2020 Alcona Small Farm Conference : Big Dreams, Small Towns

Farm to Fork Alcona is excited to bring Amy Emberling, Managing Partner of Zingerman’s Bakehouse, to Lincoln, Michigan! She will be the keynote speaker for the 2020 Annual Alcona Small Farm Conference: “Big Dreams, Small Towns” on Saturday, February 29, 2020. This regional event will take place at Lost Lake Woods Club from 9am to 4pm.

Many will recognize Amy’s name as the co-author of “Zingerman Bakehouse Cookbook,” as well as her position as Managing Partner of Zingerman’s Bakehouse in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  

Saturday’s conference will begin with Amy’s keynote address. She will share how a small Ann Arbor deli with less than 10 employees grew to a community of 10 businesses with over 750 employees and $70 million in revenue. She will relate Zingerman’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and supporting Michigan farmers. Plus, she will share available opportunities for like-minded individuals.

Saturday’s conference will also include an interactive workshop: “Creating a Vision of Success for Your Farm, Business and Life.” Expanding on Amy’s keynote address, she will lead the workshop on how to develop one’s own ‘vision’ of success. Each participant will leave with their own version of Greatness.

Registration is $60 for this day-long Certified Local Food Event includes a full locally-sourced breakfast and lunch, keynote speech, workshop, and panel discussion.

Interested in milling your own grains? Join in on Friday, February 28th for an evening event presented by Emberling, “Milling & Baking with Michigan Grains.”  Doors open at 6pm, and will include some of Zingerman’s finest breads and cheeses, salads, and desserts using regionally sourced grains. She will demonstrate a “mock mill” that allows a person to mill their own grains fresh and from their choice of grains. This is revolutionary for anyone interested in superior taste, nutrition, and health.  

Registration for this event is $50. A book signing with Amy Emberling will follow this event. Cookbooks will be available for purchase.

A $10 discount will be applied for individuals who register for both events, for a total of $100 for the full, one-day conference registration and special event on Friday night.

Advanced registration is required for both events.  Please visit www.F2FAlcona.org.

Judy MacNeill, RD, is an active member on the Board of Farm to Fork Alcona.