MSU Extension Michigan Transition to Organic Partnership Program

TOPP Farmer Webinar Series:

Organic System Plans: the stepping stone to organic certification

April 2 | 12:00–1:00 PM

Speakers: Sarah Longstreth of Good Stead Farm in Hope, MI will discuss her organic system plan and farm recordkeeping.

Get practical guidance from an experienced farmer on one of the first steps in organic certification - filling out your Organic System Plan. Sarah will also discuss organic recordkeeping must include—and how to set up a system that’s manageable, efficient, and helpful for your business.
Topics include:

• See an example of an Organic System Plan from Good Stead Farm 
• Hot tips on what to do to write YOUR Organic System Plan 
• Farmer-friendly recordkeeping options
• Info on how to choose a certifier, so you can get started on your OSP 
• How to connect with a mentor and the TOPP to start on your organic transition journey

You may also want to join some of the other webinars in this series...... 

March–April | 4 FREE webinars for Farmers

Join the Michigan Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) for a spring webinar series designed to strengthen the business, planning, and production foundations of your organic farm. Learn directly from experienced farmers and educators in these focused, one‑hour online sessions—all created with organic producers in mind.

• March 19 | Business Planning for Organic Farmers
• March 26 | Succession Planning for Organic Farmers
• April 2 | Organic System Plans: the stepping stone to organic certification
• April 9 | Soil Health: Reduced Tillage Strategies for Organic Farmers 

March 19 | 12:00–1:00 PM

Business Planning for Organic Farmers

Speakers: TBD 

This webinar will guide farmers through the essential components of a strong, resilient organic farm business plan. Learn how to structure your financials, evaluate enterprise options, and prepare for growth or transition. The session may include farm business planning templates you can use to get started on your plan.

Succession Planning for Organic Farmers 

March 26 | 12:00–1:00 PM

Speakers: Jill Dohner, MI FarmLink, a short video will feature Bruce Michael Wilson, Katie Brandt and Kyle Mitchell each sharing their land succession stories.

Succession planning starts long before transition becomes urgent. This interactive session will help both beginning farmers and those approaching generational change understand essential steps in farm transfer, business structure, estate considerations, and recordkeeping tools.
The session will include:

• Farmer perspectives video with Bruce Michael Wilson, Katie Brandt and Kyle Mitchell)
• Interactive activities to plan for your farmland succession
• A curated list of Michigan‑specific resources, including tools from MI FarmLink, AgPlan, Farm Bureau, TOPP and more
• Guidance on financial and legal considerations that shape long‑term transition

April 2 | 12:00–1:00 PM

Organic System Plans: the stepping stone to organic certification

Speakers: Sarah Longstreth of Good Stead Farm in Hope, MI will discuss her organic system plan and farm recordkeeping.

Get practical guidance from an experienced farmer on one of the first steps in organic certification - filling out your Organic System Plan. Sarah will also discuss organic recordkeeping must include—and how to set up a system that’s manageable, efficient, and helpful for your business.
Topics include:

• See an example of an Organic System Plan from Good Stead Farm 
• Hot tips on what to do to write YOUR Organic System Plan 
• Farmer-friendly recordkeeping options
• Info on how to choose a certifier, so you can get started on your OSP 
• How to connect with a mentor and the TOPP to start on your organic transition journey

April 9 | 12:00–1:00 PM

Soil Health: Reduced Tillage Strategies for Organic Farmers

Speaker: James DeDecker of the MSU Upper Peninsula Research & Education Center 

Explore reduced‑tillage systems that build soil health, improve weed management, and strengthen climate resilience on organic farms. James will share findings from ongoing research—including surprising insights from tarping trials and the importance of timing when applying and removing tarps. Other farmers may join to offer on‑farm perspectives on reduced‑tillage, tarping and soil health.

Why join this series?

✔ Learn from leading Michigan organic farmers & educators
✔ Build practical tools for business planning, land succession, organic transition and soil management
✔ Connect with the Michigan TOPP team and other farm support organizations
✔ Access Michigan‑specific resources to support your organic journey

Contact Katie Brandt at brandtk7@msu.edu for any questions. We will notify everyone registered ASAP if there are any changes or cancellations.