MIFarmLink September Newsletter

September is a month of transition. The fields are still full, the harvest continues, and the changing light reminds us of the care and effort that brings a season to life.

At MIFarmLink, we are especially grateful to the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) for their continued support in helping us grow and serve farmers and landowners. This October, we are excited to begin our transition to the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD), which will help us expand statewide and connect even more farmers and landowners across Michigan.

We are also partnering with MSU Extension on a SARE-funded research project to better understand the obstacles farmers face when trying to access or transfer farmland. If you have faced challenges buying, leasing, or passing on land, we invite you to share your story through a short survey.

As always, we are here with you, cheering you on, sharing your stories, and working together to keep farmland in farming. 🌾

Sincerely,

The MIFarmLink Team

(Team MIFarmLink, #mifarmlinker)

The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts is a statewide network supporting Michigan’s local conservation districts. MACD provides resources, training, and advocacy to help districts protect farmland, improve natural resources, and support local communities. By joining forces with MACD, MIFarmLink will be able to expand its reach across the state, connect more farmers with land, and continue our shared mission of keeping farmland in farming.

MIFarmLink is looking for volunteer Regional Representatives to help share our mission and connect farmers and landowners across Michigan. Regional Reps represent MIFarmLink in their communities by distributing outreach materials, sharing resources, and engaging with farmers, landowners, and local partners. This volunteer role includes a virtual meeting once a month and offers a great way to support farmland preservation and land access in your region. Apply through the form linked here.

MIFarmLink is seeking passionate volunteers to join our Advisory Committee and help guide our work to connect landowners with the next generation of Michigan farmers. Committee members meet virtually once a month and bring expertise in areas such as farming, conservation, law, fundraising, real estate, and more. If you care about farmland preservation, land access, and the future of Michigan agriculture, we encourage you to apply through this form.

MIFarmLink is looking for volunteers to help grow our statewide farmland linking program! Whether you’re a college student seeking internship credit or an industry professional donating your skills, your time can make a big impact. From website development and outreach to grant writing and fundraising, there’s a place for you on our team—just 5–10 hours a week, with flexible, virtual check-ins. Apply through this form.

With profit margins shrinking, every acre matters. MSU Extension outlines key strategies for negotiating fair farmland rental rates, such as knowing rent trends, understanding your costs, and keeping communication open with landowners. These fundamentals can make the difference in securing and maintaining the land your farm needs.

Read the full article in Michigan Farm News here.

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

Gateway Farm, located in Plymouth, MI, is a 12-acre regenerative organic farm blending food production, education, and community engagement. The property includes 4 acres of USDA-certified organic market gardens, 4 acres of a permaculture-inspired Food Forest, and 4 acres of infrastructure with barns, hoop houses, event spaces, and a farmstand. Fully equipped with farm machinery, irrigation, housing, and utilities, Gateway Farm also offers a thriving CSA program, farm-to-table events, and educational workshops. Founded in 2016, the farm emphasizes regenerative practices, biodiversity, and community-centered programming, and is now seeking mission-aligned buyers or investors to continue its vision..

Interested? Create a profile to communicate with the farm/farmer.

12 acres available in Washtenaw County | MIFarmLink

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

This outdoorsy couple and their 4 kiddos are ready to trade city life for a new adventure: building a u-pick orchard or u-cut flower farm—with a campground twist! They’re open to partnerships, leases, or lease-to-own opportunities anywhere across Michigan. All they need is land with road, water, and electric access—and a chance to grow something lasting for their family.

Know of available land? Help farmers like them find the right opportunity at mifarmlink.org.

Maureen & Roy | MIFarmLink

Rivka leads the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) with a deep commitment to supporting local leadership and practical, community-based conservation. She first got involved by serving on the Board of Directors for the Ottawa Conservation District, where she saw firsthand the critical role districts play in protecting Michigan’s land, water, and natural resources. Subsequently, she was elected as Vice Chair for Region 7 on the State Council and was then selected to serve as Interim Executive Director.

With over 15 years of experience in strategic growth, outreach and marketing, project coordination, and leadership, Rivka brings a collaborative approach to helping Michigan’s Conservation Districts grow their impact. Her work focuses on building strong partnerships, expanding resources, and advancing innovative, locally-led solutions. She believes that when communities are empowered, they create meaningful, lasting change for both people and the environment.

Outside of work, Rivka enjoys spending time outdoors in the many beautiful Michigan landscapes, is an avid reader, and loves to cook and bake to center herself after a long day of conservation work.

• Sept. 7th- Rooted & Resilient Workshop, Muskegon, MI
• Sept. 9th- How Food Grade Grains Can Fit into Midwest Farm and Food Systems, Webinar
• Sept. 10th- Grazing Field Day, Van Buren, MI
• Sept. 11th- Farmer Field Day, Monroe, MI
• Sept. 17th & 18th- SARE Tour, Michigan
• Sept. 23rd-24th - 2025 Great Lakes Women’s Business Conference , Novi, MI
• Sept. 25th- Farms are the Tapas 2025!, Hudsonville, MI
• Oct. 1st- Cover Crop Innovations Field Day, Hickory Corners, MI
• Oct. 9th- Organic Apple Orchard Tour, Greenville, MI
• Oct. 11th- Farm Field Day with Fisheye Farm - TOPP Partner Event, Detroit, MI
• Oct. 18th- Digging Deeper Seminar and Workshop, Traverse City, MI
• Oct. 21st- MSU Presents: Webinar - What are Your Farm Certification Goals, Webinar
• Oct. 23rd- MSU Presents: Nutrient Management for Organic Farms Webinar - Part 1, Webinar
• Oct. 30th- MSU Presents: Nutrient Management for Organic Farms Webinar - Part 2, Webinar

• Sept. 10th- WCCD Farmer Listening Session, Washtenaw, MI

• Every Thursday through Sept.- 2025 MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series

• 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

The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) supports farmers who are interested in making the shift to organic production by connecting them with experienced mentors, technical resources, and community networks. Through this USDA initiative, growers can access guidance on certification, soil health practices, and marketing opportunities while building long-term relationships that strengthen local organic farming. Whether you’re just beginning to explore organic or are well on your way, TOPP helps ensure a smoother, more sustainable transition.