On-demand open enrollment classes and programs

Backyard Fruit 101 is an introductory course designed for individuals beginning to grow fruits. In this course you will learn about the conditions needed to produce fruit and recommendations specific to multiple types of berries and tree fruits. Growing fruits can seem like a challenge. This course will help you learn how soil conditions, climate, integrated pest management, and annual maintenance can yield tasty fruit.

Cost: $35.00

For more information go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/backyard-fruit-101

The DEMaND Series helps the next generation of farm operators develop into managers and decision-makers by providing resources on financial and business management strategies. This series includes bulletins, videos and webinars.

Topics include:

• How to get started
• Land access
• Loans and funding
• Marketing
• Risk management
• Animal agriculture
• Field crops
• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Beginning farmer
• Farm management 

For more information go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/demand/

The Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock (ERAIL) program is focused on providing resources and training for people that potentially could be involved in responding to an accident where animals are involved. This virtual training provides participants with the information needed to effectively and efficiently respond to these types of accidents. Following this training, participants will have a better understanding of the types of situations that can occur with accidents involving animals, animal handling and behavior, incident command and accident response, along with the types of tools and equipment needed during an accident response. Additional hands-on training opportunities are also offered and participants in the D2L course are encouraged to partake in these activities. 

Cost: $50.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/emergency-response-to-accident-involving-livestock-virtual-training

Farm Employee University provides a training platform accessible to all dairy employees and employers. Our goal is to provide education to improve the skills of both employers and employees, lead to a better work environment for all and reduce employee turnover on farms. Material is currently provided in English.

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/farm-employee-university-employees

Each unit in this course includes one or two videos from the most recent, annual Crop and Pest Management meeting and corresponding materials to review. Watching the videos and reviewing the materials for each unit is required for completion of the course.

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/field-crops-ipm-course

This course is designed for food and farm business owners in Michigan to better understand the grant writing process, as well as provide information about grant writing opportunities for specialty food businesses.

In this course participants will:

• Develop a better understanding of whether grant writing is the best option for their business needs and goals
• Learn how to find, write, and apply for grants that are relevant to their food business and its future funding needs
• Write a complete grant proposal outline which can be edited or altered for future grant funding opportunities

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/msue-grant-writing-for-farm-and-food-entrepreneurs

This online, on-demand hop production course provides detailed and comprehensive presentations and resources that address all aspects of hop production from economic considerations to postharvest handling. The course was developed for beginner or prospective hop producers but could also be utilized by more experienced hop growers.

Cost: $50.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/hop-production-in-midwest-and-eastern-north-america-1

This self-paced online course provides a comprehensive introduction to lavender production for beginning growers and extends the opportunity for existing growers to learn from nationally recognized experts with respect to regional diversity.

Cost: $30.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/how-to-grow-lavender-a-curriculum-for-farmers

The Desire to Learn Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Academy is an interactive, online program designed to provide a comprehensive and convenient online learning experience. This self-paced course features university experts and a full-service help center with technical support and support materials to learn how to easily navigate the course. Current topics include:

• An Introduction to IPM
• IPM Resources at MSU
• Plant Science
• Soils 101
• Identifying and Conserving Natural Enemies
• Conserving Pollinators
• Using Enviroweather to Assist IPM Program Decisions
• Scouting in Greenhouses
• Scouting in Perennial Crops
• Scouting in Vegetable Crops

Cost: $10.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/integrated-pest-management-academy

This course is designed for food and farm business owners in Michigan to better understand the grant writing process, as well as provide information about grant writing opportunities for specialty food businesses.

In this course participants will:

• Develop a better understanding of whether grant writing is the best option for their business needs and goals
• Learn how to find, write, and apply for grants that are relevant to their food business and its future funding needs
• Write a complete grant proposal outline which can be edited or altered for future grant funding opportunities

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/msue-grant-writing-for-farm-and-food-entrepreneurs

This course was designed for entrepreneurs considering starting a food truck or mobile food business in Michigan. Each module walks through the process of developing a business plan based on SCORE’s business plan template, developing a menu, selecting a food truck, trailer, or cart, writing a marketing plan and identifying your target customers and competitors as well as Michigan’s Mobile Unit and STFU licensing processes.

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business

Learn how to safely prepare and sell allowable foods to the public made in home kitchens. The Michigan Cottage Food Law workshop reviews the food safety aspects and guidelines of preparing and selling cottage foods. 

Cost: Free

For more information go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/cottage_food_law/online-michigan-cottage-food-law

This course is designed to help producers identify the uncertainties that exist within the farm business and how to achieve financial success through planning for and reacting to that uncertainty.  The course provides a roadmap for the journey ahead and helpful information will be available at several stops along the way. 

