Landowner June Newsletter

Your Monthly Landowner Update

June 2026

June is a busy and hopeful time across Michigan’s farmland. Fields are growing, farm stands are opening, and landowners are seeing firsthand the care and productivity their land can support. At the same time, interest in homesteading and small-scale farming continues to rise, with many new and beginning farmers looking for opportunities to put down roots.

For landowners, this season is a good time to think ahead. Whether you are considering succession planning, preparing for a future sale, or simply exploring what comes next, early planning can open more doors and help ensure your land stays in productive agriculture.

There are also meaningful opportunities to support the next generation of farmers. Mentoring a beginning farmer, even in small ways, can make a lasting difference and help build confidence and experience for someone just getting started.

Across Michigan, MIFarmLink continues to connect landowners and farmers through conversations, events, and shared goals. Each connection helps strengthen the future of agriculture in our state.

Thank you for being part of this growing network and for helping keep Michigan land working and well cared for.

The MIFarmLink Team 🌱

Featured Farmers

Marsha Nagy

Marsha is looking to return to farming and reconnect with a lifestyle rooted in community, stewardship, and organic growing practices. With experience in homesteading, farm ownership, and managing gardens, orchards, poultry, bees, and cut flowers, she is seeking 1–10 acres in Wayne County through a lease, partnership, lease-to-own, or purchase opportunity to grow vegetables, fruit, flowers, and more using sustainable methods.

Sophie R Miller

Sophie is eager to continue building hands-on experience in regenerative and sustainable agriculture as she works toward her long-term goal of operating a farm business rooted in stewardship and community impact. A recent biology graduate with farm employee and apprenticeship experience, Sophie is seeking mentorship, work opportunities, or partnership pathways across West Michigan to expand her skills in sustainable farming while preparing to one day create a farm that supports both food production and second-chance opportunities for people rebuilding their lives.

Resources

Farmland Access Legal Toolkit

Helping farmers and landowners affordably access, transfer, and conserve farmland. In addition, the Farm Lease Builder guides you through important common issues in farmland leases and helps you create a roadmap for your landlord/tenant relationship.

Farm Transfer Toolkit

The Farm Transfer Toolkit is a practical, print-friendly resource designed to guide agricultural landowners through the process of passing on their land, their operation, or both to the next generation. It brings together key steps, worksheets, and planning tools to help users clarify goals, evaluate finances, and navigate important conversations with family members and professionals. Developed by American Farmland Trust for its Land Transfer Navigators program, with support from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, this toolkit offers a steady, thoughtful approach to one of the most important decisions a landowner can make.

Profile Tips

A strong landowner profile helps the right farmer see your land and understand your goals. Start with clear, current photos of the property, including fields, buildings, access points, and key features. Good photos help farm seekers picture how the land could be used.

Fill out every section of your profile with as much detail as possible. Share what you are offering, whether that is land for sale, a lease opportunity, a mentorship, a partnership, or a farm job. The more specific you are, the easier it is for the right match to find you.

Take time to review your writing for grammar and clarity. A well written profile builds trust and helps farmers understand your expectations and vision for the land.

Be sure to include what you are looking for in a connection and how you prefer to be contacted. This helps streamline communication and ensures you hear from the right people in the right way.

If you are thinking about long term planning, consider scheduling an advising appointment with MIFarmLink. Our land transfer navigators can help you strengthen your profile, explore transition options, and begin succession planning at your own pace.

Meet Your Michigan Navigators

Land Transfer Navigators, in partnership with American Farmland Trust, provide one-on-one guidance to help farmers and landowners navigate the process of transferring farmland. They offer trusted support, resources, and connections to ensure land stays in agriculture and transitions successfully to the next generation.

Becky Huttenga

616.970.0679 | bhuttenga@miottawa.org

Becky is based in Ottawa County and serves Southern Michigan.

Will Manty

231.929.7911 | wmanty@gtrlc.org

Will is based in Grand Traverse County and serves Northern Michigan.

Regional Representatives

Regional Representatives provide local, on-the-ground support to farmers and landowners across Michigan. They build relationships in their communities, offer personalized guidance, and help connect people to land, resources, and opportunities that keep agriculture strong and growing.