The Organic Grain Mentorship Program supports a wide range of transitioning producers—including established conventional grain farmers, individuals new to grain farming, and landowners seeking to convert acreage to organic production, whether managing the transition themselves or working with custom operators. This program connects mentees with experienced organic grain farmers to provide one-on-one support and guidance through the transition process.
FOR MENTORS: Mentors play a crucial role in helping new organic producers succeed while growing the organic movement.
As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to guide and support producers who are transitioning to organic, providing them with valuable insights, practical advice, and industry best practices. Mentors will receive a $3,000 stipend for their time and commitment to the program. Organic grain farmers are welcome to apply!
Interested mentors should contact Grain Mentorship Coordinator Katie Bishop, at [email protected] or 217.840.2128 ext. 731.
FOR MENTEES: Transitioning producers gain support, guidance, and development through mentorship.
As a transitioning producer—whether you’re an experienced grain farmer, just starting out in grain production, or a landowner using custom operators to manage organic transition—you will receive free mentorship from an experienced organic producer. You and your mentor will set goals for the year and work together to navigate the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to organic.
Interested mentees should contact Grain Mentorship Coordinator Katie Bishop, at [email protected] or 217.840.2128 ext. 731.
What can you expect:
Mentees will be partnered with a mentor farmer with years of experience in the field of conventional and organic production. Mentors will serve as a resource to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide support throughout the year of growing.
What Participants Receive:
- Onboarding support with goal setting, a customized communication plan, and tools to keep the mentorship focused and productive
- Free attendance to the Organic Grain Conference, including a special kickoff event to meet your mentor or mentee in person
- Farm visit opportunities for both mentors and mentees to learn from each other on-site
- Access to a free, self-paced online course: Transitioning to Organic
- Five expert-led modules on Whole Farm Planning, Financial Planning, Marketing, and Business Management
- Seasonal check-ins between mentors and mentees, with optional staff support
- Digital resources and seasonal field day invitations focused on organic production
Other topics that will be covered as part of the mentorship program will include:
- The National Organic Program & Regulations
- Soil health & fertility in organics
- Crop rotation
- Tillage & cultivation
- Weed control
- Pest & disease management
- Organic certification
- Transition
- Harvest & storage
- Profitability & marketing
The Organic Grain Mentorship program is an opportunity to engage in face-to-face and online networking and resource hubs where farmers can connect with each other, locate resources such as trainings, organic regulations, and tips for organic farming.
For more information/questions, reach out to Grain Mentorship Coordinator Katie Bishop, at [email protected] or 217.840.2128 ext. 731.
This program would not be possible without the generous support of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program. The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) exists to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers.
