FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Janice Benson
616-952-1151
executivedirector@michiganfarmfun.com

MSU Student Organic Farm

July 20, 2016 (Lansing, Michigan)–The Michigan Agritourism Association and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) have teamed up to offer six farm-based field days at locations across the state in August and September. Field days are supported by a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development  (MDARD) Specialty Crop Block Grant and are free to attend.

Each field day is designed to help new, beginning and experienced specialty crop producers become more efficient and effective in their production and promotion practices. Farmer hosts will share methods they use to be successful at their own operations and offer hands-on training and technical assistance with support from farm resource providers.

“We are pleased to partner with the Michigan Farmers Market Association on this project,” said Janice Benson, executive director of the Michigan Agritourism Association. “Specialty crop producers of any experience level can benefit from opportunities to visit other farms. Exchanging ideas and information with your peers is one of the best ways to gain tried-and-true techniques that can help your business thrive.”

This year’s series includes: Orchard Management, Pruning and Value-added Products on August 9 in St. Johns; Scaling Up with Mechanization and Season Extension on August 15 in Felch Township; Vegetable Pruning and Trellising and an Introduction to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and Outdoor Hydroponics on August 22 in Traverse City and Cedar; Weed and Pest Identification on August 23 in East Lansing; Using Social Media for Special Events on September 12 in Grand Junction; and Display and Marketing Best Practices on September 20 in Flint.

Dru Montri, Executive Director of the Michigan Farmers Market Association commented, “As a farmer myself, I love the opportunity to visit other farms and to discuss production and marketing strategies with other farmers. I look forward to these events each year because I always come home with new ideas and new connections.”

Specialty crop producers and stakeholders that support the industry are encouraged to attend. These events are free to attend and registration is required. To register and learn more about each field day, visit www.mifma.org/farmbaseded or call 616-952-1151.

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Michigan Agritourism is a non-profit association that supports the agritourism industry through promotion, education, advocacy, problem resolution and networking. Its goal is to keep family farms sustainable, support local economic growth and provide rich and unique experiences for visitors to make lasting memories.

The Michigan Farmers Market Association advances farmers markets to create a thriving marketplace for local food and farm products. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2018 Michigan Farm Fun Directory

May 22, 2018 (Lansing, Mich)–The Michigan Agritourism Association released Discover Michigan Farm Fun, its 2018 directory featuring the farms and other agricultural destinations that welcome visitors. This is the 11th annual edition of the popular directory, which includes farm markets, u-pick farms, educational farms and more in every region of Michigan. The 2018 Directory is produced with support from Farm Bureau Insurance and the Michigan Apple Committee.

The directory helps customers find the places where they can experience agriculture, firsthand.” said Janice Benson, executive director of the Association. “Many farmers open their doors to the public and invite visitors to pick their own fruit, sample local wine, enjoy a hayride or meet the farm animals. The summer season is a great time for a visit.”

A freshly updated website, www.michiganfarmfun.com, compliments the printed directory with new user-friendly features and suggestions for fun activities throughout Michigan.

Legacy Sponsor Farm Bureau Insurance is pleased support the directory. “The Michigan Farm Fun Directory is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore Michigan’s bountiful harvest, including farmers’ markets, orchards, cider mills, and many more popular agri-tourism spots. We’re proud to support Michigan farmers and the agri-tourism industry,” said Jennifer Miller communications, public relations, and advertising manager.

Printed copies are available at Farm Bureau Insurance offices, Michigan Welcome Centers, and tourist offices throughout Michigan, as well as every destination listed in the directory.

 For more information or to view the online version, visit www.michiganfarmfun.com.

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The Michigan Agritourism Association is a non-profit association that supports the agritourism industry through promotion, education, advocacy, problem resolution and networking. Its goal is to keep family farms sustainable, support local economic growth and provide rich and unique experiences for visitors to make lasting memories.