Educational Opportunities

Finding financial Success in Uncertain Times Self-Paced | Online

The D2L course “Finding Financial Success in Uncertain Times” is designed to help producers identify the uncertainties that exist within the farm business and how to achieve financial success through planning for and reacting to that uncertainty. The course provides a roadmap for the journey ahead and helpful information will be available at several stops along the way. Learn more and register here.

Biosecurity Protocols for Dairy Cattle & Livestock | Online

The Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship's Director of Managed Grazing Innovation Center (MGIC) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Jessica Duran, has created this 25 minute educational presentation on the spread of diseases and biosecurity measures for dairy cattle. The information presented in this recording can also be applied to other livestock and farm types. Watch here.

ABEJAS Aprendizaje Basico y Experto en Jornadas Apicolas Sostenibles | Online

Basic and Expert Learning in Sustainable Beekeeping, known as ABEJAS, or Aprendizaje Basico y Experto en Jornadas Apicolas Sostenibles, in Spanish — , is a new video series giving novice keepers a strong introduction to best practices and the science of apiculture, in both Spanish and English. Watch here.

1st Thursday of the month - City of Detroit Land Based Projects Virtual Office Hours | Online

This meeting is open to the public to provide information, answer questions, and assist with processes related to land based projects. This includes land acquisition, permitting, and more. Click here for more information. Click here for the meeting link.

May 7 - July 22 - Exploring Collaborative & Cooperative Land Access Series | 2 - 3 pm online

American Farmland Trust’s Farmland for New Generation New York team will be hosting a 3-part webinar series in May, June, and July exploring issues related to accessing agricultural land using collaborative and cooperative models. The series is designed for farmers interested in participating in collaborative or cooperative land access projects, as well as service providers who often advise or coach farmers working on these projects. While the presenters are concentrated in NY and the Northeast, the content will be relevant for folks in the Midwest, as well. Learn more and register here.

June 10 - Food-Grade Grains Field Day | 9 am - 1:30 pm Kellogg Biological Station, Hickory Corners, MI

Join us for a collaborative conversation and field tour about food-grade grains in the Upper Midwest. We’ll discuss agronomy, variety selection, processing, and end markets. The event will highlight specific food grade grains during a field tour including wheat, rye, and barley, and oats but experiences around growing or using other small grains or dry beans are welcome. At each stop presenters and attendees will discuss the agronomic, processing, and end user quality needs and considerations for the specific grain.

Who: Farmers, millers, maltsters, food manufacturers, brewers, distillers, researchers, and those invested in improving food grade grain production and processing in the Upper Midwest

Cost: FREE includes lunch

Learn more and register here.

June 17 - Protecting the Farm: Medicaid & What Farmers Should Know | 12 - 1 pm Online

Attorney Libby Sanderson will join us to discuss how to transfer a farm while ensuring long term care coverage for the exiting generation. Learn about the major issues and basic strategies used for Medicaid planning within farm estate transfers. Learn more and register here.

June 18 - Healthy Habits and Productive Pollinators | 9 am - 4 pm Online

Join Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension) for a new and exciting one-day event about wild bees that pollinate vegetables, fruits, and wildflowers. This event includes 3 morning lectures from entomologists with expertise in wild bees and an afternoon of interactive breakout sessions on wild bee identification, photography, and habitat design. If you are looking for ideas to enhance habitat that supports pollinators, come join us at this event! Attendees will learn about Michigan wild pollinators and actions to support them in residential and community garden spaces. Learn more and register here.

June 20 - Beekeeping Workshop in Lansing | 10 - 11:30 am Lansing, MI

Join Michigan State University Extension for an in-hive beekeeping workshop on honey bee colony health inspections and seasonal management. Learn more and register here.

June 25 - Beekeeping Workshop in Novi | 10 - 11:30 am Novi, MI

Join Michigan State University Extension for an in-hive beekeeping workshop on honey bee colony health inspections and seasonal management. Learn more and register here.

June 23 - Forestry Field Day with the Kent Conversation District | 1 pm - 4 pm

6195 Corrigan Ave NE, Lowell, MI

Come learn about ways the Kent Conservation District can support your Forest Stewardship goals! Folks will meet at 1 pm in the building, for snacks and drinks for some discussion, then have a short farmer panel with questions, and then finish up with a walk in the woods. We’ll have lots to see and discuss and there will be ample opportunities for networking and collaboration. Please email, or call or text Jamie Zimmerman at kcd.agtech@macd.org or 231-250-6785 for more information, to RSVP, or to chat about anything you would like to get out of the field day, or anything you may wish to share or contribute ( about your experiences or knowledge about any part of conservation or forest stewardship!)

July 15 - TOPP Webinar - Building a Biological Powerhouse in Your Soil Webinar 2: Infusing Your Soil and Plants with Beneficial Microbes | 2 pm - 3 pm Online

This webinar series will explore the science behind the workings of soil microbes, and why microbial inoculants are so effective in plant and soil health; describe and / or demonstrate practical, low-cost methods of creating quality composts and extracts; and share case studies and success stories of farmers using microbial inoculants on their farms. Learn more and register here.

July 16 - TOPP Farmer Webinars: Organic Certification for Urban Farms | 12 pm - 1 pm Online

Learn more and register here.

July 21 - Washtenaw TOPP Farm Tours: Explore 3 farms growing seeds, flowers, and more | 9 am - 5 pm

Learn more and register here.

August 22 - Perennial Farm Ecosystem Conference | TBD Grand Traverse Region, MI

SAVE THE DATE! Oct 4 - 6 2026

Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference | Downtown Bellaire, MI

Stay Tuned!

Check out Keep Growing Detroit's (KGD) Calendar of Events here!