MSU Extension launches new beginning farmer resource at Great Lakes Expo
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EmailThe Beginning Farmer Resource and Decision-Making Guide is a new jointly created resource from MSU Extension and USDA.
Running a farm business involves passion, vision and drive to be successful. These qualities are especially important for new or beginning farm managers as they face a number of challenges early in their careers. Common challenges include knowledge of production, finding land, constructing or retrofitting housing facilities and financing. Recognizing the significance of these and many other farming challenges, a new resource to assist beginning farmers has been developed by Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with support from GreenStone Farm Credit Services.
The Beginning Farmer Resource and Decision-Making Guide provides a pathway to resources a new farmer or decision-maker may need to get started and support their production journey. Starting with production in mind, resources give farmers an introduction to important farming topics and direct them to education and decision-making tools and how to connect with agricultural partners.
At the 2025 Great Lakes Expo (GLEXPO), MSU Extension and USDA will be holding a special session to launch the new resource on Tuesday, December 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In the session, the development team will provide an overview of the content found within the guide. Attendees will also be encouraged to explore the guide and ask questions about current and future content. The resource guide is a living document that will be routinely reviewed. Over time, new content will be added to ensure that the guide continues to meet the needs of Michigan’s beginning farmers.
During and after the launch, the resource guide will be available for viewing and free download at MSU Extension’s Beginning Farmer website.
Join us at the 2025 Great Lakes Expo to learn more about this new resource from MSU Extension and USDA.
