Welcome to the 18th Annual Michigan Family Farms Conference. This conference offers beginning, small-scale and culturally diverse farmers a chance to network, learn, and build sustainable family farms. Thanks for joining us today!

This session provides an overview of the risks faced by small farms and the approaches to reduce their impacts. Farming is a risky business. Farms face risks and uncertainties in several areas, including natural disasters, finances, diseases, labor, personal, and others. It is important to understand the types of risks faced and the approaches that can be taken to minimize their negative effects when a risk event occurs.

In this Spanish-English bilingual session, experts from the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) introduce programs designed to support economic stability on small, medium, and diversified farms. Programs discussed will include the Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program, Micro Farm Program, and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. The presentation will be followed by a bilingual discussion session, where you can share your experiences and ask questions.

Crop Insurance is the corner stone of crop risk mitigation and one of the primary tools the USDA uses to stabilize American agriculture. Your connection to crop insurance is a quality, trustworthy agent. Learn how to identify a quality agent and forge a long term relationship that insures your farms future!

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Welcome back to the evening sessions.

Bee Wise Farms, a diversified farm located in Newberry MI, produces lavender, herbs, cut flowers, honeybee products, and recycled art with a focus on healthy lives and healthy land. Bee Wise Farms is verified as environmentally sustainable through the Michigan Agriculture and Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Bee Wise Farms owners, Adam and Lacey Ingrao, are the proud founders of the HEROES TO HIVE program, dedicated to supporting the live of those returning from war. Our mission is to support the health and wellbeing of the land and community (humans and other animals) through FOOD, CONNECTION, MOVEMENT & PURPOSE. Bee Wise Farms achieves this by offering personal and professional support through on-farm education and nature-based therapies.

In this Spanish-English bilingual session, experts from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) introduce programs that provide financial resources and technical assistance for farmers to make improvements to their farm, recover from natural disasters, and protect natural resources. Programs discussed will include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Tree Assistance Program, Conservation Reserve Program, Emergency Assistance Programs, and Farm Loan Programs. The presentation will be followed by a bilingual discussion session, where you can share your experiences and ask questions.