Humane Farming
Mentorship Program
Now accepting Mentee & Mentor applications for the
February 2027 session, apply today!
Gain the skills & knowledge to achieve your humane farming goals with one-on-one support from an experienced Mentor.
Details
Two options to meet farmers’ specific needs: Beginner Farmer and Production Farmer
Production Farmers receive a $2,000 award for completed projects!
2- 20 week Sessions a year to accommodate the seasonal needs of farmers
Winter/Spring Session Feb-July
Summer/Fall Session July- Dec
Spaces are limited!
“... our mentor was extremely valuable in helping us evaluate our priorities and determine which investment would provide the greatest long-term benefit to the business. His guidance helped us focus on a project that not only addresses current needs but also creates opportunities for future growth and increased efficiency. “ Jonathan Bryant of Off Kilter Farm, 2026 Mentee
Beginner Farmer Mentees
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Sharpen your skills and clarify your farm goals with the one-on-one guidance of an experienced mentor.
0-3 years farming experience (some hands on knowledge is beneficial.)
Comprehensive support for new and beginning livestock/poultry farmers interested in raising animals humanely for food.
Sample topics for begnner farmers include:
steps to grow from a family farmer to a viable business
selecting breeds /species to meet your abilities and property
assessing healthy starter stock
fencing design and set-up
setting up water & feed systems
animal handling
getting started with breeding (experience with animals req)
on-farm dairy; goat, cow or sheep
raising pastured poultry for meat & eggs
business planning
getting started with sales
connecting with your community
and more!
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Cost: $50 (for 20 week session)
Program Duration: 5 months, 2 sessions annually
Winter/Spring Feb-July
Summer/Fall July-Dec
What to Expect
Personalized mentorship with an experienced farmer to guide your journey.
Bi-weekly to Monthly mentor meetings to ensure ongoing support, guidance, and accountability.
Set 2-3 clear, impactful goals to drive your humane farming success and growth.
Opportunity to transition to the Production Farmer level in future sessions.
Additional FACT Benefits:
Priority Conference Scholarship up to $400
Access to all FACT Webinars
Connect with other mentees in your cohort
Additional considerations for FACT’s Fund-a-Farmer Grant for the year you are enrolled
Production Farmer Mentees
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Take your humane, pasture-based livestock or poultry business to new heights!
With invaluable guidance from an experienced mentor and financial support toward an impactful project, FACT’s Production Farmer track is dedicated to improving the welfare of livestock through supporting the farmers that make it all possible!
This track is for active livestock/poultry farmers who
have 4+ years farming experience
are actively selling or donating meat, dairy or eggs to their community
able to file Schedule F on taxes
consider their farming activities a business, not a hobby
seek focused guidance to
a) transition to pasture-based, humane practices or
b) improve, expand or scale up their existing operations
c) add new species to existing farm business
d) other options considered
Our Production Mentee’s can focus on a variety of Humane Farming business related topics. For example:
increase stocking rates
launch breeding program/ improve genetics
introduce new species to existing operations
improve/update handling systems
begin/update on-farm butchering systems
Improve grazing systems, water access, manure handling…
launch/improve on-line sales platform
begin a Meat or Dairy CSA
launch agrotourism or educational programs
and more!
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Cost: $200
Program Duration: 5 months, 2 sessions annually
Winter/Spring Feb-July
Summer/Fall July -Dec
What to Expect
Personalized mentorship with an experienced farmer
Weekly to bi-weekly mentor meetings to ensure ongoing support, guidance, and accountability.
Mentees will determine a single significant “project goal” that enhances their humane farming practices or associated business operations
Receive $2,000 award for a project completed within the 20 week session.
Mentees can have up to two additional goals to work on with their mentor
Additional FACT Benefits:
Priority Conference Scholarship up to $400
Access to all FACT Webinars
Connect with other mentees in your cohort
Additional considerations for FACT’s Fund-a-Farmer Grant for the year you are enrolled
Mentors
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Mentors are the backbone of our program! We have many wonderful farmers across the country who are passionate about supporting their fellow farmers while also improving our food system for the better.
If you are interested in joining our network of mentor farmers, please read the info below to see if this is a good fit for you.
We consider Mentors able and willing to:
dedicate the necessary time to actively engage and support their mentee. This often includes regular phone calls and emails with their mentee, and possible farm visits. Mentors can expect to connect weekly for brief check-ins and bi-weekly/monthly for more focused talks.
10 years of experience or more raising animals using Humane and pasture-based practices.
Some experience in a teaching or mentor role is helpful but not required.
Retired? No problem. You are not required to be actively farming to be a great mentor.
Mentors are required to demonstrate working knowledge and be in support of humane animal management practices.
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Compensation:
$300 mentoring a Beginning Farmer
$500 mentoring a Production Farmer
Program Duration: 5 months (20 weeks), 2 sessions annually
Winter/Spring Jan 27-June 16th, 2025
Summer/Fall July 21-Dec 8, 2025
What is Expected
Weekly check-in’s
Bi-weekly / monthly focused meetings to ensure ongoing support, guidance, and accountability.
Dedication to the time necessary to actively engage and support a mentee. This often includes regular phone calls, text and emails with their mentee, and possible farm visits.
FACT maintains a thorough matching process and we ask you to be available for a brief interview with any potential mentee matches. All parties must agree before FACT makes any formal assignments
Open-minded and understanding that mentees may have different backgrounds, challenges, financial needs and beliefs than your own.
Mentors are not expected to give financial, legal or veterinarian care advice.
Support from FACT staff through the entire 20 week session
Additional FACT Benefits:
Priority Conference Scholarship up to $400
Access to all FACT Webinars
Connect with other mentors in your cohort
Have questions or wondering which track is right for you?
Email Katie at kmeade@foodanimalconcerns.org
Testimonials
“My mentor helped me evaluate where my farm is today and identify the next steps needed to expand my current operation in a practical and sustainable way. Through those conversations, I was able to better define the need for added livestock protection as we continue to grow our pasture-based system. He also helped me think through marketing tools and strategies that support this growth by helping me reach more customers, strengthen sales and better support expansion on the farm. His guidance helped me connect day-to-day farm needs with long-term business growth and make this project part of a larger plan for improving and expanding the operation.”
Sarah Ziegenbein of Oak and Barrel Meats, 2026 Mentee and Mentor
“Seeing other farmers go through the same experiences I have, and being able to share advice and experience to help them grow more quickly and confidently, is a true joy. Farmers helping farmers is something special — I love the learning, encouragement, and connection that happens. Being part of the hardships, the joys, and the growth has been incredibly meaningful.”
Leah Matzke of Flat Branch Farm, 2025-current Mentor
“My mentor is an incredible sounding board for my ideas. His deep experience in balancing high-volume production with a high quality of life for the animals is exactly the perspective I needed.”
Emanual Hayden, Omobile Farm, 2026 Mentee