December 3, 2008
Hoop for the Future
Hoophouses for season extension or year-round farming
Free one-day workshop for farmers and aspiring farmers
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at Black Star Farms 3-1/2 miles south of Suttons Bay on Revold Rd just off of M 22

Grow fresh vegetables year-round - or extend your growing season -  in northwest Michigan!

Learn how these increasingly popular structures can extend your harvest and improve your bottom line. Adam Montri, outreach specialist with the MSU Student Organic Farm and Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), will explain how these unheated, low-cost greenhouses can extend growing seasons and help meet the increasing year-round consumer interest in fresh, local food.

Space is limited, so please register now by calling the Michigan Land Use Institute at (231) 941-6584. For more information, call Jim Sluyter at 231-889-0199 or Click Here. (775kb PDF)

December 10, 2008, 5:30 pm
Finding Local Food Funding
Lake City High School

The USDA Rural Development and Michigan Land Use Institute  will offer information on funding for the local food movement, including governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector lenders and investors. An overview will be presented and more specific information provided through websites, contact information, networking opportunities, and handouts.

Details to follow. Check back soon!

Get Farming! Entrepreneur Series
Starting January 20, 2008
Michigan Works, 1209 Garfield, Suite C, Traverse City
If you're dreaming about farming-and actually making money at it-then the  is the place for you this winter.

Market research, legal concerns, financial planning, management and other topics will be a part of this business planning course for aspiring farmers, or those needing a business brush-up. Core instruction will be provided by guest experts and the regional Small Business and Technology Development Center.

For only $85 you receive:
Eight classroom sessions, field trips to farm and food businesses, and personal business-plan counseling. 

Space is limited, so please register now by calling the Michigan Land Use Institute at (231) 941-6584. For more information, call Jim Sluyter at 231-889-0199. Check back here for more details soon.