The MNFGA 2022 Summer Meeting and Farm Tour was on July 16 and started at noon with a potluck lunch. It was held at Base Lake Farm, 7861 Strawberry Lake Road, Dexter, MI 48130. Bill Brinkerhoff and Kathy Sample were our hosts. They have 2 acres of fruit and nut trees and about 200 acres of regenerative farming with grass fed beef.

If you have attended an MNFGA Meeting in the past, you know that the potluck lunch itself is worth attending. This one was no exception. There were several tables of food and beverage.

The business meeting was fairly short and sweet and the auction was fun and included some great bargains. Thank you to all who brought items to auction. We also had a LARGE selection of fruit and nut-related books for sale. These were a generous donation from member Paul Wensel. Thank you Paul!

Then, Bill and Kathy showed us around the farm. They been building the farm over the years and have purchased and cultivated some interesting fruits and nuts. The cows were hiding in the back 200 and did not come running at the smell of the potluck…darn. Below shows us during the meeting with many of us enjoying the shade of the huge black locust trees. The picnic table on the left was for the book display. They were nearly all gone by the time we packed up to go.

Thank you, Bill Brinkerhoff, for this fantastic opportunity for the meeting and farm tour!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Dennis Strahle (MNFGA President) anytime the sun is up at 517-204-8600 (call or text) or via email at MichiganNutGrower@gmail.com You can also learn more on our Facebook page: Michigan Nut & Fruit Growers Association and paid members will receive their MNFGA News a couple of weeks prior to the Fall Meeting.