It’s spring again in Southwestern Michigan, and the Berrien County Farm Bureau Young Farmers are again planting seeds to celebrate Southwest Michigan’s large diversity of agricultural production and to “Mowtivate” the public to support Michigan’s second largest industry with the 2nd annual Fruit Belt Bushel and 1/9th Lawn Mower Race.
The Berrien County Farm Bureau Young Farmers will host the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association (USLMRA) and its’ STA-BIL Lawn & Garden Mower Racing Series Saturday, May 21, with races at 1:00pm and 5:00pm, at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds, 9122 N. US 31, Berrien Springs, Michigan, 49103. Admission is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children 12 and under.
The inaugural event in 2010 featured racing under a track that was partially indoors, with Turns 1 and 2 situated outside. A similar track configuration is in store this year. This year, the Young Farmers will present two STA-BIL Series National Points Races on the same day.
All proceeds will fund an educational grant that will promote agriculture in the classroom. Berrien County Young Farmers and more than 24 local event sponsors are committed to the need to educate youth on Michigan’s 2nd largest industry and the farm to fork process.
“Agriculture contributes over $71 billion annually to Michigan’s economy. There are over 56,000 farms in our state, and of the states in our nation, Michigan ranks second only to California in the diversity of crops produced” said Karah Leitz, Co-Chair of Berrien County Farm Bureau Young Farmers. “We feel it’s important to educate children in Berrien County about this vital part of our state’s economy. Berrien County Farm Bureau Young Farmers consists of men and women between the ages of 18-35 who are involved in agricultural or agricultural support industries. The objective of the Young Farmers program is to provide leadership in building a more effective Farm Bureau to preserve individual freedoms and expand opportunities in agriculture.”
Sod Slingers from across the state of Michigan are expected to compete including members of the Michigan Lawn Mower Racing Association, Rough Riders Lawn Mower Racing Club (Lansing), Ithaca Dirt Devils (Ithaca) and racers from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Racers are also invited to the MILMRA Local Chapter Race, Sunday May 22nd at Allegan County Fair. Contact Richard Webb of the Michigan Lawn Mower Racing Association or visit milmra.net for more information!
See you in MICHIGAN!!!!!!!
Location
View United States Lawn Mower Racing Association in a larger map
Race Day Schedule
- Registration: 9-11 am
- Tech: 9-11 am
- Drivers Meeting: 11:30 am
- Practice: 12 pm
- Race #1: 1 pm
- Race #2: 5 pm
Site Logistics
- You cannot drop off your trailer on Friday night.
- You cannot sleep at the Fairgrounds on either Friday or Saturday nights. No tents and no campfires at all at any time.
- Fairgrounds open Saturday at 7:00am
Area Lodging
- Shamrock Campgrounds – RV, Tent, Cabins
- Hampton Inn
- Baymont Inn & Suites
LEAVE A COMMENT