Mi Farm Network’s Developing Core Initiative Pillar

Supports youth who show interest in agriculture but face barriers to involvement. The program opens access to real opportunities for learning, field experience, and participation that helps them find their interested direction and purpose within the agricultural community. 

Connects begaining farmers and homesteaders with experienced mentors. Participants gain knowledge, build practical skills, and grow confidence while exploring adaptable practices that support sustainable farming, problem-solving, and learning tailored to their individual goals. 

Partnering students with local farms or ag educators to for them  to explore farming practices, soil sustainability and food preservation. Students gain a better understanding of the where and how their food gets from farm to table. It also provides ???? and encourages ????

Provides instruction in harvesting, processing, and preparing whole foods directly from farm and garden sources. Participants learn correct handling, seasonal use, and preservation methods that extend food value and support practical and healthy self‑reliance. 

Encourages care and respect for the natural world through Indigenous and Amish teachings of awareness, practice, and direct observation. Participants learn how individual actions affect soil, water, air, and habitat, and how responsible choices protect the living systems that sustain community life. 

Tours guide participants through natural wildlife areas to identify and gather wild edible and medicinal plants. Each tour teaches proper recognition, respectful harvest, and safe practical use, restoring an understanding of needed respect to native resources and connection to the earth.

Centers on naturopathic living by teaching natural healing methods, plant‑based nutrition, herbal remedies drawn from traditional wellness practices. The program supports a holistic approach, emphasizing balance, vitality, and practical care using natural resources in everyday life. 

Participants engaging in hands-on artisan skills taught using age-old traditions techniques from Old World, Indigenous and Amish practices, using natural or repurposed materials.

These age old traditions 

promote life skills for self-sufficiency by crafting practical items for everyday living. 

Builds farm to community pathways that turn surplus harvest into shared nutrition. Participants take part in collecting, preparing, and distributing local food to reduce waste, strengthen community health, and ensure families have access to quality nourishment. 

A shared equipment pool provides trailers, generators, pumps, tools for rapid response, recovery, and community readiness.