Dear John,

We're excited to bring our HOMEGROWN Village, which includes the Skills Tent and the FarmYard Stage, back for Farm Aid 2019. In this area of the festival, thousands of people explore interactive exhibits and activities that engage the senses.

Here are a few examples of the fun to be had:

* Visit the Family Farm Defenders' interactive exhibit to learn about the role of sustainable, small-scale agriculture in tackling the climate crisis.

* Learn how to make goat's milk soap in a nod to Wisconsin’s most iconic agricultural product at the National Grange's Skills Tent demonstration.

* Express your artistic side while fulfilling your civic duty by decorating a paper plate to be delivered to Congress urging them to support farm to school programs in the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act.

Ron and Josie Henningfield of Hill Valley Dairy are our newest Farmer Heroes. Their small-batch artisanal cheeses are made from milk supplied by Romari Farms, a 3rd-generation dairy that was purchased by the family in 1942 and is now owned by Ron’s brother.

“We’re in a position where we get to communicate with our customers and share the farm’s story so consumers feel connected with their food. That brings a sense of pride back to the farm, to take a food directly to the customers and see their reaction and how they enjoy and appreciate the hard work and the quality of the milk and cheese that comes from our family farm,” says Ron. Josie adds, “It’s been awesome to see people understand that they’re supporting more than one family by supporting a small family business.”

Even if you won't be joining us in person in Wisconsin, here are a few ways to join the Farm Aid fun from wherever you are:

The countdown to Farm Aid 2019 is on!