Katie Brandt works with beginning, urban, sustainable and small farmers as part of the MSU Extension Community Food Systems team. She started her farming adventure as a farmworker on many farms, before co-founding Groundswell Community Farm and enjoying 11 seasons farming full-time. In 2017, she shifted to teaching and organizing the MSU Organic Farmer Training Program (OFTP), which is a mix of field trips, online and on-farm learning to help people make their farm dreams a reality. In 2023, the OFTP added a new learning site at Keep Growing Detroit, so people can choose to learn in Detroit or at the MSU Student Organic Farm in East Lansing.

Katie also co-leads Michigan's USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program to connect new organic farmers with mentors, field days & webinars. She works with Michigan SARE coordinator, Sarah Zeiler, to promote SARE grants and resources, assist SARE grant authors, map beginning farmer resources, and connect beginning, urban, sustainable and small-scale farmers with SARE. Feel free to reach out to Katie at brandtk7@msu.edu if you have questions about farming or any of the programs she leads!

Outside of work, Katie enjoys biking, hanging out with her 12-year-old son, and enjoying time with her partner Jill.