Local Meat Capacity Grant Program

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

Eligible applicants for Local MCap grants include business entities (regardless of legal structure) engaged in meat and poultry processing, including rendering animal carcasses or byproducts. Eligible entities include Tribes and Tribal Entities, for-profit entities, non-profit entities, and State or local government entities. Private entities must be independently owned and operated, and all applicants must be domestically owned. Additionally, applicants’ facilities must be physically located within the 50 States of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Nifty Hoops

Nifty Hoops

Nifty Hoops is a farmer's turn-key solution to hoop houses and high tunnels. Their hoops are manufactured by our small team in southeast Michigan, they boast the fastest installation time in the industry and can be built or delivered anywhere in the US.

Loans for Farm & Food Producer

Steward

Unlike traditional banks or lenders, Steward is 100% focused on regenerative food systems. We offer flexible loan terms and professional services tailored to your business needs. Partnering with Steward also means gaining access to a like-minded team committed to the long-term success of your business. As your operation grows and generates more revenue, pay back your loan with interest—supported by Steward along the way.

Raw Milk Production Support

Raw Milk Institute

The Mission of the Raw Milk Institute is to improve the safety and quality of raw milk and raw milk products through:

• Farmer training and mentoring nationally and internationally

• Establishing raw milk guidelines and Common Standards

• Improving consumer access and producer transparency

• Consumer education about the benefits of raw milk on the immune system and gut microbiome

• Investment in raw milk research with use of RAWMI test data

The Raw Milk Institute’s Vision is to build a healthier world where raw milk is safe, embraced, and accessible.  RAWMI empowers dairy farmers and consumers by providing support from grass to glass and soil to soul.

Guide to Registering with the USDA Farm Service Agency

MIFFS

The USDA Farm Service Agency is the official record keeping agency for all USDA programs and agencies. In order to participate in any USDA programs such as the NRCS or RD, you need to obtain a farm number. 

Farmers' Guide to EQUIP

MIFFS

MIFFS has assembled this insiders guide to the Natural Resource Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which is designed to fund farming practices which reduce existing risks to natural resources.

MIFFS Educational Resources

MIFFS

Can't find what you're looking for here? No worries. Our partners at Michigan Food and Farming Systems also have an expansive library of resources that might be able to help you.

Farmers' Guide to Applying for EQUIP

MIFFS

Pair this application infographic with MIFFS' larger "Guide to EQUIP" for all of MIFFS best tips on utilizing this NRCS program on your farm.

Land Transfer Worksheet

American Farmland Trust

Who is going to inherit your land when you pass? Do you have a will? Who is going to take over the farm when you retire?

If you are still asking yourself these questions, it's time to get a succession plan in place for your farm. Let this worksheet from American Farmland Trust help guide you thorugh the process.

Midwest Grazing Exchange

The Wallace Center

The Midwest Grazing Exchange is an online platform that aims to connect graziers and landowners. This service matches livestock to land. Graziers can search for forage to graze and landowners can search for livestock to graze their land. Integrating livestock on the landscape is a win-win for soil and animals - let the matchmaking begin!