Ready for Farm-City Day - Sept. 7th

Kids are back to school this week and this weekend, parents can continue their child's education by getting them out to the farm!

Farm-City Day is taking place Saturday. Katie Wantoch with the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Dunn County and a co-owner of Alfalawn Farm joined Tyler Mickelson to talk about the importance of the day.

The ninth annual Chippewa Valley Farm-City Day is Saturday, September 10th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at Alfalawn Farm, N2859 290th Street, Menomonie, WI. Alfalawn Farm is owned by the Styer Family, who are strong advocates for promoting Wisconsin's agriculture industry.

With many people being two or more generations removed from the farm, and with agriculture being such an important part of our everyday lives, we are inviting the entire community to come "back to the farm." Farm-City Day is an opportunity for the public to see and tour a working farm. This event is aimed to educate our community on where and how our food is produced, showing how agriculture has evolved and progressed over the last 50 years.

Alfalawn Farm features a newly expanded dairy farm with the latest in agricultural technologies, including a rotary milking parlor and automatic calf feeders. Alfalawn focuses on efficiencies around the farm and utilizes soil and water conservation best management practices. Guided wagon tours of the farm will be provided by the Chippewa Valley Technical College Agri-Science students.

Attendees will also be able to view numerous agriculture educational displays and demonstrations, participate in kid's activities such as a kiddie tractor course, and visit to the petting zoo. Food will be available for purchase from the Willing Workers 4-H Club, and there will be many other special attractions at the event.

In addition, Saturday morning will start with a 5K run/walk through the beautiful Chippewa Valley countryside. The Farmer Frolic 5K run/walk registration starts at 8 am with the run beginning at 9 am. This family friendly run will allow runners and walkers to enjoy the beautiful countryside while getting the chance to learn more about agriculture. For more information, or to register, visit farmerfrolic5k.shutterfly.com.

Each year Farm-City Day rotates the location of the event between Eau Claire, Chippewa and Dunn County to represent a variety of local farming operations in the Chippewa Valley. This event is generously supported by Chippewa Valley area businesses, agriculture groups and many local volunteers. Feel free to visit our website (www.farmcityday.com) or Facebook page (Chippewa Valley Farm-City Day) for more information on this year's event, review previous events and pictures.

Directions to Alfalawn Farm: From Interstate 94 West, take exit 41 for WI Hwy 25 - Menomonie/Barron. Turn South onto WI-25/Broadway Street. Travel 10 miles to WI Hwy 72 (Downsville, WI). Turn right onto WI Hwy 72 and head West for 4 miles. The farm is located on both sides of the road, but the parking area is located on the right on 290th Street. Please follow signs for parking.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Farm-City Day committee chair Katie Wantoch via email katie.wantoch@ces.uwex.edu or the Dunn County UW-Extension Office at (715) 232-1636.