MIFarmLink February Newsletter

As we move into February, the energy of the new year is starting to take shape, and we are carrying it forward with meaningful news. This month, we are grateful to share that MIFarmLink has been awarded a $120,000, three-year grant from the Towsley Foundation to support our continued growth as a statewide program. Winter is often a season for planning and reflection, and this investment allows us to strengthen relationships, expand our reach, and lay the groundwork to better serve farmers and landowners across Michigan.

February also brings more opportunities to be out in the community, reconnecting with farmers, landowners, and partners. As we continue building momentum alongside the MACD team, we remain focused on thoughtful growth and practical support that meets people where they are. With a strong foundation and trusted partners, our work this season helps ensure farmland stays in the hands of those ready to steward it for generations to come

Sincerely,

Jill and the MIFarmLink Team

(Team MIFarmLink, #mifarmlinker)

Each month we highlight a farm that’s available to lease or purchase.

Aspen Meadows Farm in Cedar, Michigan is offering a long term lease on 3 acres of open, previously tilled farmland in Leelanau County. The landowners are seeking an independent farmer interested in organic or regenerative practices, with potential for vegetables, small livestock, honey bees, or a small orchard. The property is in early development with planned water and electrical access, giving an incoming farmer flexibility to help shape the layout and systems. This opportunity is rooted in food production, soil health, and long term stewardship rather than agritourism.

Each month we highlight a farmer looking to connect to land.

This month, we’re proud to highlight Mobil Crest Farms, a small, family-run operation with deep respect for both tradition and thoughtful land stewardship. Currently farming part time, they raise corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, hay, and beef cattle, and are actively seeking land to expand into a more sustainable scale. With formal agricultural education, hands-on experience, and a desire for mentorship, Mobil Crest Farms is open to partnerships, leases, lease-to-own arrangements, or a future farm transition. They’re a wonderful example of the kind of farmer working hard today to keep Michigan farmland productive tomorrow.

Jamie brings over 20 years of leadership in regenerative agriculture, conservation, and nonprofit management. Currently, he is the Executive Director of The West Michigan Regional Planning Commission (WMRPC). As the former Executive Director of the Ottawa Conservation District, he led countywide conservation programs and serves on the MiFarmLink Advisory Committee, supporting farmland preservation and farm succession. Jamie has raised more than $27 million for mission-driven organizations and has led sustainable agriculture efforts across the U.S. and abroad. Now back in West Michigan, he continues to strengthen conservation, equity-focused food systems, and collaborative partnerships in his home community.

MACD has been awarded a $1.5 million, three-year capacity-building grant from the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation to strengthen conservation leadership and water quality efforts across Michigan. Beginning in 2026, this investment will help MACD expand support for Conservation Districts statewide by building stronger systems, leadership training, and infrastructure, allowing local districts to spend less time on administrative work and more time delivering on-the-ground conservation that protects Michigan’s land, water, and Great Lakes.

The grant will support standardized HR and governance tools, expanded board and staff training, and hands-on implementation support, while also strengthening MACD’s role as a statewide connector among local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private partners. By focusing on long-term organizational capacity rather than short-term programs, this investment helps ensure Conservation Districts remain strong, locally led, and effective for generations to come, improving soil health, watershed outcomes, and environmental stewardship across the state.

• Feb. 4th & 5th- MiAA's 2025 Underground Innovations, Frankenmuth, MI
• Feb 5th- 2026 Cultivating Resilience Conference, Hudsonville, MI
• Feb. 10th- Take Root Conference, Lansing, MI
• Feb. 12th to 15th- Farm Stop Conference, Ann Arbor, MI
• Feb. 17th- Demystifying On-Farm Compliance: Solutions and Support for Michigan Farmers, Webinar
  
• Feb 18th- Incorporating Native Plants in Michigan Farms, Ann Arbor, MI
• Feb. 25th- Bridging the Gap: Michigan’s Farm Link Movement, Webinar
• Feb. 26th- WLEB Winter Webinar Series: Linking Land Legacy, Webinar
• Feb. 28th- Young Farmer Leaders Conference, Kalamazoo, MI
• March 4th- Monthly Drop-in Organic Farming Q & A, Webinar
• March 6th- 2026 ANR Seminar, St. Johns, MI
• March 10th & 11th- Michigan Agritourism Association, Frankenmuth, MI
• March 11th & 12th- Michigan Corn Presents: 2026 Cover Crop Boot Camp, Lansing, MI
• March 12th- Conservation Celebration, Ann Arbor, MI
• March 16th to 19th- AgrAbility National Training Workshop, Lansing, MI
• March 17th- Farming Forward, Lowell, MI
• March 26th- TOPP Farmer Webinar - Succession Planning for Organic Farmers, Webinar
• May 11th to 13th- Michigan Recycling Coalition Recycling & Organics Conference, Kalamazoo, MI
• June 22nd to 23rd- 2026 State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference, Adrian, MI
  

A great resource for those just getting started in agriculture! MSU Extension and USDA have released the Beginning Farmer Resource & Decision-Making Guide — a tool packed with information on everything from soil health and livestock to equipment, business setup, land access, and more.

We’re proud to share that MIFarmLink contributed to the Land Access section (pages 427–452), helping ensure new farmers have support as they search for a place to grow.

It’s free to view and download — a handy read for anyone dreaming of their first farm or stepping into management.

Student Crew

Full time position (40 hours a week)

May 4 - August 28

Interested in a hands-on experience in diversified vegetable and cut flower production? Apply today! https://rhs-msu.peopleadmin.com/postings/20993

Questions can be directed to msufarm@msu.edu

Growing Hope is hiring a Garden Manager to steward its urban farm and community gardens in Ypsilanti. This role supports volunteers and youth while helping move food from soil to neighbors in ways that build dignity, skills, and community power. It’s hands-on, people-centered work in service of food sovereignty. Learn more and apply using the form at the bottom of this page: growinghope.net/our-team.