14 farmers have signed up as mentors
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
Aspiring farmers in Iowa can be mentored by current producers as part of the Labor4Learning program facilitated by Practical Farmers of Iowa.
A total of 14 Iowa farmers signed up as program mentors. In its fifth year, the program acts as a way for tomorrow’s farmers to gain quality work experience with today’s growers, including such areas as field work and business management.
Cattle, grain, dairy and produce farmers are all looking for help as part of the program.
The mentors are well aware of the amount of information needed before an individual can decide to pursue a career in agriculture.
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“…there’s so much you need to know,” Erik Sessions, owner of Patchwork Green Farm near Decorah, told KWWL. “And you can figure it out with a lot of stumbles, but if you’ve got some background from another helpful farmer … I think it makes a huge difference.”
The work is paid, and beginning farmers are eligible to attend Practical Farmers of Iowa conferences and participate in “farminars” geared towards their needs.
People considering a career in agriculture say the training experience is invaluable.
“It’s different from just being his worker for the season,” Emily Fagan, who helped on Sessions’ farm last year before starting her own, told KWWL. “I got to ask all the questions, and figure out details about starting your own farm and all the different facets about it.”
Anyone interested is encouraged to send a resume and three references directly to the farmer they wish to train with. Each farm listing has different start and end dates.
A full list of trainers can be found on the Practical Farmers of Iowa website.