Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Harvesting Our Potential (HOP) Mentors Sought

Are you a midwestern farmer with 5+ years of experience who wants to share their love and knowledge of agriculture? Consider mentoring with Harvesting Our Potential, Women, Food, and Agriculture Network's (WFAN’s) oldest running program. Apply by February 6, 2026.We’ve watched the need for farmer mentorship increase over the last 15 years that this program has been active. In that time, mentees have transitioned into mentors, lasting friendships have been forged through mentorship, and our programming has expanded beyond Iowa. We currently have mentors in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Illinois, Ohio, & Missouri and are looking to expand into other midwestern states!

Our HOP mentor application is live! As you consider mentoring, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions from prospective mentees:

Are mentorships in-person or virtual?

It depends! Each HOP mentorship is designed with the needs of the mentorship pair in mind. Visit our website to meet our mentors, and learn more about others doing this work!

Why are mentorships only available for farmers in the Midwest?

We are a small but mighty team based in the Midwest. We hope that we can expand the HOP program beyond the Midwest someday, but for now, we don’t have the funding or capacity to manage mentorships that fall outside of this region.

Who is eligible to be an HOP Mentor?

Farmers residing in the midwest with 5+ years of farming experience who want to help guide the next generation of those considering a career in sustainable agriculture. (Must be 18+ and live within the midwestern region of the US to apply)

How long does a mentorship last?

HOP mentorships last 8-12 weeks, depending on mentee and mentor needs. 2026 mentorships must begin by July 6th and wrap up by September 30th.

What are the benefits of mentorship?

HOP mentors receive a $500 stipend for completing their mentorship, access to virtual networking sessions, and lifelong connections with their mentees and fellow mentors!

I’m interested! How do I apply?

Apply to be an HOP Mentor!

Have questions about the HOP program? Reach out to HOP Program Manager Lauren Marolis (lauren@wfan.org).

Warm wishes,

The WFAN Team


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Urban Farm Conservation Mini-Grant

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Urban Farm Conservation Mini-Grant program is now open for applications, until December 18.