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The Michigan Statewide CSA Network, a collaboration between Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), MSU Extension, and Taste the Local Difference, is excited to announce their upcoming Michigan virtual CSA Fair on February 26th. Those that would like to learn more about what a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share is, what their options are, and even find a CSA program in their area are invited to join this virtual open house. The Fair will feature two different drop-in Zoom sessions - a “lunch hour”, from 12-1pm, and a “happy hour” session from 5-6pm - for participants to explore local CSA programs. Participants can join regional breakout rooms to learn more about offerings in their area, or join a general information room to learn more about community supported agriculture broadly. Those interested in participating should register through MSU Extension: https://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?eventID=CF883E5B1EA654E1058FB0CFB4BDFBA7E730104902D5BC1BF230F7BBDF0029FA Kelly Wilson, the Director of Community Partners with Taste the Local Difference, says that “CSA programs are a unique opportunity for consumers to get to know a local farm while receiving a consistent supply of farm fresh produce throughout the growing season. Since shares are typically purchased in spring, they also help farmers with critical early season funds to purchase valuable inputs for the main growing season.” Kelly also adds that, “they are fun opportunities to try new-to-you foods and, while all CSAs are unique, many provide recipes and preparation tips to help you use your share.” Taste the Local Difference supports farms and CSA programs throughout Michigan. Their online directory of farms allows users to search for a CSA program by county, growing practices, farm certifications, and more. Additionally, their blog includes articles on seasonal recipes and how to make the most of a farm share. About Taste the Local Difference: Taste the Local Difference is Michigan’s local food marketing agency and media company. Since 2004, our mission has been to educate consumers about the value of local food, and support food and farming entrepreneurs in building successful, well-connected, and thoughtful businesses. Our passionate staff members provide curated marketing services to local food businesses throughout the state. Learn more at localdifference.org

Jen Silveri is our Director of Field Operations at MIFFS and we would like to recognize all of her hard work to ensure our organization's mission. Read on to learn more about Jen and her constant work with MIFFS! "I have worked for MIFFS for 5 years as a Co-Director. Before working for MIFFS, I was actively engaged as a board member for an additional 5 years." "I am inspired by all of the amazing people I work alongside at MIFFS and all of the amazing and weird things I learn from them. I learn something new every day at work and get really excited to continue to learn more about our connections to the ecosystem. I love being able to exchange that knowledge, and get excited about it with people and cultures." "I believe climate change and land access are the biggest challenge facing agriculture today. I believe it is absolutely vital to work with the land, knowing its strengths and challenges and letting those guide what and how we farm. We need to think about how to leverage, incorporate and support the regeneration of naturally resilient features of the land that can support and enhance farming. We need to adjust our farming practices to be more in sync with natural systems rather than fighting against them. I strongly believe that one of the ways we do this is by looking to practices of other land stewards from different cultures and diverse climates, many of whom have lost access to the land or whom have had it stolen. Those voices usually have the most valuable things to teach us. We need to find better ways to support equitable access to land, seek opportunities to learn from each other and problem solve together." "If lawns were looked at as an agricultural crop, it would be the largest irrigated crop in the US. They are by large, managed by untrained homeowners who unlike farmers, are unregulated and often have no training/experience in nutrient or pest management." MIFFS would like to once again thank Jen for all of her dedication to help this organization run smoothly and thrive!

On October 7, 2020, MIFFS Veterans in Agriculture Network Coordinator, Nick Kaminski and GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Philip Preston discussed what crop insurance options exist for beekeepers and the benefits of insuring apiaries. Philip is a beekeeper and an Insurance Specialist for Greenstone Farm Credit Services in west Michigan. Philip discussed eligibility requirements for beekeepers to access crop insurance policies including: Apiculture RI (API), Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP), Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm Raised Fish (ELAP), and the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP-2). A recording of the webinar can be viewed here. Check out the resources below to learn more! Other resources are available below: Greenstone Farm Credit Services Crop Insurance Guide USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) Apiculture Website USDA RMA Apiculture Insurance Fact Sheet USDA  Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) USDA Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) USDA Whole Farm Revenue Protection Fact Sheet

