We received the following press release about a Lapeer County Farm Bureau event - "Farm-ol-o-gy" that may be of interest to our parents and students.
Milk a cow, drive a combine, and talk to a farmer at Lapeer County Farm Bureau’s farm-ol-o-gy event
LAPEER — In recognition of National Agriculture Week, the Lapeer County Farm Bureau is hosting Farm●ol●o●gy at the Lapeer Center Building, Thursday, March 18, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Farm-ol-o-gy attendees can chat with local farmers “over the fence” and learn some science behind farming, what it takes to be a farmer, the advantages of buying locally grown foods, and why farmers make good neighbors. Over 20 local farmers representing organic, cash crops, livestock, fruit, maple syrup, honey, and specialty farming will be available to answer questions.
Hands-on attractions include a combine simulator where you can try your hand at harvesting; Urlene the cow offers the chance to experience milking a cow and Lapeer Master Gardeners will teach you how to make paper pot plant starters. Lapeer County’s FFA, under the guidance of Tammy Hyatt, Ed Tech’s horticulture and agriculture instructor, will demonstrate ice cream production, embryo transfer in cattle and how to raise alpaca.
The evening also brings a 100-mile-meal to the Center Building.
“Six times a year we cater a meal to raise funds toward the restoration of the Center Building,” remarks Cathy Carter, manager of the Center Buildings. “We were presented with the opportunity to regain sight of where our food comes from by creating a meal using foods grown within 100 miles.
We did our research and found many local farmers and growers we weren’t aware of,” she notes.
“Our biggest challenge has been the time of year; there is not much growing outside right now, but we have been able to put together a premium meal featuring pulled pork, roasted vegetables, biscuits, slaw, with apple crisp for desert. We are sticking with the 100 mile theme right down to the butter,” says Jackson.
Farm-ol-o-gy is a free event sponsored by Lapeer County Farm Bureau, Michigan Thumb Works and the Lapeer Center Building. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. The 100-mile-meal starts at 4:00 p.m. in the west wing of the Center Building.
Tickets are $8.00 and can be reserved by calling Cathy Carter at 810-664-2109 or Gloria Ginell at 810-664-9712.
Project R.E.D., Rural Education Day, hosted by Farm Bureau, inspired this collaboration.
Kelly Lewis, Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education chairperson, explains, “Research suggests that the general public is eager to know more about the food they eat, where and how it is produced, and the connection farming has to their community.”
“Bringing the public and local farmers together at a single venue has been an idea I’ve had brewing for a couple of years. As the county coordinator for Project R.E.D., I have seen the positive reaction Lapeer County’s third graders have toward farmers and agriculture and I want to bring that to all the people of our community,” added Lewis.
For more information regarding Farm-ol-o-gy, please call Teresa Fick at 810-441-0911.
