Beginning Farmer DEMaND Series

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The Beginning Farmer DEMaND series offers a fresh look at farm business management for new and beginning farmers. The series is designed to help the next generation of farm operators learn about financial and business management strategies that can help them develop into managers and decision-makers on the farm. Whether you represent the transition of generations, an employee to owner, or a new entrant to the business, the DEMaND series can offer assistance through articles, bulletins, webinars, and more!

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Bulletins are published periodically during the year. If you’re interested in having the latest DEMaND series bulletins sent directly to your email, sign up today to be on our mailing list.

DEMaND Series Articles

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.
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.
SARE resources available to everyone

Published on January 4, 2023
Looking for practical information on sustainable farming and ranching, or for training opportunities?
Congratulations to the 2022 MSU Organic Farmer Training Program graduates!

Published on November 21, 2022
Eleven beginning and aspiring farmers write business plans, visit 26 farms, and learn hands-on farming skills.
Visit 26 innovative farms with new farmers in the MSU Organic Farmer Training Program

Published on October 31, 2022
Organic Farmer Training Program participants are learning to farm by seeing what is possible.
Grants available for sustainable agriculture research and education

Published on September 6, 2022
SARE annual grant request issued.
Insurance options for fruit growers bulletin now available

Published on July 22, 2022
A new bulletin from MSU Extension explores the basics of crop insurance available to fruit producers and presents how its use can benefit your farm.
Introduction to farm collateral bulletin released

Published on July 22, 2022
A new publication from MSU Extension reviews the basics of securing a loan and how to identify collateral on your farm.
Financial management resources available for beginning farmers

Published on June 22, 2022
Knowing your farm’s financial position is important to its future success.
New Farm Management Experience Resource Guide released by MSU Extension

Published on February 19, 2022
This publication is intended to assist beginning farmers in better understanding and demonstrating management experience
Introduction to Grain Marketing for Beginning Farmers bulletin available

Published on September 10, 2021
A bulletin aimed at new farmers and those who are new to grain marketing.
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.
Introduction to fertilizer planning for beginning farmers

Published on January 18, 2021
A detailed fertilizer plan helps to meet the nutrient needs of your crop at the lowest possible cost.
Beginning farmer DEMaND: resources for new farm managers

Published on November 12, 2020
For beginning farmers, knowing how to manage through roadblocks is often one of their greatest challenges.
What is the lender looking for?

Published on June 11, 2020
How to take charge of the loan approval process.
Introduction to cost of production and its uses part 6

Published on April 15, 2020
Part 6: Financial costs & farm records
Introduction to cost of production and its uses part 4

Published on April 15, 2020
Part 4: Agronomic & nutritional inputs
Introduction to cost of production and its uses part 2

Published on April 15, 2020
Part 2: Fixed costs
Introduction to cost of production and its uses part 1

Published on April 15, 2020
Part 1: Variable costs
Introduction to cost of production and its uses part 5

Published on April 15, 2020
Part 5: Marketing and break-evens
Introduction to cost of production and its uses part 3

Published on April 15, 2020
Part 3: Direct vs variable and fixed costs
Beginning Farmer DEMaND

Published on March 23, 2020
Introducing the Beginning Farmer DEMaND (Developing and Educating Managers and New Decision-makers) series.
Understanding enterprise budgets and economic profit

Published on February 12, 2020
Learn how enterprise works and how it will affect your farm and future.