Young Agrarians is celebrating the ninth year of the Business Mentorship Network (BMN) program in BC and the expansion of the program across the Prairies! The BMN offers business mentorships to a diverse array of new and young farmers. Through one-on-one mentorship, peer networks and online workshops young farmers develop the skills necessary to operate ecologically sustainable and financially viable farm businesses.
YA business mentorships have helped over a 100+ farmers to generate more revenues, grow more food and put more land into production. Immediate results have led to on average of 64% more farm revenue, a 72% increase in food produced, and a 48% increase in land under production. We are thrilled to bring the stories of these farmers to you for inspiration!
Applications open for Mentees across Western Canada in October 2023.
Mentor applications are accepted year round.
Check out the program page on our website for more information!
Meet the Mentees: The Dogs Run Farm
We are Katie & Colin McInnes of The Dogs Run Ranch! The Dogs Run Ranch is a small farm near Clearwater, Manitoba, producing pasture-raised, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, eggs and all-natural soap. We use ecological and regenerative farming practices and apply principles of organic farm management. Our animals are raised free-range and on pasture.
Our Mentor is Don Guilford of Guilford Hereford Ranch.
Where do you farm?
We farm near Clearwater Manitoba on Treaty One Territory.
What do you farm?
We raise grass-fed Dorper sheep, pasture-raised pigs, pasture-raised poultry, including chickens, turkeys and laying hens, and we make handmade soap.
What inspired you to get into farming?
Our interest in farming came from an interest in connecting with our food, the community, and the lifestyle of farming.
How did you learn how to farm?
We learned to farm through apprenticeships, internships, reading books, learning from many mentors and friends, and ten years of experience on our own farm. But we are still learning and we always will be.
What type of business structure is your farm?
We are a Partnership.
How much land is under production on your farm?
We currently have 50 acres in production and an additional 30 acres being amended for pasture production.
What is your land tenure? Are there special relationships or partnership that enable land access for you?
We own 12 acres, and rent all the additional pasture acres. We have good relationships with the farmers who rent to us.
What types of ecological farm practices and/or responses to climate change realities do you engage in?
Some of the practices we use are planned grazing, no till, and no-spray (except for establishing pasture on a very poor piece of land.)
Why did you apply for business mentorship?
We applied to the business mentorship program to formalize the mentor/mentee relationship that was already forming with Don Guilford, our mentor, in regards to beginning/helping start a new portion of our farm business.
What is the greatest business challenge you face as a new farmer?
Two of the biggest business challenges we face as new farmers are cash flow and land access.
What is your primary business goal for the season?
Our primary goal this year is to make a business out of starting our cow herd.
What business tools could you not live without?
Our online store provider local line is a huge asset.
If you had a farming robot what would it be?
If I had a farming robot it would be a laundry robot, or a snow clearing robot.
How can we find out more about you, your farm, and its products?
Website: http://www.thedogsrunfarm.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thedogsrunfarm