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WIA Farm Development Center Community Building Farming Contact Us Rise-up-button-600 Rise Up! Button, MIFFS MIFFS-DigIn-w-tag-button-art Dig In! Button MIFFS MIFFS-RiseUp&DigIn-w-tag-button-art-clear Rise Up & Dig In Button, MIFFS Rise-up-button-600 Rise Up! Button, MIFFS 1/3 Farm Development Centers are collaborative farming spaces for new and beginning farmers to experience farming without significant investments in land or equipment. The farmers lease land and share farm infrastructure while developing personal farm businesses and building equity. This model provides opportunities to learn from each other, market cooperatively, participate in community workshops and begin a farming business with limited risk. These centers help remove critical barriers to aspiring farmers like access to land, resources, equipment, and education. ​ The Women-In-Agriculture (WIA) Farm Development Center supports women who are beginning a farming business, provides resources to become economically independent farm business owners, and helps to reduce barriers in starting a successful farm business. The WIA Farm Development Center is aligned with the Community Health Needs Assessment for Genesee County and the City of Flint. It was developed by local health service providers who prioritized Nutrition and Diet as focus areas for local program implementation. The WIA Farm Development Center fits the Genesys strategic objective where keeping people healthy is just as important as treating them when they are sick. Healthy food access helps to accomplish that goal. The WIA Farm Development Center serves as an economic development opportunity to expand the capacity of women to be a part of the local economy. Regional Partners: Genesys Health System (GHS) MSU Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) MSU Student Organic Farm Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF) ROWE Professional Services Company USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) , Michigan ​ Women in Ag Farm Harvest Gathering

The Michigan Family Farms Conference is more than just a conference. Year after year, farmers, educators, and food system professionals gather to network, learn, and share resources and experiences. We also come together to celebrate diversity, expand our knowledge of sustainable agriculture, and strengthen the supportive network of farmers that we know is essential for building resilient farms. ​ The Michigan Family Farms Conference offers beginning, small-scale, and culturally diverse farmers a chance to network, learn, and build sustainable family farms. It is an energizing, hands-on event featuring multiple tracks of breakout sessions plus a youth track to engage the whole family. ​ The sessions are such an important part of the day of learning. Below is a selection of the workshop presentations from the conference. Click on the title of the workshop to access the presentation or click on the presenter to access the resource they represented at the conference. Title Presenter Conference Year Creative Intercropping Ideas Lance Kraai, New City Urban Farm 2020 USDA Round Table and Listening Session Jen Silveri, MIFFS 2020 Continuous Improvement through Corrective Action Phil Britton, Fresh Systems, LLC 2020 Design Your Vegetable Crop Rotation Katie Brandt, MSU Student Organic Farm 2020 Farm Viability Session Christine Quane, Eastern Market Partnership 2020 Aspects of Racial Equity in Food Systems Rich Pirog, CRFS 2019 Using Humified Compost as the Foundation to Soil Health Joel Clifton, Morgan Composting, Inc 2019 Beyond Survival: Risk Management for Growth Steve Feinman & Ed Krupa, CPA 2019 Race Equity Issues on Dairy Farms: A Focus on "Milkers" Rubén Martinez, Ph.D., Julian Samora Research Institute 2019 Food Safety at Farmers Markets Michelle Gagliardi, MIFMA 2019

