Traverse City, MI, Grand Traverse County
Mentorship, Working arrangement with future partner
Nov 12, 2025
Acreage
- 35 Acres Available
- 3 Open Tillable Acres
Infrastructure and Equipment Available
Vision for the Farm
GLIF program offers two tracks for aspiring farmers; 1) Farm Training Program -Students will collaborate by working directly alongside the Farm Manager to run a fully functioning farm business while also engaging in classroom instruction, field demonstrations, and daily fieldwork. The program culminates in the development of an independent farm business plan, which each participant presents to their peers and the farm manager. This is a 7-month program.
2) An incubator Farm for those ready to launch their business. This 3-year track lowers common barriers that typically deter individuals from starting a farming operation by giving them the opportunity and flexibility to create an agricultural business and gain expertise as they grow. It is geared towards experienced farmers who must have an approved business plan by GLIF management.
Incubator Farmers will have shared access to the infrastructure and resources provided by the Great Lakes Incubator Farm including:
- Farm Manager mentorship
- Tractors
- Tools and equipment
- Irrigation system
- Hoophouse space and dedicated land area
- Cold storage
- Post-harvest handling facility
Acreage description
Across the river from the Boardman River Nature Center is the site of Grand Traverse Conservation District's newest program – The Great Lakes Incubator Farm (GLIF). Located on Grand Traverse County's historic Meyer Farm property, GLIF is an active land-based agricultural program that fosters the growth and development of new and beginning farmers in Northwest Lower Michigan.
GLIF is a demonstration farm where community members can gather and connect to learn about natural resources, conservation, agriculture, food, farming systems, and regenerative practices.
Description of the property’s current condition, current use(s), and past use(s)
Current use is for educational programming, farm training and for use by incubator farmers. We hope to continually update and improve infrastructure.
Additional Information
The Great Lakes Incubator Farm follows growing practices that align with Certified Organic standards and is currently transitioning to certified organic status. Our farming methods are rooted in the principles of soil health, which include:
- Keeping living roots in the ground as long as possible
- Minimizing soil disturbance - through alternative methods or reduced tillage
- Maximizing plant diversity with cover crop mixes and rotational diversity of cash crops
- "Armoring the soil" with organic residue
We focus on providing optimal nutrition to crops, allowing them to utilize their natural defenses against pests and diseases. By maintaining soil health and achieving balanced mineral content, we aim to produce higher yields of nutrient-dense food. The overarching goal is to improve our methods, our soil and crop health each growing season.
At GLIF, we are dedicated to nurturing both the land and the future of agriculture, fostering resilient, sustainable farming practices that will benefit the health of our local community.
Soil Type(s)
Sandy
Transition Agreement
Mentorship, Working arrangement with future partner
The Great Lakes Incubator Farm help to provide resources and help farmers find their ideal land after completing either program.
Sale Price or Estimated Market Value
N/A
Price for Lease Per Acre
N/A
Mentoring
I am willing to mentor a farmer
Production Preferences
Preferred Farming Method
Certified Organic, Organic Practices
