First-Generation Farmer Mentorship

Paid mentorships, farm tours, and hands-on learning with experienced Michigan farmers.

Meet the Mentors

Learn From Experienced Farm Mentors

The Michigan First-Generation Farm Mentors Project will match ten first-generation growers with experienced mentors to strengthen mentees' farm management and sustainability, while supporting adoption of new practices. Mentors represent a wide range of farming practices, specialties, and communities across the state of Michigan. Explore the Farm Mentor Map here.

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🌱 10 MENTORS

Ten experienced farmers will mentor first-generation growers, advise on project planning and improve their own communication skills and quality of life.

🌿 8 FARM TOURS

Eight Michigan farm tours will showcase sustainable innovations for more than 160 participants, with videos expanding access for many more.

🪴 ONLINE RESOURCES

Conference sessions, webinars, and online materials, including at least one new chapter in MSU Extension's Beginning Farmer Resource & Decision-Making Guide, will share practical, sustainable strategies for first-generation farmer success across Michigan and beyond.

Meet the Mentors

Sign Up for Mentorship

Get paid to learn from experienced farmers! This 20-hour farmer mentorship offers personalized, hands-on guidance to help you grow your farm with confidence. Connect with experienced growers, build practical skills. Mentees and other new farmers can also learn through four on-farm tours each year. 

Sign up today to invest in your farm’s future while earning as you learn.

Sign Up for Mentorship

This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number 2025-38640-45386 through the North Central Region SARE program under project number ONC26-181. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.