Farm Seeker June Newsletter

Your Monthly Farm Seeker Update
June 2026
June is one of the busiest months on the farm. Crops are in the ground, livestock are on pasture, and Michigan’s agricultural landscape is in full motion. While established farmers are focused on this season’s work, many aspiring farmers are also thinking about the future by searching for land, refining business plans, and building the relationships that will help them farm for years to come.
At MIFarmLink, we have been connecting with farmers and landowners across the state through webinars, field days, conferences, and one-on-one conversations. One theme continues to come up: preparation matters. The strongest land access opportunities often begin long before a property becomes available. A complete profile, a clear vision for your operation, and a thoughtful business plan can help landowners understand who you are and what you're hoping to build.
As you browse opportunities this month, take a few minutes to review your Farm Seeker profile. Could you add more details about your farming experience, goals, or land needs? Do you have photos that help tell your story? Small updates can make a big difference in helping the right landowner find you.
This time of year is also a great opportunity to get out and make connections. Across Michigan, field days, farm tours, and agricultural events are bringing farmers together to share knowledge, learn new skills, and build relationships. The connections you make today could lead to mentorship, partnerships, or even future land opportunities.
Whether you are actively searching, gaining experience, or laying the groundwork for your future farm, every step forward counts. We are glad you are part of the MIFarmLink community, and we look forward to supporting your journey.
Happy farming,
The MIFarmLink Team 🌱
Cycling Salamander Gallery and Gardens
Charlevoix, MI, Charlevoix County
Hyer Farm
Skandia, MI, Marquette County
Super-Swale Plot
Muskegon, MI, Muskegon County
Bulletin E-3427 Introduction to Renting Farmland
Finding Farmland Calculator
Profile Tips
Your profile is often the first impression a landowner will have of you, so it is worth taking a few minutes to make sure it tells your story well. Review your profile for spelling and grammar, fill out each section as completely as possible, and be specific about your farming experience, goals, and land needs.
Photos can also help bring your profile to life. If you prefer not to include photos of yourself, consider uploading pictures of past crops, livestock, farm projects, farmers market displays, or other examples of your work.
If you have a business plan, be sure to mention it in your profile and highlight the vision for your operation. If you do not have a business plan yet, that is okay. Schedule an advising appointment with MIFarmLink, and we can connect you with resources, templates, and guidance to help you get started.
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.
Region 7 - Becky Huttenga
Region 8 - Mark Trowbridge
Region 9 - Terri Eden
Region 10 - Allegra Baird
- June 11th- Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series – Herbicide Resistance Update
- June 17th- Third Annual Food-Grade Grains Field Day, Hickory Corners, MI
- June 18th- Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series – Hot Topics!
- June 20th- Farmers Teaching Farmers Conference, Lansing, MI
- June 22nd to 23rd- 2026 State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference, Adrian, MI
- June 25th- Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series – Corn and Soybean Disease Management
- July 6th- July Michigan Beekeeping Office Hours
- July 8th- Monthly Drop-in Organic Farming Q & A - July 2026
- July 9th- Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series – Irrigation Management Considerations
- July 16th- TOPP Educator Webinars: Organic Certification for Urban Farms
- July 21st- Washtenaw TOPP Farm Tours: Explore 3 farms growing seeds, flowers, and more!
- July 23rd- TOPP Educator Webinars: Research & Education that Centers Farmer Knowledge
- July 30th- How producers weigh the cost-benefit of organic certification
- July 31st- Berrien County Organic Agriculture: Tour 3 Value-Added and Agritourism Farms