USDA and MSU Extension seek input for farmer guide

By Andi Anderson

Michigan State University Extension and the USDA are seeking input for the development of the Beginning Farmer Resource and Decision Making Guide.

This joint initiative is designed to support new farmers and agricultural decision-makers by providing a comprehensive pathway to essential resources.

With a focus on production, the guide will offer direction on educational opportunities, decision-making tools, and connections to agricultural partners.

The guide is aimed at beginning producers, new farm managers, and individuals looking to expand their knowledge of farm business management.

Experts from all areas of agricultural production, alongside industry partners, are contributing to the content.

Each section of the guide will provide an introduction, key considerations, and a step-by-step process for getting started in the respective topic area.

Common questions frequently asked by new farmers will also be addressed, ensuring that users can find practical answers.

Additionally, each section will offer valuable resources such as educational materials, publications, decision tools, and contacts for industry support.

The guide will be hosted online through the MSU Extension Beginning Farmer website, where users can access the content at any time. Print versions will also be available at USDA outreach events.

To ensure that the guide remains relevant and helpful, it will be reviewed and updated annually. The updates will include refreshed links, new information, and additional resources tailored to the evolving needs of beginning farmers.

How to Provide Feedback

The project organizers have made sample content available on the Beginning Farmer Resource and Decision-Making Guide Example Page. This page also includes a presentation handout detailing the guide’s goals and design. After reviewing the materials, producers are encouraged to participate in a feedback survey to share their insights.

The survey aims to:

• Gather feedback on the information and resources needed by new farmers.
• Understand the demographics and operational needs of beginning farmers.

The survey, which includes 14 detailed questions, can be accessed on the example page or directly via the provided link.

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu