Michigan winters are a good time to catch up on your knowledge of homestead topics, explore new ideas and learn new skills. Michigan State University’s ANR week will be the host for many community farming and homesteading groups to meet and the place to pick up some new skills and education. Why not check out some of the class offerings below.
If you would like to learn about the latest organic production research you’ll want to attend the Michigan Organic Reporting Session on Friday March 2 from 10 am to 4 pm. It’s being held in the Riverside room in the Kellogg Center on the campus of MSU. MSU researchers will report on a variety of organic research projects. Cost is $25 pre person. To pre-register go to www.michiganorganic.msu.edu or you can call Vicki Morrone at 517-353-3542.
If you are confused about Michigan’s Right to Farm Act you want to attend the class on Monday, March 5 from noon to 5 pm. It’s being held at the Kellogg Center on the campus of MSU. Experts will discuss the GAAMPS regulations and explain legal nuisance protection under the act. The class is free but you should pre-register by calling 517-373-9797.
Want to learn how to make your own cheese? Take the 3 day Artisanal Cheese Making class Monday March 5- Wednesday March 7. It is being taught at the MSU dairy plant. You’ll learn how to make cheese, how to start a home cheese business, and about food safety. You will be doing hands on cheese making. Class size is limited and the class costs $450.00 per person but this includes lunches, snacks, and resource material. For more information contact partridge@anr.msu.edu
If you raise chickens you’ll want to attend the Pullorum and Small Flock Poultry Workshop, Tuesday March 6 at the MSU pavilion classrooms c/d. from 8:30 to noon you can learn how to do pullorum testing and after taking the class will be certified to do testing in Michigan. That workshop is free but certification will cost $20 for certification good for 3 years. The afternoon session, 12:30-5 pm, is about poultry management . The cost for this segment is $30 which includes lunch. Attend one or both segments. Email dkarcher@msu.edufor more information or to register send payment to Darrin Karcher, ANR Week, MSU dept. of Animal Science, 1287 Anthony Hall, East Lansing Mi. 48824.
Want to learn how to connect with more consumers to sell your farm products? Take the Connecting the farm to Consumers 101 class on March 7, 9-11 am at the Kellogg Conference Center- Willy room. This class is free. Contact Mary Dunckel at dunckel@anr.msu.edufor more information
Like goats? Attend the Spring Goat Day March 10 9am to 5pm in the lobby of Anthony Hall at MSU. Educational exhibits for all kinds of goats, goat supply vendors and a variety of short educational classes on goat care. No live animals. $5 admission per person, $15 per family.
Great lakes Forage and Grazing Conference is two days this year, March 7-8 at the MSU Kellogg Center. The conference will cover grass fed meat, cover crops, hay and silage production, pasture management and grazing techniques. For more information or to register call Jerry Lindquist at 231-832-6139 or go to http://fs.msue.msu.edu
Thinking about beekeeping? The Michigan Beekeepers Conference is March 9 and 10th at the Kellogg Center at MSU. Two full days of classes and a vendors area full of beekeeping supplies await you. For more information on this conference see www.michiganbees.org.
Horse Expo is March 9-11 at the MSU Livestock pavilion. It includes educational seminars, vendor area, stallion avenue, a high school rodeo Friday at 7 pm, and Cowboy church 9 am Sunday. It’s full of exciting things for horse lovers to see and do. $10 per person in advance, $12 at the door. Contact Marilyn Graff 231-821-2487 or email Marilyn.graff@michiganhorsecouncil.com
Whether you are farming 100 acres, homesteading a few acres or keeping chickens in the backyard you can never go wrong learning a little more about your projects. And taking a class or attending an Expo lets you find other people who share your interests.
For more country articles by Kimberley Willis click on her name at the top of the page.
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