Tour offers look at county farms
Can it be? The Butler County Farm Tour will soon mark its ninth anniversary. Once again, area farms and agri-businesses will open their doors to the public. What a great opportunity to learn about agriculture!
Agriculture is a major part of Butler County's economy. The 2006 Butler County Farm Tour on Oct. 7 will provide an opportunity for visitors to get an inside look at three diverse operations in southeastern Butler County.
Guests will have an opportunity to visit the Goldscheitter family dairy farm; Armstrong Farms; and the processing facility for the Butler Onion Network.
Sponsored by the Butler County Food and Agriculture Council, the farm tour provides insight into the business of agriculture and the commodities, enterprises, and related businesses that contribute to the economy.
Our 2006 hosts will showcase milk production, purebred and commercial beef production, rotational grazing and conservation practices, Simply Sweet Onion production and processing, and agri-tourism.
In addition to learning more about these enterprises and their financial impact on Butler County, the tour provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn more about the support industries and groups that contribute to the viability of agriculture.
Combined visits to our 2005 host farms were estimated at more than 5,000. Thanks to the cooperation and support of our hosts and financial sponsors, we anticipate another successful tour in 2006.
Open to the public, the tour is free and self-guided, with visitors stopping at one or more farms between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The hosts and volunteer staff are available throughout the day to answer questions and direct visitors at each farm. Supporting demonstrations and educational activities are planned for each of the stops.
Handicapped restroom facilities will be available at all of our host farms. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.
Brochures with maps, information about the host farms, and additional tour information are available by contacting the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761.
