The purpose of the mentorship program is to support seasoned conventional farmers (folks with many years of conventional row crop experience) as they transition portions of their acreage into organic production. The goal is to connect those farmers with other experienced farmers who have previously transitioned some of their land into organic practices who can act as mentors and support for farmers so they don’t need to go on this journey alone.

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. Mentorship training, time, and travel are paid. All crop and livestock producers are welcome to apply!

Interested mentors should contact Farmer Training Coordinator, Jesse, at [email protected] or 217.840.2128 ext. 51.

FOR MENTEES:

Transitioning producers gain support, guidance, and development through mentorship.

As a transitioning producer you will receive free mentorship from an experienced organic producer. Mentors and transitioning producers will work together to set goals for the mentorship year and will form a strong network of organic producers across the region.

Interested mentees should contact Farmer Training Coordinator, Jesse, at [email protected] or 217.840.2128 ext. 51.

What can you expect:

Free attendance to The Land Connection’s Organic Grain Conference where you’ll explore challenges and opportunities across the organic grain value chain while learning from and connecting with farmers, researchers, and other agronomic experts in the field of conventional and organic grain production.

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 for apprentices to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide support throughout the year of growing.

The mentorship will include a number of different components:

• 5 online modules led by experts on topics including Whole Farm Planning, Financial Planning, Marketing, and Business Planning and Management
• Seasonal check-ins between mentors and mentees
• Regular opportunities for evaluation
• Digital resources related to organics and organic transition
• Seasonal events and field days related to organic production practices

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 Farmer Training Coordinator Jesse at [email protected] or 217.840.2128 ext. 51.

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.