|
Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference
Live Virtual Sessions February 2-6, 2022
The Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference promotes and builds a local vibrant agriculture community, equips the small farm community with the tools to be successful, and provides a forum for the open exchange of ideas within the small farm community. Click here for session information. Click here to register for the event.
|
|
|
The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in §112.22(c) that requires, "At least one supervisor or responsible party from your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration."
This one day course will provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan. After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course. To receive an AFDO certificate, a participant must be present for the entire training and submit the appropriate paperwork to their trainer at the end of the course. The course Fee is $50 for Michigan residents and $85 for non-Michigan residents. Click here to register.
Remote Dates:
February 15, 2022 – Remote Training via Zoom
March 8, 2022 – Remote Training via Zoom
March 22, 2022 – Remote Training via Zoom
April 12, 2022 – Remote Training via Zoom
April 26, 2022 – Remote Training via Zoom
|
|
|
Advanced Grazing School - February 24-25, 2022
Registration Deadline: February 20, 2022
Brimley, MI - Michigan State University Extension will be conducting an Advanced Grazing School February 24, and 25, 2022, at Waishkey Bay Farm, 10135 W. Mills Rd, Brimley, MI 49715. This workshop is for graziers that have multiple years of experience, use a system of rotational grazing, and want to further enhance the outcomes of their grazing efforts. The emphasis of this workshop will not be on the right thing to do, but on the ideas and information a producer can use to further their grazing program. The cost will be $150/person if signed up by February 20, 2022. Group discounts will be given to farms bringing more than one participant, cost for group participants is $130/person. The program is limited to 30 people, and they encourage farms to bring two people for group work. Registration deadline is February 20, 2022.
Register at https://events.anr.msu.edu/advancedgrazingschool2022. For more information contact Kable Thurlow at 998-426-7741 or thurlowk@msu.edu or Frank Wardynski at 906-884-4386 or wardynsk@msu.edu.
|
|
|
2022 U.P. Master Gardener Association Membership Dues
Deadline: March 1, 2022
It is time to renew your membership. The Association is planning a delayed start to their programs this year because of the increase in Covid cases. They are looking to schedule a March event if everything goes well. There is a deadline this year of March 1st to get your $25.00 membership fee in. Please mail your checks to: Linda Andriacchi, 1500 Aspen Drive, Ishpeming, Michigan 49849.
Note: The U.P. Master Gardener Association is affiliated with the Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Program. For information on becoming an extension master gardener contact Rebecca Krans, kransr@msu.edu.
|
|
|
Common Findings from On-Farm Readiness Reviews
By Emily Hale, Produce Safety Technician MSU Extension
Many fruit and vegetable growers are taking part in a program called an On-farm Readiness Review (OFRR). An OFRR is a review of your farm’s practices under the lens of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. MSU Extension and the Conservation Districts have done many OFRRs across the state and some common themes have emerged. Click here to read more on where farms excel and where they have issues.
|
|
|
FACT SHEET: The Biden-Harris Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain
On January 3, the White House released its Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain. The plan aims to address competition and fairness in the meat and poultry sector by dedicating $1 billion in American Rescue Plan funds to expand independent processing capacity. The White House fact sheet on the “Biden-Harris Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain” can be found here.
|
|
|
Food Systems Planning: Resilience, Relationships & Policy
Friday, February 11, 2022 12:00pm - 1:30pm EST
This webcast tells the story of the Michigan Local Food Council Network, an organization that brings together food councils to build their individual and collective capacities to work on food and food policy issues, operate effectively, and engage their communities, through peer-to-peer learning. In this presentation, Megan Masson-Minock (Carlisle Wortman Associates, Inc.) and Rachael Pressley (Western U.P. Planning & Development Region) will share lessons of building relationships and resilience through this statewide network and strategies for integrating food systems planning into local municipal government efforts. Registration link here.
|
|
|
Monthly Webinars on Rural Grocery Succession Planning
Webinar 2 - February 17, 2022: Business Valuation 101
The Rural Grocery Initiative at Kansas State University is hosting a series of free webinars on business transition. This monthly series is aimed at grocers, prospective grocers, resource providers, and community stakeholders who care about retaining and supporting rural grocery. Creating a transition plan helps ensure the grocery store continues operating, even after the owner exits the business, which is crucial in rural communities, where grocery stores are anchor institutions. Webinars will be held every third Thursday at 2:30 PM Eastern, 1:30 PM Central. Register here. To learn more, visit www.ruralgrocery.org.
