Navigating the ever-changing and competitive agriculture industry can be a daunting challenge without the right resources, education or knowledge. For young, beginning or small producers, setting aside extra time and dollars to put toward education isn’t always an option. To help alleviate some of the cost, GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth Grant commits up to $40,000 each year to off-set the costs of these important opportunities.
Young, beginning, and small farmers who qualify can use the grant toward farm or business consultations, educational courses and seminars, resource-focused events or conferences, and first-time use of GreenStone’s tax and accounting services. Like Sara Hunter, many have taken advantage of the grant and have utilized it to participate in a variety of activities to gain more insight and knowledge.
For instance, when Sara began her career switch from the IT world to farming, she knew she needed new education and training. The CultivateGrowth Grant put this goal within reach. It allowed Sara the opportunity to attend the Organic Farming training program through Michigan State University at a lower cost she could handle. The program began in March and runs through November.
Currently, Sara is working on the farm’s soil health and learning how to grow thriving crops. During the training, Sara has hands on lessons, learns about soils, does plot mapping for crops, and just about anything you can think of from A to Z of farming. After the training, Sara and her family are planning on planting 24 acres of row crops, all organic, and no till for the fields and hoop house. Sara also has the opportunity to visit other farms and network with other organic farmers through the program.
The grant provides up to $1,000 to current customers and up to $500 to non-GreenStone customers. Individuals like Sara who qualify as a young, beginning or small farmer are encouraged to apply for the grant today: www.greenstonefcs.com/cultivategrowth.
CultivateGrowth Resources
Knowing where or who to turn to when you have questions about your operation is critical when it comes to making decisions– especially as a young, beginning or small farmer. In addition to the grants and mentorship opportunities offered through GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth program, the resources below could be a valuable asset to your ongoing learning:
- Map of Michigan Beginning Farmer Programs: Curated with you in mind, MSU’s interactive map provides beginning farmers with over 90 valuable resources and programs to connect you with the information you need. To check out resources local to you, view the map online at canr.msu.edu/sof/map.html.
- Michigan Farm News – Dollars and Sense: Monthly articles covering farm finance topics, tips on tax planning and expert advice from lenders at GreenStone are a valuable resource for all farmers, especially ones just beginning. Check out July’s article, Breaking Barriers for Beginning Farmers online at michiganfarmnews.com or greenstonefcs.com.
- University of Wisconsin- Madison: With a variety of resources ranging from in-person and online programs, blogs, workbooks, podcasts, upcoming event information and more, the Farm Management section on UW-Madison Extension’s website likely has just what you’re looking for. See for yourself at farms.extension.wisc.edu.
To view the article in the online 2022 Summer Partners Magazine, click here.
