Weather disasters, market disruptions, equipment failures, labor shortages, and unexpected emergencies can quickly challenge even the most resilient farm operations. In this session, participants will learn how to identify vulnerabilities within their farm system, assess potential risks, and develop practical contingency plans to prepare for the unexpected. Through real-world examples and guided planning exercises, farmers will gain tools and strategies to strengthen resilience, reduce losses, and improve their ability to adapt and recover when disruptions occur. Leave with a framework for safeguarding your farm's future, no matter what challenges come your way.

*  Introduction to Contingency Planning
A foundational session introducing small farms to the six major risk categories every operation faces: marketing, production, financial, legal, human resource, and technology. Using real-world scenarios from small-scale and urban farms, attendees will learn the five-step contingency planning framework (risk assessment, business impact analysis, risk management tools, goal setting, and documentation) and leave with a worksheet to start assessing their own farm's risks.
10:30am - 11:00am
Renee Wiatt - Purdue University
Maria Marshall - Purdue University

*  Mutal Aid and Community Solidarity: How Farmer Networks Play a Role in Small Farm Risk Management
When challenges arise, farmers often turn to one another for support. This session explores how mutual aid, cooperative relationships, and community networks can help small farms manage risk, respond to emergencies, and build long-term resilience. Participants will learn from examples of farmers sharing equipment, labor, knowledge, markets, and resources to navigate disruptions ranging from extreme weather to economic uncertainty. Join the conversation to discover how strong community connections can strengthen individual farms and create more resilient local food systems.
11:00am - 11:30am
Jen Silveri - Michigan Food and Farming Systems
Terri Barker - MI Food and Farming Systems, BRIESA, LLC
Mariel Borgman - Michigan State University