From Garden to Table – Partnering with MSU to Train the Next Generation of Farmers

At Asbury CDC, we believe that food is more than nourishment—it’s education, empowerment, and community building. That belief came to life recently as we proudly hosted Michigan State University’s Beginner Farmer Training class right here on our campus and at Asbury Farms.

In partnership with MSU Extension, our farm served as both classroom and inspiration for a group of emerging farmers eager to learn the foundational skills of sustainable agriculture. From hands-on lessons in crop planning to soil health and harvesting techniques, our fields became a living lab for these passionate learners.

To cap off the day, we were honored to serve a farm-fresh meal prepared right on-site—with a highlight being a vibrant garden salad made from produce harvested just steps away from where the students had trained. There’s something incredibly powerful about being able to grow, harvest, prepare, and share a meal all in the same space. It’s the full circle of food—and it's what we strive to make accessible every day through our programs.

This collaboration with MSU is more than a one-time event. It reflects a shared commitment to cultivating new farmers, strengthening local food systems, and investing in communities like ours that are ready to lead the way in food justice and agricultural innovation.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to feed minds and bodies alike, and we look forward to many more learning days, garden-fresh meals, and future farmers growing right here at Asbury Farms.