PORTERFIELD — Mark and Connie Anderson first hosted a Marinette County Breakfast on the Farm in 2015. There’s a simple reason why they wanted to host the annual event again this year — well, actually seven reasons.
“Our grandchildren were very young at the time (of the 2015 event), and they wanted to do it again,” Mark Anderson said, noting that they have seven grandchildren between the ages of 7 and 13.
Will they all help out?
“They’re helping clean as we speak,” he said earlier this week in a telephone call.
Local dairy breakfasts and events have been an iconic part of Wisconsin culture during June Dairy Month for nearly 50 years, according to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.
“Farm breakfasts are family-friendly events for all to enjoy,” the Dairy Farmers website states. “They offer opportunities for attendees to learn about local dairy farms and meet dedicated families that keep them running, enjoy delicious food made with fresh Wisconsin-made dairy products, and spend time with friends and neighbors.”
This year’s breakfast will take place from 7:30 a.m. — noon Sunday at Anderson Farm, N6506 Anderson Road, Porterfield. From Marinette, take Highway 180 to County Trunk G and then take G to Anderson Road on the right-hand side. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 10, and no charge for children ages 5 and under.
The menu includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, ham, cheese curds, maple syrup, applesauce, milk, juice, coffee and ice cream sundaes. There will be a petting zoo, face painting, a Moo-Mania comedy show, balloons, a bouncy play area for kids, cheesecake contest, viewing of the farm and cattle, a church service and music.
Anderson said the event is a chance for people to visit a farm. He said about 5,000 people are anticipated if the weather is nice. The event takes place rain or shine.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for people in the community to see somewhat what happens on a dairy farm,” Anderson said. “ It gives them the perspective on how well the cows are cared for and how they like their environment, and how modern agriculture has gotten now.”
He said Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin probably has a crew of about 20 people, plus at least 100 volunteers who help with the event. While the breakfasgt takes months to plan, Anderson said a lot of the work is done in the last three to four months.
The Anderson Farm has been around for decades. Mark’s parents, Andrew and Glorianne Anderson, purchased the farm in 1958. Mark and Connie purchased the bulk of the farm in 1985.
Mark said all four of their children, despite having “non-farm jobs,” help out with the operation. They include: Jacob (Molly), Joshua (Amy), Andy (Justine) and Ashley. The grandchildren include: Lilly, Adeline, Landen, Ethan, Amberly, Easton and Scottlyn.
The Anderson farm has 140 dairy cows and they crop about 320 acres.
Anderson said the biggest change he’s seen in farming through the years is technology. In 2022, his farm installed two Delaval VMS 300 robot milkers, which gives Mark and Connie more time to spend with their children and grandchildren.
“I think the technology that’s gone into agriculture has made farming much more productive over the years,” Anderson said. “Probably a little more stressful, but a little easier.”
He said today’s farmers must have a willingness to change and adapt, more so than when his parents farmed decades ago.
Anderson described what it takes to be a successful farmer. “Keeping an eye on everything almost all the time — I think that’s the No. 1 goal,” he said. “Understanding that farming is a lifestyle, not an occupation. You’ve got to be willing to put in the time and do what it takes to get the job done.”
He said except for the technology advancements, the farm is pretty much the same as it was in 2015.
“If you get the opportunity, come on out and enjoy a good morning on a farm,” Anderson said.
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