Manchester's Uphaus Farms to Host Next "Breakfast On The Farm"

Uphaus Farm's vehicle in the 2014 Fair Parade advertising Breakfast on the Farm.

Manchester's own Uphaus Farms will host the third and last Breakfast on the Farm of the year on Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., with breakfast served from 9 a.m. to noon. The event put on by Michigan State University Extension, will include a self-guided tour of the farm, numerous educational exhibits for all ages, an opportunity to see animals, talk with farmers and enjoy a great home-cooked breakfast filled with Michigan-grown and Michigan-made products. Uphaus Farms is located at 14324 Pleasant Lake Rd. in Manchester. Tickets are free and available at Linda’s Diner, Manchester District Library and Wacker Oil & Propane. You must have a ticket to attend, there will not be tickets available at the event. This will be the 2nd Breakfast on the Farm held in Manchester as Horning Dairy served as a host for one in 2010.

Uphaus Farms is a family-owned and operated beef cattle feedlot. Lyndon Uphaus is the owner and operator of Uphaus Farms, along with his family, Ann, Sarah and Katy. Uphaus Farms has been in operation for 139 years, spanning six generations. The family cares for around 1,000 beef animals annually, in addition to growing 600 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat. The farm houses a grain-handling facility and uses ethanol byproducts as a food source for their cattle. “We want to give the public a chance to get on a working farm and see the equipment, animals and facilities it takes to operate a farm,” Lyndon Uphaus said.

The intent of Breakfast on the Farm is to give consumers and farm neighbors a first-hand look at modern food production, and the farm families who work hard to produce a safe, wholesome food supply for Michigan communities and the world. While many of the activities at Breakfast on the Farm are geared toward families with younger children, these are great events for anyone who is interested in learning about farming and where their food comes from. Since 2009, more than 56,852 children and adults have attended Breakfast on the Farm.

Remember, this is a farm and you will be spending time outside. Organizers recommend comfortable, temperature-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes and you should be prepared if there is rain. Some farms will also provide booties to go over your shoes when touring the grounds. This will keep your shoes clean and keep anything that might harm the animals out of the barns. If you are bringing young children, you may want to consider bringing a stroller or carrier as there will be some walking involved. Sunscreen and a camera are recommended. You may want to bring an umbrella or poncho if rain is in the forecast. Do NOT bring your dog or other pets (with the exception of service animals).

“We are not afraid to show people what we do and how we do it on our farm,” Uphaus said. “So many people are generations removed from farm life; Breakfast on the Farm gives them a chance to return. We want people to see that our animals are raised and well cared for in a humane way and also in a clean environment.”

For more information about the Washtenaw County Breakfast on the Farm or other BOTF events, click HERE, or contact organizers Ashley Kuschel at kuschela@anr.msu.edu or Nancy Thelen at thelenn@anr.msu.edu.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.