Farmers Teaching Farmers for Stronger Local Food Systems
MENTORS could...
1.
Share their farming practices by presenting to a Farm Beginnings class
2.
Lead an educational workshop
3.
Host a farm tour to demonstrate implementation of conservation or business practices -
4.
Mentor a beginning farmer or rancher one on one.
5.
Document their production practices through photos and video that will be incorporated into workshops and classes
Incentives include:
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Stipends for time spent presenting to workshops and classes
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Mileage and reimbursement of travel expenses
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Scholarships and partial travel costs to attend regional sustainable agriculture conferences (especially the popular MOSES conference)
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Professional development and leadership training
If you are an experienced farmer or rancher, who likes to discuss, teach and encourage your trade, this program offers a financial incentive, scholarships to regional sustainable ag conferences, and the satisfaction of mentoring a beginning farmer or rancher.
FARRMS will build a network of peer support and mentorship by recruiting experienced sustainable farmers and ranchers to mentor beginning farmers and ranchers through farmer socials, educational workshops, and farm tours. We will provide incentives (training opportunities, conference scholarships, stipends, and travel reimbursement) to encourage experienced farmers and ranchers to engage in mentoring activities.
Mentoring activities will be focused around natural resource conservation principles and practices and farm business management. Mentoring activities will include presenting at workshops and classes, hosting farm tours and demonstrating conservation practices on farms and ranches, and one-on-one mentoring with beginning farmers/ranchers. FARRMS will host farmer socials in restaurants and pubs around the state.
Mentors will also have the support and expertise of resource professionals and subject matter experts from Dakota College at Bottineau’s Horticulture program, NRCS, and NDSU Extension will be brought in to present at workshops and classes. These resource professionals will present in conjunction with experienced farmers. There will be plenty of opportunities for feedback and suggestions, as FARRMS’ Executive Director will monitor and evaluate progress through annual farmer surveys and interviews.
Mentors could:
Share their farming practices
Mentor Eligibility Requirements:
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Be at least 21 years of age
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Provide three personal references
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Complete personal interview and background check
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Reside in North Dakota or the Red River Valley
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Be willing to adhere to all FARRMS Mentoring Program policies and Procedures
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Agree to a one-year commitment to the program
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Commit to spending a minimum of eight hours a month with the mentee
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Be willing to communicate with the mentee weekly
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Agree to attend mentor trainings as required
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Be willing to communicate regularly with the Mentor program coordinator and submit monthly meeting and activity information
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Meet or exceed FARRMS screening requirements