Where to find sustainable farm jobs in Michigan

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

A map, a job posting form, a webpage and a listserv connect farm employers and farmworkers.

A map of jobs is available online.

Finding farmwork and finding farmworkers

There are many ways to find and post farmwork opportunities in Michigan! Read on to learn more about the Map of Michigan Sustainable Farm Jobs, the Michigan Sustainable Jobs & Opportunities webpage and listserv and a job fair.

Map of Michigan Sustainable Farm Jobs  

The Map of Michigan Sustainable Farm Jobs is a new effort through a collaboration of Michigan SARE, Michigan Transition to Organic Partnership Program and the Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology. To view the farms, visit the map and click on the icons or the listing of job postings. Each listing has space for farmers to list their farm name, jobs available, hourly pay and benefits, as well as links to the job description and contact information. It also gives potential farmworkers a good idea of the job tasks, start dates and what crops, livestock or other enterprises they would work with and learn about at each farm.

Farmers can fill out this form to post a job opportunity. Job postings are reviewed and added to the map within 24 hours. Since this is a new effort, we’re expecting many more listings by the start of the busy farm season! Organizations that would like to collaborate in their region can post the link to the job posting form or reach out to Katie Brandt at brandtk7@msu.edu about other ways to collaborate.  

Monthly jobs and opportunities emails

Visit the Michigan Sustainable Farm Jobs & Opportunities webpage to see a full list of jobs and events listed by dozens of organizations, including MSU Extension, farms, non-profit farm organizations and others. The March 2025 posting included 40+ land access opportunities, 20+ farm jobs, 20+ non-profit jobs, links to information on the Federal funding freeze, 40 events and 20+ ongoing learning opportunities. The top of the page has hyperlinks to each section:

Hundreds of people receive the Michigan Sustainable Farm Jobs & Opportunities listserv emails to get a monthly updated email of all this information. To sign up for these Jobs & Opportunities emails:

  • Email listserv@list.msu.edu with SUBSCRIBE MISUSTAINABLEFARMJOBS in the body of the message, NOT just the subject line.

Small farm careers and hiring fair

Join other farmers and farmworkers in Traverse City for Collaboration Café – Small Farm Careers and Hiring event on March 20, 2025. This will be an opportunity to find and fill farm jobs as you would typically expect with a job fair. But it is so much more! They’re also planning for discussions around how farmers can find and train farmworkers to manage the complex activities of small farms and how farmers and communities can engage to support this kind of work for the long term.  

What is SARE?

SARE supports sustainable farming innovations through offering resources, grants, mini-grants and travel scholarships. Farmers, ranchers, educators, farm advocacy organizations, MSU Extension staff, researchers and agriculture professionals are welcome to apply. State SARE coordinator Sarah Zeiler, Tribal SARE coordinator Emily Proctor and Katie Brandt are happy to help you brainstorm and review a SARE proposal. They can also help if you have questions about SARE’s database of farmer-led research results and information.

SARE has distributed $11.6 million to fund 342 grant projects in Michigan since 1988. The program supports an inclusive mix of farmers and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program or political beliefs. 

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

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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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

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