Beginning farmers have plenty to gain from MI Ag Ideas to Grow With
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EmailJoin hundreds of fellow farmers February 23 through March 5 during MI Ag Ideas to Growth With virtual conference.
The MI Ag Ideas to Grow With virtual conference is an annual event held during Michigan State University’s (MSU) Agriculture and Natural Resources Month celebration and draws in over 900 participants each year. This year’s conference will be held Feb. 23 through March 5. Michigan State University Extension educators coordinate the educational offerings for this event. Visit MI Ag Ideas to Grow With for more information and to register for sessions.
With over 30 educational sessions to choose from, the event is rich in learning opportunities. Depending on what you grow, there are a variety of sessions on field crops, animal agriculture, irrigation and water, solar, marketing, vegetables and beginning farmer specific topics throughout the two-week period. The following are just some of the many educational options that may be of interest to beginning farmers.
Monday, February 23
Innovative Agronomy tools
8 – 9 a.m.
Learn about innovative tools and resources for agronomic decisions, especially pest management, and how to use them to improve decision-making.
Starting a Food Business - MSU Product Center New Client Intro Seminar
9 – 10:30 a.m.
The MSU Product Center helps food, beverage and farm businesses explore value-added products. Join our free virtual seminar to see if we’re the right fit for your business needs.
Soil Health Testing Options and Interpretation
9 – 10 a.m.
What is soil health, and how can you measure it? This session will cover testing options and how to understand test results in order to improve soil health.
Christine Charles works alongside farmers, other MSU educators, industry partners and researchers to support and increase the adoption of regenerative practices without losing sight of agronomic needs and profitability in Michigan field crop systems. Sarah Zeiler is a MSU Extension environmental management educator in Hillsdale County. Her interests are in water quality, nutrient management and the interface of rural and urban spaces on water issues.
Preserving MI Harvest - Canning 101
1 – 2 p.m.
Whether a beginner to home canning or looking for a refresher on best practices, this class is for you. Join us to learn how to safely use your water bath and pressure canner to preserve food at home.
Getting started with Beekeeping in Michigan
6 – 7 p.m.
Have you wondered if beekeeping is right for you? Have you considered keeping honey bees to produce your own local honey? Honey bees are awe-inspiring but keeping them healthy takes a lot of learning and hard work. Before you get started, find out what costs, time and effort are required. Learn what beekeepers do and where they can go for education, resources and support.
Financial Tools for Drought-Stressed Livestock Operations
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Learn practical guidance on navigating financial tools available during drought, including the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) insurance.
Tuesday, February 24
This session covers the aspects of selling local food products to schools and institutions.
Selling MI Honey and Maple Syrup - Safely!
9 – 10 a.m.
Learn how to safely handle, package and store honey and maple syrup, and understand the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development exemption guidelines for selling these products in Michigan.
A How-To for Herbs
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Ben Phillips will provide hot takes about herbal handiwork. We will discuss methods of production for many annual and perennial species and deliver take-home messages for key plant health issues that some herbs commonly face.
Exploring a Beginning Farmer Curriculum to Guide Group Learning
Noon – 1 p.m.
Learn to work with other farmers to gain knowledge to help improve your farming and business practices in areas of land access, produce food safety, soil health, farm finances, building new markets, integrated pest management, urban agriculture and policy.
Farm Financial Fundamentals: Communicating with Confidence to Your Lender
1 – 2 p.m.
Starting and growing a successful farm takes a strong financial understanding and the ability to clearly communicate your farm’s story. Learn essential tools to work effectively with agricultural lenders.
Farm Diversification on Paper
2 – 3 p.m.
Diversification is a great risk management strategy, but requires a slightly more complex and flexible accounting, budgeting and analysis system. Learn about tools to help assess your farms present or potential performance.
Poultry Hobbyist: Essential Production Practices for Beginners
6 – 7 p.m.
This webinar will help new poultry hobbyists build confidence and competence in raising their birds with basic but essential practices. By covering from proper care to understanding the animal's needs, participants will walk away feeling more capable and informed in their poultry hobby.
Wednesday, February 25
Phoenix Community Farm
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
The Phoenix Farm will share their story.
Market Channels and Marketing Strategies for Beginning Farmers
Noon – 1 p.m.
An overview of market channels available to beginning farmers and marketing strategies for building a customer base and breaking into new markets.
Bridging the Gap: Michigan’s Farm Link Movement
1 – 2 p.m.
Explore what farm linking is, how it works, the connection to conservation districts, and the new statewide resource, MIFarmLink.
Thursday, February 26
Michigan Cottage Food Law
9 – 10 a.m.
Join this session to learn about the guidelines for the Michigan Cottage Food Law, as well as food safety practices for producing cottage foods safely to sell.
Top Tomato Tips
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Ben Werling will share tips and trick for tons of totally terrific tomatoes.
Farm-to-Family Listening Session
11 a.m. – Noon
Listening session for Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Farm to Family Program to identify the emerging needs and opportunities that farmers and other food businesses have identified within their communities.
Crop Insurance 101 for Field Crops
Noon – 1 p.m.
Prices for many farm inputs remain high compared to commodity prices. This session will review the basics of insurance and how to optimize strategies for corn, soybeans and wheat growers.
Due to the generous support of Michigan State University Extension and the MI Ag Ideas to Grow With virtual conference sponsors, this event is offered to participants at no cost. However, participants must register to receive the necessary Zoom links. You can attend as many sessions as you would like and are also able to jump around between tracks.
Restricted use pesticide and certified crop adviser credits will be offered for several of the sessions.
More information and registration can be found at: MI Ag Ideas to Growth With.
