“This is an extraordinary program. It’s as good or better than much more expensive intensive training, such as the Stanford Executive Program. I built and managed my first hoophouse and made my first sales to a local restaurant during the 2019 OFTP. This would not have been possible but for your program, and I am grateful that you made this possible for me.” Bill Coughlin, 2019 OFTP Graduate, Owner of Twin Manor Farm in Memphis, MI
“I love this program! As someone new to farming, the combination of on-site learning, zoom based learning and farm visits offered a thorough introduction to the field of organic farming, helped me gain the confidence to start my own farm and helped me solidify my vision for farming.” 2021 OFTP Graduate
“Because of this class I'm sure I will succeed in my endeavors because of all the information and resources I have gained. I also believe I will make lifelong friends from this class. Every week the community garden has grown because of this class.”
2023 OFTP Graduate, Clarice Shepherd
“The best thing about starting my farm while taking the OFTP is that I have been able to take the things I am learning and put them into practice. I have learned a lot about myself and what I want for myself and my farm by attending the farm visits. My favorite part is learning from my cohort. We all glean different things and it's great to be able to hear other perspectives about the information we are all taking in.”
2023 OFTP Graduate Jenny Balmes
“Class each week was a much needed dose of optimism and the knowledge and connections to make my vision a reality” 2022 OFTP Graduate
"Without the 2019 cohort, Rich and I would definitely not be starting production on our farm in 2020. I needed the foundation in so many essentials of small-scale market farming and I received those through OFTP. The combination of hands-on learning at the SOF farm and opportunities to visit and interact with dozens of Michigan farmers is a priceless opportunity." Cindy Kern, Co-owner of Cardinal Farms in South Lyon, MI
“Katie's teaching style is inclusive, exciting, dynamic and engaging and she is extremely positive and encouraging while not shying away from some of the more difficult realities of the farming profession. The OFTP's in person learning at the Student Organic Farm has been incredibly valuable. I enjoy being in a group and learning from my classmates. The farm field trips have been an amazing opportunity to see a variety of scales, business models, values/practices, and enterprises across the state of Michigan. Each of the farmers we visited was very open and inviting for us to ask questions or return at any time. It felt as though as beginning farmers, we are joining a large interconnected community.” 2022 OFTP Graduate
“The Organic Farmer Training Program has not only helped me hone my farming practices, it has advanced my tools and skills as an outdoor educator for youth-based garden learning opportunities. Our children’s garden grows beautiful produce and has created a positive environment for families to reconnect with food, health and the earth. For 2020, I have received funding to start my own farm, Family Roots, which will supply kid-friendly produce to preschools and daycare centers to improve nutrition during early childhood when brain development is at its peak.” 2018 OFTP Graduate, Heidi Bombrisk, Family Roots Farm
"The OFTP was the perfect stepping stone for me on my agricultural path. It linked together hands on learning with interesting and informative lecture that made the class worth coming to every week. The amount of information you are given, both through lectures and books/ handouts is worth the price of the program. Once you add in the hands on experience, and the network you make, it becomes an incredible deal." 2017 OFTP participant
"OFTP has given me an array of new skills and knowledge to help me be successful in whatever farm venture I may take on or work for. The assignments were concrete skills and tools that will allow me to make my dream into a reality, and I feel much more confident about my ability to make a living farming." 2017 OFTP participant
Print
Email