GreenStone’s focus of providing the next generation of agriculture with the resources necessary to succeed in today’s economy extend past our financial products and services.
We believe that providing young, beginning, and small farmers with the right knowledge and learning opportunities will empower them, helping both them and their farm succeed.
Often, the best way to gain this crucial knowledge is from someone who has years of learning and wisdom. With this in mind, GreenStone created the CultivateGrowth Mentorship to connect young, beginning, and small farmers with individuals who have industry knowledge and farming experience to share. The cooperative is thrilled to announce it is now accepting applications for the next round of mentors and mentees.
The 2022-2024 CultivateGrowth Mentorship will pair a mentor and mentee with similar farming goals. To maximize each participant’s mentorship experience, each pairing will be guided by their GreenStone relationship managers and a professional business coach. Through this 18-month mentorship program, participants gain unmatched insight from one another and in the past, participants have often implemented changes on their farm as a result of what they’ve learned.
The program begins with a day of training and includes several coordinated conversations and FSO-led meeting sessions to strengthen the relationship between the participants paired. Mentors and mentees have site visits to each other’s farms and are encouraged to meet one-on-one several times throughout the year.
Value to Mentee
- Gaining broad knowledge of industry dynamics and practices
- Networking with key industry contacts
- Understanding today’s agriculture business model
Value to Mentor
- Satisfaction of helping and teaching the next generation
- Learning new ideas
- Gaining experience in the art of mentorship
Some key areas the program focuses on are creating an effective business plan, managing risk, utilizing resources and overseeing day-to-day operations. Additional networking and educational events are available for participants and in the past, both mentors and mentees have benefited from the program by gaining a new perspective. Though these relationships will last long after, the official program will conclude with a group celebration event at the end of the 18 months.
Ready to join?
GreenStone began reviewing applicants for the 2022-2024 CultivateGrowth Mentorship program on July 15. If you are interested in learning alongside an experienced mentor or would like to use your knowledge to positively impact a young, beginning or small farmer, apply today! Visit www.greenstonefcs.com/Mentorship or email us at marketing@greenstonefcs.com
To view the article in the online 2022 Summer Partners Magazine, click here.
