Wheat Planting Program In Mercer County This Weekend

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ — No matter how you slice it, it takes a whole lot of work to put a loaf of bread on the table. Mercer County residents are invited to find out just how much at Howell Living History Farm on Saturday, Sept. 30.

They will be able to join farmers as they plant, thresh and mill the stuff that goes into every loaf of whole wheat bread. Throughout the day, visitors can help farmers plow a field where wheat will soon be planted, and thresh wheat needed for seed and animal feed, as well as winnow and grind wheat used for flour.

Churning butter and baking bread will also take place in the farmhouse kitchen. Those who help with each operation will take home a bag of freshly ground whole wheat flour, complete with a recipe. Parking and admission are free.

The program is one of many hands-on farming experiences that are offered to the public, and to school groups, throughout the year. Corn harvesting, ice harvesting, maple sugaring and sheep shearing are among the seasonal programs and workshops offered during the coming months.

Howell Farm is owned by the County of Mercer and maintained by the Mercer County Park Commission. It is located on Valley Road, just off Route 29, in Hopewell Township. The GPS address is 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530. For more information, call the farm office at 609-737-3299 or visit www.howellfarm.org or www.mercercountyparks.org.

The attached image was provided by Mercer County officials: Farmers begin to plow the fields for wheat planting in the coming months.