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YA BUSINESS MENTORSHIP NETWORK – FIREFLY RANCH
“I learned that there are resources out there, and you don’t have to figure things out by yourself.”
Young Agrarians is celebrating the twelfth year of the Business Mentorship Network (BMN) program in BC and the fourth year of the BMN in the Prairies! The BMN offers a year-long farm business mentorship to a diverse array of new and young farmers. Through one-on-one mentorship, peer networks, and online workshops, new farmers develop the skills necessary to operate ecologically sustainable and financially viable farm businesses.
Applications for Mentees across Canada are now open! Mentor applications are accepted year-round. Click below for more information and to apply.
Meet a mentee from the current cohort and learn about their farm and experience of a season supported by a mentor in the Business Mentorship Network. Want more? Head over to our BMN Blog for more mentorship stories.
Meet a Mentee: Barb Edmonson
My name is Barbara Edmonson, and my business is Firefly Ranch. We are located on Big Bar Road, north of Clinton, BC, on Secwepemc and Tsilhqotin traditional territory. My mentor is Jody Stump at Crystal Lake Ranch.
What were your goals for this season, and how did it go?
My goals were to have a better business understanding of beef operations and business planning. Through the mentorship, I gained a better understanding of commercial beef operations, and that it is not a business model that would suit my operation at present or in the near future. The program and my mentor made me take a closer look at the three aspects of my business. I have decided to give my beef business a bit longer to see if I can make it viable, particularly via marketing strategies.
A big victory was creating a three-year range plan with BC Forestry. There are numerous hoops to jump through, and it’s challenging to navigate their rules and regulations.
The most important thing I gained from the mentorship experience is the knowledge that there are resources out there, and you don’t have to figure things out by yourself.
What were one or two big, hard lessons this season you would want to share with other farmers?
My biggest advice is to tread very carefully when it comes to partnerships and, if possible, avoid them altogether. Gone are the days of handshake deals and the belief that a person’s word is their bond.
What was the best piece of feedback or praise you got from a customer?
The best piece of feedback I received from a customer was regarding the quality of my hay, which is always my top priority. On a light note, I also received high praise for my tractor loading skills. Some trucks I load are pretty beat up by careless farmers.
What are you most looking forward to this winter?
Rest!!
Where can we find you online?
www.fireflyranch.ca
Facebook: Firefly Ranch
Instagram: firefly.ranch
Read more about Firefly Ranch in Barb’s previous spring blog post.