About Us A Program Built By Veterans For Veterans Our Story Since 2015, the Heroes to Hives program has been leading the nation in training military veterans, National Guard members, Active Duty personnel, Reservists and their dependents in the art and science of beekeeping. Founded by Bee Wise Farms LLC's Adam Ingrao PhD (Entomologist), and Lacey Ingrao MA (Transpersonal Psychologist), and Michigan Food and Farming Systems’ Veterans in Agriculture Network, the program began as a way to engage Service Members in beekeeping as an opportunity for them to continue serving their nation by protecting our nation’s food security and work with other Service Members to recreate the support network of the military. To date, over 10,000 service members and their dependents have taken the Heroes to Hives course. ​ Our Partners Heroes to Hives is recognized across the nation as the premier beekeeping education course for Service Members. The program is a true collaborative effort and national partners include: ​ Bee Wise Farms LLC (Founders, on-ground education in Michigan, National Field Training Headquarters, Research and development of therapeutic beekeeping practices ) Department of Veterans Affairs (Research and development of therapeutic beekeeping practices) GreenStone Farm Credit (Risk management program educational content) Michigan Food and Farming Systems (National Headquarters and on-ground education in Michigan) Michigan State University Extension (On-ground education in Michigan) Michigan AgrAbility (Accessible technology educational content) Midnight Bee Supply (On-ground training in North Carolina) Mission Beelieve (On-ground instruction in Maryland) National AgrAbility Project (Accessible technology educational content) The Veteran's Farm of North Carolina (On-ground training in North Carolina) Pennsylvania Veterans Farm (On-ground instruction in Pennsylvania) Project Apis m. ( Commercial beekeeping educational content) Purdue University (On-ground instruction in Indiana) Taste the Local Difference (Educational content on online marketing) Tru Bee Removal (On-ground education in Oklahoma) University of Missouri Extension (On-ground education in Missouri) University of Minnesota (Host of the Heroes to Hives conference) University of Minnesota Extension (On-ground training in Minnesota) University of Nebraska-Lincoln (On-ground education in Nebraska and run Great Plains Master Beekeeping Course) VetBiz - Veteran Business Outreach Center Missouri (Small business development educational content) Veterans of Foreign Wars - Department of Michigan (On-ground education in Michigan) Veterans of Foreign Wars - National Home for Children (On-ground education in Michigan)

MIFFS is Accepting Applications for Two New Board Members Michigan Food and Farming Systems has been dedicated to connecting beginning and historically underserved farmers to each other and to resource opportunities with the values of social justice, environmental stewardship, and farm profitability since 1998. To this end, MIFFS seeks two new board members. MIFFS currently works in three main areas to: Enable and support farmer networks to build stronger communities through peer-to-peer discussion and mentorship (Red de Productores Hispanos, Vets-in-Ag, and Women-in- Ag) Identify and respond with adaptive programming to address barriers to USDA Farm Bill programming access for underserved farmers Advocate for the needs of underserved farmers and food system workers, both rural and urban, to government and industry partners Collaborate with farmers and partners to cultivate a culture of food safety through MI Group GAP and other food safety programs ​ We are looking for people who share MIFFS interest in farmer networks, small farm business incubator support, and food safety and have the time to invest 5-10 hours per month to promote MIFFS programming and carry its mission forward. We are especially looking for persons who have skills in one of two main areas: Urban Agriculture: MIFFS is looking for individuals that understand the reality of urban farmers and growers and can advocate for programmatic and deliverable insights of working in urban areas with underserved communities New Americans and Immigrants: MIFFS is looking for individuals that have experience in advocating for New American and immigrants communities needs in the food systems and beyond Fund Development: MIFFS is looking for individuals with experience and expertise in fund development to increase our institutional capacity and financial sustainability to serve underrepresented farmers and growers in Michigan Please note that no board member will be required to work alone, but only to take on a leadership role in their area of expertise. If you are interested in one of these Board positions, please fill out the attached application and indicate which of the two positions best align with your skills. Email the completed application to info@miffs.org Applications are due March 15 . Final decisions will be in the first week of April. Click here to download the expectations and the skills matrix. Email info@miffs.org with questions and a board member will follow up with you.

