Down on MI Farm with Michigan Ag Council
This is a paid sponsored post through our collaboration with the Michigan AG Council and Michigan Grown, Michigan Great but all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Did you know? There are more than 46,000 farms in Michigan and over 805,000 people are employed in the agriculture industry.
When I moved to Michigan in 2018, I knew that it was known for the Great Lakes, beautiful beaches, craft beer, and their wine. What has come as a pleasant surprise is the diverse range of fresh produce, livestock, and flowers that I have access to. Katie and I are firm believers in feeding our boys as many fresh foods and whole ingredients as possible. Fortunately living in Michigan we have access to fresh, local fruits and vegetables throughout the year and access to Michigan-raised dairy products, beef, and pork.
I was lucky enough to recently attend the Down on MI Farm Dinner presented by the Michigan Soybean Committee at the beautiful Ankley Family Farm in Imlay City, MI. During this event, I was able to sample locally distilled spirits, create a gorgeous fresh-cut bouquet from the Ankley U-Pick Flower Field, learn from experts about Michigan soybeans, Michigan dairy and beef production, and indulge in an incredible farm-to-table meal made from Michigan sourced produce and proteins. While I was indulging in the delicious food and drinks and soaking up the beautiful surroundings, I was also able to learn some fascinating facts about Michigan agriculture. If you’re interested in how to feed yourself or your family with healthy, local, sustainable ingredients follow along with me as I recap my incredible night.
Michigan Spirits and Cocktails
Is there a better way to start off an event than with a cocktail?! Or in my case a “mocktail.” Angie AKA the Traveling Elixer Fixer lead us through a high-energy cocktail-making experience that included Michigan-distilled cherry vodka from Grand Traverse Distillery. She used homegrown mint and homemade candied ginger to create a drink that was light, refreshing, and perfect for a walk around the farm. Angie is a Kalamazoo local and is able to travel to you for events as large as corporate parties to small parties. She had such a great personality and so much knowledge. Not to mention, she was able to pivot seamlessly from her planned cocktail to a delicious mocktail when she noticed my baby bump. I already told my husband I want to host a cocktail-making party with Angie for my 31st birthday since I will be pregnant on my 30th!
Conversations with a Cow
Did you know? The average dairy cow in Michigan produces 3,100 gallons of milk each year
As a parent of a 19-month-old, milk is a staple in our household. When my son turned 12 months old we transitioned from breast milk to whole cow’s milk, and since then he goes through half a gallon of milk a week. Cow’s milk is important for the development of babies. It contains healthy fats, which are important for brain development, and calcium, which is vital for developing strong bones, teeth, and muscle growth. It also contains Vitamin D which helps in the absorption of calcium in the body and a high amount of protein, which helps your baby grow.
During our tour of the farm, we were able to see where the cows at Ankley Farm are able to graze and we were able to interact with them. I was so fascinated to learn during our tour that cows actually have their own nutritionists, like humans, who spend their days figuring out the best food sources to assist the cows in producing the most and highest quality milk. In addition to learning about cow nutrition, I also learned that when female cows become pregnant they are considered “dry cows.” This means they are no longer milked to help the mama cow maintain the energy and nutrients needed to sustain the pregnancy. When these mama cows transition from milk producing to “dry,” they are given antibiotics to help prevent them from developing mastitis! As a Mom who nursed my son for 12 months, and will soon again be nursing, I never thought I would be able to relate to a cow but here I was feeling very connected to these mama cows. It was a very cool experience.
Speaking of cows, I have not stopped thinking about the incredible desert that was served on the farm. Cream & Sugar (Bay City, MI) brought a DIY bubble waffle station to the farm and it was some of the best dessert I have had in a long time, and that’s saying a lot because this baby has my sweet tooth into overdrive. Cream & Sugar exclusively uses milk from the dairy farmer-owners of the Michigan Milk Producers Association and sugar made by Michigan Sugar Company. Not only do they offer bubble waffles (if you’ve never had one you have to try it!) but they make delicious and rich ice cream. I tried the mixed berry crunch and it was delicious! An ice cream parlor that uses locally sourced and sustainable ingredients make this dessert completely guilt-free!
Soybean Field Experience
Did you know? Soy is a complete protein, equal in quality to animal protein.
Having grown up in Ohio I am used to driving past fields and fields of soybeans every summer. I will be honest, besides knowing what they look like I didn’t know much about soybeans going into this experience and didn’t think I would find them all that interesting. There was so much about soybeans I didn’t know! During the time speaking to the members of the Michigan Soybean Council I learned soybeans are one of the only crops that are able to replace the nitrogen that it takes from the soil through bacteria that live on its roots, making it incredibly sustainable. I also learned that Michigan has 12 thousand soybean farmers, mostly in the lower 2/3 of the state, and that soybeans are used in all kinds of products that I never realized including tires and tennis shoes!
U-Pick Flower
Did you know? Michigan ranks 3rd in the nation in the production of floriculture products
Who doesn’t love a good souvenir?! Ankley Family Farm has an incredibly beautiful and diverse selection of flowers available for U-Pick and they allowed us to create our own bouquets of fresh flowers to take home with us. I chose celosias, dahlias, and zinnias for my bouquet. Dahlias were our wedding flowers so they hold a special place in my heart. Because the flowers were so fresh the bouquet remained full and gorgeous for almost two whole weeks.!
Farm to Table Dinner
Did you know? Michigan leads the nation in 15 different products including tart cherries, asparagus, chestnuts and black beans
Before living here, when I thought of Michigan produce I thought of fruit - cherries, blueberries, apples. While Michigan does produce fantastic fruit, they also grow incredible vegetables like asparagus, chestnuts and black beans. During our night at the farm, we had a delicious dinner prepared by Michigan chefs that featured all Michigan grown or produced products. I won’t break down the dinner course by course, because it will leave you drooling, but what I can tell you is there is so much incredible food to be had in this state. I left this event feeling so inspired to go home, shop at my local farmers market, and make Michigan-grown food for my husband and son!
Shop local, shop sustainably and share your favorite recipes with Katie and me.
Interested in learning more about Michigan Agriculture, Floriculture? Want to see more events like this or just find out information on local Michigan goods? Follow along with these accounts!
inlifeandlittles - It’s us! We love sharing local produce, products & events
Michigan Ag Council - all things MI agriculture
Michigan Soybean - a great resource to learn more about the endless benefits of soybeans
Ankley Family Farm - Worth it for the sunflower trail pics alone!
Milk Means More - Information on dairy foods and dairy farming in Michigan!
Michigan Pork - the official account for Michigan Pork Producers Association
