Organic Agriculture

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Cut flower farming: Is it right for you?

Published on October 14, 2021
Considerations and resources for aspiring cut flower farmers in Michigan.
Online tool highlighting Michigan Beginning Farmer Resources released

Published on October 6, 2021
The Map of Michigan Beginning Farmer Resources includes videos, links and program descriptions for over 75 programs to assist beginning and aspiring farmers searching for land, credit, teaching farms, conferences and more.
Beginning Farmer Education: What is our role?

Learn about a new USDA Beginning Farmer Grant awarded to MSU and what role we can play in supporting beginning farmers.
Beginning farmers, We’ve got news for you!

Published on June 11, 2021
New and beginning farmers can sign up to receive a new monthly newsletter catered to their needs.
Insurance options for vegetable growers

Published on May 6, 2021
Risk management programs can take the edge off of major losses from lower yields, crop losses, or prevented planting from weather events.
In-person, on-farm learning for beginning farmers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Published on December 14, 2020
The MSU Student Organic Farm is offering a COVID-19 pandemic adapted Organic Farmer Training Program in 2021.
Farm Business Incubator — growing farmers in the central Upper Peninsula

Published on November 20, 2020
Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center is now accepting applications for its Farm Business Incubator program.
New version of the MSU Extension Farm Records Book for Management is now available

Published on July 16, 2020
The book can be used in Excel, Google Sheets, or printed off to fill out by hand.
MSU Student Organic Farm offers two programs for beginning and aspiring farmers

Published on June 2, 2020
Sign up now for the online MSU Farm Business Plan Accelerator or the 2021 Organic Farmer Training Program.
Southeast Michigan Small Farm Needs Assessment

Published on April 11, 2019
MSU Extension experts created a comprehensive survey sent out to over 200 small farmers in Southeast Michigan and conducted a focus group in Washtenaw County. The document outlines the results of their research.
Cover Crop Types and Uses on Your Farm

Getting started with understanding the types of cover crops and the uses on your farm.
MSU Student Organic Farm 2018 Annual Report: Affirming the Unique Opportunities of a University Educational Farm

Published on March 29, 2019
The MSU Student Organic Farm 2018 Annual Report highlights the impact of their diverse programming and the partnerships that make them an asset to the MSU community
Tips on quality hay and pasture for beginning farmers: Part 1 - Quality

Published on March 4, 2019
Just about anybody can make hay and put animals out on pasture, but achieving quality goals for that forage takes knowledge, planning and effort.
Am I up to the physical labor of starting a new farming business?

Published on December 20, 2018
Many farms are equipped with up-to-date, labor saving machines and equipment, but many tasks on smaller, start-up farms require a great deal of physical effort.
MSU Organic Farmer Training Program equips next generation of farmers

Published on December 6, 2018
MSU Organic Farmer Training Program is seeking applicants for 2019 cohort.
2018 Beginning Farmer Webinar Series recordings now available online

Published on July 12, 2018
Fifteen new MSU Extension Beginning Farmer Webinars are now posted and available for free viewing.
Organic Garlic Production - E3371

Published on April 24, 2018
What you need to know about getting started with organic garlic production, including soil preparation, planting and management.
Michigan honey is always in season

Published on March 22, 2018
Thank your local honey bees for this sweet treat.
Organic matter basics

Published on February 19, 2018
Getting started with organic matter basics.
Raising woods-grazed pigs on new farms

Published on July 25, 2017
Some new farmers in the northern Michigan woodlands are breaking into farming by raising pigs in woods pasture.