With over 1500 farms generating more than $72 million in agriculture receipts, Shelby County agriculture is a viable and thriving component of the local economy. However, members of the Horticulture and Agriculture Advisory Council (HAAC) have identified a growing farm-to-city disconnect, even in our rural Shelby County setting.  For the past several years, HAAC efforts have included a focus on bridging the gap and educating local citizens about our agriculture heritage.  A newly-developed means to address this is Breakfast on the Farm.

HAAC members learned of a farm-to-table meal held on a dairy farm in a neighboring state.  While farm-to-table meals are becoming more common in surrounding areas, HAAC members chose to add new life to the idea by hosting the event on-site at a local farm and by changing up the time of day:   breakfast instead of dinner.

A council member volunteered to host the event on her local horse farm which has a barn with varnished stall-fronts and an 80’ x 16’ driveway.  Local foods, produced and donated by Rooted in Shelby members, will be assembled into a menu and prepared by Churchill Downs Executive Chef David Danielson.   Danielson is also the proprietor and executive chef at Old Stone Inn in Simpsonville and is hoping to establish relationships with local farmers in order to source more menu items locally.   He agreed to provide his services for Breakfast on the Farm free of charge as a means to connect with local farmers.  Entertainment will be provided by local talent throughout the event as well, and Rooted in Shelby members who supply food items will be featured on placemats and signage in hopes of increasing sales of their products to local consumers.

Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit local 4-H and FFA members, who will also be involved in the event as part of the catering/service crew.  

This event will serve as a vehicle to educate consumers about the availability and benefits of buying local foods.  It will allow for connections to be made between local farmers and Chef Danielson in order to place local foods in his restaurants.  It will involve youth in a service/education role promoting Shelby County agriculture.  And finally, it will serve as a means to connect local citizens with Shelby County’s rich agriculture history and heritage.