Are you ready to connect with an experienced local Farm Coach to help you find practical solutions, learn new skills, and build confidence on your farming journey?
Knowledge Commons is an innovative approach to sharing farming knowledge and problem-solving between new and experienced farmers. Having direct access to a Farm Coach on an as-needed basis makes Knowledge Commons more accessible than a traditional teaching program.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Connect with a farmer who has already been there and wants to help you get ahead of the learning curve.
How it works
- Browse our Farm Coach profiles and find the coach that is right for you.
- Book a coaching session.
- Your coach will review your request and coordinate your session.
- Meet with your coach and learn!
- Complete an evaluation.
- Book another session, as needed.
Coaching Options & Rates
We believe it’s important to compensate our Farm Coaches for their time and expertise. 100% of the coaching fee goes to the Farm Coach.
- 30–60 minute phone or Zoom consultation: $50
- Three 30-60 minute consultation package: $125
- On-farm site visit: $300
Reduced Rate Option
To ensure all farmers can benefit from farm coaching regardless of financial circumstances, you may request a reduced rate of 50–100% off the cost of a coaching session based on your needs. These reduced-rate sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last.
Meet the Coaches
Select a Farm Coach to learn more and book a Farm Coaching session!
Julianna Campbell
Willowick Farm
Suburban silvopasture techniques and distribution channels for your market garden
Mary Densmore
Bee Simple Microfarm
Beekeeping practices, microgreens production, product marketing and distribution for small-scale and backyard operations
Tyrean Lewis
Heru Urban Farm
Hands-on education, building community and the next generation of organic growers rooted in traditional farming practices
Kelsey Power
Charleston Power Family Garden
Urban vegetable and egg production with a focus on composting and water-retention strategies
Ben Brownlow
Fox Holler Farm
Low-technology solutions to build soil health with a systems approach on your rural land
Holly Evans
Rosy Buck Farm
Real world guidance on making your farm a reality on a shoestring budget, building soil, and making due with what you have
Miranda Dushack
Urban Buds City Grown Flowers
Conservation agricultural practice, business management, grants and USDA resources, and cut-flower production
Chris Wimmer
The Farm at Kraut Run
Suburban homesteading with a focus on vegetables and soil building with compost and livestock
Randall Buck
Rosy Buck Farm
Successful approach of low-risk stewarding of the soil and enjoying the rewards
Interested in becoming a Farm Coach?
Contact Erin Bernsen Erin@gatewayFarmers.org
“Known & Grown’s Knowledge Commons: An Innovative Approach to Traditional Knowledge-Sharing” is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number 2025-38640-45386 through the North Central Region SARE program under project number ONC26-192. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.
This is not an emergency or animal veterinary service. You should receive a response from your Farm Coach within 7 days to schedule a session.