Residents can learn about local food sources at My Farm, Your Table event

are curious about where their food comes from will have an opportunity to speak with local farmers at the Sept. 8 My Farm, Your Table event.

My Farm, Your Table will take place in downtown Ritzville, on Main Street between Washington and Adams streets from Sept. 8, from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

The event is a partnership between Lincoln-Adams Washington State University Extension and the Ritzville Public Library.

During the event, attendees will learn where their food comes from, and the process the product takes to go from the farm to the dinner table.

Dusti Kissler, Administrative Assistant for the WSU Adams County Extension Office, said the idea for the event came from a teacher. The individual had interacted with a parent of a student who not understand how food comes from a farm.

“The more I talked to people, I realized there is a disconnect with people who don’t know where their food comes from,” Kissler said.

For the event, there will be booths where attendees can engage in one-on-one conversations with local farmers and ranchers. Attendees can ask questions while learning about the process and methods they use for growing or producing their food.

During the event, attendees will also have the chance to taste-test food at the H.E. Gritman Senior Center. The library will also have several hands-on activities for every age group.

“The intention is to make the event fun and educational, not just teaching,” Kissler said. “We hope the community learns something.”

There are three guest speakers lined up for the event, one being Aaron Esser, the the WSU Adams County Extension Agronomist.

Esser will present “Fact, Fiction and The Reality of GMO’s” from 3:45-4:13 p.m. His areas of expertise include agronomy, on farm testing and minimum tillage.

Another guest speaker is Greg Peterson of Peterson Farm Bros, who will discuss “Millennials of Agriculture” from 4:45 p.m.

Peterson and his brothers produce YouTube videos ranging from parodies and entertainment clips to informational and “Life of a Farmer” documentaries.

The Petersons produce these videos with the hope that viewers will have better understanding of what a real farm in the Midwest looks like and realize how much work actually goes into farming.

“As someone who grew up on the farm, I think what they do is hilarious,” Kissler said about the Peterson brothers. “I’m excited he’s coming. We’re hoping to hit the high school-age crowd with him.”

Dr. Paul Kuber, WSU Northeast Regional Livestock Extension Specialist, will present from 6-6:30 p.m. about “Meat Science: Cuts and Cooking” and be on hand to answer questions about livestock.

Kissler said the Extension Office has invited several local growers and producers for the event, one being Ole World Oils’ Curt Greenwalt.

Greenwalt, whose company produces Camelina Gold Cooking Oil in Ritzville, will discuss how his product goes from the farm and is distributed locally.

Another local grower at the event will be Paha Farms, who will have information about lambs, beekeeping and honey. Located 10 miles outside of Ritzville, Paha Farms provides high-quality grass fed and finished, pasture-raised animals to their customers.

The Washington Association of Wheat Growers will have a booth with information about wheat and activities.

James Wahl of MJW Grain Inc. will also be on hand.

Jennifer Murray and Mikki Kison from WSU Extension’s Food Sense program will have a display highlighting healthy eating habits and recipes.

Alice Weber, the WSU Master Food Preserver will answer questions relating to food preservation.

Cherry Lane Family Farms, out of Everett, will have information about chickens, eggs and egg products.

The WSU Extension Office is still accepting participants for the event. Local businesses with agricultural ties who are interested in participating can contact Kissler at 659-3212 or email [email protected].

Anyone who is looking for more information about the event, or updates, can reach out to Kissler or follow the My Farm Your Table Facebook page.