Webinars & Conferences Growing Organic with USDA June 6, 2023 at 6:00:00 PM Are you an organic or transitioning producer looking for help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)? In the past year, USDA has upped its investments for organic agriculture, including the new Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) that helped create new programs as well as bolster support for existing ones. More Info Heroes to Hives workshop in Lansing, MI June 6, 2023 at 8:00:00 PM Heroes to Hives students are invited to join Michigan State University a beekeeping workshop. The hands-on session will cover hive handling, how to inspect a colony for signs of disease or stress, and how to monitor and manage varroa mites. Members of Great Plains Master Beekeeping can count this workshop toward field training hours. This event is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or other circumstances. More Info Free Webinar on Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program Applications June 8, 2023 at 6:00:00 PM The Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) is a revenue-based program that relies on tax and financial records instead of the production history Farm Service Agency programs usually require. Join USDA and members of the National Farm Income Tax Extension Committee for a discussion on completing the PARP application form and guidance on where advanced tax and accounting knowledge may be required. More Info MSU W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest Field Day June 10, 2023 at 1:00:00 PM MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension will host a forestry field day June 10, 2023 at the MSU W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest. The event will begin at 9 a.m. with a welcome and reception breakfast with MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources leadership. From 10 a.m. to 11:30, guests will enjoy walking tours of various research projects ongoing at the facility, including studies on oak wilt disease and treatment; small volume wood utilization/sawmill demonstration; maple syrup research and production; oak regeneration; advanced tree measurements; and forest tree improvements. Registration is open through June 4, 2023. More Info 2501 Webinar for Grant Applicants: Session 1 June 12, 2023 at 6:00:00 PM The 1990 Farm Bill created the 2501 Program to help underserved farmers, ranchers, and foresters, who have historically experienced limited access to USDA programs and services. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the 2501 Program to include veterans. The 2501 Program is officially called Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program. The Fiscal Year 2023 2501 Program funding opportunity webinars will be held on June 12, 2023 and July 10, 2023. More Info Savvy Tips for Starting a Small Business June 15, 2023 at 4:00:00 PM This workshop from Michigan State University Extension will equip you with valuable information about turning your ideas into a new business and will help you navigate the technicalities and avoid costly mistakes. Cost of Doing Business Risk Management Credit and Cash Flow More Info Heroes to Hives workshop in Paw Paw, MI June 20, 2023 at 9:30:00 PM Heroes to Hives students are invited to join Michigan State University a beekeeping workshop. The hands-on session will cover hive handling, how to inspect a colony for signs of disease or stress, and how to monitor and manage varroa mites. Members of Great Plains Master Beekeeping can count this workshop toward field training hours. This event is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or other circumstances. More Info Vegetable Diseases June 21, 2023 at 11:30:00 PM Learn about common diseases that can adversely affect the plants in your home vegetable garden. This presentation will include information on how to identify these diseases, as well as information on how to manage them. More Info 2023 MSU Weed Tour June 28, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Schedule 8:30 - 9:30 am Check in, coffee and donuts provided 9:30 - 11:30 am Weed Control in Corn and Soybeans (Agronomy Farm) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Lunch 1:00 - 3:00 pm Weed Control in Horticulture Crops (MSU Horticulture Farm, College Rd. South of Jolly Rd.) 1:00 - 3:00 pm Non-GMO Soybean Weed Control (Agronomy Farm) Registration closes on June 21, 2023 More Info 2501 Webinar for Grant Applicants: Session 2 July 10, 2023 at 6:00:00 PM The 1990 Farm Bill created the 2501 Program to help underserved farmers, ranchers, and foresters, who have historically experienced limited access to USDA programs and services. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the 2501 Program to include veterans. The 2501 Program is officially called Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program. The Fiscal Year 2023 2501 Program funding opportunity webinars will be held on June 12, 2023 and July 10, 2023. More Info 2023 National Children & Youth Garden Symposium July 12, 2023 at 1:00:00 PM We are excited to announce that the 2023 NCYGS will be held in Knoxville, Tennessee, July 12 – 15, in partnership with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and UT Gardens, Knoxville, the flagship location of the State Botanical Gardens. Reinvigorate your passion to educate a new generation about the importance of gardening. Network, engage, collaborate, and learn from like-minded peers across the country. Explore the vibrant city of Knoxville with its numerous green spaces and innovative, citizen-driven gardening projects. Find out why NCYGS is one of the country’s longest-running, most prestigious gardening conferences for youth educators! More Info Diseases of Herbaceous Ornamentals July 26, 2023 at 11:30:00 PM Learn about common diseases that can adversely affect the herbaceous plants in your home garden. This presentation will include information on how to identify these diseases, as well as information on how to manage them. More Info Deciduous Tree and Shrub Diseases August 23, 2023 at 11:30:00 PM Learn about common diseases that can adversely affect the trees and shrubs around your home. This presentation will include information on how to identify these diseases, as well as information on how to manage them. More Info The Bad and the Ugly: September 27, 2023 at 11:30:00 PM Certain plant diseases are so horrible or so deadly that composting is not an appropriate way to get rid of affected plants. Learn about some of these diseases and their proper management. More Info Diseases of Houseplants October 25, 2023 at 11:30:00 PM As gardening moves indoors for the winter, growing houseplants can prove challenging. Learn about common houseplant diseases that adversely affect your indoor gardening efforts. This presentation will include information on how to identify these diseases, as well as information on how to manage them. More Info Diseases of Evergreens November 16, 2023 at 12:30:00 AM Learn about common diseases that can adversely affect the evergreens around your home. This presentation will include information on how to identify these diseases, as well as information on how to manage them. More Info Ten Cool Diseases You Can Learn to Love (and Identify by Eye) December 14, 2023 at 12:30:00 AM Learn about ten fascinating plant diseases with such distinctive signs and symptoms that you can identify them by eye. This presentation will cover the biology of the organisms that cause these diseases and tidbits of disease control information as well. More Info Heading 2