Lenawee County, MI — April 4, 2026 — The smell of fresh pancakes and sizzling sausage filled the air Saturday morning, but what truly brought people through the doors of Breakfast with a Farmer wasn’t just the food—it was the people behind it.
Hosted by the Lenawee County Farm Bureau, the annual event turned a simple breakfast into something deeper: a chance for neighbors to sit down, share a meal, and reconnect with the hands that feed them.
For many attendees, it wasn’t just about learning—it was about belonging.
Community members gathered around tables, asked many questions, and farmers—often more comfortable in a tractor than in front of a crowd—shared their stories with honesty and pride.
Nick Hart, President of the Farm Bureau and co-owner of Hart Brothers Farms and Hart's Local, emphasized the importance of creating real conversations between farmers and the public.
A young child watched in fascination while learning how bees help grow the food on their plate. A family lingered after breakfast, asking questions about how maple syrup is made. Others listened closely as dairy farmers explained the care that goes into their animals every single day.
The event featured voices from across agriculture—beekeeping, maple syrup, dairy, flowers, row cropping, new farm beginnings, direct-to-consumer sales, farmstands, youth leadership and agromony—each adding a personal layer to an industry that too often feels distant to the public.
But at this inagural event, it didn’t feel distant at all. It felt local. It felt real. It felt human.
And that’s exactly the point.
As the morning wrapped up, it was clear that people weren’t just leaving full—they were leaving connected. Connected to their food, their farmers, and their community.
For organizers, that’s the measure of success.
The Lenawee County Farm Bureau plans to bring Breakfast with a Farmer back in March of 2027, with an open invitation to anyone in the Lenawee community who wants to better understand where their food comes from—and meet the people who make it possible.
Whether you’re a lifelong local, a young family, or someone simply curious about agriculture, next year’s event promises the same warm welcome, meaningful conversations, and farm-fresh breakfast that made this year unforgettable.
Because at its heart, Breakfast with a Farmer isn’t just an event. It’s a table—and there’s always room for one more.
Special Thanks to our speakers:
Nick Hart, Harts Local; Burke Hart, Hart Brothers Farm; Jeff Marvin, Marvin Farms; Lydia Lopez, AJ Reis Farms; Janelle Stewart, MSU Extension; Emerson Holsopple, Dairy Feeder Board; Korede Olugbenle, MSU Extenstion; Greg Durling, Sweet Harvest Farm; Cal McLouth; Al Saunders, Beekeeper; Dana Hicks, Black Dog Flower Co; Holly Mitchell, Mitchell Heritage Farm; Zach Schaffner, Char-Lin Farms
Additional thanks to our volunteers:
Nick Hart, President/Community Outreach Chair at the Lenawee County Farm Bureau; Theresa Shoemaker, County Administrative Manager/Event and Media Coordinator; Hart's Local for providing local meat, pancakes and butter; Main Street Perk for providing local eggs, maple syrup, honey, and beverages; Hudson Gazette; WTOL Toledo 11 News; Lenawee Voice.