Acronyms & Expansions MDARD Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is comprised of six divisions that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector; safeguard the public’s food supply; inspect and enforce sound animal health practices; control and eradicate plant pests and diseases threatening the $104.7 billion food and agriculture system; preserve the environment by which the farming community makes their living and feeds consumers; and protect consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures MFFC Michigan Family Farms Conference The Michigan Family Farms Conference is more than just a conference. Year after year, farmers, educators, and food system professionals gather to network, learn, and share resources and experiences. We also come together to celebrate diversity, expand our knowledge of sustainable agriculture, and strengthen the supportive network of farmers that we know is essential for building resilient farms. MSU Michigan State University Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. A top global university, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery to make a better world while providing students with life-changing opportunities. NCAT The National Center for Appropriate Technology The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has been promoting sustainable living for over 40 years. Established in 1976, we are a national nonprofit with a mission of helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources. In recent years, our agriculture work has also focused on small-scale intensive farming, urban farming, and local foods; assistance to small farmers, beginning and new farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and veterans wishing to become farmers. PRS The Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program The Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program provides grants to food processors, distributors, farmers markets, and producers to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against COVID-19. This program is authorized and funded under section 751 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. USDA developed the PRS Grant Program in response to extensive stakeholder feedback during listening sessions in March 2021, and written comments provided through March 30, 2021. SARE Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) offers farmer-driven, grassroots grants and education programs. Since 1988, SARE grantees have been putting the principles of sustainable agriculture into practice on farms and ranches in every state and island protectorate. USDA United States Department of Agriculture The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is made up of 29 agencies and offices with nearly 100,000 employees who serve the American people at more than 4,500 locations across the country and abroad. USDA FSA United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency The organizational structure of the Farm Service Agency is laid out by Congress and overseen by the Secretary of Agriculture. The FSA administrator reports to an undersecretary of agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC). The national farm program and farm loan program development and oversight functions are managed in Washington, D.C. Computational and statistical work is done in Kansas City. Implementation of farm policy through FSA programs is the responsibility of state and field offices based in counties and U.S. territories. USDA NIFA United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) provides leadership and funding for programs that advance agriculture-related sciences. We invest in and support initiatives that ensure the long-term viability of agriculture. NIFA applies an integrated approach to ensure that groundbreaking discoveries in agriculture-related sciences and technologies reach the people who can put them into practice. Since the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill) authorized its creation, NIFA has taken significant strides toward enhancing the impact of food agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. USDA NRCS United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation District NRCS provides America's farmers and ranchers with financial and technical assistance to voluntarily put conservation on the ground, not only helping the environment but agricultural operations, too.

Michigan Family Farms Conference ​ Educational Interactive Networking MIFFS Hands Logo Final MIFFS Hands Logo Final 1/1 A lot has happened in the world since the 17th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference and many of you have asked about plans for the 2021 Michigan Family Farms Conference. The conference planning team is working together to make necessary changes to better meet the needs of the community of beginning and underserved producers. The planning committee is always recruiting new team members, in all capacities. Please sign up for our newsletter for announcements about these events and more information about roles on the planning team, or email us at info@miffs.org to let us know you are interested in participating. ​ Michigan Food and Farming Systems and the Michigan Family Farms Conference planning team look forward to connecting in new ways this year, and returning in 2022 for a reimagined conference . ​ See more information and register for the MFFC 2022 here

Farm Development Centers Incubating Our Next Generation Of Growers Check it Out Farm Development Center ​ Events ​ USDA ​ MIFFS’ work supports entrepreneurial farm business development and resilient food systems by serving as the bridge between the resources of USDA service providers, knowledge of subject matter experts, and wisdom from diverse farming communities throughout Michigan. ​ MIFFS is a farmer-led organization that strives to listen first and maintain the knowledge and lessons learned from the diverse individuals and communities with which we’ve worked. MIFFS provides various services to support the success and growth of historically underserved farmers in Michigan by facilitating peer to peer, regionally based, farmer networks. MIFFS staff and affiliates work on the ground in partnership with farmers and their local communities to identify and address barriers for success in farm development.

