Next Generation

Young Farmer Accelerator Program

Helping young farmers gain deeper understanding and build strong networks.

About the Program

This program seeks to actively engage farmers from 21-40 years old in a yearlong series of interactive learning and networking experiences, focused on gaining a deeper understanding of a wide variety of agriculture, agribusiness, and government issues. The program also helps young farmers build a strong, enduring network of peers and agribusiness and government contacts. Participants are sponsored to attend events, engage in virtual conversations, and participate in exclusive learning opportunities.

Young Farmers engage in a variety of activities, including: developing working relationships with peers and a senior agribusiness/farmer mentor; attending Farm Foundation Round Table meetings to network and learn from industry leaders; and other unique opportunities for personal and professional development.

The time commitment includes monthly Zoom calls and attending the June Round Table meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina (January 14-17, 2025). 

Nomination Timeline

The nomination window for the upcoming Young Farmer Accelerator opens on February 1, 2024, and closes on March 22, 2024.

The 2023 Young Farmer Accelerator Program Cohort

Jake Bailey
British Griffis -cropped
image_6483441

Jake Bailey
Director of Operations
Mossy Creek Cattle

British Griffis
Farmer
Harvest OG Urban Farm and Goods

Natalie Heim
Owner/Operator
Rowdy Red Ranch

Corey Johnson Pic
Blake Lanphier Cropped
Darius McKoy cropped

Corey Johnson
Owner/Operator
Johnson Farms

Blake Lanphier
Farm Operations Manager
Historic Wagner Farm

Darius McKoy
Co-CEO
12:03 A.M. Farm

Shameeka McKoy cropped
Teresa Thomas Pic-cropped

Shameeka McKoy
Co-CEO
12:03 A.M. Farm

Teresa Thomas
Chief Plant Curator
Crazy Plant Bae