MSU Organic Farmer Training Program
MSU Organic Farmer Training Program in East Lansing, Michigan – 2020
The MSU Organic Farmer Training Program (OFTP) teaches aspiring farmers in a 50/50 mix of field and classroom activities every Monday from 9am to 5pm at the MSU Student Organic Farm. In the field, everyone participates in hands-on activities, farm walks and equipment demonstrations. In the classroom, we focus on small group activities, full group discussions, guest speakers and participant presentations. You will also visit over 20 Michigan farms! Outside of class, video lectures, readings and practical assignments, like writing a Farm Business Plan will connect learning themes from the class to YOUR farm goals. The OFTP is a vibrant, diverse and positive learning community where students learn from each other and share their unique skills, experience and goals.
We still have space and scholarship funds for the 2020 course that begins in mid-March. You can apply HERE or contact msufarm@msu.edu with questions.
PROGRAM DETAILS:
- March 16th-November 9th (NO CLASS May 25 & September 7)
- Mondays 9am-5pm @ the MSU Student Organic Farm in East Lansing
- $3,900 plus required books (scholarships of $500 to $2,000 available)
TIME COMMITMENT
- Full class day each Monday
- + 3 – 10 hours per week for assignments, video lectures and readings
- + Weekend trip to Traverse City farms (June 20 – 22)
- + Time working or volunteering on a farm
How to Apply for the MSU Organic Farmer Training Program
The 2020 Organic Farmer Training Program Application is HERE and the Scholarship Application is HERE. You can find out more about the 2019 OFTP by visiting our updated website.
Please let us know if you have any questions at all about the OFTP or the application process by sending an email to msufarm@msu.edu
The OFTP can accept 23 participants per year. Strong applicants meet 3 criteria:
- Hands-on farming experience
- Plans to start or manage a farm or educational farm project in the future
- Ability to contribute to a positive learning community
However, we take into account your full life experience and relevant skills that contribute to success in farming, such as marketing or business experience, mechanical or building skills, relevant education, etc. The program is not appropriate for initial exposure to organic farming, but we may be able to recommend a farm in your area to work or volunteer to strengthen your application.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
- OFTP application
- transcripts (most recent/relevant college, high school, etc.)
- resume
- 2 professional letters of recommendation (not friends or family)
- Farm visit (contact us for other options if you are too far away to visit)
- Free to apply before September 1; $50 application fee after September 1
- OPTIONAL-Scholarship application & financial statement if applying for a scholarship
Rolling Admissions – we accept applications until the cohort is filled!
1. Email scans/photos of documents & questions to msufarm@msu.edu
2. Mail to:
Katie Brandt
MSU Student Organic Farm
Plant & Soil Science Building
1066 Bogue St., Room A288
East Lansing, MI 48824
NOTE: University mail is slow. Emailing scans/photos of documents is recommended if you have internet access.
CONTACT:
msufarm@msu.edu (subject line “OFTP”)
517-230-7987
Please feel free to ask questions to help you decide if this is the right program for you.
- Learn more about beginning farmer training programs at: https://www.beginningfarmers.org/beginning-farmer-training-programs/
- Find more great farming resources at: https://www.beginningfarmers.org/additional-farming-resources/
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