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FSA connecting new farmers with free business mentorship

A Farm Service Agency (FSA) outreach coordinator in Minnesota wants beginning farmers and ranchers to know free business mentorship is available.

The USDA is partnering with the Small Business Administration and SCORE to help with the business side of the farm.

Lindsay Mutegi says Minnesota is one of several states offering the pilot program.

“At the end of the day, farming and ranching really is also a business.  So we want to make sure that our farmers and ranchers are connected with these resources that are available for them.”

Mutegi anticipates a slow rollout nationally with the initial states providing examples of how the business training benefits beginning farmers.

She tells Brownfield SCORE volunteers with farming and ranching backgrounds are needed to provide mentorship.

“So that in the future we can have a little bit more agricultural experienced staff and volunteers to support new beginning farmers and ranchers within this initiative as well.”

 

Mutegi says those interested in the free business training should contact their local FSA office.