Raising livestock comes with many challenges, but maintaining animal health remains
one of the most important factors in building a productive and sustainable farm.
Whether you raise a few animals for a direct-market farm, manage a diversified
homestead, or operate a larger livestock enterprise, protecting animal health begins
with strong on-farm practices. Anyone who visits your farm—from family members to
veterinarians, feed suppliers and customers—plays a role in protecting your animals.
One of the most effective ways to protect livestock is through farm biosecurity.
Biosecurity practices help prevent the introduction and spread of diseases that threaten
animal health and farm profitability. These practices are especially important during
outbreaks of diseases such as avian influenza, bovine tuberculosis and other livestock
diseases that impact farms across the region.
To help farmers take practical steps toward better biosecurity, Michigan State University
Extension, in partnership with the Center for Regional Food Systems, has developed a
new set of resources and training opportunities specifically designed for farmers and
agricultural professionals in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
These sessions will provide practical, easy-to-implement strategies that farms of all
sizes can use to protect animal health and strengthen their operations. Farmers, service
providers and anyone who works with livestock farms are encouraged to attend.
Register for Upcoming Training Sessions
Healthy Animals, Strong Farms – Marquette County
May 5, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
184 US-41, Negaunee, MI
Healthy Animals, Strong Farms – Mackinac County
May 6, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
St. Ignace Public Library
110 W. Spruce St., St. Ignace, MI 49781
These sessions are free to attend and will include door prizes and giveaways.
New Resources at Your Fingertips
MSU Extension has also launched a new Protecting Animal Health through Biosecurity
website that provides practical tools to help farmers put biosecurity into action on their
farms. The site includes educational videos, articles and guides on key topics such as
disease prevention, livestock health and preparing for farm visitors. Farmers can also
download printable farm signage to help communicate biosecurity practices to visitors
and employees.
Get Involved
Whether you are a farmer, veterinarian, conservation partner, lender, feed supplier,
inspector or agricultural service provider, these resources are designed to help you
support strong animal health practices on farms throughout the region.
Keeping animals healthy doesn’t just protect one farm—it helps protect neighboring
farms, rural communities and the future of Michigan agriculture. By attending these
trainings and using the available resources, you can play an important role in helping
Upper Peninsula farms stay healthy, resilient and productive for years to come.
