City and country come together in late June to support an important cause – the next generation of Wisconsin dairy farmers – at a fun, food-centered benefit dubbed “Graze On! For Local Farms, Local Foods.” Designed to raise funds for the Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy Farmers, the only school of its kind in the nation, the event takes place Sunday, June 26, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Capital Brewery, 7734 Terrace Ave, Middleton.

Among the sponsors, participating restaurants and food producers to date are the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Cates Family Farm Beef, Hook”s Cheese, Capri Organic Cheese, the Wisconsin Sheep Dairy Coop, Crescent City Grill, L”Etoile, Lombardino”s, and Otto”s Restaurant & Bar.

“Graze On!” is:

–A celebration of Ride to Farm, a bicycle trip that starts Friday, June 24, near Eau Claire and ends as the riders reach the Capital Brewery. Ride to Farm includes more than a dozen riders, including school staff, members of the America”s Dairyland competitive cycling team, and local chefs.

–A delicious “graze fest,” featuring locally made artisan and specialty cheeses and other dairy products, organic and grass-fed meats, and appetizers prepared with locally produced products by Madison”s best chefs.

–An opportunity to meet some of the farmers and chefs who are bringing high-quality local foods to our tables.

–A chance to enjoy award-winning Capital Brewery microbrews (cash bar) and great live music by the Soggy Prairie Boys Bluegrass Band.

“Farming is such an important part of Wisconsin”s economy and its culture,” says WSBDF director Dick Cates. “After years of seeing declines in the number of farms in our state, we”re finally seeing a turnaround. We have new, up-and-coming farmers who are passionate about the land and about producing great foods locally. The School provides classroom instruction, on-farm internships, field training, mentoring and identification of opportunities for students to begin farming.”

The School for Beginning Dairy Farmers, established in 1995, emphasizes low-capital, grass-based dairy farming using managed grazing. It is sponsored by the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems and the Farm and Industry Short Course, both within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Tickets can be ordered in advance by calling (608) 829-1027 or purchased at the door the day of the event. Tickets are $25 each for adults, $12 for children ages 6 to 12.