International delegates learn and exchange practical ideas for connecting consumers to agriculture
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EmailInternational visits, such as the most recent group travelling from Asia and Africa, enhance participants' professional development, cross-cultural understanding, and global appreciation of diverse values, communication and practices.
On a sunny fall day, international Extension delegates from India, Taiwan, and Kenya gathered at Schomaker Farms in Michigan to explore agricultural practices firsthand. Their visit was part of a statewide tour hosted by Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources International Programs.
“There’s really nothing like seeing what the seed produces and then sharing that experience with people that have been exposed to agriculture before, or may not,” says Taylor Schomaker, as she led the group through rows of peppers and pumpkins, pausing to admire sleeping hogs and the vibrant farm landscape.
Schomaker Farms, operated by Taylor, her husband and extended family, blends education, youth engagement, and community outreach with traditional farming practices. In fact, the farm started as a roadside stand still visible from the drive. Now, it’s grown into a “make your own bouquet” table, for sale fresh produce, kids play place and includes objectively cute animals galore.
“[One] innovation I could find was how farmers are utilizing the farmers market,” says Dr. Rabindra Nath Padaria, Joint Director (Extension), Indian Council of Agricultural Research. “What are the salient characteristics and traits of those farmers to harness benefits and directly deal with the consumers? This beautiful thing I would like to [consider].”
The delegates witnessed how one farmer’s passion and innovation can reconnect communities to agriculture in a world that often feels removed from its roots.
“Extension is not just about the farmers,” says Dr. Miriam Kyule, Lecturer and Chairperson for the Department of Agricultural Education and Extension at Egerton University in Kenya. “You are also going out of your way to lecture the future farmer.”
“It’s very professional, the imparting of agriculture science to students at a tender age,” says Dr. Srinivasacharyulu Attaluri, Agriculture Knowledge Management Expert and former Deputy Director of MANAGE. “I would like to carry [it] forward and try to implement in my area school.”
Throughout their visit, MSU Extension showcased the diverse ways agricultural extension and research facilities support producers and inspire future generations. Stops included Detroit-area urban farms, AgBioResearch centers, Blue Stone Organic Farm, and Schomaker Farms, each offering a unique lens into Michigan’s agricultural ecosystem.
“It is more of a culture than a profession,” says Dr. Kyule.
The final leg of the whole tour concluded with a birthday celebration for host Taylor Schomaker, sung in multiple languages—a moment that highlighted the warmth and camaraderie built throughout the group’s journey. They then enjoyed a quintessential Michigan lunch at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth before a quick visit to the MSU Saginaw Valley Research and Education Center where they learned about the partnership between MSU Extension, AgBio and Michigan Sugar, an agricultural cooperative business.
“That is one thing that we struggle with,” says Dr. Agnes Oywaya-Nkurumwa Associate Professor of Agricultural Extension, Department of Agricultural Education and Extension at Egerton University in Kenya. “The research tends to be sort of disconnected from Extension or the farm. That seamless linkage where information is free flowing, it’s very impressive, which I hope that we can work on.”
Additional activities adding to the experience included a home-cooked meal at Dr. Karim Maredia’s, who is a professor and assistant dean and Director of International Programs for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU. Their itinerary also included ice cream at the MSU Dairy Store, a visit to the Meridian Township farmers market, and a scenic stop at Lake Michigan.
These visits lead to strengthened connections with various Extension and agriculture related organizations and universities across the world, and they also provide our own staff with opportunities to learn about different ways that Extension functions in different places while developing their own intercultural competence.
“Thank you for the wonderful learning opportunity given to me,” said Dr. Srinivasacharyulu Attaluri, Agriculture Knowledge Management Expert and Former Deputy Director, MANAGE. “It was a great opportunity to learn about MSU/Extension innovations and make partnerships with many.”
