AgLink

Historically, the Beginning Farmer Center offered the AgLink program as a resource to match beginning and retiring farmers. Currently, the BFC is pausing AgLink to conduct an overall assessment of the program. In the meantime, we are working with our partners to make sure beginning farmers are able to connect with retiring farmers. Below in the Resources section you will find a list of ongoing farm match programs.

The USDA has partnered with SCORE and developed a mentorship program for new and beginning farmers. For more information on that program, you can visit: https://newfarmers.usda.gov/mentorship. The Practical Farmers of Iowa has a Labor4Learn program that helps beginning farmers get paid on-the-job training with experienced farmers, and pays experienced farmers for their time and effort. They also have a “Find A Farmer” program that pairs landowners and land seekers to help preserve family farms. Lastly, the Iowa Veterans in Agriculture is developing an apprenticeship program.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Kitt Tovar Jensen at kwtovar@iastate.edu or 515-357-6680.