Hard to believe, but we're more than halfway through summer. Yes, it's hot and we still have a few summer activities to look forward to, but before we know it, school will be back in session and families will be busy with numerous fall activities. Perhaps it's a sign that I'm getting older, but time passes much too quickly! With that in mind, it's not too soon to mark the annual Butler County Farm Tour on the family calendar.

Agriculture is a major part of Pennsylvania's economy, and the producers of Butler County contribute more than $30 million dollars annually to the industry's impact.

This year marks the 11th anniversary of the Butler County Farm Tour, to be held Oct. 4, and will provide an opportunity for visitors to get an inside look at four diverse operations in the southern Butler and Saxonburg areas.

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 2008 hosts will showcase dairy cattle, crop production, horses and wine making. In addition to learning more about these enterprises and their financial impact on the community, the tour provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn more about the support industries and groups that contribute to the viability of agriculture.

An estimated 3,500 people visited one or more of our 2007 host farms. Thanks to the cooperation and support of our hosts and financial sponsors, we anticipate another successful tour in 2008.

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. Activities at some stops could involve a small fee. 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 also will be available for purchase along the way.

Brochures with maps, information about the host farms, and additional tour information will be available soon. Contact the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761 to be added to the mailing list.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, Extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.