July 19, members Wisconsin Farm Bureau hosted the first-ever “Progressive Farmer-Led Dinner.” In less than three hours, participants toured and learned about three different farms in eastern Wisconsin while enjoying nutritious, locally grown food. It was a great event that aimed to highlight the amazing things local farmers do and the fact that consumers can create hearty meals with locally grown food.
Snack: Saxon Homestead
The first stop of the evening was Saxon Farm in Cleveland. We got closer to the cows grazing in the pastures and also learned how to do it LaClare Farms AND Saxon Farm Team up to create delicious cheese!
While in Saxon, we tried them Big Ed’s Gouda and LaClare cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese. The combination of cheese and crackers creates a hearty combination of protein, fat and carbohydrates. For a nutritious and balanced snack, I recommend preparing some Gouda, your favorite type of crackers and some chopped vegetables! Plus – cranberry, cinnamon goat cheese is perfect for a delicious breakfast on a bagel or whole grain toast.
Main course: Lake Orchard Farm
For their second stop of the night, the group headed to Lake Orchard Farm. We enjoyed flavorful fish and steak tacos and a refreshing salad, all made by Lake Orchard and Bushmen’s farm.
In Wisconsin, we often enjoy deep-fried fish and chips and old-fashioned fare on Friday night. If this resonates with you – live it! However, diversifying your protein sources with fish prepared using healthier methods such as baking, grilling or roasting can be a great way to improve your diet. Fish are an excellent source of protein and have a better ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 acids compared to meat from land animals!
Dessert: Bushmen’s Homestead
The evening ended at the Bushman Homestead with amazing cakes! The Bushman Homestead has animals on site as well as a attractive shop selling everything from burgers, brisket, patties, ribs and even home decor, homemade soap and Amish-made cakes. They graciously showed us the variety of animals they had on their farm, including pigs, donkeys, chickens, sheep and cattle.
A visit to Bushman’s can provide you with everything you need for a nutritious home-cooked meal or cooking – and I bet you’ll leave with plenty of other specialty items you couldn’t resist!
Personally, I know that I often take for granted the fact that I live in a country wealthy in agriculture and full of people who are passionate about producing high-quality food for animals and people. This evening just scratched the surface of the plentiful resources in our region that allow us to prepare a hearty meal for our families while still knowing where our food comes from.
And remember: As vital as it is to eat lean proteins like beef, chicken and eggs, as well as high-fiber carbs and vegetables, don’t forget that there’s always room for a slice of cake in your diet if it makes you joyful!
