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 15th 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 dollars annually to the industry's impact.

This year's tour, to be held Saturday, will provide an opportunity for visitors to get an inside look at three diverse operations in 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.

Our 2012 hosts will showcase beef cattle, crop production, grain milling and white tail deer. 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.

Hickory Hollow FarmLocated at 152 Stowe Road, Parker, Hickory Hollow Farm is operated by Valerie and Steve Peiper.As part of the 400-acre Stowe Farm, the property has been in the family since 1914. On the farm, you'll find a saw mill as well as crops of corn, oats and hay.Farm animals you'll see will include horses, boar, goats, bantam chickens, a mule, donkey, a pony and Hereford cattle. Hay rides will be offered, providing visitors with an opportunity to see different areas of the farm.Fall and Christmas crafts and horse gift items will be on display and offered for sale.

Fantasy Whitetails Representative of the variety of alternative agriculture in Butler County, Fantasy Whitetails, located at 472 Cemetery Road, Boyers, will showcase whitetail deer production.Pennsylvania is a leading state for deer farming, second only to Texas in the U.S.After a life of avid hunting, Roco Sloboda made the decision to raise whitetail deer instead of cattle or horses for his retirement project.He started with only four deer and now has more than 100 whitetails in his herd. Thirty acres of his 400-acre farm are devoted to this enterprise.

Zanella MillingOwned and operated since 1983 by John and Anita Zanella and their six children, Zanella Milling is one of the last operating buckwheat flour mills in Butler County.Built in 1897, the mill carries a full line of feeds as well as home and farm hardware and is located at 111 Main St., West Sunbury.The mill does custom grinding and mixing and manufactures its own line of animal and wildlife feeds in addition to pancake flours.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 for purchase 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 of the brochure.Information and a copy of the brochure also can be found at www.visitbutlercounty.com.

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.