MFSN Grower's Report| August 2026
MFSN GROWER'S REPORT
AUGUST 2026 | ISSUE 02
We have exciting news! We have hired farmer coaches on Molokaʻi, Pōmaika‘i Ah-Mook Sang and Lānaʻi, Henry Sheldon Eskaran III! Pōmaika‘i and Sheldon bring local knowledge, experience, and a passion for strengthening agriculture in their community.
Through our Farm Coaching Program, they will work one-on-one with farmers to provide support, resources, and guidance tailored to their unique goals and challenges.
We’re grateful to have Pōmaika‘i and Sheldon join the MFSN team and help expand our support to growers across Maui County.
A note from Pōmaika‘i:
I am from Papakolea Homestead, but for the last 8 years have been in Ho'olehua Homestead on Molokaʻi, I am 4th generation on my lot. I have done different type of farming classes from CTHAR, I am in a farming hui, have my own small lei business and a producer on Sustainable Molokaʻi Mobile Market.
I am excited to be the Navigational Farmer Coach on Molokaʻi and can't wait to meet more farmers here. Mahalo nui!
A note from Sheldon:
Rooted in a lineage of kalo cultivation originating in Hawaiʻi Island's Waipiʻo Valley and continued through active farming on Lānaʻi, my work bridges traditional agricultural values with hands-on field operations. As a FAM Cohort 10 graduate and Hawaiʻi Farmers Union member, I leverage both ancestral knowledge and formal mentorship training to support developing producers. As a farming coach, my goal is to empower local growers with practical strategies to build resilient, self-sustaining farm operations.
Heads Up
ELECTION SEASON IS HERE
The decisions made by our elected leaders can have a lasting impact on agriculture, natural resources, and our community. As election season approaches, now is a great time to stay informed about the issues that matter to you and your farm.
MFSN does not endorse candidates or ballot measures. We encourage our community to learn about the issues, make a plan to vote, and stay engaged in shaping the future of agriculture in Maui County.
FEATURED PARTNER EVENT
Wāhine Farmer Power Tools Workshop
GOFARM HAWAI'I is holding a Maui Wāhine Farmer Focused Power Tools Safety, Basics, & How-To Build Workshop
This workshop is for the wāhine farmers on Maui that want to gain more experience using power tools.
Learn power tool safety and basic building skills in a comfortable environment with other wāhine farmers. We'll go over tools such as a screw gun, circular saw, staple gun, and more.
Led by Hiʻilei Bacalso we'll walk through a hands-on build of a basic nursery table.
Date: Saturday, August 22
Time: 8am-12pm (noon)
Where: GoFarm Pūlehunui, Maui
(Next to Maui Humane Society on Mehameha Loop off Veterans Hwy.)
Cost: Free - registration required
Space is Limited!
Tool of the month
GREEN WASTE MANAGEMENT
Green waste doesn’t have to leave the farm, it can become a valuable resource for building healthier soils and supporting your growing system.
By chipping, composting, or strategically using organic materials on-site, farmers can:
Create nutrient-rich mulch and compost
Improve soil health & moisture retention
Reduce the need for purchased inputs
Build healthier growing environments
Return organic matter back to the land
With the increased vegetation growth following the Kona Low storms, now is a great time to think about how farm debris can be transformed into a resource.
MFSN CAN SUPPORT YOU WITH GREEN WASTE MANAGEMENT
Wood Chipping Services: Turn wood debris into valuable mulch with our wood chipping program. $250/day, including an operator.
Composting & Soil Building Workshops: Join us in August for free composting workshops, with additional workshops planned throughout September–November, to learn practical ways to turn organic materials into healthy, productive soil with your waste.
MFSN REsourceS
MFSN Services
TOOL LIBRARY
Access farm tools and resources without the cost of purchasing everything yourself. MFSN’s Tool Library provides farmers with equipment to support daily farm operations, maintenance, and soil-building practices. Members can borrow tools when they need them for a donation-based cost.
WOMEN IN AG
"Show up, Speak Up, Be Heard"
Growing confidence & voice for women farmers in Maui County. Learn, find, trust, and use your voice in ways that feel authentic and empowering. Join us in growing your Voice.
COACHING
MFSN's free farmer coaching program provides one-on-one support to help growers navigate challenges, access resources, and strengthen their operations. We have expanded our coaching to Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi! Apply today!
Every local farm contributes to something bigger.
Maui County growers help strengthen food security, steward agricultural lands, support local families, and build resilience for future generations.
Whether you're stewarding a garden bed or one hundred acres, your work matters.
Mahalo for everything you do.
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