On three successive days last month, Lake City kindergarteners, first- and second-graders enjoyed a fun-filled educational day at Maple Leaf Farm and Creamery in October. Altogether some 300 students visited, with each grade enjoying their own day on the farm.
Participating students learned about goat cheese, cookie decorating and what’s inside a pumpkin — including how many seeds! They visited with goats, horses and other livestock animals, and toured the whole operation in a barrel train.
The farm is owned by new Farm Bureau member Jeanne Suggate, who has been awesome in helping plan events for the schools and greater community. Missaukee’s Promotion & Education team has really enjoyed partnering with Jeanne to plan events at her farm.
It was great to see older and newer members working together to make the event a success.
All three grades enjoyed the learning stations we put together on the farm, including the pumpkin class my P&E team and I put together. The students said they really enjoyed making their pumpkin project while learning about the seasonal squashes at the same time. It was very busy and went fast but was lots of fun for everyone.
Among my helpers were Ali Rogers, a college student, and our Young Farmer Brittany Vanderwal; both helped students with their projects. It’s been nice to have Farm Bureau members involved and willing to help me out at the events, they have been awesome!
MFB 2021 Volunteer of the Year Ellen Vanderwal is Missaukee County’s Promotion & Education chair.