Announcing the Michigan First-Generation Farm Mentors program

The Michigan First-Generation Farm Mentors program will launch its first pilot cohort in October 2026. Through this program, ten first-generation farmers (those who did not grow up on or inherit a family farm) will be matched with experienced mentors for one-on-one guidance tailored to their farming goals. Our mentors represent a wide range of farming practices, specialties, and communities across Michigan.

Meet Our Mentors on the Farm

Before the mentorship program begins, we're hosting a series of on-farm tours where you'll have the opportunity to meet some of our mentors, see their operations, and learn from their experiences. 

1. August 5: Whitney Farmstead (livestock & maple syrup), Washtenaw County
2. August 18: Twig End Farm (cut flowers), Genesee County
3. August 27: Heartwood Forest Farm (medicinal herbs), Leelanau County
4. September 10: Of The Land (mixed vegetables & flowers), Calhoun County

Register for farm tours!

This tour series is offered in partnership with MSU Extension's Floriculture Program and also includes visits to Hazelwood Flower Farm in Oakland County on August 11 and Leelanau Specialty Cut Flowers in Leelanau County on August 27.

Apply for Mentorship

We're looking for beginning farmers who are actively seeking one-on-one support to help move their farm businesses forward. If that sounds like you, learn more about the program here and submit an application here. Applications for this inaugural cohort will be accepted through late September.