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Michigan State University

Great Lakes Farm Navigator

Biography

Michigan State University (MSU) is a public land-grant research university. Founded in 1855 as the Agricultural College of Michigan, it was the first of its kind. MSU’s Extension offers training and education in startup information for beginning farmers. They offer a range of services from growing techniques and soil health to business management and machinery. Their Organic Farmer Training Program builds hands on skills while supporting farmers to plan their dream farms. Recently they have been developing a Land Access Training for urban farmers, another first of its kind.

Michigan State University is represented by Katie Brandt (she/her).

Katie Brandt teaches the MSU Organic Farmer Training Program, a mix of field and classroom activities where new farmers build skills through hands-on farm activities, field trips to 20+ farms, interactive online learning and writing a farm business plan. Katie’s two decades as a farmworker and farmer inform her every day as she helps aspiring and beginning farmers to make their farm dreams a reality. She also leads the Michigan Sustainable Farm Mentors, created the Map of Michigan Beginning Farmer Resources and helps to promote SARE grants & resources.

Learn more about Michigan State University

Michigan State University is a participating Navigator organization in Protecting the Great Lakes Through a Farm Navigator Network project.