Free-range chickens available at Oleson's
TRAVERSE CITY -- Free-range chickens raised in northern Michigan are available at the Oleson's Food Stores chain through a partnership with Cherry Capital Foods.
The chickens are raised at Bakers Greens Acres farm in Marion, and Oleson's officials said the chain is adding the product because of increased customer inquiries about the availability of local, free-range chicken. "We're hoping this takes off and satisfies the people who want this product," said Charlie Holtcamp, meat manager of the Oleson's store on North Long Lake Road in Traverse City.
More information about Bakers Green Acres family farm is available on the Web at http://vbs.com/bakers/
Local foods focus of program
TRAVERSE CITY -- A program to help bring locally grown foods into schools, camps and other youth programs will be held March 15 at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.
"Farm to School: Setting the Table for Wellness" is a program of the Michigan Land Use Institute and targets school food service directors, teachers, administrators, parents and others interested in bringing fresh local foods to school cafeterias and into school curriculums. The keynote speaker is Anthony Geraci, director of food and nutrition for Baltimore City Public Schools. His schools feature locally grown products and an "agri-science" program where students grow food for schools and restaurants.
The event will include sessions on new farm-to-school efforts in Michigan, a panel discussion on local programs in northern Michigan, networking opportunities and a "Planning for Wellness" discussion.
Sign-up information is available at localdifference.org/farmtoschool or by contacting the MLUI at 929-0937.
Fruit producers target of program
TRAVERSE CITY -- A program on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) through the U.S. Department of Agriculture is set for Feb. 22 in Leelanau County.
The event will be held at 1 p.m. at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center in Bingham Township and is targeted for all cherry, apple, peach and asparagus producers. It's among four programs being offered around the state through a $20,000 federal special crop block grant made to the Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association, Inc.
Space is limited and reservations are available by calling 1 (800) 292-2653.
Farm Women's Symposium slated
TRAVERSE CITY -- The 19th annual Farm Women's Symposium will be held March 10-12 at the Doubletree Hotel in Bay City.
The event will include presentations from agricultural author Paul Mobley, from motivational consultant Rosemary Ward and syndicated cartoonist Leigh Rubin.
More information on the event is available by contacting Sheryl Smith at (517) 543-1360 or Julie Schwab at (989) 846-4764.
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