MSU Extension Breakfast on the Farm organizers looking for 2017 host farm families
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EmailIn Michigan, Breakfast on the Farm began in 2009 when Tony and Patti Jandernoa, Dutch Meadows Dairy, offered to host the first event in Clinton County. Since then, 34 other farm families have hosted events all over Michigan.
Michigan State University Extension’s Breakfast on the Farm (BOTF) program showcases Michigan farms and introduces the non-farm public to modern agriculture. Events have been held on dairy, beef, apple, potato and field crop farms in 27 different counties and have attracted more than 80,000 visitors. Key to this program’s success are the farm families who open their doors to the public to emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship, food safety and good animal care practices.
While BOTF is a program of MSU Extension, it is guided by a statewide advisory council which is instrumental in selecting farm hosts. Farmers who are interested in hosting an event are encouraged to visit the program website at www.breakfastonthefarm.com and complete an application. The website also contains a checklist to help prospective farms decide if hosting an event is a good fit for their farm and family.
Zwerk and Sons Farm and Hartland Farms – 2016 Breakfast on the Farm host families
When a farm family says “yes” to hosting an event, they will receive assistance from MSU Extension staff from the beginning planning all the way through the actual event and its wrap-up. Staff will help the family establish a local planning committee which will also assist with the planning process. Many tools are available to make the planning process efficient and smooth.
Increasing transparency in modern food production is critically important to bridging the gap between farmers and the non-farm public. BOTF continues to increase awareness of modern agriculture and to put a face to the farmers who strive to put nutritious and safe food on the plates of consumers. Breakfast on the Farm survey results show that the events build consumer trust in farmers and in food production. Please consider joining us in this on-going educational effort by submitting an application to host a Breakfast on the Farm event on your farm!
For more information about hosting an event, visit the Breakfast on the Farm website or contact Ashley Kuschel at kuschela@anr.msu.edu or 586-469-7616 or Mary Dunckel at dunckelm@anr.msu.edu or 989-354-9875.
