Learn more about where your food comes from and how it is produced at one of three Breakfast on the Farm events this summer. An experience that gives consumers a hands-on look at farm life. All ages can gain memorable experiences.



Interested in learning more about where your food comes from and how it's produced? You can get an opportunity this summer when you visit any of three Breakfast on the Farm (BOTF) events, scheduled from July to September. People of all ages can experience a memorable outing on a Michigan farm.

Breakfast on the Farm is a free family-friendly program that gives consumers and farm neighbors a first-hand look at modern food production and allows them to meet the farm families who work hard to produce a safe, wholesome food supply for Michigan communities and the world. Michigan State University (MSU) Extension began organizing the statewide effort in 2009 to further educate the consumer about farming practices. MSU Extension works closely with county branches of Michigan Farm Bureau and farmer-hosts to recruit volunteers and promote the breakfast. While on the farm, visitors participate in self-guided tours and meet with local farmers to have their questions about food production answered.

To date, BOTF has reached more than 53,000 children and adults since its beginning in 2009. Last year, attendees visited five BOTF events held in St. Clair, Ottawa, Gratiot, Montcalm and Hillsdale counties. Farm visitors had the opportunity to learn how cows are milked and how crops are grown. They sat on tractors, petted baby calves and ate ice cream. To top it off, attendees learned about proper animal care and farm equipment operation in addition to enjoying a selection of Michigan-grown and Michigan-produced food at the complimentary breakfast.

"We are excited about the 2014 host farms and the diversity they offer, as well as the opportunity to connect consumers with modern agriculture," Nancy Thelen, MSU Extension BOTF educator said. "The Breakfast on the Farm connection increases consumer confidence in Michigan food products and increases their understanding of agriculture as a whole."

Data from past surveys at the events show that for 45 percent of the attendees, it was their first visit to a modern working farm in at least 20 years. Another 33 percent of the visitors have only been on a farm one to five times in the last 20 years.

Breakfast on the Farm is an opportunity for families to learn about the agriculture industry from the experts themselves, the farmers.

Upcoming Breakfast on the Farm 2014 dates include:


  • July 19, Crandall Dairy Farms LLC, Battle Creek (Calhoun County)
  • August 16, De Grins Oer Dairy Farm, Blanchard (Mecosta County)
  • September 6, Uphaus Farms, Manchester (Washtenaw County)

    Allof the events run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with breakfast ending at noon. Although there is no cost to attend the event or take the tour, tickets are required for the free breakfast.

    To find out more about Breakfast on the Farm, to learn how to apply to be a host farm or to see pictures from past events, visit www.breakfastonthefarm.com. Locations to pick up your tickets will be posted on the website approximately one month before each event. Direct questions to Ashley Kuschel at 586-337-4985 or kuschela@anr.msu.edu, or Nancy Thelen at 734-222-3825 or thelenn@anr.msu.edu.
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    5.2.2014