By Andi Anderson
The 2025 Breakfast on the Farm event, hosted on August 2 at Michigan State University’s Horse Teaching and Research Center, highlighted the Michigan equine industry for the first time in the program’s history.
Since its creation by MSU Extension in 2009, the initiative has attracted more than 93,000 attendees eager to learn about Michigan agriculture.
This year’s event drew 1,154 visitors, who began the morning with a farm-cooked pancake breakfast before embarking on self-guided walking tours of the 100-acre MSU Horse Farm. The farm is known for housing one of the oldest ongoing Arabian horse breeding programs in the United States.
Along the tour, families explored educational stations covering a wide range of topics, including mare and foal management, horse health, coat colors, behavior, pasture management, tack and equipment, horse transportation, and toxic plants.
Visitors also learned about MSU Extension’s Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock program.
Children enjoyed interactive activities such as a quiz scavenger hunt, a mock stick horse show in the riding arena, and even a stall cleaning challenge.
Farm equipment displays gave both kids and adults hands-on opportunities to connect with horse farming practices.
The event was made possible through sponsorships from businesses, organizations, and Michigan agricultural groups, including the Michigan Horse Council, Michigan Pork Producers Association, Michigan Wheat Program, Michigan Soybean Association, Michigan Ag Council, Michigan Farm Bureau, Hutson Equipment, and Tribute Feeds. Over 60 volunteers supported planning and on-site activities.
- Survey feedback reflected the program’s strong impact.
- 76% of participants reported a great or moderate increase in knowledge of the equine industry.
- 70% gained new knowledge about horse management and care.
- 82% planned to share what they learned with others.
- 98% expressed interest in future equine-related events.
As organizers reflected, the event successfully combined a hearty breakfast with meaningful agricultural education. Families left with new appreciation for Michigan’s horse industry and the role of research, teaching, and outreach at MSU.
For more details, contact Mary Dunckel at 989-354-9875 or Ashley Decker at 586-469-7616.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-patrick-jennings
Categories: Michigan, Education