|
|
USDA Grant Opportunities
Other Grant Opportunities
|
|
|
Intern Positions and Farm Manager - Partridge Creek Farm, Ishpeming, MI
Partridge Creek Farm is a 501(c)3 educational farm in Ishpeming, Michigan with a mission of building a healthy, prosperous and empowered local community through food and wellness education. Over the past few years we have developed a robust internship program with the help of many inspiring young people. Here are the 2022 intern roles, please consider applying if you have an interest in a career in non-profits, community development, or regenerative agriculture. Additionally, Partridge Creek Farm, in partnership with Ishpeming School District No.1, is building a downtown Intergenerational Farm and farm-to-school program and we are seeking a farm manager to help guide the farm planning, curriculum writing and eventually oversee the farm operations. Here is the role description. Please reach out to May with any questions, may@partridgecreekfarm.org.
Farmer - Delta Garden Farm, Garden MI
Seeking an experienced farmer to help with cattle operation and grain crops on an 800+ acre farm in Garden, Michigan on the Upper Peninsula. Now accepting applications. Farmer is responsible for daily care, health, and over all well-being of cattle and will have experience in hay or grain production. Applicants should have the ability to lift up to 50lbs, able to operate various farm equipment, and provide basic repair and maintenance. Compensation is competitive based on experience. Housing is available for this position. Please forward a summary of your current skills and relevant work history to deltagardenfarm@gmail.com or contact us at 773-929-6007. Please also include a contact number so we can call you to discuss the opportunity further.
Multiple Positions - Seeds & Spores Family Farm, Chocolay, MI
Seeds and Spores Family Farm is located in Chocolay Township, twelve miles south of Marquette. Our diverse "beyond organic" farm is home to eleven hoop houses, five acres of produce, perennial fruits, medicinal herbs, hemp, and pasture raised livestock. We are in the process of assembling our farm crew for the 2022 season. There are three or four open positions, one of which includes running our pack shed on harvest/wash/pack days. All positions include working as a team under the guidance of experienced farm managers. The preferred commitment is full time between May 1st and October 31st, and all crew members must be able to preform manual labor in all types of weather. Prior agricultural experience is favorable. If you are interested in learning more, please send a note and resume to seedsandspores@gmail.com.
Farm Manager Position - Lake Effect Farm, Copper Harbor, MI
Lake Effect Farm is tucked in and around Trails End Campground in Copper Harbor MI. They transitioned the farm from a community garden to a production farm in Spring of 2021. They are looking to complete infrastructure in 2022, and move into winter production. They are looking for someone to grow with them as they build this farm.
The Farm Manager at Lake Effect Farm is primarily responsible for the day to day operations of the farm. The Farm Manager works closely with the Field crew and the owners to ensure that the farm is profitable through organic vegetable production, sales, and tours and event management. The manager will be responsible for managing, planning and overseeing the success of this farm. This ranges from field preparation through quality harvest and product delivery and sales. If you're a person that thrives in the outdoors, has high regard for good food, enjoys physical activity, finds problem solving exciting, loves people and is a natural leader plus enjoys getting your hands dirty; this job might be for you. Click here to learn more and to apply.
Institute of Agricultural Technologies Program Coordinator - Bay College
Application Deadline: July 23, 2023
IAT Programs Coordinator – This position will be responsible for the overall coordination and management of the IAT and other feeder programs located at Bay College. Visit the Institute of Agricultural Technology at www.iat.msu.edu for program information. The position provides leadership for the IAT programs located at Bay Community College. The current program offering is Agricultural Operations. Responsibilities include:(1) counseling and advising students; (2) student recruitment, and internship placement and monitoring; (3) teaching courses in career development, leadership, communications, internship and other courses in the candidates area of expertise and/or as needed by the program; (4) fostering a working relationship with the agricultural industry, high school counselors and teachers, and diverse communities in the service district of Bay Community College; (5) evaluation of the programs and curriculum; (6) working closely with appropriate Departments for program delivery and development, and (7) assisting the with the exploration and development of new off-campus programs in partnership with Bay Community College. To find out more information and to apply, click here.
SALE: Hay, 1st, 2nd, 3rd crop alfalfa baleage. Call Jim (906) 644-2107.
