Field and Online Activities
In the Field
Keep Growing Detroit Farm
Learn how to grow vegetable, herb and native perennial transplants, seed garlic and produce at the Keep Growing Detroit Farm. You will learn in-depth production techniques from the four farmers at KGD, Akello Karamoko, Kido Pielack, Molly Hubbell and Rosebud Schneider. KGD is a model for community engagement, partnering with over 2,000 farmers, gardeners and garden educators through their Garden Resource Program and leading the collaborative marketing program Grown in Detroit, and hosting dozens of workshops and youth programs each year. This is a great hands-on farmsite for urban farmers, intensive production techniques and anyone near Detroit.
MSU Student Organic Farm
Learn how to grow vegetables in the field with tractor power, in the hoophouses with human power and in the Edible Forest Garden with the power of permaculture. The Student Organic Farm has hosted the Organic Farmer Training Program for over a decade and you will have the opportunity to learn from long-time farmer and farm educator Katie Brandt and from Student Organic Farm Manager Darby Anderson. This is a great learning site for production farmers, anyone planning for over 2 acres of vegetables, permaculturists and those able to drive to East Lansing 9 times over the growing season.
Online
Group discussions, vision sharing and Farm Plan Presentations allow the cohort to learn from each other. We also split into online breakout rooms to brainstorm ideas for a participant's farm or to get feedback on assignments or class activites. The OFTP workbook allows a space to think through your farm plan and class topics.
Field Trips
We will visit 20+ sustainable farms in Michigan and Chicago as part of the OFTP! This is the place to see real-life examples for how to make your farm vision a reality.