Celebrating Our 2025 Mentorship Program Production Farmers

By Katie Meade, Mentorship Program Organizer & Humane Farming Program Associate

In mid-July, we proudly awarded project awards to a group of exceptional Production Farmers participating in FACT’s newly updated Mentorship Program. Each of these dedicated farmers began the session with a clear vision: to improve animal welfare, expand humane infrastructure, or build greater resilience in their farm businesses. With support from experienced mentors and FACT funding, every farmer successfully completed their project and was financially awarded for doing so! This is an incredible milestone that speaks to their grit, creativity, and commitment to humane pasture-based farming.

We would love for you to take a moment to celebrate their hard work and the meaningful change they’re making across the country: (and be sure to look for them in your area!)

In New Jersey, Northeast Edible transformed underutilized pasture into a multi-species rotational system by installing much-needed grazing infrastructure. With guidance from their mentor, they installed 5-wire high tensile fencing, not only tackling the technical aspects of fencing but also learned to sequence farm improvements for long-term growth. Their new pasture now safely contains cattle, poultry, sheep, and ducks. @northeastediblenursery 

Hoff the Grid Meat Co. in Tennessee expanded their farrow-to-finish pig operation with 32 new piglets born in early spring (see photos below). They installed a new fence charger and a 21-cubic-foot freezer to store pork from their heritage breed pigs. Their mentor provided insights on forest farrowing, infrastructure planning, and veterinary care. This support helped them scale with confidence. Co-owner Emily Hoff noted that their farm has significantly expanded its impact, growing from 13 hogs annually to 44 by the end of this year—all raised humanely in forested systems. @HofftheGridMeatCo.

In Washington, SMR Cattle Co. has seen significant benefits from expanding their flock to 230 hens and integrating them more fully into their rotational system. The chickens now contribute to natural manure spreading, weed control, and pest reduction—saving labor and boosting overall efficiency. With lower maintenance costs and more eggs to sell, the flock is nearly paying for itself. Their mentor provided invaluable guidance on fencing, feeding systems, and the logistics of moving birds efficiently, offering essential advice that only comes with many years of experience and dedication. @Smrcattlecompany

Jones Hill Ranch in Missouri upgraded their winter pig pasture by replacing a cow waterer with a frost-free, pig-friendly model. What may seem like a small change is a critical improvement, ensuring animals have consistent access to clean water during freezing Missouri winters while also saving valuable time and improving efficiency for the farmers.@jones_hill_ranch

In Michigan, Hangry Hen Farms built three chicken tractors for their pasture-raised meat birds (see pictures below). Their mentor offered insights into design and durability, helping ensure the structures would serve the farm for seasons to come. @hangryhenfarms

Over in Minnesota, Riverbed Lamb focused on humane predator prevention using solar-powered fencing and fox lights, as well as building out a lambing kit for improved care during lambing season. Their mentor was a critical support system during their first solo lambing season, offering reassurance and technical guidance. @riverbedlamb

Credit: Great Heritage Farm, LLC

Also in Minnesota, Great Heritage Farm (MN) laid the groundwork for a humane pig breeding program by purchasing two Gloucestershire Old Spot gilts and creating a farrowing care plan. They installed both permanent fencing that allows for rotational grazing within it through pasture and wooded areas, while also developing a detailed grazing plan to ensure long-term success. To educate visitors, they created a brochure and “Pig Walk” signage to highlight their regenerative system during monthly tours. Co-owner Leah explains, “This project benefits our animals by providing a secure, spacious, and enriched environment that supports natural foraging behavior and high welfare for our pigs. With a thoughtful breeding foundation and improved pasture infrastructure, we are better equipped to raise healthy pigs in alignment with regenerative principles.” Leah is not only a rockstar mentee, but she has also joined our Mentor cohort, guiding mentees through raising dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, and meat & dairy goats! www.greatheritagefarm.com

Edwards Family Farms in North Carolina scaled their pastured poultry business by building a chick brooder and 5 additional 10’ x 13’ chicken tractors, giving birds more space to roam, providing excellent predator protection, and enabling this farm to raise 12,000 broilers a year. Their Mentor, Ashlyn, provided much-needed support on scaling, marketing, and designing infrastructure specific to the farm’s unique topography and terrain. @edwardsfamilyfarmsnc

These are just a few of the farmers who represent the heart and future of humane, pasture-based farming. Through their creativity and passion, they’re reshaping what’s possible for farm animal welfare and proving it’s entirely feasible to provide highly nutritious, humanely raised food to our communities - without relying on the inhumane practices of factory farms. With guidance from dedicated mentors and support from FACT, these mentee farmers are not just improving their own operations; they’re helping to build a more humane, sustainable food system that supports a better future for all.

Real Farmers. Real Progress. Real Change.