Southern Minnesota is filled with rural farms, complete with dairy operations, cornfields and cattle. They’re a crucial part of our communities, and this weekend, residents and visitors have a chance to get an up-close look at how they work.

Mower County’s annual Breakfast on the Farm will be served Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and features a meal of pancakes, sausage, milk, juice and coffee at the Eugene Anderson dairy farm in Waltham.

Anderson said the purpose of the event is to simply help educate city and urban people with the country.

“They need to know where dairy products come from,” Anderson said. “Some people think it just comes from the store.”

Saturday’s events also include a petting zoo, with the cost of breakfast $3 per person or $12 per family.

Organizations such as the Mower County 4-H, Mower County Cattlemen, the Hayfield America Legion, six different FFA chapters and other local agricultural groups work along side the Mower County Farm Bureau, and all contribute to the event.

Breakfast on the Farm is a worthwhile occasion and a chance for our kids, families and friends to see how much work goes into a dairy farm and learn why it’s an important business.

We’re grateful for all of our farmers, and we hope to you Saturday in Waltham.