SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — The 2019 Blossomtime community queens experienced a day on the farms of southwest Michigan hosted and sponsored by the Van Buren Farm Bureau in conjunction with Cass County Farm Bureau.

The queens and kings have annually enjoyed this trip for more than 35 years, according to event organizers. The royalty made many stops in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties, including Shuler Dairy in Baroda, Silverstone Gardens in Watervliet, Greenmark Equipment in Sodus, Fedore Veterinary in Cassopolis, Maple Row Sugarhouse in Jones, Honee Bear Canning in Lawton and Robinson Hog Farm in Cassopolis.

From milking a cow to kissing a pig, this tour gave all of the young people a greater understanding how important the agriculture is to this area, organizers said.

Right, Miss Spirit Maya Schuhknecht, of Buchanan, kisses a pig.

Submitted photos