First Nations’ Native Farmer and Rancher Apprenticeship Network was launched in fall 2021 to provide training and Technical Assistance (TA) as well as networking opportunities to a cohort of 29 select Native American Beginning Farmer and Ranchers (BFRs). The purpose of this apprenticeship is to support Native BFRs to build their business capacity and agricultural management of their operations to increase local production of and community access to food, conservation plan development, business plan development, marketing/branding, Native agricultural traditions, and natural resources management.
Apprenticeship support is made possible through funding from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture.
Through the 30-month apprenticeship, which runs February 1, 2022, to July 31, 2024, the following individuals will receive a stipend, as well as individualized technical assistance to deepen their work:
Trey Blackhawk, Winnebago Tribe of NebraskaNetwork members will also receive training through First Nations’ The Business of Indian Agriculture curriculum designed to help farmers and ranchers succeed in managing their businesses. It covers useful topics like how to develop a business plan, how to set up bookkeeping systems, and marketing. It also covers important topics like risk management, personal financial management, and using credit wisely.
