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Farm Seeker June Newsletter

Farm Seeker June Newsletter
Farm SeekerJune Newsletter

Your Monthly Farm Seeker Update 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 🌱

Available Land Available Land

farm with tree and house on property
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Cycling Salamander Gallery and Gardens

Charlevoix, MI, Charlevoix County

land with fall colored trees and open space
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Hyer Farm

Skandia, MI, Marquette County

snow on the ground and tree with no leaves
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Super-Swale Plot

Muskegon, MI, Muskegon County

Resources Resources

Bulletin E-3427 Introduction to Renting Farmland
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Bulletin E-3427 Introduction to Renting Farmland

This publication offers guidance about how to navigate through the rental process and how to reduce the anxiety that often comes with it. We’ll review starting points for determining value, factors affecting farmland value, ways of finding average county rental rates, and types of lease agreements. We will also review how to approach rent negotiation with landowners, from preparing for first-time meetings to setting the stage for easier renewal conversations
National Young Farmers Coalition
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Finding Farmland Calculator

The Finding Farmland Calculator is a unique mortgage calculator designed to teach farmers about their financing options and creditworthiness when buying farmland. Build one or more purchase scenarios, then compare the total costs, monthly payments, and your scores on several financial ratios. Download the results to have on hand when meeting with a loan officer.
MIFarmLink Farm Seeker Profile Example, screenshot from website
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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.

Meet Your Michigan Navigators 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.

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Becky Huttenga

616.970.0679 | bhuttenga@miottawa.org

Becky is based in Ottawa County and serves Southern Michigan.

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Will Manty

231.929.7911 | wmanty@gtrlc.org

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

Regional Representatives 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.

MACD region map, 2025
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Region 1- OPEN

Apply through the form linked here.

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Region 2 - James DeDecker

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Region 3 - Kate Bailey

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Region 4 - Susan Schwager

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Region 5 - OPEN

Apply through the form linked here.

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Region 6 - Paul Gross

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Region 7 - Becky Huttenga

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Region 8 - Mark Trowbridge

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Region 9 - Terri Eden

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Region 10 - Allegra Baird

Events Events

  • 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
More Events
donate today mifarmlink graphic
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Funding Partners Funding Partners

TOPP logo
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TOPP

SARE logo
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SARE

Towsley logo
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Towsley Foundation

MIFarmLink
www.mifarmlink.org
MIFarmLink is building bridges between Michigan landowners and the next generation of farmers. As experienced farmers retire and new growers search for opportunities, our program helps ensure farmland stays in farming. We offer connections, resources, and support to make smooth, successful farm transitions possible — keeping Michigan’s agricultural legacy strong for years to come
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