Grassroots Gatherings Sharing Challenges and Opportunities Learn More The Farm Bill is a massive bundle of legislation that creates and allocates funding to a variety of programs that shape what food is grown in the US, how it is grown, the livelihoods of who grows it, and the health of who consumes it. 2023 is a Farm Bill year, which means it's a critical time for us to ensure the next Farm Bill is one that supports small-scale, beginning, and historically underserved farmers. Michigan Food and Farming Systems is working with farmers, local and statewide organizations, and national coalitions to elevate the needs and priorities of Michigan beginning and underserved farmers. Learn more about the Farm Bill with the resources below. ​ Farm Bill Programs Policy Platforms and Priorities Farm Bill Accomplishments Navigating USDA Agencies

Michigan GroupGAP Good Agricultural Practices Contact Us USDA_logo MGGN Logo USDA_logo 1/2 MIFFS administers the Michigan GroupGAP Network (MGGN) which was created through a collaborative partnership with the Marquette Food Co-op , The UP Food Exchange , Michigan State University Extension , MSU Center for Regional Food Systems , Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the United States Department of Agriculture . MGGN developed as a result of The Michigan GroupGAP pilot, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where stakeholders investigated group food safety certification as a scale-neutral, cost effective alternative to individual certification. It provides producers a strong safety net or technical support and resources to ensure the success of participants. GroupGAP is a group of partners working together to achieve a collective Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification . These partners can be farmers, buyers, distributors, food hubs, local non-profits, etc. First, the group provides internal verification that its members are meeting GAP standards by performing internal audits. These activities are managed through a Quality Management System (QMS). Next, the USDA then audits a statistical sample of the members, and audits the group’s QMS. Finally if the farms audited and the system are in compliance with GAP, that provides USDA enough confidence to issue the entire group a USDA GAP certification.

HAY MAS DINERO DISPONIBLE PARA LOS AGRICULTORES IMPACTADOS POR LA PANDEMIA Siete meses después de una de las mayores perturbaciones en la historia de nuestra economía global, casi todos los sectores, todas las comunidades y todos los hogares han sentido los impactos de la pandemia de COVID-19. Para muchos de los agricultores de nuestra nación, la ayuda de emergencia que tanto necesitaban nunca llegó porque los programas destinados a servirlos estaban dirigidos a las granjas más grandes y ricas. Hasta la fecha, los programas de ayuda agrícola han demostrado ser inviables para la mayoría de los productores a pequeña escala, diversos y de valor agregado (por ejemplo, orgánicos, locales, alimentados con pasto). El Departamento de Agricultura de los EE. UU. (USDA) ha lanzando una segunda ronda de pagos de ayuda COVID-19. Se espera llegara a más agricultores quien quedaron fuera de los programas anteriores. En este blog, desglosamos lo que los agricultores necesitan saber sobre el renovado Programa de Asistencia Alimentaria Coronavirus (CFAP-2, por sus siglas en ingles) del USDA. La ventana de solicitud para CFAP-2 es del 21 de septiembre de 2020 al 11 de diciembre de 2020 y se espera que los cheques se enviarán por correo a los agricultores dentro de dos semanas de la aprobación de solicitud. ​ ¿Dónde Puedo Recibir Ayuda? • Un Centro de Llamadas CFAP de la Agencia de Servicios Agrícolas del USDA está disponible para los productores que deseen apoyo personalizado adicional con el proceso de solicitud de CFAP: 877-508-8364 (Seleccione 1 para inglés y 2 para hablar con un empleado que hable español) • Farm Aid: 1-800-327-6243 • Línea directa de ATTRA: 800-346-9140 (inglés), 800-411-3222 (español) • Línea directa de servicios legales de FLAG: 877-860-4349 ​ mas informacion aqui

MIFFS-DigIn-donate-button-art_edited MFFC-logo-360-lb MIFFS-RiseUp&DigIn-w-tag-button-art-clear Rise Up & Dig In Button, MIFFS MIFFS-DigIn-donate-button-art_edited 1/3 Each year, MIFFS is able to offer our signature and new events thanks to our generous community of sponsors. Sponsorship help support scholarship tickets to the Michigan Family Farms Conference, transportation support for limited resource farmers to attend workshops, and much more! ​ Contact us at info@miffs.org or 517-709-8271 fir more information about our current sponsorship opportunities.

