Mentorship Program Supports the Next Generation of Women Farmers in New York

Jul 02, 2025

By Stephanie Castle

Earlier this year, AFT’s New York Women for the Land team launched a two-year women’s farm mentorship program in western New York, a pioneering approach to overcome gendered barriers for beginning farmers. Starting out in farming is hard these days, but it can be less daunting with the support of an experienced farmer, especially one who has confronted similar obstacles.

Establishing any kind of business is a risk, but women face steeper barriers to entry in agriculture, often struggling to be seen as serious farmers. Frequently, women are balancing family caretaking responsibilities and holding off-farm jobs while they work to establish their own operation. It’s no surprise that women have worse outcomes, facing lower profitability, higher exit rates, and exclusion from resources. Yet, they persevere. 37% of New York farms are owned or co-owned by women, and women stand out as drivers of local food system economies, often growing the crops that directly feed our communities.

AFT brought on two established women farmers to serve as mentors for this project, supporting two women mentees in their region over the next two years.

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Video: Five Confirmed New World Screwworm Cases Raise Alarm for Livestock and Pet Owners

Pat Hoffmann, Swine Technical Consultant at Elanco Animal Health tells us about the impact of New World Screwworm. The emergence of New World screwworm in the U.S. creates a threat for veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that has not been seen north of the Florida Keys since the fly was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae feed on living tissue and can affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and even humans.
“New World screwworm could have a devastating impact on animal health, welfare, and producer livelihoods,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We want to thank the FDA, EPA and USDA, for all their work to prepare for this threat. We’re committed to supporting our customers during this challenging time by delivering innovation, scientific expertise, and available resources to help treat New World screwworm and support the health and well-being of animals.”
Elanco is working alongside the U.S. animal health industry to help them fight against this parasite, offering a portfolio of options for pets and livestock that can help treat New World screwworm larvae infestations.