The Butler County Farm Tour will take place on Oct. 1. Since the first tour, which started several years ago, more and more visitors are attracted to this unique and educational event.

With the exception of the Big Butler Fair and the Butler Farm Show, not too many events offer an opportunity to view such a variety of agricultural life.

Since 98 percent of the population is at least one generation removed from the farm, events such as the farm tour provide an opportunity to look and learn about the No. 1 industry in Pennsylvania.

Host farms will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. so visitors can view the farm scene similar to watching a football game from the sidelines.

For example, a gallon of milk or cider on a grocery store shelf is the final destination. But few people actually realize what goes into getting the product to the market. The farm tour provides that opportunity.

Many youth tour with parents or grandparents who want them to understand what it is like to be a farmer. Sometimes they explain how relatives or ancestors used to live on farms.

Plan to visit one or all of these host farms. They have worked hard to make it an enjoyable and educational day.

Paul and Bonnie Bergbigler Farm - The family owns 40 acres and leases an additional 30 acres, growing hay, corn and barley. In addition to crops, Paul and Bonnie focus on raising Holstein replacement heifers for Bergbigler Dairy Farm. The family also raises beef cattle.

Bergbigler Dairy - Leroy and Mary Bergbigler are the third generation to operate the family dairy farm. They own 280 acres, growing hay, corn and barley to feed their 225 dairy cattle. The milk herd totals 125 cows with 100 replacement heifers and calves. A drive-through stall barn was constructed in 1997 and an innovative "double 8" milking parlor was finished in 2000. A calf facility was built on-site to house replacement heifers last year.

Ralph Bergbigler Family Farm - Ralph and Darla Bergbigler, along with their three children, Lynnae, Evan and Tyler, farm 175 acres of owned and rented land. As part of this diverse operation, the family raises hogs in a farrow. The farm averages 18 brood sows that give birth in a temperature-controlled farrowing barn. Visitors will have the opportunity to see approximately 200 hogs at all stages of growth, including new litters. In addition to hogs, the family raises Holstein heifers for the dairy industry.

Welter's Farm and Meat Market - Tim Welter, along with his wife Lori and their five children, Alisha, Kristy, Timothy Jr., Mike and Matt, own 80 acres and rent an additional 140 acres of cropland. The farm includes a feedlot where beef cattle and hogs are raised.

Once they reach market weight, the animals are processed through the family-owned meat market. In addition to processing their own animals, the family also does custom meat processing for other area farmers. The processing facility features an electronically controlled smokehouse where the meat is smoked the old-fashioned way with natural hickory.

There will be smoked meat products available for purchase the day of the tour. The farm also includes Tennessee Walking horses and a small herd of goats that are cared for by the children.

For more information or a brochure with a map marking the farm tour locations, contact the Butler County Cooperative Extension Office at 724-287-4761, or the Butler County Conservation District at 724-284-5270.