The Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resources Management and Sustainability (FARRMS) has announced the return of its Summer Mentorship Program. This six-month learning experience is designed to connect beginning farmers with experienced local producers for guidance, peer support and on-farm learning.

The program runs from May to October, with applications open until May 1. There is no cost to participate in the program. Farmers interested in applying as a mentee can learn more and submit an application online at farrms.org/mentorship.

During the onboarding process, mentees are paired with experienced farmers in North Dakota whose knowledge aligns with their interests, farm enterprises, and long-term goals. These mentor-mentee relationships are designed to foster open communication and meaningful connections that often extend beyond the duration of the program.

Through monthly structured discussions and on-farm visits, mentors and mentees work side by side to build practical skills, strengthen farm businesses and grow professional networks. This hands-on format gives beginning farmers the tools to tackle real challenges, learning from experienced local producers who know the land and the region.

As one past participant shared, “The most helpful part of the program was being able to reach out to someone with real-life experience in our region. … It gives you confidence in building your farm and making it successful.” Another noted that having a knowledgeable mentor helped them navigate problems without the process of trial and error, adding that “experience is invaluable.”

“The Summer Mentorship Program is about more than just learning production techniques,” said Jake Callander, farmer educator at FARRMS. “It’s about building relationships and creating a support network where beginning farmers can ask questions, share challenges and learn from people who have walked the same path.”