Education

Organic Farmer Training Program
A nine-month program of the MSU Student Organic Farm that prepares graduates to run small-scale, year-round farming operations through intensive instruction and hands-on management experience, the OFTP is a unique opportunity for new and beginning farmers seeking intensive instruction in year-round organic production. Designed to teach both production and management skills in an environment where personalized learning goals and training are emphasized, it allows students engage in the management of the Student Organic Farm’s production for the farm’s primary markets, including a 48-week CSA, a 6-month on-campus farm stand and sales to campus dining services. 

What does the OFTP offer?

For more information, visit us online at www.msuorganicfarm.org, call us at (517)-230-7987, or send an e-mail to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

MSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status.

MSU’s Risk Management Video
See what Michigan State University’s Student Organic Farm has to offer vegetable farmers. Adam Montri of MSU outlines four elements of MSU’s Risk Management outreach: (1) increasing soil organic matter, (2) promoting crop diversity, (3) encouraging direct marketing, and (4) extending the growing season.

Upcoming Events
Kellogg Biological Station Events | Research, Pasture Dairy, Brown Bag Talks, Research Seminars, LTER, Bird Sanctuary, Extension, Land, & Water, Manor House, and more.

Macomb County MSU Extension | announcements and upcoming events.

Resources
MOFFA
The Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance was organized in 1992 as a non-profit organization. We work to create more public awareness about the nature of industrialized food supply and its environmental and social hazards. We teach ‘eaters’ to value and to choose organically grown food produced in their own locales. MOFFA is a force for generating public awareness about the need for more decentralized food systems that allow for greater participation and choice on the part of all citizens.

MIFFS
The Michigan Food and Farming Systems is a statewide, non-profit organization whose purpose is to improve Michigan’s triple bottom line: our economy, our environment and the social well-being of our communities by promoting family farms, local food and sustainable agriculture.

New Agricultural Network
Three universities—Michigan State University, Purdue University and the University of Illinois—have joined resources to bring seasonal advice to field crop and vegetable growers interested in organic agriculture. New information is posted at least twice a month during the growing season and less frequently during winter. Our online newsletter features crop updates from organic growers and articles from university specialists about a variety of practices and new findings useful for organic growers. An advisory board of organic growers supports our planning. The information serves those interested in transitioning to organic as well as those currently practicing low-input or organic agriculture. We are continually writing grant proposals to support expanded resources.

Michigan Online Pesticide Exam Scheduling
Using an interactive map of Michigan, locate upcoming exam sessions and register for the one most convenient to you.