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Mentoring

The Network | What Can Beginning Farmers Gain | Get Involved | Curriculum for Mentors | Mentoring Opportunities

The Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Mentoring Network 

The Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project is building a farm mentor network that provides farmers the opportunity to reach beyond technical assistance and connect with folks working in agriculture.   The Farm Mentor Network will promote connections between established farmers & ranchers and beginning farmers & ranchers.    

The goal of the Beginning Farmer & Rancher Network is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and skills of experienced farmers and ranchers with the beginning farmer and rancher community. 

   

What is Necessary to Develop a      Working Farm Mentor Network?

Beginning farmers & ranchers (mentees)

and    

Experienced farmers & ranchers (mentors)

What can Beginning Farmers (Mentees) Gain?          

• Vital Skills
• Information from Experienced Farmers
• Technical Assistance
• Business Capacity for Long-term Farming Success
• Community Support

Get Involved?

We are looking for experienced farmers & ranchers and beginning farmers & ranchers with the following qualities:

• Cooperation & Respect
• Convey Honest Realities
• Strong Work Ethic
• Mutual Trust of Mentor Network
• Land/Ag Stewardship
• Desire to Educate/Train/Nurture  

From the NESFI: The On-Farm Mentor's Guide, 2006

 Mentoring Flyer (click here)

   

Curriculum for Experienced Farmers and Ranchers (Mentors)   

Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project will be working with mentor curriculum developed by the New England Small Farm Institute.  Two workbooks will be offered to guide the experienced farmer through the mentor training process. The first workbook will be used as a decision making workbook, Cultivating a New Crop of Farmers; Is On-Farm Mentoring Right for You and your Farm?   This workbook will answer the question, What is a Farm Mentor?, and begin to discuss the knowledge and skills required of experienced farmers (mentors).  The second workbook, The On-Farm Mentor's Guide; Practical Approaches to Teaching on the Farm provides the Mentor with direction to the pragmatic, on the farm style of learning  required while hosting trainees (mentees) on the farm. 

Smith, M. (2005). The On-Farm Mentor's Guide: Practical Approaches to Teaching on the Farm. New England Small Farm Institute. Belchertown, MA.

Hayes, K. (2005).  Cultivating a New Crop of Farmers: Is On-Farm Mentoring Right for You and your Farm? A Decision-Making Workbook. New England Small Farm Institute. Belchertown, MA.

Mentoring Opportunities

• Abingdon Organics, a certified organic farm just outside of Abingdon in southwest Virginia, is seeking a Farm Assistant Manager, as well as other positions.  Click here for full description & contact information.