YBSF RESOURCES:
APPLY TODAY!
CULTIVATEGROWTH MENTORSHIP: NOW ACCEPTING APPLICANTS! 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 9
Summer 2022 — Partners
andr 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.
are encouraged to meet one-onone several times throughout the year.
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
• Learning new ideas
Value to Mentee
resources and overseeing dayto-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.
• 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 • Gaining experience in the art of mentorship Some key areas the program focuses on are creating an effective business plan, managing risk, utilizing
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 ■