want from their agricultural enterprises... it helps people set priorities on how they wish to create the quality of life that they have.” James Maginot, mentor 2020- current

Experienced livestock & poultry farmers with at least one year of farming experience seeking one-on-one support from a mentor are encouraged to apply. Upon acceptance, a $200 participation fee is required, with need-based scholarships offered.

Mentees are expected to commit to regular communication with their mentor, including phone calls, emails, and potential farm visits. Communication expectations will be mutually determined by the pair, not FACT staff.

What can a mentee expect?

Mentees can anticipate invaluable guidance from experienced mentors regarding the process of obtaining humane certification, mastering farming techniques, refining business practices, and benefiting from general reference and support. The program's flexibility allows for customization to meet individual goals and needs.

We seek mentors who can dedicate time to actively engage in the program, including regular phone calls and emails with their mentee, and possible farm visits.

Ideally, a mentor will have 10 years of experience or more raising animals using Humane practices. Some experience in a teaching or mentor role is helpful but not required.

Mentors are required to demonstrate working knowledge and be in support of humane animal management practices .

Contact our Mentorship Program Organizer at kmeade@foodanimalconcerns.org with any questions.