New MSU Extension forage and livestock educator in the eastern Upper Peninsula

Michelle Sweeten<sweeten1@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Michelle Sweeten has a strong agricultural background and personal farming experience.

Headshot of Michelle Sweeten.
Photo by Michelle Sweeten

My name is Michelle Sweeten. I would like to introduce myself as the new Michigan State University Extension forage and livestock educator in the eastern Upper Peninsula. I grew up on a hobby farm in northern Indiana, where I was active in 4-H and FFA. This led me to degrees in agricultural education from Purdue University. Upon graduation, my husband and I started our forage-based farm in Indiana.

While in Indiana, I spent several years working as an agronomist. My time was primarily spent scouting corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa as well as taking soil samples and the subsequent fertilizer recommendations. I also have experience teaching at several community colleges and public schools as well as conservation districts.

In 2015, we moved our farm to the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The farm continues to be forage-based, focusing on grass-fed beef and timothy/legume hay. I enjoy my time rotating and checking our cattle. We have worked with MSU Extension in the past researching soil health and the effects of pasture renovation utilizing annual crops and bale grazing. It has been exciting to see our soil health improvement.

When I am not working, I enjoy exploring the outdoors with our four children and training our equine and border collies.

I am very excited to be the new Michigan State University Extension educator in the Upper Peninsula in this new position focusing on forages and livestock producers. I am looking forward to working with local producers and helping them find solutions for their individual operations. I will be servicing Luce, Mackinac, Chippewa and surrounding counties. Please contact me with questions.

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