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/financial-success-in-uncertain-times

Considering renting but not sure where to start? Already a seasoned renter but want to learn how to become a better one? Attend MSU Extension’s Informed Renter Course online.

This on-line, self-paced rental workshop from MSU Extension will equip you with valuable information about the rental process that will help you navigate the technicalities and avoid costly mistakes. 

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/informed-renter

This online course from eHome Money helps people to understand a variety of topics, such as managing personal finances, debt, credit scores and more.

eHome Money Management empowers you to:

• Understand Savings and Spending
• Understand Credit
• Manage Personal Finances

Cost: $50.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/mimoneyhealth/Self-Paced-Learning/index

This free, 6-week series includes six email lessons, sent once per week. Each email includes a link to a lesson webpage that takes 15-30 minutes to complete. Move through the lesson at your own pace and come back to it as you desire. There is no expiration to the lesson content. 

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/learn-to-cook-healthy-and-affordable-meals

It is important for individuals to stay up to date on the latest research for home food preservation, recipes and processing times, as they are constantly under review and updated. Michigan State University Extension’s Online Home Food Preservation course is a self-paced program that instructs up to date science-based recommended methods for safe home food preservation, regardless of a person’s experience with preserving foods.

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/food-preservation

This course was designed for entrepreneurs considering starting a food truck or mobile food business in Michigan. Each module walks through the process of developing a business plan based on SCORE’s business plan template, developing a menu, selecting a food truck, trailer, or cart, writing a marketing plan and identifying your target customers and competitors as well as Michigan’s Mobile Unit and STFU licensing processes.

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business

This course is designed for food and farm business owners in Michigan to better understand the grant writing process, as well as provide information about grant writing opportunities for specialty food businesses.

In this course participants will:

• Develop a better understanding of whether grant writing is the best option for their business needs and goals
• Learn how to find, write, and apply for grants that are relevant to their food business and its future funding needs
• Write a complete grant proposal outline which can be edited or altered for future grant funding opportunities

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/msue-grant-writing-for-farm-and-food-entrepreneurs

This course is taught by Lt. William Smith with the Grand Rapids Fire Department as a fire safety course for mobile food vehicles that intend to operate in the City of Grand Rapids, MI. This is a free course that may be helpful to mobile food vehicle operators from other jurisdictions. Please check with your local fire department on their requirements for mobile food truck vehicles. The "How to Start a Food Truck Business" D2L course may also be helpful. This course was developed by MSU Extension in partnership with the Grand Rapids Food Truck Association and others.

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/mobile-food-vehicle-fire-safety

Backyard Fruit 101 is an introductory course designed for individuals beginning to grow fruits. In this course you will learn about the conditions needed to produce fruit and recommendations specific to multiple types of berries and tree fruits. Growing fruits can seem like a challenge. This course will help you learn how soil conditions, climate, integrated pest management, and annual maintenance can yield tasty fruit.

Cost: $35.00

For more information go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/backyard-fruit-101

Whether you are a passionate gardener or just someone curious to learn more about who’s visiting plants outdoors, this course will provide you with lots of great information about Michigan insects.

In this six-lesson series, you'll learn about basic insect identification and a selection of fascinating insects found in the garden. Lessons are designed for anyone interested in learning more about six-legged organisms that live in a variety of habitats.

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/new-free-online-course-about-insects-in-the-garden

Have you ever wondered if beekeeping is right for you? This online course provides an introduction to honey bees, covers the time required, physical demands, and financial resources of beekeeping, and suggests ways to help all pollinators.

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/msu-is-beekeeping-right-for-me

Citizen Planner Online is a completely online, self-paced version of the program designed for individuals who can’t fit a six-week course into their schedule or who prefer this style of learning. It takes approximately 15 hours or so to complete, and can be accessed 24/7 so that individuals can do as much or as little at one time as fits their schedule. Citizen Planner Online is highly interactive with stories, videos, and activities to keep the learner engaged. To participate, you will need a robust internet connection and a computer, tablet, or mobile device (iOS or Android). Larger screens will provide a better experience. This program leads to an MSU Extension certificate of completion and the opportunity to become a Master Citizen Planner. 

Cost: $250.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/citizen-planner-online

The Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock (ERAIL) program is focused on providing resources and training for people that potentially could be involved in responding to an accident where animals are involved. This virtual training provides participants with the information needed to effectively and efficiently respond to these types of accidents. Following this training, participants will have a better understanding of the types of situations that can occur with accidents involving animals, animal handling and behavior, incident command and accident response, along with the types of tools and equipment needed during an accident response. Additional hands-on training opportunities are also offered and participants in the D2L course are encouraged to partake in these activities. 

