Protecting animal health by strengthening farm biosecurity
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EmailHealthy farms mean healthy communities. MSU Extension’s new resources and training make it easier for you to take simple steps that protect animals and keep Michigan agriculture strong.
Farm biosecurity is one of the most critical steps in protecting animal health, preventing the spread of disease and maintaining a robust agricultural community. Farms are most profitable when animals stay healthy, and that starts with strong biosecurity. To help make this easier, Michigan State University Extension has developed a new set of resources and training opportunities. Whether you’re a farmer or a professional who works with farms, these tools are here to give you practical steps to protect livestock and keep Michigan’s agricultural community thriving.
Training opportunities across Michigan
Starting in November 2025, MSU Extension will hold regional biosecurity training sessions throughout Michigan. These sessions are for anyone who works with livestock farms, whether you are a service provider, advisor, or a support professional. These hands-on trainings will focus on:
- Biosecurity basics every farm professional should know.
- How to use the risk assessment tool.
- Step-by-step guidance on implementing a biosecurity plan.
Training sessions are planned for multiple locations, including Mount Pleasant, Frankenmuth, Grand Rapids and St. Ignace:
- Healthy Animals, Strong Farms Biosecurity Training for Service Providers - Mt. Pleasant - November 19, 2025, 1 – 4:00 p.m., 2600 S. Summerton Rd. Room 234/235, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
- Healthy Animals, Strong Farms, Biosecurity Training for Service Providers - St. Ignace - November 20, 2025, 9 a.m. – noon, St. Ignace Public Library 110 W. Spruce St., St. Ignace, MI 49781
- Healthy Animals, Strong Farms, Biosecurity Training for Service Providers - Frankenmuth - January 15, 2026, 1 – 4:00 p.m., Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center 3775 S. Reese Rd., Frankenmuth, MI 48734
- Healthy Animals, Strong Farms, Biosecurity Training for Service Providers - Grand Rapids - January 22, 2026, 1 – 4:00 p.m., Kent County Extension Office 775 Ball Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
New resources at your fingertips
MSU Extension now has a dedicated Protecting Animal Health through Biosecurity website with practical tools to help you put biosecurity into action on the farm. On the site, you’ll find a library of educational videos, documents and articles covering key topics such as animal health, disease management and preparing for farm visits, as well as printable farm signage to help reinforce the importance of biosecurity.
Get involved
Whether you are a service provider, conservation partner, lender, feed supplier, inspector or work closely with farmers in another role, these resources are designed to help you be a trusted source of biosecurity support. To get started, visit the new Protecting Animal Health through Biosecurity website. There, you can easily access resources, view training dates and sign up for updates with just a few clicks.
Keeping animals healthy doesn’t just protect one farm; it protects neighboring farms, communities, and the future of Michigan agriculture. By participating in these training programs and utilizing the resources provided, you are playing a crucial role in making a difference. Together, we can help Michigan’s farms stay strong and thriving for generations to come.
