Header Graphic
MOFFA 2018 Farm Tours

MOFFA 2018 Farm Tours

For 2018 MOFFA has arranged a series of three Farm Tours, in collaboration with OEFFA's collection of more than 30 farm tours, workshops, and special events.  The full brochure of events in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky is available here.   All tours and workshops are open to the public. Registration is required for the event at Westwind Milling, map of locationsbecause it includes lunch and the folks at Westwind will need to know how many to feed. We will also appreciate registration for Plymouth Orchards and the Zilkes' so we have an idea how many to expect. 
 
Events will take place rain or shine. Guests should dress appropriately; hats, sunglasses, long pants, closed toe walking shoes, and sunscreen are recommended. Tours involve standing and moderate walking; visitors with physical limitations or other concerns should contact the tour host in advance. For everyone’s safety, guests should keep children with them at all times. Please do not bring pets to the tours.  

 

Organic Grain Mill and Farm
Westwind Milling
Swartz Creek, MI
Sunday July 15
2:00 - 5:00
Cost: $10 includes farmhoue lunch

Westwind Farm is a 120 acre farm featuring meadows, woods, animals, and more. Lee and Linda Purdy grow grain including hard red spring wheat, soft white winter wheat, spelt, rye, buckwheat, and corn, which they grind  along with other local organic grain in their stone mill. They also have a substantial garden, growing vegetables for their community supported agriculture (CSA) program, and host classes on bread baking, cheese making, and food preservation in their newly constructed certified kitchen. Finally, they have sheep and chickens, as well as a 288 year old oak tree, in a most peaceful location, where they will start the afternoon with a farm luncheon. Join this tour to learn about a diversified family farm engaged in multiple value-added endeavors!

Directions: From I-69, take Exit 123 and head south on M-13/Sheridan Rd. Turn left on Lansing Hwy and drive 1 mile to Duffield Rd. Turn right on Duffield Rd. and drive 2 miles, past the railroad tracks, and then turn left on Reid Rd. The farm is the second house after the church. Look for parking signs. From Rte. 23, take Exit 88 and turn left on Rte. 23. Drive for 12 miles. There’s a four way stop at Seymore Rd. Duffield Rd. is 3 miles beyond that. Turn right on Duffield Rd., then drive 1 mile and turn right on Reid Rd., just before the railroad tracks. The farm is the second house after the church. Look for parking signs.
 

 

Diversified Vegetable Farm with Commercial Kitchen
Zilke Vegetable Farm
Milan, MI
Sunday Sept. 16
2:00 - 5:00
No Cost

Zilke Vegetable Farm grows a diverse array of vegetables for their Flexible CSA and other direct-to-consumer markets, including a workplace wellness program and an on-site farm stand. They are GAP certified and follow organic growing practices. We will explore the farm in fall production and learn about the Zilke's winter storage system, small grains trials, and recent wash-pack improvements. At the end we'll take an optional trip 1/2 mile away to see their new certified kitchen for value-added production. Come see a successful, diversified family farm!

Directions: From Rte. 23, take Exit 27 to Carpenter Rd. Turn north and drive .25 miles to the farm stand. Parking is available on-site, with overflow parking across the street.

 

 

Certified Organic Orchard, Grain, Berry, Vegetable & Cut-Flower Farm Tour
Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill / Gateway Farm
Plymouth, MI
Thursday August 30
2:00 - 5:00
No Cost

Starting at Gateway Farm (10540 Joy Road, Plymouth, MI 48170), manager Ben Kasmenn will guide a tour of the 8-acre Certified Organic vegetable and cut-flower farm that markets through a CSA, wholesale and on-site farmstand. At 3PM, the group will travel to Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill (10685 Warren Road, Plymouth, MI 48170), a 100-acre Certified Organic apple orchard/farm that also grows small grains, raspberries, blackberries, asparagus, hay and cover crops. The Plymouth Orchards owner, Mary Emmett, will greet everyone and we will tour the orchard and farm on hay wagons. During the tour, organic apple tree management, small grain production, multi-species cover crops and cane berry management will be presented. After the farm tour, manager Alicia Estrada will guide a tour of the Plymouth Orchards cider mill to see the organic processing of dried apples. We will also hopefully see the cider press in action, and sample some of the season's first cider and feast on fresh donuts!

Directions: From Rte. 14, take the Gotfredson Rd. exit. Turn left at the light on Ann Arbor Rd. and drive 1.25 miles to Joy Rd. Turn left. The sign for Gateway Farm is at the corner of Ann Arbor Rd. and Joy Rd. Park in the farm parking lot or along Joy Rd. From Gateway Farm, drive west on Ann Arbor Rd. for about 1 mile to the Plymouth Orchards Red Shed Market entrance. Follow the farm road to the cider mill parking lot.