What: Leelanau Conservancy Speaker Series -- Farming & Food: Past, Present, and Future and Kids Harvest Party

When: Saturday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Suttons Bay School Auditorium

Details: Fifty-five percent of Leelanau County, roughly 120,000 acres, is zoned for agricultural use.  Agriculture in the county generates more than 1,200 full- and part- time jobs and sales of agricultural products, combined with the processing and distribution, add over $45 million annually to our economy.

So what was farming in Leelanau County like 100 years ago?  What are the most significant changes our farmers have experienced in recent years?  And what opportunities will carry our farming and food community into a strong future? 

Jim Nugent, former District Horticulturalist for MSU Extension and Tom Nelson, Leelanau Conservancy Director of Farm Programs, will provide a brief history of agriculture in Leelanau County.  Then keynote speaker Rich Pirog, Senior Associate Director at the Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University, will address state-wide farming trends and the growth of local food networks.

Finally, a panel discussion will feature local farmers, food-system professionals, and land-use experts.  Panelists will discuss the most significant opportunities and biggest challenges in our local agricultural economy today.  They will also describe how they envision the future of farming and food in Leelanau County.

After the speaker program, refreshments will be provided by Idyll Farms, Nine Bean Rows, Tandem Ciders, and Bardenhagen Farms.

Kids Harvest Party

Children of all ages are welcome at the Kids Harvest Party (held on site during the speaker event) to visit farm animals, press cider, paint mini pumpkins, and learn about our local farms. The event is free but registration is appreciated for planning purposes. Register and learn more at leelanauconservancy.org or call 231-256-9665.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, VISIT LEELANAUCONSERVANCY.ORG