Farm breakfast feeds over 800
FAIRBURY – What does it take to pull off a successful breakfast on the farm? The answer would be around 25 gallons of orange juice, 30 gallons of milk and 185 dozen eggs.
Those are the numbers from Saturday’s annual Breakfast on the Farm held at Kilgus Farmstead near Fairbury sponsored by the Livingston County Farm Bureau Young Leaders. More than 800 visitors were served breakfast at the event, which now sees more out-of-towners than locals.
“We charge one dollar for the breakfast. That is the farmer’s share of the breakfast we serve – eggs, biscuits, gravy, coffee, juice and milk,” explained Young Leaders chairman Chad Trachsel.
Breakfast on the Farm typically includes ag facts on display along with farm tours and games for kids. Trachsel believes this is a great way for people to learn about an industry which produces the world’s food.
“We are seeing a lot of people early, which is great.”
One of the hosts, Jenna Kilgus, is glad the public gets to see that they don’t have anything to hide on the farm. The Kilgus family wants consumers to know what goes into producing a gallon of milk or a pound of beef.
“People enjoy coming out to the farm and seeing the animals,” Kilgus said.
Members of the Young Leaders organization were busy preparing eggs and other items for the breakfast. They were cooking eggs by the dozen, which is no understatement. Group member Jake Ralph called it a “painless process.”
“It’s really representing farmers and the Farm Bureau well,” Ralph explained. “We are definitely glad to do it.”
Since a big part of his legislative district involves agriculture, State Rep. Dan Brady thought it was appropriate to check out the farm and enjoy a fresh Saturday morning breakfast. He was pleased with the experience, which served as an eye-opener for many visitors.
“It’s a reminder of the agriculture industry in the state and how important it is,” Brady noted.
Jasmine Patino of Pontiac is not from Illinois and this was her first time on a farm. She called it a different experience which her children seemed to enjoy.
“They have a lot of cool stuff out here,” Patino said. “You start talking to a few people and you leave with a new perspective.”
Kilgus Farmstead has a country store which is open six days a week, serving products such as milk, meat and ice cream. The farm offers monthly tours which must be booked in advance. More information can be obtained at www.kilgusfarmstead.com.
The Livingston County Farm Bureau Young Leaders include ag professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 who promote farming, educate the public and participate in events with the state and local Farm Bureaus. For more about Young Leaders, visit www.livcfb.org/yl.
