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About The North Farm

The Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC), located in Chatham, Michigan, is a unique and relevant research and outreach facility, which has served residents of the Upper Peninsula since 1899. The North Farm is the original site of the center, and has gone through many transformations in its long history. As of May 2014, this site has been established as a education and research farm focused on organic, diversified vegetable production.

The North Farm Mission

Through education, research, and extension, The North Farm aims to increase the number of producers providing nutrient- dense foods to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula’s economy by establishing an entrepreneurial local food production incubator site centrally located in the Upper Peninsula. Specific project objectives are:
  • Increase awareness, knowledge, and skills regarding nutrient dense food production through experiential based agricultural training and support for a diverse audience of beginning farmers, established farmers, avocational gardeners, youth, and community members.
  • Increase local food production within the U.P. economy. 
  • Improve soil health through sustainable production practices and cultivate awareness of the connection between soil, animal, and human health.
  • Develop a participatory modeling platform that will inform technology improvement and innovation adoption.
  • Determine production and management best practices for season extension of nutrient dense food production above the 45th parallel.         
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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.  Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. ​​