Webinars & Conferences Applications for the 2024 Organic Farmer Training Program are now open :) ​ The 2023 program takes place on Mondays from 9am-5pm fromFebruary 26th-November 4th (NO CLASS Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day) There is one weekend trip to Chicago (Saturday through Monday, July 20-22. You can see the full schedule . How much does the program cost? Program fees for 2024 are $3,900 plus the cost of books and materials (~$200). Are there scholarships? There are need and merit-based scholarships for BIPOC farmers from Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park of up to $3,150. Scholarship application is and financial need form is . More Info Heading 2

Pollinator Resources Pic Title An Overview of the Potential Impacts of Honey Bees to Native Bees, Plant Communities, and Ecosystems in Wild Landscapes NRCS: Insects and Pollinators NRCS: Resources to Help Pollinators - Michigan Nesting & Overwintering Habitat Pollinator-Friendly Cover Cropping for Vegetable Producers in the Upper Midwest Pollinator-Friendly Native Plant Lists Pollinator-Friendly Parks: Enhancing Our Communities by Supporting Native Pollinators in Our Parks and Other Public Spaces USDA: Celebrating the Special Powers of Bats USDA: Farms and Ranches Can Provide Needed Sanctuary for Struggling Western Monarchs USDA: The Value of Birds and Bees We Need to Talk About Honeybees Why Getting a Hive Won't "Save the Bees" Xerces Society - Publications Library Xerces Society Pollinator Conservation Resource Center

Michigan Family Farms Conference ​ Educational Interactive Networking MIFFS Hands Logo Final MIFFS Hands Logo Final 1/1 The 18th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference March 16-19, 2022 ​ After taking a year off, we are excited to gather again (virtually) for the Michigan Family Farms Conference on March 16-19! This year’s conference, Growing Back Stronger, will be presented over multiple days streaming live from www.miffs.org . ​ The Michigan Family Farms Conference is an opportunity for historically underserved, underrepresented, beginning and aspiring farmers to share, network, learn from and celebrate rural and urban food producers with diverse production methods, cultures, and backgrounds. Topics this year focus on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, regenerative sustainability and anti-racist land access as we contend with the myriad challenges that face our communities’ access to healthy food systems. Register for the conference here Inscripción en español aquí ​ Conference presentations will be available online here after completion of the event.

WIA Farm Development Center Teaching Sustainable Farming Learn More MIFFS-RiseUp&DigIn-w-tag-button-art-clear Rise Up & Dig In Button, MIFFS MIFFS-RiseUp&DigIn-w-tag-button-art-clear Rise Up & Dig In Button, MIFFS 1/1 MIFFS Farm Development Centers are collaborative farming spaces for new and beginning farmers to experience farming without significant investments in land or equipment. The farmers lease land and share farm infrastructure while developing personal farm businesses and building equity. This model provides opportunities to learn from each other, market cooperatively, participate in community workshops and begin a farming business with limited risk. These centers help remove critical barriers to aspiring farmers like access to land, resources, equipment, and education. MIFFS currently manages ​ Women-In-Ag Genesys Farm Development Center at the Ascension Genesys Regional Medical Center ​ Farm Development Centers are a continually evolving model that is recognized nationwide as the National Incubator Farm Training Initiative (NIFTI) . Incubator farms are an important part in training the next generation of farmers. ​

