Each year, the Washtenaw County Dairy Livestock Council holds a banquet that brings together the local agricultural community ranging in age from youth in single digits to adults in their 80’s and 90’s.
It’s a celebration of all aspects of agriculture. From livestock to crop farming, and honors Washtenaw County Future Farmers of America, 4-H, and Project RED (Rural Education Days) during which third-graders from around the county spend a day learning about the varied aspects of the areas’ farming industry at the Washtenaw County Farm Council Grounds.
Also during the banquet, two special farmers are honored for their contributions to what makes this area a special county in this state’s $125 billion annual agricultural economy.
Donald Rentschler is a lifetime farmer who lives on a centennial farm in Lodi Township. His love of farming began as a young boy helping with the family’s dairy herd. When the cows were sold, he continued farming crops and serving on the Lodi Township Board and various agricultural boards and commissions…