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Beginning Farmer Stories

Hear directly from small farmers as they share their experiences, insights, and advice for those just starting out. In these beginning farmer stories, farmers discuss their journeys, challenges, and successes, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for beginning farmers.

Growing Hope

Julius Buzzard, Executive Director at Growing Hope Urban Farm in Ypsilanti, Michigan, shares his advice for beginning farmers. Learn more about Growing Hope here: https://growinghope.net/

We the People Opportunity Farm

Eric Kampe, Farm Manager at We the People Opportunity Farm in Ypsilanti, Michigan, talks about the work his farm is doing and shares his advice for beginning farmers. Learn more about this farm here: https://www.wtpof.org/

Wildtype Native Plant Nursery

Bill Schneider with Wildtype Native Plant Nursery in Mason, Michigan talks about the history of his farm and shares his advice for beginning farmers. https://www.wildtypeplants.com/

Magnolia Avenue Farms

Aliza Ghaffari, co-manager of Magnolia Avenue Farms in Lansing, Michigan, shares her advice for beginning farmers. Learn more about Magnolia Avenue Farms here: https://www.facebook.com/magnoliaavefarms/

Detroit Partnership for Food, Learning, and Innovation

In this video, Naim Edwards talks about Michigan State University's first urban agriculture center, Detroit Partnership for Food, Learning, and Innovation (DPFLI).

Beginning Farmers logo of a plant inside a water drop

This work is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant no. 2021-70033-35833 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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