Mentee Application

Welcome!

Our Humane Farming Mentorship Program is tailored for farmers seeking personalized, one-on-one guidance from an experienced pasture-based, humane farming mentor.

We offer two tracks for our Mentees, Beginner and Production. Please see our website or contact staff at kmeade@foodanimalconcerns.org if you need more guidance on which track best suits your needs. We can also discuss during your initial interview.

Steps to becoming a FACT Mentee:

1. Complete Mentee Application (this document)
2. Initial phone call or Zoom interview with FACT staff (this will help staff make mentor matches)
3. Interview and choose your Mentor (staff will provide these contacts)
4. Complete the Mentee Agreement form and submit your fee
5. Begin routine meetings with your Mentor!

Mentees Goals & Time Commitment

Once matched with your mentor, you’ll work together to identify your goals for the program. If you haven’t already determined your primary farm focus, we encourage you to explore some specific ideas before submitting this application. Don’t worry — through your interview and mentor-matching process, FACT staff will continue to support you in refining your goals. (Need help getting started? This this site is a great place to begin.)

You can expect to meet with your mentor by phone or video call every week or two week. We know time is limited for all farmers, but staying engaged with your mentor is key to reaching your goals and making the most of this program.

About This Application
By answering the questions below, you’ll help us match you with the best mentor possible. Please focus your responses on your goals for the 2026 program session.

 

 

Farming Experience

 

Which best describes your:

Current Farm Business and Practices

Please describe your current farming activities and business (questions regarding future goals will follow).

Goals & Focus with a Mentor

Please use this section to outline your goals for the 2025–2026 program session.

List goals that are specific to individual species of livestock you are working with. Only include areas you are ready to focus on and fully commit to during the program.

If you do not have goals for a certain species, simply leave that section blank.

Land & Pasture Management

If land management practices (ie, silvopasture, rotational grazing) are potentially one of your 3 goals, please complete the following section. 

Leave it blank if you don't have a goal for land management.

Additional Sustainability or Humane Farming-Related Topics

 

FACT's network encompasses a wide array of pasture-focused livestock farmers who ensure their animals have access to the following:

1. Suitable, low-stress housing providing shade and shelter from inclement weather that ensures all animals are comfortable and safe
2. Adequate space and ability to move freely and engage in natural behaviors
3. Constant access to clean water and fresh air 
4. Unmedicated and appropriate feeds, free from animal byproducts
5. Freedom from aggression from other animals, including predators and the same species
6. Antibiotics and medication only when medically necessary under the supervision of a veterinarian

For more details and information about FACT's Humane Farming Standards, please visit our WEBSITE.