For the fourth year, the Michigan Ag Council hosted on farm dinners for their Down on MI Farm campaign. Down on MI Farm dinners present a unique opportunity to invite community members to visit an operational farm. These events also help bolster positive conversations and experiences surrounding Michigan food and agriculture.
This year’s dinners were hosted at Koeman Farms in Hamilton, Ritter Farms in Byron, and Zwerk & Sons Farms in Vassar. Attendees can engage in hands-on experience stations to make their own soy lip balm, pork rub, and mixed drinks featuring Michigan distillers.
Attendees also mingled with fellow community members and enjoyed a Michigan farm-to-table meal. During the dinner portion of the program, guests had designated seats to further encourage candid conversations about life and Michigan agriculture.
Hand-selected event attendees included a mix of farmer representatives from various commodity organizations, community members, and social media influencers.
Drain commissioners, state and local government officials, doctors, local business professionals and school employees were among the invited community members.
Social media influencers from across the state were also paid to join in on the festivities.
Because of this partnership with influencers, a portion of their 1.2 million followers were given an inside look into their event experience and the importance of Michigan agriculture. Over the three events, more than 60 community and social influences were able to attend and learn more about the farms and families who help to contribute to our state’s economy and food supply.
Feedback from one attendee summed up the importance of sharing authentic farm experiences: “I left the event like a little kid who went on the best school field trip. I came home and told everyone about what I learned, what I ate, and the cocktails that were distilled with grain from the farm that hosted the event.
“The whole event made me proud to live in Michigan and more passionate about supporting Michigan made brands.”
The Michigan Ag Council exists to help tell the story of Michigan farm families and the 300 plus commodities that are grown in our state. Events such as the Down on MI Farm dinner series help to bridge the gap between Michigan consumers and those who raise our food.
Special thanks go to our dinner sponsors, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Soybean, the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Michigan Pork Producers Association, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Nurri and Rockford Package Supply for their collaboration on these events.
Learn more about the Michigan Ag Council online.
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