Tuskegee University

Farmer-to-Farmer On-Farm Mentoring

A guided learning experience pairing aspiring and beginning producers with experienced agricultural mentors.

Program overview

This program supports aspiring, beginning farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agri-entrepreneurs through hands-on training on the farm. With guidance from experienced mentors, farmers will learn to set production goals, sharpen their farming skills, clarify their farm/business goals, and better understand how to operate a farm.

Farmer-to-Farmer On-Farm Mentoring

2026 Beginning Farmer Participants

Select any profile card to learn about the participant’s background, agricultural interests, mentorship, and goals.

Clay Taylor Jr. headshot

Clay Taylor Jr.

Summer 2026 Agricultural Intern

Vegetable & livestock production

Duane Taylor headshot

Duane Taylor

Beginning Farmer Participant

Agricultural economics & risk management

Isabella Gates headshot

Isabella Gates

Beginning Farmer Participant

Animal science & veterinary medicine

Jalexicia Hargrove headshot

Jalexicia Hargrove

Beginning Farmer Participant

Hydroponic & vertical farming

Johnathan Eaves headshot

Johnathan Eaves

Beginning Farmer Participant

Environmental science & conservation

Kavonne Granger headshot

Kavonne Granger

Beginning Farmer Participant

Farm management & ownership

Sharai Tarpley headshot

Sharai Tarpley

Beginning Farmer Participant

Animal science & livestock management

Syndei Taylor headshot

Syndei Taylor

Beginning Farmer Participant

Sustainable farm development

Summer 2026 Agricultural Intern

Clay Taylor Jr.

HometownCharleston, Mississippi
MentorshipRobert Gates Jr., Tri-County Ag Cooperatives

Clay began farming after graduating high school in 2022 and has helped build youth farmers-market experience. During his summer internship, he supports demonstration gardens, USDA outreach, climate-resilience education, and agricultural marketing while developing project and business-management skills.
Beginning Farmer Participant

Duane Taylor

HometownBrunswick County, Virginia
MentorshipDr. Clarissa Harris, Meat Me at Tuskegee

A Virginia State University agriculture and business economics graduate and incoming Tuskegee graduate student, Duane is building experience in livestock, specialty crops, agritourism, and USDA Farm Service Agency programs. His long-term goal is farm ownership.
Beginning Farmer Participant · Animal Science

Isabella Gates

HometownJackson, Mississippi
MentorshipClay Taylor and Robert Gates, Tri County Ag Cooperatives

Isabella is a Tuskegee University junior pursuing animal science. She plans to become a veterinarian, with interests in large-animal care, animal-safety laboratory work, and the development of a sustainable urban farm.
Beginning Farmer Participant

Jalexicia Hargrove

HometownSparta, Georgia
MentorshipDr. Clarissa Harris, Meat Me at Tuskegee

A Fort Valley State University biology graduate, Jalexicia is exploring hydroponic and vertical farming while building practical experience through her backyard garden. She is focused on sustainable production and meaningful community impact.
Beginning Farmer Participant · Environmental Sciences

Johnathan Eaves

HometownAuburn, Alabama
ClassTuskegee University, 2029

Johnathan is a Tuskegee sophomore interested in farming, forestry management, and conservation. An Eagle Scout, he hopes to build a career with the USDA in forestry, wildlife, or fisheries.
Beginning Farmer Participant

Kavonne Granger

HometownOklahoma City, Oklahoma
MentorshipJacqueline McArthur, Tuskegee Honey

Kavonne is gaining hands-on experience in farm management with the goal of owning and operating a farm. She also plans to pursue a master’s degree in agriculture and contribute lasting value to the farming community.
Beginning Farmer Participant · Animal Science

Sharai Tarpley

HometownStone Mountain, Georgia
MentorshipJacqueline McArthur, Tuskegee Honey

Sharai is a Tuskegee University senior focused on animal care, livestock management, farm operations, and animal health. She values teamwork, continuous learning, and practical experience across agriculture.
Beginning Farmer Participant

Syndei Taylor

HometownNorthern California
MentorshipNick’s Briar Patch Farm

Syndei brings experience in conservation camps, wilderness first aid, community gardening, and visits to Black farms across the United States. She plans to acquire land within three to five years and create an organic farm and community healing space rooted in culturally relevant education.

What participants can expect

Production goals

Clarify what to produce, how to evaluate progress, and which skills require focused practice.

Farm experience

Learn through observation, discussion, and appropriate hands-on activity in a working agricultural setting.

Business growth

Connect production choices with time, costs, marketing, risk, and quality-of-life goals.

Who may benefit

  • Aspiring farmers exploring agricultural careers
  • Beginning farmers and ranchers building practical skills
  • Agri-entrepreneurs refining an existing enterprise
  • Experienced producers interested in serving as mentors

Take the next step

Connect with the TU Agri-Entrepreneurship Outreach Program for application guidance, program updates, and upcoming opportunities.

Apply NowContact the Program

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