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March 7th, 2022
Food Producers - Opportunities Grant Opportunities - Classifieds - Culture
Food Producers
Survey on Reduced Tillage Methods for Vegetable Production
 Rue Genger and Claire Strader at UW-Madison are surveying vegetable growers on use of reduced tillage production methods as part of a larger research study into methods that increase resilience to extreme weather events. The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. Your participation will help them develop better research and education programs for reduced tillage in vegetable production. 
 
To start the survey, please scan the QR code below or click this link: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eleWVfVQpM5ue9g 

 
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:
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

 

MSU Extension to Host Agriculture for Tomorrow Conference

March 9, 2022 9:15 a.m. - 4:05 p.m. Bay de Noc Community College Main Campus Joseph Heirman University Center
Michigan State University Extension is hosting the 15th annual Agriculture for Tomorrow Conference on March 9, 2022, at Bay College in Escanaba, Michigan, to help Upper Peninsula farmers and homesteaders stay informed, up to date and profitable.

The conference will open with a keynote address from Abbey Palmer of MSU Extension and Lori Wardynski, agriculture instructor with Ontonagon/Gogebic Intermediate School District. The keynote address will focus on the recent growth of agriculture education in Upper Peninsula K-12 schools. Click for more information and to register

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Not Yet Detected in Michigan but Found in Nine Other States

MDARD asking poultry owners to increase biosecurity and register for email alerts

LANSING, MI — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) continues to take a proactive, measured approach to animal disease response. While no cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been found in Michigan, MDARD is urging owners and caretakers of poultry and other domestic birds, including backyard poultry, to practice strict biosecurity when tending to their animals and to sign-up for email alerts on the disease. Click here to read the full article. 

Opportunities

U.P. Master Gardener Association presentations at Peter White Public Library
Please join them at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 19th
The U.P. Master Gardener Association is excited to announce their upcoming U.P. Master Gardener Association presentation at Peter White Public Library. Their guest speaker will be Shailah Pelto. Shailah's presentation "Forcing Spring Bulbs in Winter" was postponed in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic and subsequent closure of the library's meeting room facilities. Please join them again at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 19th. The presentation will be interesting, fun and educational. 

About the Presentation:
During her presentation Shailah Pelto will share her experience forcing bulbs and how to create your own indoor bulb garden that can be blooming as early as in March! Shailah will also speak about her new flower shop Samara Flower Co., and the urban farm she is creating in Negaunee.
USDA Value-Added Producer Grant - Informational Session
March 22, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Waishkey Bay Farm,10135 W Mills Rd, Brimley, MI 49715
USDA Rural Development is partnering with MSU Extension and the MSU Product Center to host seminars on the USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant. This Grant opportunity is open to Independent Producers, Agricultural Producer Groups, Farmer Cooperatives and Majority-Controlled Producer Based Businesses. Funds may be used for activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products that create and expand market opportunities, create new products and increase producer income. Staff will review the application process including deadlines, matching funds and other eligibility requirements. Register today to learn more! 
 
MDARD Announces Value-Added and Regional Food Systems Grant Opportunity
Proposals due by 3 p.m., March 24, 2022
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development is now accepting applications for its latest round of value-added grants. The Value-Added and Regional Food Systems Grant Program is designed to help retain, expand, attract, or develop agricultural processing in Michigan through targeted investments in technology and equipment, feasibility studies, healthy food access, regional food systems and urban agriculture. Grant proposals must be received by 3:00 p.m. (EST) on March 24, 2022.

The maximum grant award eligible is $100,000 per proposal. Each project will require a minimum 30 percent match. The value-added proposals will be evaluated through a competitive selection process. Applications for grant funds will be asked to outline how the project will impact and produce measurable outcomes for Michigan’s food and agriculture industry. Those interested in applying should visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants to view the application and grant guidelines. 

