MIFarmLink October Newsletter
Volunteer with Us!
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.
S Steinbeck Road
A 15-acre parcel on Steinbeck Road in Rudyard offers a unique chance for self-sufficient living or small-scale farming. The property features productive hay fields, space for gardens, and a 30x72 greenhouse for extended growing seasons. With electricity, a private well, barns, irrigation, and road access already in place, it’s ready for your farm dreams. Additional storage includes a 30x40 coverall frame and a 24x32 garage with an insulated room for starting plants. Conveniently located on a corner lot at M-48 and Steinbeck Road, this property is listed at $99,500.
Interested? Create a profile to communicate with the farm/farmer.
Meet Michy Monsod
A passionate newcomer with a big vision: creating an organic, sustainable farm that nourishes people, animals, and the earth. From flowers and fruits to goat yoga and even a dog adoption sanctuary, Michy dreams of a farm full of connection, community, and healing. She’s looking for land across Michigan (5–25 acres) and is open to partnerships, leases, mentorships, and more. If you value sustainability, compassion, and creativity, Michy might be the perfect farmer to bring your land to life!
Know of available land? Help farmers like them find the right opportunity at mifarmlink.org.
Becky Huttenga
Conservation Districts Continue to Deliver for Michigan Communities, While Advocating for Stronger Support and Funding
Public trust and transparency are the foundation of Michigan’s Conservation Districts, a statewide network of community-led agencies serving the state for over 80 years. Recent media reports have raised questions about governance and accessibility, but often omit critical context about Districts’ community connections, fiscal accountability, and long-standing impact. In Fiscal Year 2022 alone, Conservation Districts hosted 1,791 outreach events reaching over 129,000 people, attended 1,146 local government meetings, and supported farmers, restored habitats, protected watersheds, and controlled invasive species. Operating under Michigan’s Open Meetings Act, FOIA, and multiple oversight layers, most funding comes from competitive grants with strict deliverables, reporting, and auditing requirements.
Many challenges cited in reporting stem from historic gaps in operational funding, which were largely absent from 2008 until 2022, limiting staff capacity and board development. Since receiving renewed state support, MACD and partners at MDARD have strengthened governance, expanded director training, improved election processes, and upgraded communications resources. Conservation Districts remain deeply engaged in Michigan communities, and residents are encouraged to attend meetings, consider joining local boards, and support the shared mission of protecting our land, water, and natural resources. Read the full article here.
Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)
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.
