A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of collaborating with the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) to document their Farmer Field Day at Maulbetsch Farm! It was a wonderful opportunity to spend an afternoon capturing the people, conversations, and hands-on demonstrations bringing together a community passionate about agriculture, soil health, and regenerative farming!
Despite the name, Farmer Field Day wasn't just for farmers. Alongside local agricultural professionals, a handful of avid gardeners attended to learn more about soil testing, explore demonstrations, and connect with others who share an interest in caring for the land.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from Michigan and Midwest-based regenerative agriculture practitioners and technical experts.
The event also featured interactive, in-field demonstrations and learning stations, including a rainfall simulator, soil assessment, and seed spreading via drone. These hands-on experiences gave attendees the chance to explore practical approaches to soil health and regenerative agriculture while learning from experts and one another.
Beyond the demonstrations, one of my favorite aspects of the day was the sense of community. A dedicated peer networking space encouraged farmers to connect through small-group discussions and build relationships throughout Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan.
As a photographer, I love documenting events like this because there's so much more to the story than what's happening on the schedule. It's the candid conversations, the curiosity, the shared knowledge, and the small moments of connection that make an event meaningful.
I'm always grateful for the opportunity to work alongside organizations making a positive impact in our community. A huge thank-you to Sean, Jill, and Terzah and the Washtenaw County Conservation District for trusting me to document this event!