SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCE Sullivan) is now accepting applications for its 2027 Beginner Farmer Mentorship Program, a year-long farmer-to-farmer mentorship opportunity designed to help beginning farmers build successful farm businesses through personalized guidance, technical assistance, education and networking opportunities. Applications are open now and will be accepted through Tuesday, November 3.

The program supports individuals who are ready to take the next step toward starting or strengthening a farm business in the Catskills-Mid-Hudson Region. Participants are paired with experienced farmer mentors and receive individualized support based on their unique farm business goals. Throughout the 12-month program, mentees work directly with mentors through on-farm visits, phone calls, virtual meetings and hands-on learning experiences.

In addition to one-on-one mentoring, participants take part in educational workshops, farm business training, farmer networking mixers and cohort learning sessions, and receive technical assistance from CCE Sullivan staff. The program focuses on key areas of farm business development, including strategic planning, marketing, financial management, land access, agricultural production, food safety and business growth.

The 2027 cohort will accept up to 20 mentees and is offered at no cost to participants. Accepted mentees who successfully meet program requirements throughout the year are eligible to receive a $10,000 stipend, distributed over the course of the mentorship program.

The program is open to individuals who:

• Have a clear vision for the farm business they want to build;
• Have access to land through ownership, rental or lease arrangements;
• Possess at least two years of farming experience; and
• Plan to farm within the Catskills Mid-Hudson Region.

Preference will be given to applicants located in Sullivan County, though eligible applicants from Orange, Ulster and Delaware counties are encouraged to apply also. Supported farm enterprises include vegetable, fruit, flower, herb, livestock, maple, honey, cheese, fiber, hydroponic and aquaponic operations.

The mentorship program begins in December 2026 and continues through December 2027. 

CCE Sullivan is also seeking experienced farmers interested in serving as mentors for the 2027 program. Participating mentors are compensated for their time for approved mentoring activities. 

To learn more and apply as a mentor or mentee, visit www.sullivancce.org/agriculture/mentorship-program. For additional information, contact Jamila McKinnon at 845/292-6180 ext. 101 or email beginner farmer@cornell.edu.