MIFFS es una organización sin fines de lucro en todo el estado con la misión de conectar a los agricultores principiantes e históricamente desatendidos entre sí y oportunidades de recursos; garantizar la justicia social, la administración ambiental y la rentabilidad. Aprovechamos asociaciones estratégicas y altamente colaborativas para crear y habilitar redes de pequeñas granjas urbanas y rurales que dan lugar a un sistema alimentario local resiliente. Nuestro trabajo apoya el desarrollo de negocios agrícolas empresariales sirviendo como puente entre los recursos de los proveedores de servicios del USDA, el conocimiento de los expertos en la materia y la sabiduría de diversas comunidades en todo Michigan. A medida que el MIFFS crece para adaptarse a las diversas necesidades de nuestras comunidades, también brindamos asistencia en forma de diversos servicios. A través de nuestras reflexiones sobre nuestro plan estratégico, conversaciones con nuestros miembros y observaciones en los campos, estamos construyendo nuestros servicios para apoyar mejor al comienzo e históricamente a la población de agricultores en Michigan. ​ A través de nuestras reflexiones sobre nuestro plan estratégico, conversaciones con nuestros miembros y observaciones en los campos, estamos construyendo nuestros servicios para apoyar mejor al comienzo e históricamente a la población de agricultores en Michigan. El siguiente mapa de recursos representa la evolución de los recursos que están disponibles en el estado de Michigan, así como a nivel federal. Reunimos los recursos de socios, partes interesadas e individuos en la industria. Si tiene un recurso que le gustaría haber incluido, envíe la información por correo electrónico a info@miffs.org Proveedor Título del Recurso Categoría Enlace a los Recursos Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association Centro de Derechos Para Inmigrantes De Michigan (“MIRC”) Actualizaciones e Informacion de Coronavirus (COVID-19) Respuesta COVID enlace Administración de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional ("OSHA") Consejos de Seguridad para Proteger al Personal de Limpieza Durante la Pandemia del Virus COVID-19 Respuesta COVID enlace Administración de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional ("OSHA") OSHA PUBLICATIONS Relaciones Laborales enlace Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias ("FEMA") Centro Nacional de Operaciones de Emergencia Empresarial Respuesta COVID enlace Beginning Farmers DEMaND (Developing and Education Managers and New Decision-makers) Boletín E-3413SP Opciones de Seguro para productores de hortalizas enlace Beginning Farmers DEMaND (Developing and Education Managers and New Decision-makers) Boletín E-3411: Introducción al Costo de Producción y sus Usos enlace Beginning Farmers DEMaND (Developing and Education Managers and New Decision-makers) Boletín E-3424SP Comercialización de productos frescos a través de mercados intermedios y directos al consumidor enlace Centro de Medicina Agrícola y Salud de Nueva York (NYCAMH) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Information, Materials and Services for those who work in the Agricultural Industry Respuesta COVID enlace Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades ("CDC") Coronavirus (COVID-19) Respuesta COVID enlace Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades ("CDC") Salud Mental y Afrontamiento durante COVID-19 Respuesta COVID enlace Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades ("CDC") Seguridad de los alimentos Seguridad de los alimentos enlace Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de MI (MDHHS) Enfermedad del Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Preguntas y respuestas Respuesta COVID enlace Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de MI (MDHHS) LO QUE TIENE QUE SABER DE COVID-19 Respuesta COVID enlace El Departamento de Agricultura de EE.UU. (USDA) USDA ofrece herramienta en la internet para ayudar a familias a encontrar comidas para sus ni�os durante emergencia de COVID-19 Respuesta COVID enlace Estado de Michigan Información sobre coronavirus Respuesta COVID enlace Extensión del Estado NC COMO PREPARARSE CONTRA UN BROTE EN SU COMUNIDAD Respuesta COVID enlace Extensión del Estado NC La transmisión del Coronavirus 2 del Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo siglas en inglés: SARS-CoV-2 Respuesta COVID enlace Extensión del Estado NC ¿QUÉ HACER SI ESTÁ ENFERMO? Respuesta COVID enlace Extensión del Estado NC LÁVESE LAS MANOS FRECUENTEMENTE Respuesta COVID enlace Page 1 of 2

