Young farmers gather at the Cole Farm Saturday to mingle with each other and state representatives. Photo by Hadley Robinson

BELLAIRE - The future of farming was gathered on Eddy School Road last Saturday afternoon.

At the Cole Farm, more than 40 people came together for a Michigan Farm Bureau "young farmers" event.

The young farmers, classified as between the age of 18 and 35, from around the top of the Lower Peninsula gather for district events. This one in Antrim County was a pig roast and potluck.

"My whole goal is to get young farmers to mix with representatives," said Triston Cole, who with his wife started a farm from scratch five years ago. "I know a lot of farmers who have a hard time making the cold call. A relaxed, laid back event eases the tension."

This event did offer the opportunity for young farmers to mingle with representatives, as state Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire) and Rep. Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) were enjoying the picnic too.

"I appreciate the opportunity to show support and meet the next generation of Michigan farmers," Elsenheimer said.

Elsenheimer said he believes farmers are some of the most active people in many local activities.

"These are people who not only have their own business and provide food we eat, but they tend to be involved with all aspects of the community - local government, churches and service organizations," Elsenheimer said. "When you're talking about farmers, you're talking about the backbone of your community."

The idea of the young farmers - a committee of the Michigan Farm Bureau - is to bring people together to network, share information and make connections, according to Farm Bureau District 10 Director Pat McGuire of Royal Farms.

"When you're on the farm, whether taking it over from Mom and Dad or starting anew, it's work 24-7," McGuire said. "Unless you get opportunities like this to leave, you don't do it."

He also stressed that the young farmer program develops leaders - there are conferences, seminars and learning opportunities to help with that.

Cole's background in farming is really just involvement in 4-H as a young person and a family garden. But he and his wife now operate a farm stand which right is currently sprouting with corn, peaches, green beans, squash and a range of other treats. They also sell some of their goods wholesale.

"It just kind of evolved into the undertaking of supplying people with fresh fruits and vegetables," he said. "I always say, I'm their personal gardener."

But Cole said more and more people are wondering about how to be their own gardener.

"I'm seeing a shift in the desire for gardening, and for freezing and canning," he said. "People are realizing the nutritional values are better and in the end it's cheaper."

A farmer's potluck tends to have fresh ingredients, and Saturday afternoon, what's growing in northern Michigan was displayed on the table.

The roasting pig came from Rubingh's Dairyland, the corn on the cob was from the Coles, and the salads and other vegetables contained ingredients that just happen to be in season at the beginning of September.

And with the blend of aromas and flavors on the table, came the stirring of area farmers together, each with various specialties and niches that could together produce a tasty meal.

"Little events like this help bring young farmers together," Cole said. "They meet people today that will help them in the future."

Hadley Robinson can be reached at hrobinson@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-533-8523.