Farmers and others interested in agriculture can enhance their knowledge on food production, animal care, and various agricultural topics at this year’s MI Ag Ideas to Grow With Conference.

Now in its fifth year, office manager at Van Buren County’s MSU Extension Melissa Franklin tells us that the event has been successful in previous years and was developed to fill the gap left by in-person agricultural programs during the pandemic.

“They have been really well received,” Franklin says. “This was actually put into place during COVID. However, even with our meetings going back, they’ve requested this particular program.”

MSU extension farm business management educator of SWM Jon LaPorte says that there will be over 40 educational sessions, including opportunities to earn credits toward becoming a restricted-use pesticide applicator or a certified crop advisor.

“It’s really open to all types of producers,” LaPorte says. “Whether you’re beginning farmers, the established farmer or someone that’s looking to learn something new, maybe they’re trying to take a different approach on something production related. We’ve got some information.”

The conference will take place from February 24 to March 7. Attendance is free, but participants must register to receive the correct Zoom links. Additional registration details and information can be found here.