Saturday, March 26th, 2022 - Details to Follow
Peter White Public Library, Lower Level in the MACC.
Grant Opportunities

USDA Grant Opportunities Other Grant Opportunities
Classifieds

*NEW POSTING* Farmer - Yooper Produce, Bark River, MI
Yooper Produce is located in Bark River. They run a CSA program. Looking for people that would like to work either for a CSA share or for hire. They need weed management, harvesting, cleaning, and packaging help. Planting starts the first week of June. Harvesting starts the first week of July and goes through the end of September. Two hours per day in the mornings is preferred but can be flexible. Please call 906-280-5434 Laura.

*NEW POSTING* Center for Regional Food Systems: Seeking Local Food Council Fellow
Application Deadline: March 25th, 2022
This person will work with two initiatives: the Michigan Local Food Council Network (MLFCN) and the Michigan Good Food Charter (Charter). Together, the MLFCN and the Charter provide a foundation for food policy that supports healthy people, thriving economies, sustainable ecosystems, and an equitable society. Find the full position description on our website and on the MSU Careers Portal(posting #764065). Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 25, 2022 at 11:55 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Questions about the position or search process should be directed to Kolia Souza, Food Systems Equity & Advocacy Specialist, at ksouza@msu.edu. Visit foodsystems.msu.edu to learn more about the Center for Regional Food Systems. 

*NEW POSTING* MSU Extension Crop Production Educator (3 Positions)
Application Deadline: March 30th, 2022
MSU Extension (MSUE) is searching for educators to fill three field crop production positions. As part of the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute (AABI), these positions provide leadership and expertise in crop production. In these positions, you will identify, design, implement and evaluate programs that meet needs related to the sustainable production of the diverse crop mix, as well as other agronomic crops. Candidates can indicate their position/location preference within their cover letter.

Upper Peninsula Crop Production Educator
MI’s Upper Peninsula (UP) is a cropping region where farmers produce corn, soybeans, wheat, dry beans, forages, potatoes, and other vegetables. You will act as an expert for crop production practices for a diverse mix of crops, and some integrated livestock systems. You will work to improve efficiency and sustainability. There is space available for this position to work in an MSUE office in Delta, Menominee, or Dickinson County.

Forage-Livestock Crop Production Educator
The eastern Upper Peninsula (UP) has growing conditions that are well suited for forage production. Forages (hay, haylage, corn silage, pasture) for livestock feed or for sale are the principal commercial field crops in the UP. Through your leadership, you will act as an expert providing research and outreach that will improve the efficiency and sustainability of forage production, marketing, and feeding. There is space available for this position to work from the Luce County MSUE office in Newberry, MI.
 
Northern Michigan Crop Production Educator
Northeast MI is a diverse field crop production region in which farmers produce corn, soybeans, wheat, dry edible beans and potatoes. Through your leadership, you will act as an expert providing research and outreach that will lead to efficient and sustainable production of the existing diverse crop mix, as well as explore other agronomic crops, with an emphasis on improving agriculture resiliency. Additionally, your work can include crop and pest scouting, reporting that info to the industry, and troubleshooting field level challenges. There is space available for this position to work from the Presque Isle County MSUE office in Rogers City, MI.

View full descriptions and apply through the MSU careers page. Search for posting 764914 using the Job Search field or email msue.hr@msu.edu for questions. 

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.

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).

Have something to list? Email your listing to ehopp@marquettefood.coop and Eli will add it to the next edition!
Culture

Spring into Learning!

By Emma Beauchamp, Editor in Chief for Taste the Local Difference
You’re never too old to learn something new! This Spring, many of our partners across Michigan are offering learning opportunities to teach you skills in the kitchen and in the garden! There are virtual and in-person options listed for children, adults, and even the whole family. Click here to read the full article. 
Supporters: MDARD Supplemental Would Provide for Several Ag Needs
Significant agricultural industry priorities could see significant one-time boosts in grant funding under a proposed supplemental appropriations bill whose sponsor said this week would allow for transformational changes to the industry across the state. On Wednesday, a $1.42 billion supplemental for the 2021-22 fiscal year was introduced that would provide all General Fund monies to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The one-time funding would include significant grants for items including bovine tuberculous mitigation, food security, protein processors, rural broadband expansion and housing for agricultural workers. Click here to read the full report.

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.



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