2026 MNGLCA

Grazing Mentorship Program



Applications for the 2026 Mentorship Program are now closed.
We’re currently reviewing applications and will share program updates soon!


WHAT IT IS

A 6-month, one-on-one mentorship that pairs beginning or transitioning livestock producers with experienced Minnesota grazers.


 Participants receive:

  • Monthly mentor check-ins
  • 2-year MNGLCA membership
  • Complimentary access to an MNGLCA Grazing School or Field Day
  • Planning tools, templates, and peer support
  • Guidance toward achievable soil health goals
  • Eligibility for a $500 completion mini-grant in select regions


Program Dates:

  • Applications due: March 20, 2026
  • Program runs: April 1 – October 1, 2026

How it works:

  • Submit your application by March 20, 2026
  • All applicants will be notified of their selection status by March 31.
  • Accepted participants will be informed at that time whether a $500 completion mini-grant is available in their region
  • If accepted, a $100 enrollment fee confirms your spot in the program


Completion Mini-Grant:

  • $500 awarded only upon full program completion in select regions
  • Mini-grant availability depends on local funding
  • Questions about funding in your area? Contact Leah Matzke at leah.matzke@mnglca.org before applying


Who Should Apply?

Open to all Minnesota producers, including:

  • Beginning or transitioning grazers
  • Farmers looking to try a new soil health practice on their farm
  • Livestock producers new to rotational or adaptive grazing
  • Farmers looking for local support & guidance
  • Conventional farmers interested in integrating livestock onto cropland




THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING MINNESOTA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PARTNERS FOR SUPPORTING THIS PROGRAM!


Thank you to all who applied to become a mentor!

The strength of our program comes from our mentors.

Across Minnesota, experienced grazers are stepping up to support fellow farmers—strengthening grazing systems, improving soil health, and advancing land conservation through working lands.


Mentor Qualifications & Commitments

MNGLCA mentors are able and willing to:


Commit time and engagement
Participate in monthly check-ins with their mentee (phone, email, or virtual) and a minimum one on-farm site visit during the program season.


Bring experience to the table
Have hand-on experience raising livestock on pasture, with practical application of soil health–focused grazing practices.


Support conservation grazing principles
Demonstrate a working knowledge of conservation-based grazing systems and a willingness to guide mentees using soil health–centered approaches.


Mentor compensation
Mentors are eligible for a$300 stipend per mentee, depending on regional funding availability. Funding availability will be determined before you commit to the program.


Mentors do not need to have all the answers—just a willingness to share experience, ask good questions, and support farmers where they are.