MIFarmLink June Newsletter
2024/25 Impact Highlights Farm Linking Success:
● 44 current properties listed
● 90 farmer profiles posted
● 8 properties linked, totaling 281 acres
● over 217 farm seekers assisted
Statewide Outreach & Awareness:
● 5 Regional Representatives to expand impact statewide.
● 3,000+ people reached via in-person events.
● 167,000+ website visits since launch.
● 200,000+ households reached via media coverage.
● 9,000+ newsletter subscribers.
● Invited to present at major agricultural conferences, including Michigan Agricultural Advancement, GLEXPO, Crop Summit, and MSU MI Ag Ideas to Grow.
Huron Heritage Farm | Deckerville, MI
Looking to transition into regenerative or organic farming? Huron Heritage Farm offers 20 acres in Sanilac County, currently used for conventional crops, with opportunities to grow food, raise animals, or plant flowers. A ¼ acre garden plot is available for immediate use, and housing or barn space may be included. Flexible on lease, sale, or partnership—plus, mentorship is available to help you grow.
Interested? Create a profile to communicate with the farm/farmer.
Meet the Leach Family
The Leach Family are a military family returning to their roots in Northern Michigan with a mission to farm and build community. After years of military service across the United States, Matt and Crystal are ready to settle down with their four children and grow a diverse farm focused on flowers, crops, and livestock. With a background in 4H, haying, and agricultural education, they are currently raising laying hens and enrolled in the Heroes to Hives program to become certified beekeepers. Their long term vision goes beyond food production—they hope to create a space that supports mental health and provides healing opportunities for fellow veterans. They are currently looking for land through lease, lease to own, sale, or a creative partnership.
Know of available land? Help Jen Vazquez, and other farmers like them find the right opportunity at mifarmlink.org.
Land Transfer Navigators Program
MIFarmLink is proud to partner with American Farmland Trust (AFT) on the Land Transfer Navigators Program—a new initiative aimed at helping retiring landowners confidently pass their land on to the next generation of farmers. With over 300 million acres of farmland expected to change hands in the next 20 years, this program ensures that Michigan’s agricultural legacy continues by keeping farmland in farming. Navigators work directly with landowners to create practical, personalized transfer plans while offering resources and connections to conservation professionals, attorneys, and financial advisors.
Here in Michigan, MIFarmLink is providing regional support through two dedicated Navigators: Will Manty, serving Northern Michigan, and Becky Huttenga, serving Southern Michigan. Will brings hands-on experience in dairy, vegetable farming, and local food systems. Becky, the founder of MiFarmLink.org, has deep roots in farmland protection and rural economic development. Together, they are helping landowners preserve their land’s farming future—ensuring new and underserved farmers have a chance to grow.
👉 Learn more about the Land Transfer Navigators program and meet the full team here.
Meet Your Michigan Navigators
Will Manty
231.929.7911 | wmanty@gtrlc.org
Will is based in Grand Traverse County and serves Northern Michigan. He holds a BA in Environmental Studies, is experienced in dairy and vegetable farming, and has also worked for a major local food hub creating partnerships with small-scale farmers.
Becky Huttenga
616.970.0679 | bhuttenga@miottawa.org
Becky is based in Ottawa County and serves Southern Michigan. She has over a decade of experience in farmland protection, agriculture, and economic development initiatives and founded MiFarmLink.org.
Farmers Markets- Support a farmer!
Farmers Market at the Capitol
Eastern Market – Detroit
Royal Oak Farmers Market – Royal Oak
Shelby Farmers Market- Shelby Township
Ann Arbor Farmers Market – Ann Arbor
Ypsilanti Farmers Markets – Ypsilanti
Flint Farmers’ Market – Flint
Midland Area Farmers Market – Midland
Marquette Farmers Market – Marquette
Traverse City Farmers Market – Traverse City