About Us A Program Built By Veterans For Veterans Our Story Since 2015, the Heroes to Hives program has been leading the nation in training military veterans, National Guard members, Active Duty personnel, Reservists and their dependents in the art and science of beekeeping. Founded by Bee Wise Farms LLC's Adam Ingrao PhD (Entomologist), and Lacey Ingrao MA (Transpersonal Psychologist), and Michigan Food and Farming Systems’ Veterans in Agriculture Network, the program began as a way to engage Service Members in beekeeping as an opportunity for them to continue serving their nation by protecting our nation’s food security and work with other Service Members to recreate the support network of the military. To date, over 10,000 service members and their dependents have taken the Heroes to Hives course. ​ Our Partners Heroes to Hives is recognized across the nation as the premier beekeeping education course for Service Members. The program is a true collaborative effort and national partners include: ​ Bee Wise Farms LLC (Founders, on-ground education in Michigan, National Field Training Headquarters, Research and development of therapeutic beekeeping practices ) Department of Veterans Affairs (Research and development of therapeutic beekeeping practices) GreenStone Farm Credit (Risk management program educational content) Michigan Food and Farming Systems (National Headquarters and on-ground education in Michigan) Michigan State University Extension (On-ground education in Michigan) Michigan AgrAbility (Accessible technology educational content) Midnight Bee Supply (On-ground training in North Carolina) Mission Beelieve (On-ground instruction in Maryland) National AgrAbility Project (Accessible technology educational content) The Veteran's Farm of North Carolina (On-ground training in North Carolina) Pennsylvania Veterans Farm (On-ground instruction in Pennsylvania) Project Apis m. ( Commercial beekeeping educational content) Purdue University (On-ground instruction in Indiana) Taste the Local Difference (Educational content on online marketing) Tru Bee Removal (On-ground education in Oklahoma) University of Missouri Extension (On-ground education in Missouri) University of Minnesota (Host of the Heroes to Hives conference) University of Minnesota Extension (On-ground training in Minnesota) University of Nebraska-Lincoln (On-ground education in Nebraska and run Great Plains Master Beekeeping Course) VetBiz - Veteran Business Outreach Center Missouri (Small business development educational content) Veterans of Foreign Wars - Department of Michigan (On-ground education in Michigan) Veterans of Foreign Wars - National Home for Children (On-ground education in Michigan)

Previous Practice Return To Index Next Practice Produce Traceability LB Brubecker Farm ​ Farm Overview On any given day farm operators wear many hats…manager, weed or insect specialist, marketer, hand laborer, veterinarian, facilities designer, or labor supervisor. Farm operators are also spouses, pare Related PSRA Questions Understanding the roles that one plays helps one to understand what they value. Roles and priorities Overlapping NIRCS EQIP On any given day farm operators wear many hats…manager, weed or insect specialist, marketer, hand la Budget/Cost Breakdown Farm operators are also spouses, parents, partners, in-laws, friends, and community leaders. Some roles and the responsibilities associated with them change through time. Instructions for Replication On any given day farm operators wear many hats…manager, weed or insect specialist, marketer, hand laborer, veterinarian, facilities designer, or labor supervisor. Farm operators are also spouses, parents, partners, in-laws, friends, and community leaders. Some roles and the responsibilities associated with them change through time. Technical Advisors and Sources Used The roles individuals play are where they will make their greatest contributions and where they gain Before Photo After Photo ​ ​

Haga clic aquí para español Welcome to the 18th Annual MI Family Farms Conference! "Growing Back Stronger" Thursday, March 17, 2022 Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Farmer Forum Please add your questions to the comment box below and we will try to answer them live during live sessions! Full Schedule Here Conference Survey Click session titles for descriptions; click presenters to go to the bio and information page; click the resources to go to the resource Presentations will be available after the event at: www.miffs.org/mffc-session-presentations Day Sponsor Sponsor & Vendor Catalogue Click Here for Printable Catalogue