A training program in Traverse City, Michigan, is helping new farmers learn practical skills through hands-on experience. The Great Lakes Incubator Farm offers a seven-month course focused on regenerative agriculture for a small cohort of students. It addresses barriers like land access and climate challenges in the industry.
The program, run by the Grand Traverse Conservation District, draws participants from across the United States. Students study pest management, tractor operation, and business planning while growing produce that supplies local buyers and food banks. The initiative emphasizes soil health and reduced emissions. Rachel Greenberg, a 33-year-old participant from Indianapolis, noted the ongoing difficulties but highlighted the appeal of knowing food sources. Troy Saruna, 28, joined to better understand environmental impacts, while Shanaya Holmes, 49, from Alabama, seeks to improve record-keeping in a new climate. Adam Brown, the farm manager, described the setup as a low-risk space for experimentation. The effort relies on a nearly $700,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that concludes after the October harvest. Brown plans to seek renewed funding amid competitive grant processes. The program is in its second year and stands as one of few such efforts in northern Michigan. It aims to build skills that support broader involvement in food systems, from farm management to community education.