Midwest GRIT (Grains Resource & Immersive Training)

is a program focused on strengthening diverse small and mid-size Midwest food-grade grain farmers. A program of Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. in partnership with the Artisan Grain Collaborative (AGC), and The Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN), Midwest GRIT supports farmers through three key areas:  education, peer-to-peer learning and relationship development, and resource sharing.

  • Learn

    Experience content especially created for food-grade grain farmers; Program partner Artisan Grain Collaborative offers educational support and resources based on input from their broad network of growers and to end-users, including brewers, distillers, bakers, chefs, and local food cooperatives.

    Access an extensive library of academic work and resources from the OGRAIN program of University of Wisconsin-Madison.

  • Connect

    Create long-term relationships with our yearlong cohorts of regional farmers, with space reserved for women, non-binary, and BIPOC farmers.

    Network with farmers at different stages of their careers, an essential component to building a robust grainshed.

    Build relationship with stakeholders across the grain chain, including researchers, growers, and end-users.

  • Grow

    Develop one-on-one and group relationships between members of the grain supply chain across the Midwest and beyond.

    Gain new skills in organic food-grade grain production and marketing through hands-on field days and virtual workshops with regional experts

    Build on your existing agricultural enterprises and experience while being compensated. Midwest GRIT is a paid learning opportunity.

Midwest GRIT is a program of Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and the Artisan Grain Collaborative (AGC), in partnership with The Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN).

Funding Provided by USDA-NIFA BFRDP award no. 2021-49400-35592 "Building place-based mentorships for beginning grain farmers, with special supports for beginning women farmers"

Funding Provided by BFRDP USDA, Award no. 2021-49400-35592