Another summer has come and gone. The kids are back in school, and there is a touch of autumn in the air. Time passes much too quickly!

With that in mind, we will soon be celebrating the 13th anniversary of the Butler County Farm Tour.

Agriculture is a major part of Pennsylvania's economy, and the producers of Butler County contribute more than $43 million annually to the industry's impact. This year's tour, to be held Oct. 2, will provide an opportunity for visitors to get an inside look at three diverse operations in southern Butler County.

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.

This year's hosts will showcase buttermilk production, dairy cattle, alpacas and game birds. 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.

Marburger Farm Dairy will offer a tour of their milk processing plant, featuring their buttermilk. Visitors also may tour the dairy barn after visiting the processing plant. Marburger Farm Dairy will be open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to make this their first stop on the tour.

Sunset Hills Alpaca Farm is recognized as one of the top champion winning alpaca farms in the United States. Visitors will learn how David and Laurye Feller have built a successful agricultural enterprise around this unusual animal. In addition to learning more about the animals, spinners and weavers will be busy processing yarn into a shawl, and there will be a fashion show of garments made from alpaca fleece.

The John Kennedy family will welcome visitors to Four Seasons Game Bird farm. The farm offers pheasant and chukar hunting on 450 acres of diverse terrain. In addition, the farm will feature a large collection of tractors and antique farm equipment.

An estimated 4,300 people visited one or more of our 2009 host farms. Thanks to the cooperation and support of our hosts and financial sponsors, we anticipate another successful tour.

Open to the public, the tour is free and self-guided, with visitors stopping at one or more farms at their leisure. The hosts and volunteer staff are available 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 along the way.

Brochures with maps, information about the host farms and additional tour information are available. Contact the Butler County Conservation District Office at 724-284-5270 or the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761 for a copy. Information also can be found at www.visitbutlercounty.com. Follow the link for events and you will find the Farm Tour listed under Agricultural Festivals.

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.