Protect Animal Health with Strong Farm Biosecurity Training

By Andi Anderson

Farm biosecurity is essential to keeping animals healthy and maintaining a strong agricultural community. Healthy livestock mean more productive farms, and the first step toward that goal is a solid biosecurity plan.

To support farmers and agricultural professionals, Michigan State University Extension has created a comprehensive set of resources and training opportunities focused on protecting animal health.

Beginning in November 2025, MSU Extension will host regional biosecurity training sessions across Michigan. These workshops are open to anyone who works with livestock farms, including service providers, advisors, and agricultural support professionals. Each session offers hands-on instruction covering:

• Biosecurity basics every farm professional should know.
• How to use the risk assessment tool.
• Step-by-step guidance for creating and implementing a farm biosecurity plan.

Training dates and locations include:

• Mount Pleasant – November 19, 2025, 1–4 p.m., 2600 S. Summerton Rd.
• St. Ignace – November 20, 2025, 9 a.m.–noon, St. Ignace Public Library.
• Frankenmuth – January 15, 2026, 1–4 p.m., Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center.
• Grand Rapids – January 22, 2026, 1–4 p.m., Kent County Extension Office.

In addition to in-person training, MSU Extension has launched a Protecting Animal Health through Biosecurity website that offers a wide range of practical tools.

Visitors can find educational videos, printable farm signage, and articles on topics like animal health, disease prevention, and preparation for farm visits.

These resources are designed to help farmers, service providers, lenders, inspectors, feed suppliers, and other agricultural partners become trusted sources of biosecurity support.

By participating in these training programs and using the new online materials, anyone involved in Michigan agriculture can help reduce disease risks and protect the broader farming community.

Strong biosecurity safeguards not just individual farms, but also neighboring operations and the state’s agricultural future.

Together, farmers and agricultural professionals can keep Michigan’s farms healthy and thriving for generations by adopting these proactive biosecurity practices and sharing knowledge across the industry.

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu