Michigan First-Generation Farm Mentors

Commodities

Practices

First-Generation Farmers Need Mentors!

First-generation farmers make up a growing share of Michigan's agricultural community, often driven by goals of regenerative production, resilient local food systems, and feeding their communities. Without generational knowledge or long-standing ties to local farm networks, they rely on mentorship and opportunities to learn directly from experienced farmers. Mentorship, farm tours, and accessible online resources are critical because the enterprises they choose are highly knowledge-intensive, from production decisions to harvest and marketing. Effective mentorship boosts the three legs of sustainability by improving profitability, strengthening soil stewardship, and supporting farmer well-being.

Michigan First-Generation Farm Mentors

The Michigan First-Generation Farm Mentors project will match 10 first-generation growers with experienced mentors to strengthen mentees' farm management and sustainability, while supporting adoption of new practices. Ten experienced farmers will mentor them, advise on project planning and improve their own communication skills and quality of life. Eight Michigan farm tours will showcase sustainable innovations for more than 160 participants, with videos expanding access for many more. 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.

Michigan First-Generation Farm Mentors promotes sustainable farming as a viable enterprise for first-generation farmers by:

• Pairing 10 experienced farmer mentors with 10 first-generation farmer mentees to discuss sustainable farming
• Engaging mentors in guiding the project, hosting farm tours and planning mentorship discussion prompts
• Coordinating tours at eight sustainable farms to showcase sustainable options for new farmers
• Creating 8 short videos of farm tours.
• Writing at least one chapter for the MSU Beginning Farmer Resource & Decision Making Guide that is recommended by our mentees
• Creating online resources, articles and conference presentations about the project, first-generation farmers, sustainable farming and mentorship