SPOTLIGHT

 Ag Tour

The first MBFFA Food & Ag Tour brought together local business owners, producers, resource partners, and community leaders for an afternoon of learning, connecting, and getting a closer look at the food and agriculture businesses right here in our region.

Held on August 5, the tour included stops at Blue Earth Stockyards, The Country Butcher Shop in Easton, and St. Germaine Simmentals near Winnebago. At each stop, participants heard directly from the people who run these businesses, learned more about what they do, and saw the work that goes on behind the scenes.

After the tours, everyone headed back to MTS Farms & Events for an evening of good food and conversation. Dinner was catered by Farmer's Daughter Kitchen, with homemade pies from Blue Earth Stockyards and ice cream from The Cedar Inn Drive-In. We also heard from Travis Thul, Vice President for Student and Industry Success at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Emily Knudsen of Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm in Waseca.

More than just a tour, the event gave people from across the region a chance to meet, share ideas, and learn more about the businesses and people who make up our local food and agriculture industry.

The MBFFA Food & Ag Tour was made possible through the MBFFA Grant, a partnership between Blue Earth REV, Greenseam, and Minnesota State University, Mankato. A big thank you to everyone who opened their doors, shared their stories, joined us for the day, and helped make the first tour a success!