Join MIFMA for virtual farm field days with farmers from across the state of Michigan in 2020! These events will concentrate on workforce training and education for specialty crop producers. Four farms will share their expertise on the availability, variety, and growing practices of specialty crops in Michigan. Registration is free, but required. Learn more and sign up at mifma.org/events!
View our field day flyer here, or continue reading to learn more about each topic!
Balancing Farm and Off-Farm Work
Featured Farm: Faivor Fresh Produce | Date: July 16, 2020 | Time: 1 PM – 2 PM
Rebekah Faivor has a diverse background in agriculture and now owns and operates Faivor Fresh Produce in St. Johns with her husband Louis. In addition to her farm, Rebekah also works full-time with the Clinton County Conservation District, raises her four children, and sells at her local farmers market. Balancing all of these responsibilities is no easy task, but Rebekah manages to do all this and more! Join Rebekah and MIFMA virtually on her farm to talk about balancing on- and off-farm work, growing flowers and vegetables, and selling at farmers markets.
Student and Internship Involvement on the Farm
Featured Farm: Tantré Farm | Date: July 30, 2020 | Time: 1 PM – 2 PM
Richard Andres and Deb Lentz run Tantré Farm, a 115-acre organic fruit, vegetable, mushroom, herb, flower, and livestock farm. To help with all this work, as well as their CSA shares, restaurant orders, and farmers market sales, they enlist the help of interns and apprentices who come to Tantré looking to hone their sustainable agriculture practices while living semi-communally on the farm. Visit Tantré Farm virtually and talk with Richard and Deb about all the work that goes in to managing interns and the benefits of bringing this labor to their operation!
Production Skills vs. Market Skills
Featured Farm: Seeds and Spores Family Farm | Date: August 13, 2020 | Time: 1 PM – 2 PM
What started as a backyard garden over twenty years ago has now grown to a 8-acre farm with twelve extensively-used hoophouses. At Seeds and Spores Family Farm, Jeff Hatfield has committed to providing his community with locally-grown, nutritious food through their CSA program, locally-owned restaurants and grocery stores, and the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market. Join Jeff and MIFMA virtually at Seeds and Spores Family Farm and at the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market to see how he operates a successful direct-marketing farm business!
Tools and Investments to Reduce Labor
Featured Farm: Oakland Avenue Urban Farm | Date: August 27, 2020 | Time: 1 PM – 2 PM
Jerry Ann Hebron started Oakland Avenue Urban Farm in 2009 after leaving a career in real estate. Since then, Oakland Avenue has grown in size and infrastructure, now supporting multiple farm sites in the neighborhood, three high tunnels, two water catchment systems, and operating its own farmers market. Join Jerry Ann virtually at Oakland Avenue for a discussion on urban farming, investing in strategic infrastructure, their new irrigation system, and growing crowder peas!
The 2019/2020 Farm Field Days are supported by a Specialty Crop Block Grant provided by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.