Online tool highlighting Michigan Beginning Farmer Resources released

Katie Brandt<brandtk7@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

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.

Map of Michigan with pins in different locations.
Go to www.msuorganicfarm.org/map to click on the map link or watch the video.

The Map of Beginning Farmer Resources in Michigan is an interactive tool showing over 75 programs for beginning and aspiring farmers in Michigan. Listings feature short videos, a website link, a program description and a list of programs offered for beginning and aspiring farmers. Color-coded resource icons can help beginning farmers target the resources they need, whether they are seeking land, funding, farm skills, marketing opportunities, conferences, advocacy organizations or other resources. The map, website and video guide to the map were created with funding from the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) program.

It can be difficult for new farmers to find and access support and educational opportunities offered by so many different organizations. It is important that the map compiles resources offered by Michigan State University Extension, federal and state agencies, and statewide and local organizations and is updated when programs change. MSU Extension Community Food Systems educator Abbey Palmer noted that the map is “the most up-to-date resource of its kind for the state.”

Screenshot of the table of contents and icons.
Use the Table of Contents on the left to find programs alphabetically. Or click the color-coded icons on the map to view listings by location or type of resource.

Two online trainings will guide educators and beginning farmers on how to use and share this resource.

Next steps for the map include collaborating with other organizations to create maps to highlight specific types of resources. For example, a Land Access Resources Navigator is being developed in partnership with MI FarmLink that will focus on land and funding opportunities and will be launched at their Cultivating Connections event on Nov. 10, 2021. Farmers have indicated an interest in a map showing farm work opportunities, which is planned to be developed in partnership with an MSU undergraduate course in 2022.

Please take the survey or email brandtk7@msu.edu to suggest a program to list, to offer feedback or to collaborate.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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