Indiana’s Farm Advisors Mentoring Program Flattens Learning Curve for Regenerative Agriculture

If someone asked you to name five winners from this year’s Winter Olympics, could you identify them?

But if someone asked about your five favorite teachers from your entire school career, could you name them immediately?

Our favorite teachers–and their lessons–stick with us. So do lessons from mentors.

Farm Advisors in Indiana recognizes the importance of mentors in implementing conservation and regenerative agriculture practices. The program is designed and led by farmers, with the goal of flattening the learning curve for these practices. Mentees are connected with a growing network of farmers who can provide practical advice and personalized guidance to boost farm profitability, sustainability, and resilience.

CTIC is working with Farm Advisors on grant management and communications.

Rodney Rulon, chair of the Farm Advisors Board of Directors, says that being involved with the program not only means he helps other farmers, he’s also able to network with producers from across Indiana.

“As a Farm Advisors mentor, I have really enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other farmers who are interested in various conservation and soil health practices,” Rulon says. “It has been especially satisfying to help those that are newer to soil health practices to implement them faster and with less risk by sharing ideas and experiences.”

Farm Advisors’ mission is to enhance soil vitality and sound agricultural practices through farmer-to-farmer mentoring. Several mentors and Farm Advisors board members, including Rulon, have worked with CTIC in previous projects and events.

“CTIC is proud to partner with Farm Advisors, providing support to expand capacity for farmer mentoring opportunities throughout Indiana, our home state for more than 40 years,” CTIC Executive Director Ryan Heiniger says. “Throughout those four decades, we have collaborated with producers who currently serve as mentors and leaders of Farm Advisors, whether they hosted a stop on the Conservation in Action Tour, provided data for publications, or presented with us at national conferences. As our new strategic plan outlines the need for building national capacity for increased technical resources for farmers, Farm Advisors and CTIC are aligned in our desired goals and outcomes.”

For more information, visit the Farm Advisors website and the Farm Advisors LinkedIn page.