MSU Extension Beginning Farmer

• 

  Four Michigan producers awarded NCR-SARE 2023 Farmer Rancher Grants

  Published on May 31, 2023
  More than $65,000 was awarded to Michigan producers in 2023 through a competitive grant focused on exploring sustainable solutions in agriculture through on-farm research and education.

• 

  MSU Extension releases new series on grain marketing

  Published on May 3, 2023
  The series provides a walk through on marketing fundamentals for beginning farmers.

• 

  Introduction to Grain Marketing: A Video Series

  Published on April 27, 2023
  What is a “good” selling price when marketing grain? An Introduction to Grain Marketing: Video Series will aid you in understanding the fundamental principles involved in grain marketing.

• 

  Accurate production records can benefit farm profitability

  Published on April 21, 2023
  How reconciling production can help manage risk and improve farm decisions.

• 

  New bulletin on renting farmland available from MSU Extension

  Published on April 6, 2023
  Bulletin E-3427 offers guidance on navigating the land renting process.

• 

  Soil testing returns through MSU Extension!

  Published on April 4, 2023
  MSU Extension launches new soil testing program for home gardeners and commercial growers.

• 

  Bulletin E-3427 Introduction to Renting Farmland

  Published on March 30, 2023
  Whether you raise crops or livestock, all production activities can be traced back to the need for land. This publication offers guidance about how to navigate through the rental process for farmland and how to reduce the anxiety that often comes with it.

• 

  National Institute of Food and Agriculture awards MSU Center for Regional Food Systems $3.45 million to Expand Culturally Relevant Support for Farm and Food Business owners

  Published on March 30, 2023
  Over the next five years, MSU CRFS will work with MSU Extension, Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), and the Julian Samora Institute to develop resources for inclusive farm business engagement.

• Gaining & Demonstrating Farm Management Experience

  Management experience is a phrase often heard in a farm business, especially as a new decision-maker. It helps identify you as a beginning farmer and provides opportunities for added support in establishing your farm. However, common obstacles are gaining and demonstrating enough management experience to be eligible for support. In this session, Jon LaPorte provides some helpful tips on how to gain and demonstrate your farm management experience.

• Building the Right Succession Plan for Your Farm

  Farming is a complex business, and succession planning can be a daunting proposition. Luckily, there are many tools and techniques available for transferring the farm’s assets, operations, and management to the next generation. In this presentation, Corey Clark discusses how farmers can customize a plan that utilizes these tools and techniques to meet the unique needs of their family business.

• 

  Producing a Value-Added Product on the Farm Series

  Published on March 13, 2023
  Producing a value-added product on your farm can be a great way to generate additional revenue. The information on this sheet may help you decide if adding a product is right for your farm business and take you through the major steps involved.

• 

  The Anatomy of a Soil Test Report

  Published on March 9, 2023
  A summary of how to understand a soil test report to help you best understand and analyze the results to make effective farm management and soil fertility decisions.

• Gaining & Demonstrating Farm Management Experience - Tips for New Farm Managers

  Management experience helps provide support in establishing your farm. There's oftentimes obstacles with gaining and demonstrating enough management experience. Jon LaPorte will share tips on how to gain and demonstrate your farm management experience.

• 

  Statement of Cash Flows Template

  Published on March 6, 2023
  The statement of cash flows is a financial statement that summarizes the movement of cash coming in and going out of a farm business.

• 

  MSU Income Statement Template

  Published on March 3, 2023
  The MSU Income Statement Template assists farms in creating an income statement for their farm operation. An income statement measures farm profitability by summarizing revenue and expenses for an accounting or production period.

• 

  Mentors matter for new farmers

  Published on February 28, 2023
  Michigan Sustainable Farm Mentors program connects 42 beginning and aspiring farmers with experienced farmers.

• 

  Sustainable agriculture grants for training farm educators and graduate student research

  Published on February 28, 2023
  Apply by April for projects supporting people, resource protection, and long-term farm profitability.

• Funding Your Farm: Selling Your Story in a Business Plan - Financial Section

  Explore the importance of a financial plan and how to use it to outline your farm’s financial situation.

• Funding Your Farm: Selling Your Story in a Business Plan - Human Resources and Operations

  Explore how to consider developing your farm's operation and human resource strategies.

• Funding Your Farm: Selling Your Story in a Business Plan - Marketing Section

  In this session, participants learn how to assess market opportunities and develop a successful marketing strategy.