When growing food has gone beyond just feeding your family, growing a farm-business is a whole different matter. Through mentorships and apprenticeships with experienced farmers, you can skip some of the beginner mistakes and get on the fast track to success. These programs are flexible, low-cost, and in some cases—you can even get paid to learn while you work!
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up your farm dream, there’s a path that fits your life.
To see if a mentorship or an apprenticeship is a fit for you, read below. Scholarships may be available. If you have any questions, contact Bridget Luff, New Growth Farm Outreach Coordinator, bluff@newgrowthmo.org; 660-476-2185 ext. 3103
Mentorships for Missouri Beginning Farmers
When you’re starting out in farming, nothing beats learning directly from someone who’s already walked the path. That’s exactly what New Growth offers through mentorships through the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program.
If you're 18 or older with less than 10 years of farm operating experience, you can be matched with a seasoned mentor.
Each mentee receives at least 10 hours of FREE one-on-one mentorship—tailored and guided by an experienced mentor whose expertise aligns with your goals.
Meetings can take place in person, virtually, or a combination of both—whatever works best for you and your mentor.
Our mentors specialize in a wide variety of farming practices, including:
- 🌿 Specialty and market crops
- 🐓 Livestock or small animals
- 🏙️ Urban or suburban farming
- 🌻 And more!
These are real farmers sharing real knowledge—from managing a market garden to navigating livestock challenges. Mentors help you build practical skills, avoid costly mistakes, and gain the confidence to grow your business faster and smarter.
Want to learn more?
Join one of our monthly Farmer to Farmer meetings, held both in-person and online, at New Growth Events.
Or inquire directly about Beginning Farmer Mentorships.
Apprenticeships for Hands-On Farm Experience in Missouri and Kansas
Looking to dive deeper into farm life and gain real-world experience on someone else’s farm before launching your own? New Growth has partnered with Growing Growers Kansas City to bring their highly regarded Apprenticeship Program to Missouri and eastern Kansas for those at least 16 years old. This is your opportunity to work alongside experienced farmers, build valuable skills, and see what it really takes to run a farm-based business.
The program is flexible by design, offering options to work from 1 day a week to full-time, depending on what works for both you and your host farm.
This program runs through October 2025, and your schedule can be customized to fit your availability. The earlier you apply in the growing season, the more comprehensive your experience can be!
Apprenticeships can be flexible to fit your needs with possible scholarships to cover initial cost. Apprenticeship options could look like this:
- Farm Apprenticeship: cost $500; 20-40 hours per week production farm work plus 8-10 hours 1 to 1 training; hours and pay agreed upon in advance.
- Explore Farming: cost $250; 4-8 hours per week non-profit farm work; hours and pay agreed upon in advance.
All apprentices receive:
- On-farm, hands-on learning at a host farm of your choice
- 12-month access to an extensive online course
- In-person workshops and farm tours throughout the season
- A supportive learning environment with networking opportunities and potential scholarship support
Apprentices must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license or reliable transportation.
🧭 See current host farms: Host Farm Map – Growing Growers KC
📋 Apply now: 2025 Apprenticeship Application
🌱 Learn more: Growing Growers Apprenticeship
Whether you’re testing the waters or preparing to launch a full-time farm, this apprenticeship gives you the space—and support—to grow.
For any questions or to volunteer as a mentee or consider becoming a host farm, contact Bridget Luff, New Growth Farm Outreach Coordinator, bluff@newgrowthmo.org; 660-476-2185 ext. 3103
