Landowner August Newsletter

As summer begins to wind down, we know many landowners are busy managing their properties, farms, and seasonal responsibilities. If you haven't seen many new connection requests recently, don't be discouraged. Finding the right farmer for your land takes time, and meaningful connections happen when both landowners and farm seekers are prepared to start the conversation.

Now is a great time to review your Farm Profile, update any details about your property, and think about what qualities you are looking for in a future farmer. Clear communication about your goals, expectations, and vision for the land can help create a stronger foundation for a successful land connection.

MIFarmLink continues to provide this free service to help preserve Michigan farmland and support the next generation of farmers, but we need community support to keep this resource available. As we await future grant opportunities, donations and sponsorships play an important role in sustaining our work and continuing to connect landowners with farmers across the state.

We also invite you to join us at upcoming events like the Match & Mingle following the Washtenaw County Conservation District Field Day on August 28, where landowners can meet farmers, agricultural organizations, and partners working to support the future of Michigan agriculture.

The MIFarmLink Team 🌱

One of the greatest challenges facing first-generation farmers is finding trusted guidance as they build their operations. Michigan's First-Generation Farmer Mentorship Program is designed to help address that need by connecting beginning farmers with experienced mentors who can provide practical advice, encouragement, and industry knowledge.

As a farmland owner, supporting programs like this helps strengthen the future of Michigan agriculture by preparing the next generation of farmers for long-term success. If you're working with or know an aspiring farmer, consider sharing this opportunity with them.

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.

• 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