FARMERS RISING livestock incubator Farm program
Beginning in the 2024 growing season, Farmers Rising will offer an incubator farm program at our Caledonia learning campus. Focused on livestock production, incubator farmers will gain skills, knowledge, confidence, and connections to help grow their farm businesses.
The incubator is located on 20 pasture acres in Caledonia, Illinois. You will have access to land, water and fencing, limited on-site storage, technical and marketing assistance, and farm tools including livestock handling and transport equipment. Incubator farmers may also add vegetable production to your business if you wish; however, we will not be accepting farmers who will grow only specialty crops.
More information about lease agreements, fees and services provided will be listed as it becomes available.
Eligibility
Farmers looking to grow their livestock business are eligible to apply for the incubator program. For our first cohort, we will prioritize historically disadvantaged farmers. Our mission is to lift up farmers of all kinds, especially those who have been unjustly denied access to land, capital, and resources.
We are using the USDA definition of historically disadvantaged:
Our Instructors
As an incubator farmer, you will receive guidance and technical support from the Farmers Rising team. Many of us on the board and staff are regenerative livestock farmers ourselves, and we will be hiring a dedicated Incubator Manager who will support you on your farm journey in the coming months. Additionally, as an incubator farmer, you will have access to all of our wrap-around programs, including our Farm Beginnings® program, which provides holistic farm financial and business planning classes featuring experienced farmers and finance professionals during the virtual course.
Applications for the 2024 growing season are not yet open, but we do have a form, linked below, for those interested in applying. You may also sign up for our newsletter to receive information on future incubator announcements.
The incubator is located on 20 pasture acres in Caledonia, Illinois. You will have access to land, water and fencing, limited on-site storage, technical and marketing assistance, and farm tools including livestock handling and transport equipment. Incubator farmers may also add vegetable production to your business if you wish; however, we will not be accepting farmers who will grow only specialty crops.
More information about lease agreements, fees and services provided will be listed as it becomes available.
Eligibility
Farmers looking to grow their livestock business are eligible to apply for the incubator program. For our first cohort, we will prioritize historically disadvantaged farmers. Our mission is to lift up farmers of all kinds, especially those who have been unjustly denied access to land, capital, and resources.
We are using the USDA definition of historically disadvantaged:
- Beginning
- Socially Disadvantaged (including LGBTQ+)
- Veterans
- Limited Resource
Our Instructors
As an incubator farmer, you will receive guidance and technical support from the Farmers Rising team. Many of us on the board and staff are regenerative livestock farmers ourselves, and we will be hiring a dedicated Incubator Manager who will support you on your farm journey in the coming months. Additionally, as an incubator farmer, you will have access to all of our wrap-around programs, including our Farm Beginnings® program, which provides holistic farm financial and business planning classes featuring experienced farmers and finance professionals during the virtual course.
Applications for the 2024 growing season are not yet open, but we do have a form, linked below, for those interested in applying. You may also sign up for our newsletter to receive information on future incubator announcements.