Cost: $50.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/emergency-response-to-accident-involving-livestock-virtual-training

The Michigan Sea Grant Great Lakes Coastal Planning & Zoning Email Course is a learning opportunity for coastal land use decision makers and interested residents. Through a series of five lessons, delivered to your email inbox, you will learn about Michigan’s Great Lakes shorelines and how communities can plan and zone for those shorelines. This course is meant as an introduction to coastal planning and zoning topics of interest. Each lesson provides some general information with plenty of links to more content to explore.

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/great-lakes-coastal-planning-zoning-email-course

This course is taught by Lt. William Smith with the Grand Rapids Fire Department as a fire safety course for mobile food vehicles that intend to operate in the City of Grand Rapids, MI. This is a free course that may be helpful to mobile food vehicle operators from other jurisdictions. Please check with your local fire department on their requirements for mobile food truck vehicles. The "How to Start a Food Truck Business" D2L course may also be helpful. This course was developed by MSU Extension in partnership with the Grand Rapids Food Truck Association and others.

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/mobile-food-vehicle-fire-safety

The ZBA Online Certificate Course is a self-paced online training designed for members of the local government Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), local government staff who work alongside the ZBA, and local government managers and attorneys.  

The ZBA Online Certificate Course teaches the latest concepts on ZBA roles and responsibilities, effective decision-making, and protecting due process. The curriculum is based on the award-winning Citizen Planner Program and features ZBA-specific content, engaging activities, case studies, and the latest Michigan case law. Course completion includes an MSU Extension certificate. 

Cost: $125.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/zoning-board-of-appeals-online-certificate-course

This online self-paced learning course from eHome America walks through the home buying process to help people prepare for home ownership. For some, taking this course can help potential homeowners attain a certificate to be used for down payment assistance programs.  Upon completing the online course you will have a short phone conversation with a MSHDA-certified, HUD-approved Housing Counselor. The certificate is good for one year after completion.

Learn how to:

• Determine if homeownership is right for you
• Shop for a home
• Maintain your home

Cost: $100.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/mimoneyhealth/Self-Paced-Learning/index

The Michigan Sea Grant Great Lakes Coastal Planning & Zoning Email Course is a learning opportunity for coastal land use decision makers and interested residents. Through a series of five lessons, delivered to your email inbox, you will learn about Michigan’s Great Lakes shorelines and how communities can plan and zone for those shorelines. This course is meant as an introduction to coastal planning and zoning topics of interest. Each lesson provides some general information with plenty of links to more content to explore.

Cost: $0.00

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/great-lakes-coastal-planning-zoning-email-course

RELAX: Alternatives to Anger Online is a self-paced course for adults to better manage anger and stress at home and in the workplace. Participants will gain a better understanding of anger, learn methods to manage anger and stress, develop communication skills and make positive behavioral changes. A certificate for three training hours is awarded once participants have completed the course.

The RELAX: Alternatives to Anger Online Self-Paced program includes the class materials during each of the four lessons, with the option to print them from the website.

Cost: Freehttps://www.canr.msu.edu/alternatives_to_anger/relax_alternatives_to_anger_online

For more information, go to https://www.canr.msu.edu/alternatives_to_anger/relax_alternatives_to_an…

MSU Extension’s very own working farm! Located at 28115 Meadowbrook Road in Novi, Michigan, 48377, our 160-acre farm provides non-formal learning for children, families, and adults, offering the unique opportunity to experience agriculture hands-on in an urban environment. Come check us out! The farm is open to the public Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to dusk for passive use such as walking. Events and programs do require pre-registration and tickets for entrance.

The farm also offers customized school and community programs which can be booked at various times any day of the week, including evenings and weekends. These are designed for class field trips, scout troops, senior groups, and more. Tollgate offers educational programs for all ages-- from preschoolers to adults-- and can accommodate groups of 12-80 participants. Each 2-hour program provides a unique opportunity to engage with the farm through immersive, hands-on learning. 

Programs are $14/per participant (adults and children). One free adult for every 19 paid participants. All programs include farm animal interactions and a wagon ride. For more information contact the Program Team at MSUE.TollgatePro@msu.edu

Suggested programs based on age group:

• Preschool-Grade 1
• Grades 1-3
• Grades 3-5
• Grades 6-8
• High School - Adult
• Custom programs for schools partnerships