Love Thy Farmer event gives to industry, MSU

Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor, Michigan, is thanking farmers in collaboration with Michigan State University Extension.

Cherry Republic is hosting a free “Love Thy Farmer” open house for farmers from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on March 1. RSVPs are not required for the celebration and is free to farmers, according to Michigan Farm Bureau.

According to Cherry Republic Founder and President Bob Sutherland, the evening’s event will include a buffet dinner, an array of unique Cherry Republic “libations for your enjoyment,” and an opportunity for farmers to just unwind and connect in a laid-back atmosphere.

“It’s meant to be an evening of gratitude and celebration. Our mission statement — Life, Liberty, Beaches & Pie — is packed full of meaning, but perhaps the most meaningful value we strive to live out is that of Pie, which represents generosity and is at the heart of all we do at Cherry Republic,” Sutherland said.

As part of the Cherry Republic’s “Love Thy Farmer” campaign, 2% of their February sales were donated to Michigan State University Extension’s (MSU) Farm Stress program as a way to give back to local farmers.

“Farmers are struggling more than ever for more reasons than we can shake a stick at, like foreign crops flooding the U.S. market, climate, lack of workers, interest rates and pest,” Sutherland said.

“And so, as part of Love Thy Farmer Month, we donated money to MSU’s Horticultural Research Station Farm Stress Project, where free behavioral health services are provided to farmers and farm families here in Northern Michigan,” Sutherland added.

— Michigan Farm Bureau/Farm News Media