FREE: 30 ACRE HAY STUMPAGE. Looking for farmer to cut hayfield or develop crop annually. No rent or lease required. McMillan, Lakefield Township. Call Ed or Doris (713) 851-5987 or (281) 787-3179.
FOR SALE: Simmental Bulls, mature and young, registered and non-registered. Call Duane Kolpack (906) 362-6862.
FOR SALE: 2nd and 3rd crop alfalfa, small square bales. Marenger Potato Farm, Flat Rock. (906) 384-6587.
FOR SALE: Hay, large square bales 3x3x7.75 Timothy grass, 4,000 to sell. Former dairy farm doing all big square bales hay. Call Dave Bell in the EUP 906-440-6455 or email Bellsdairy@yahoo.com. Also a realtor in the UP so contact me for real estate here, Dave@smith-company.com.
Beautiful property in the Upper Michigan, 130 acres In Perkins for sale or pasture for rent for livestock for the 2021 season. Beautiful river running through it. Great for hunting, building or developing, or simple grazing livestock. Land is divided into 9 paddocks with high tensile electric fence and 5 stock watering ponds. Call (906) 359-4825.
FARM FOR SALE: Upper Peninsula Farm with over 1,100 acres, water access, maple syrup production, and much more! Contact Henry DeGroot (906) 238-4251, hjdegroot@alphacomm.net. Upper Peninsula Farm For Sale | Wells Township | Shady Lane Farms (wixsite.com).
FOR SALE: John Deere B. Clean, less than 50 hrs on rebuild. Allis-Chalmers C. New paint, runs good. Hay Hauler. Hauls up to 10—4x6 round bales, use spear on back, don’t have to unhook. Call Terry (906)644-2777.
FOR SALE: International 5000, Self-propelled 14 foot windrower cab-hydro-diesel, has detachable hay conditioner. Stored inside, field ready. $5000 (906) 988-2397.
FOR SALE:
52’elevator Kewanen PTO drag line NH 56 Rake
Gehl Round Baler 4x4
3 pt wheel rake 16’ wide
3 hay wagons with racks All used last year
(906) 988-2397
FOR SALE: Simm Angus Bulls-Genomic Tested, Balanced EPD’s, Great Disposition, born Fall of 2020. (906)281-0808 or (815)614-0163.
Have something to list? Email your listing to ehopp@marquettefood.coop and Eli will add it to the next edition!
|
|
|
3 Tips to Thrive this Winter by Reducing Stress
By Melissa Wierema a licensed professional counselor providing telehealth therapy with Action Consulting and Therapy throughout MI and IL. You can find her in the pastures of her regenerative farm, Up North Heritage Farm.
Working in farming and the food industry creates its own unique challenges like supply chain delays, high feed prices, lack of workers, unruly customers, unpredictable weather, or the uncertainty of the pandemic. If you are feeling a bit stressed out, remember you are not alone. As a farmer, I spend half my time gathering eggs, checking on animals or packing orders for customers. The other half is spent in a private practice providing therapy where I hear the repeated concerns of stress, anxiety and depression. There are simple ways to make a big difference in your daily mental health outlook – click here to find three tips for winter wellness.
|
|
|
20 Michigan Agriculture Facts You Might Not Have Known
By Guest Blogger Barbara Ann Siemen, Pure Michigan
Michigan is known for many things, but maybe the most under-the-radar industry is the state's diverse agriculture scene. Michigan farming not only provides consumers with food and fiber on nearly 10 million acres of farmland, but it also lays the foundation for a dynamic food and agriculture industry, making it one of our state's critical economic drivers, substantially contributing to our state's economy each year. Click here to read more.
|
|
More to read...
Check out the U.P. Food Exchange's website here.
Check out the UPFE Online Marketplace for institutional purchasers here.
Check out Michigan's Conservation Districts website here.
Check out the Western U.P. Food System Council's website here.
Check out the Michigan's On-Farm Produce Safety website here.
Check out the Taste the Local Difference newsletter here.
Check out the MSU UP Research & Extension Center monthly newsletter here.
Check out Marquette Food Co-op's newsletter here.
Regional Email Listserv for Western UP Growers and Food Provisioners
This is a peer-to-peer listserv open to posts about to all things about growing and sharing food in our region. More information about it can be found here.
|
|
|
|
|
