Grazing Mentor Network Mentee Information
Beef Cattle Producers who are interested in applying regenerative grazing practices for the first time, or expand their current operations, may apply to the Grazing Mentor Network (GMN) program to receive mentorship. Through the program, you will be guided and trained by an experienced farmer in your geographic area who specializes in regenerative grazing. Those accepted into the program will be designated as mentees with the overarching objective of learning how to implement regenerative grazing practices appropriate for their operations’ needs.
Benefits of Participation
- Mentees receive personalized technical assistance from a mentor experienced in using regenerative grazing methods in the same geographic area.
- Mentees will be given a subscription to AgriWebb farm management and record keeping application and will be compensated $250/year for uploading their farm data.
- Mentees learn about and have access to financial assistance opportunities to assist in implementation of regenerative farming practices.
- Mentees get access to potential financial incentives.
- Mentees who fall into certain underserved producer groups may be eligible for additional financial assistance.
- Mentees are connected to an expansive network of regenerative beef cattle producers sharing ideas, challenges, and marketing opportunities.
- Mentees get access to subject matter experts and comprehensive resources.
Mentee Learning Objectives
- Understand regenerative grazing principles and identify and apply approved practices appropriate for the mentee’s operation, such as prescribed grazing, no-till planting, and cover crop grazing.
- Understand and identify characteristics common in healthy soils and how to utilize a soil sample analysis to assess soil health.
- Assess forage health, estimate available forage, and plan stocking rates and rotational grazing management based on available or anticipated forage.
- Ability to assess animal health and condition in a regenerative farming operation.
- Apply conservation practices that address soil erosion and protection of water resources.
- Understand the common technical assistance and financial assistance programs, support organizations, and resource tools available to the mentee.
- Understand how to manage family dynamics and create succession plans for family-run farms.
- Understand financial planning and marketing strategies for a regenerative ranching operation.
- Create a grazing management plan that utilizes regenerative practices to help achieve the mentee’s farming goals.
- Understand how to design and implement livestock fencing and water systems that promote regenerative grazing practices.
Requirements to Participate as a Mentee
- Mentees must operate in one of the following states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, or Georgia.
- Mentees must be willing to learn from a mentor whose role is to guide the mentee to achieving his or her farming goals. Mentors will provide observations, advice, recommendations, and instruction on various topics throughout the program.
- Mentees should commit up to 24 months of participation in the program with approximately 40 hours of work with a mentor in the first 12 months and 10 hours of work with a mentor in the last 12 months.
- Mentees must be willing to have a mentor visit their farm at least two times for up to four hours per visit.
- Mentees will visit the mentor’s farm once during the first year of mentorship, and then again in the second year.
- Mentees must commit to a once-per-month virtual meeting (or phone) check-in with their mentor to review progress, plans, and address questions and concerns.
- Mentees will provide observations and feedback on their experiences to AFT staff.
- To foster learning and promote community among the GMN, mentees must be willing to share their knowledge, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in a community of practice.