These two optional pre-conference training opportunities are offered from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Friday, February 15, 2019. A separate pre-registration may be required (see below).
Learn how to prepare and sell foods under Michigan’s Cottage Food Law. This two-hour workshop combines the business and food safety aspects of preparing and selling cottage foods safely and successfully. Michigan’s Cottage Food Law allows residents to prepare certain foods in home kitchens and sell them to the public. Topics include information about the law, preparing, packaging, labeling, storing and transporting cottage foods. Click here to register. Cost: $20
There is so much beauty in the occupation of farming, yet so much responsibility. Jay would like to help you set benchmarks and goals to achieve living the dream! For Jay, what started as 10 acres and a John Deere 4020 tractor has exploded into a 900-acre, multi-layered commercial operation with highly diversified row crops, cattle, restaurant distribution, direct-to-consumer goods, hydroponics and more in southern New Mexico. He actively advocates for the industry he loves on social media and through speaking engagements, serving in the second class of US Farmers and Ranchers Alliance Faces of Farming and Ranching.
It's a harsh reality for farmers across Michigan: stagnant crop prices and eroding balance sheets. While the farm financial picture may be grim, farm leaders are hopeful changes in policy and building better trade will help improve the landscape of agriculture. U.S. Farm Report Host Tyne Morgan digs into the topics not only impacting farmers today, but the factors that could play a role on their farms in the future. As farmers and ranchers find a way to survive the economic headwinds, Tyne shares stories on how resilience reigns in agriculture, and why she's bullish agriculture 2019 and beyond.
Celebrate Michigan Farm Bureau’s centennial by viewing agricultural artifacts at the Grand Rapids Public Museum Community Archives and Research Center. Mealtime plays a key role in any family’s history and our Farm Bureau family is no different. Visit Michigan Turkey Producers to learn how this farmer-owned co-op processes turkey for any occasion. Finally, envision the future at Herman Miller’s Greenhouse furniture manufacturing facility. Enjoy dinner at New Holland Brewing Company or Founders Brewing Company.
As farmers and ag industry professionals, we do our part to feed the world day in and day out. Participate in a service project at Feeding America West Michigan to help put food on the tables of those in need. Stop by Meijer’s headquarters to hear about their commitment to marketing Michigan raised and processed products. End with dinner at The Knickerbocker by New Holland Brewing Company.
Head toward Muskegon to Grand Valley State University’s Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute. The research facility serves students of all ages, educating about aquatic life and studying our Great Lakes ecosystems. The facility operates two research vessels which operate in the summer months out of ports in Muskegon and Grand Haven. Hear from researchers about projects to study our lakes. Additional tour stops and dinner location coming soon!