Training and Education for Aspiring Managers (TEAMs)
Training and Education for Aspiring Managers (TEAMs)
~ Register HERE for our annual spring delivery ~
Hired farm managers play a crucial role on diversified vegetable farms. While having their production, maintenance, and organizational skills dialed in is a major part of the job, farm managers do so much more. They motivate and lead other employees, they support a positive workplace environment, and they help address conflict – all while working closely with the farm employer to support a sustainable farm business. This online series was created in partnership with farm managers – who are also co-trainers on each session – and is full of practical examples and opportunities for farmers to learn with and from one another. Each session also directly considers questions of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, as these factors impact the farm work environment – and workers’ experiences – in significant ways. The program is paired with a robust and ever-expanding resource library created to provide ongoing learning and support.
Are you a current or aspiring farm manager interested in this training? Are you an organization interested in connecting farm employees to this training? Let us know! Click below and we’ll be in touch.
| Cultivating Inclusive Leadership | This foundational session introduces farm managers to concepts and tools that can help foster justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in their teams and throughout their workplace culture. Concepts explored in this session are more deeply explore in the topics that follow. We also provide a brief orientation to the program during this session, including what to expect in the sessions ahead. |
| Farm Managers as Leaders | With support from their emotional intelligence skills and different leadership styles, this session explores how farm managers can put their leadership into action on the farm. |
| Communication and Delegation | Communication plays an essential role on the farm. This session provides tools to help you strengthen both your verbal and nonverbal communication skills – including during times of stress and when it comes to delegating responsibilities and building trust. |
| Delivering and Receiving Feedback | Feedback is essential for learning and improvement, but it can be difficult to give and to receive. In this session, you’ll gain practical tools to help you become more comfortable identifying which type of feedback is appropriate in a given situation. We also discuss tips to help you prepare to invite, receive, and respond to feedback when others share it with you. |
| Recognizing and Addressing Conflict | Unhealthy conflict doesn’t tend to resolve itself, and when left unaddressed, the consequences can be far-reaching. In this session, we explore the different ways in which we react and respond to conflict. You’ll leave with concrete tips on how to work through and ultimately resolve unhealthy conflict on the farm. |
Meet the Trainers!
Farm Manager Trainers:
- Sarah Bell (she/her), Farmer & Advocate in Birmingham, AL
- Abby Benson (she/her), Field Production Coordinator at Featherstone Farm in Rushford, MN
- Kaitie Cosmos (she/they), Food Systems Professional in North Wilkesboro, NC
- Rue Corvid (they/them), Field Manager at Owl’s Nest Farm in Upper Marlboro, MD
- Federica Ranelli (she/her), Farm Manager at Troy Farm – Rooted in Madison, WI
- Fresh Roberson (they/she), Farming Chef at Fresher Together, Beaverville & Chicago, IL
- Katie Willis (she/her), Farm Manager at Jones Valley Teaching Farm in Birmingham, AL
Program Staff:
- Sarah Janes Ugoretz (she/her), Farm Labor Educator at UW Extension and FairShare CSA Coalition in Madison, WI
Interested in more Employee Management opportunities? The BTEC program is for vegetable farm employers and experienced farm managers.
