Wisconsin Ag Connection - Mentors Sought for Beginning Livestock Farmer Program

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Mentors Sought for Beginning Livestock Farmer Program
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 02/03/2016

Producers in southwestern Wisconsin are being asked to serve as mentors to beginning livestock farmers. Program coordinators say 15 beginning farmers will spend the next year periodically checking-in with a mentor, improving their business plans, and attending workshops to learn how to grow their small businesses, while enhancing the health of the land through managed grazing. Several of the beginning farmer participants want to get started by renting land for well-managed grazing. Other participants own land and need coaching to expand their businesses.

"Our students will benefit a great deal from a larger network of mentors to answer technical questions, host short visits, and potentially offer internship opportunities," said WSBDLF Director Dick Cates. "I am personally excited to be involved in the expanded community of graziers that is developing through this program."

Cates says the participants are matched with experienced farmers in their fields of interest, including background in military service or identification with a historically underserved group of farmers.

The deadline to apply for mentors and beginners is March 1. For more information or to receive an application, call 608-732-1202.

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