Farm Seeker August Newsletter

As summer begins to wind down, we hope you're finding time to prepare for the opportunities ahead. This time of year can still be busy on Michigan farms, so don't be discouraged if connection requests have slowed. Keep your profile up to date, continue reaching out, and stay engaged. The right connection can take time.

If you're looking to connect in person, we'd love to see you at our Match & Mingle on August 28, immediately following the Washtenaw County Conservation District Field Day. This informal networking event is a great opportunity to meet landowners, farm seekers, and agricultural professionals in a relaxed setting while making valuable connections.

As we look toward fall, we're also looking for volunteers to help at the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) Annual Conference this October. Volunteering is a great way to build your network, meet conservation and agriculture professionals, and connect with others across the state.

MIFarmLink continues to provide our services at no cost to landowners and farm seekers, but we need your support to keep it that way. As we await future grant opportunities, donations and sponsorships are critical to helping us continue connecting Michigan farmers with farmland. Every contribution helps ensure this resource remains available for the agricultural community.

Happy farming,

The MIFarmLink Team 🌱

Finding available farmland is an exciting first step, but asking the right questions can make all the difference in finding the right fit. As you explore listings, consider asking about the property's history, available infrastructure, water access, soil conditions, lease or purchase expectations, and any long-term goals the landowner has for the property. Coming prepared with a farm business plan can also help you stand out by demonstrating your goals, financial readiness, and vision for the future. Even if your plan is still a work in progress, taking the time to develop one will help you have more productive conversations and build confidence with potential landowners.

If you're a first-generation farmer looking to build your skills, strengthen your operation, and learn from experienced producers, applications are now open for Michigan's First-Generation Farmer Mentorship Program.

This program connects beginning farmers with experienced mentors who can provide personalized guidance, practical knowledge, and real-world insights to help participants navigate the challenges of starting and growing a farm. Whether you're looking to improve production practices, business management, or decision-making, this mentorship offers valuable support throughout your farming journey.

Learn more about the program:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/michigan-farm-mentors/First-Generation-Farmer-Mentorship/

Meet the mentors:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/michigan-farm-mentors/First-Generation-Farmer-Mentorship/meet-the-mentors

Apply today:
https://form.jotform.com/261465085350052

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.

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.

• Aug. 11th- West Michigan: Explore Farm to Institution Markets from Schools to Hospitals
• Aug. 12th- Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Field Day
• Aug. 14th- Cropping System Field Day
• Aug. 18th- Northwest Michigan: Farming for People, Purpose, and Profit
• Aug. 18th- 2026 Farm Mentor program tour
• Aug. 21st- Healthy Soils for Strong Farms
• Aug. 25th- Farmers Markets at the Capitol
• Aug. 27th- 2026 Farm Mentor program tour
• Aug. 28th- WCCD Field Day
• Aug. 28th- MIFarmLink & TOPP Match & Mingle
• Sept. 4th- MIFarmLink Open Hour
• Sept. 10th- 2026 Farm Mentor program tour

MIFarmLink is made possible through the support of our community. As we continue connecting Michigan farmland owners with aspiring and established farmers, we are actively seeking donations and sponsorships to help sustain and grow the program. Your support allows us to provide free resources, educational programming, land matching services, and outreach across the state.

If you or your organization are interested in supporting MIFarmLink, please consider making a donation or reaching out to discuss sponsorship opportunities. Every contribution helps strengthen the future of Michigan agriculture. Sponsorship Inquiries: info@mifarmlink.org