Farmer-Led Learning for Healthier Soils and More Resilient Mid-Atlantic Farms

Applications are now open for American Farmland Trust's 2027 Advanced Soil Health Training (ASHT) program, which brings together farmers and agricultural service providers for hands-on training, peer exchange, and farmer-led mentorship across the Mid-Atlantic.

From managing weather extremes to improving productivity and efficiency, Mid-Atlantic farmers are continually looking for practical ways to strengthen their operations. While every farm is different, we know that some of the most valuable learning happens when farmers have opportunities to learn from one another, ask questions, compare experiences, and see practices in action.

"Healthy soils are foundational to productive and resilient farms," said Sam White, Mid-Atlantic Agricultural Resilience Associate with American Farmland Trust. "This program creates space for farmers and agricultural service providers to exchange practical insights, explore advanced management approaches, and build connections that extend well beyond the training sessions."

That's the idea behind American Farmland Trust's Advanced Soil Health Training (ASHT) program, a new regional initiative designed to bring together farmers and agricultural service providers who are ready to deepen their understanding of soil health and help strengthen farmer-to-farmer learning across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Working in partnership with Black Family Land Trust, 2020 Farmers Cooperative, Future Harvest, Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance (PANTA), and Virginia No-Till Alliance (VANTAGE), AFT is recruiting 32 participants from Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania to take part in an intensive learning experience focused on soil health, clean water, and peer-to-peer mentorship.

Building Knowledge Through Shared Experience

The ASHT program is built on the premise that the most valuable insights come from seeing what works on real farms and discussing both successes and challenges with fellow producers.

Participants will engage in advanced Mid-Atlantic soil health training designed for farmers and agricultural service providers who already have a solid foundation in topics such as soil health principles, cover crop management, and conservation equipment used in crop production systems. To help establish a shared baseline, selected participants will complete online learning modules before attending in-person events.

Once underway, the program will combine classroom learning and field-based experiences, with training from nationally recognized soil health leaders and regional experts.

The 2027 training schedule will include:

Groundwork Conference: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Training #1: Frederick County, Maryland
Training #2: Queen Anne's County, Maryland
Training #3: Culpeper County, Virginia

The cohort will engage in discussions of real-world challenges, exchange ideas with peers, and explore practical approaches to implementing soil health practices on working farms.

From Learning to Action

The training program is about more than increasing knowledge.

Participants will also help support farmer-led mentor networks that encourage ongoing peer learning and information sharing within local communities. By connecting farmers with one another across a series of experiences, the project aims to help soil health knowledge spread beyond the training itself.

Additionally, trainees can also help develop Soil Health Roadmaps, practical planning tools that help farmers connect soil health goals with management decisions, operational priorities, and long-term plans for their farms.

Anticipated outcomes include healthier soils, cleaner water, and stronger agricultural communities throughout the region.

Earn While You Learn

Recognizing the time commitment involved in participating, the program includes financial incentives for eligible participants.

Incentives include payments for attending the Groundwork Conference and Advanced Soil Health Training sessions, as well as additional opportunities tied to mentor network development and Soil Health Roadmap activities.

The program is designed to support participants as they invest their time and expertise in learning, sharing knowledge, and helping strengthen farmer-to-farmer connections across the region.

Who Should Apply?

The opportunity is open to:

Farmers who include grain crops in their rotation
Agricultural service providers who work with grain and row-crop producers

Examples of grain crops include corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, sorghum, millet, amaranth, and teff.

AFT and project partners are seeking participants with a strong interest in soil health, peer learning, and helping share practical knowledge with other Mid-Atlantic farmers.