Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College’s Ag Innovation Department is excited to announce its 2023 Farm Fellows. The Farm Fellowship program is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture and offers an intensive training experience that combines classroom training with hands-on practical experience and mentoring through on farm apprenticeships and learn-to-earn opportunities in up to four micro-credential certificate areas.
Throughout the one-year program, fellows are provided agribusiness coaching support and mentorship. Successful fellows completing these requirements within the annual year will earn $700 and respective certifications. This program runs annually and is limited to 15 fellows per year. Fellows for 2024 are being accepted and applications are due Nov. 4, 2023.
Each fellow is paired with an agribusiness farm mentor for their 40-hour on-farm internship. Mentors must also apply by Nov. 4, 2023, and are required to attend a short orientation, schedule and supervise the 40-hour work experience and complete a follow-up survey. For their time and program commitment, they will receive a $250 stipend.
Mentors selected for the 2023 cohort of farm fellows include: Sam Williams of South Branch Cattle and Meat Co. in Old Fields; Brad an Alex Smith of Bar S Farm in Moorefield; Jerry and Melanie Ours of Grace Brooke Greenhouses in Maysville; Cheryl Hott of Cozy Country Farm in Keyser; Miriam Leatherman of Buena Vista Farm in Old Fields; Bill Brooke of Brookedale Holsteins in Fort Ashby; Glenn Delaplain of Seldom Seen Farms in Shanks; Angie Shockley of Saddles and Smiles in Davis.
Our 2023 Farm Fellows:
Farm Fellow: Aiden Riggleman
Mentor: Alex and Brad Smith of Bar S Farm in Moorefield
Aiden Riggleman is a Mineral County Technical Center student interested in animal sciences and natural resource management. He has been involved in farming since childhood and is very active in his local FFA chapter.
“I really believe this experience will make me well versed in agriculture and I’m happy that I’ll come out with credibility as a producer,” Riggleman said.
Farm Fellows: Collin and Tiffany Waybright
Mentors: Melanie and Jerry Ours, Grace Brook Greenhouses in Maysville
Collin and Tiffany Waybright are from Tucker County, and both grew up with a farming background in various aspects of agriculture.
“We are super excited to be learning more about horticulture,” Collin and Tiffany said. “Having mentors who have been in the field many years and have so much experience in greenhouses and high tunnels is exciting. In just two visits to their farm, we have learned so much already. We can’t wait to continue with our internship. Eastern’s Farm Fellowship program is an amazing opportunity. We’ve made so many connections with like-minded people through this program and we’re so glad we signed up!“
Farm Fellow: Elijah Rexrode
Mentors: Sam and Sloan Williams of South Branch Cattle & Meat Company in Old Fields
Elijah Rexrode is a student at Keyser High School and Mineral County Technical Center. He has been involved in farming since childhood and is active in the local FFA Chapter. Rexrode said he hopes to learn more about the cattle industry, and how others run their farms. In the future, he hopes to eventually expand production on his farm.
Farm Fellow: Helen McCarty
Mentor: Bill Brooke of Brookedale Farm in Forth Ashby
Helen McCarty is a student at Keyser High School and Mineral County Technical Center and is active in 4-H and FFA. Her interests are in plant systems and animal science, particularly dairy cattle. She states that the fellowship was exciting to her because she wants to become more knowledgeable about agriculture and develop skills which she wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to. McCarty hopes to leave the program with a certification.
Farm Fellow: Jacob Evans
Mentors: Sam and Sloan Williams of South Branch Cattle & Meat Company in Moorefield
Jacob Evans is from Grant County and is a freshman at Eastern majoring in business management with an emphasis in agriculture.
“I’ve always loved being around farming and always will,” he said. “I am hoping to grow my own farm. I think working with other farmers will be very helpful.”
Farm Fellow: Kim Dollinger
Mentors: Lisa Jenkins and Glenn Delaplain of Seldom Seen Farms
Kim Dollinger has been slowly growing her farm, the Dollinger Farm, for the last ten years. She is working toward diversifying and making the farm profitable enough to allow her to leave her traditional job and work on her farm full-time.
“The content of Eastern’s classes has been a big part in planning our farm’s expansion,” she said. “The course content, instructors and site hosts are all great resources. I’m looking forward to spending more time on my mentor’s farm. The experiences there have already been so hands-on, and I’ve learned so much.”
Farm Fellow: Kendra Waybright
Mentor: Angie Shockley of Saddles & Smiles
Kendra Waybright is a Tucker County native and no stranger to farming.
“I’ve worked on a farm my whole life. We have raised almost all our own food. I want to look at other farms and get new ideas. I also want to meet others working in the same field,” she said.
Farm Fellow: Lindsay Paul
Mentor: Miriam Leatherman of Buena Vista Farm
Lindsay Paul is a Hardy County resident and shares, “I was interested in the farm fellowship program because the coursework came highly recommended to me by Jane Halterman, a 2022 Farm Fellow. As someone with no agricultural background, the Farm Fellowship has given me opportunity to learn from peers, teachers, and mentors committed to providing locally grown food to the community.
“The knowledge, tools, and connections that have come with the program are invaluable,” she continued. “All the business courses and food safety classes provided me with a wealth of knowledge—some of which I’ve been able to apply through my internship and work. I’m looking forward to continuing the Horticulture Management Systems micro credential and applying what I’ve learned from this program.”
Farm Fellow: Morisah Alexander
Mentor: Cheryl Hott of Cozy Country Farm in Keyser
Morisah Alexander is a student at Frankfort High and Mineral County Technical Center.
“I have been around livestock my entire life and am hoping to learn more about myself in agriculture and possibly help me decide on college and a career path,” she said. “The Farm Fellowship fits perfectly with my ambitions. I believe the leaders I meet from this program will lead me towards success.”
EWVCTC
om/06/22/2023
Contact:
Olivia Miller, Advancement and Continuing Education Marketing Specialist
Olivia.Miller@easternwv.edu, 304-704-2997
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