A meeting next week will evaluate the future of the Butler County Farm Tour.

County commissioners will lead their third annual Butler County Farm Town Hall meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Butler County Community College's Founder's Hall.

While the Farm Tour will be a priority topic of discussion, the town hall is meant to hear the concerns of local farmers.

Commissioner Kim Geyer said the Farm Tour has been a success in the past.

“This annual tour has showcased Butler County farms to thousands of visitors and residents in the past 10 years,” she said.

But the tour has begun to lose volunteers and participants to open their farms to the public, according to the event's host, the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau.Jack Cohen, president of the bureau, said he would like to renew the passion that once existed in the farm tour or find a new way to educate people on the hard work that farmers put in every day.“We're just seeing how to work with the (Butler County) Farm Bureau and the farmers to get that farm tour to another level,” Cohen said.Cohen said nothing has been decided regarding the farm tour, but they are seeking input from farmers because without them, there is no event.“The big reason is to continue this somehow so people understand how much these folks do and raise products that we eat and drink every day,” he said. “I think the public needs to see it and understand it to appreciate it.”According to Larry Voll, the president of the Farm Bureau, its members have been active during past tours, but some farmers are struggling with the timing of the event.He said having the tour earlier would be helpful, and he would like to see the emphasis stay on agriculture.Last year, the tour was held in September.“They're calling it an ag tour, so I think that's where it needs to focus on,” Voll said.Voll said he doesn't have the answer as to how to fix the problems with the tour, but the Farm Bureau is willing to work with the Tourism Bureau on a solution.

In addition to the meeting's discussion of the Farm Tour, the Tourism Bureau will be doing a short presentation on agritourism.Geyer said promoting future generations of farmers is a win for the community and a win for the county.“We look forward to seeing everybody,” said County Commissioner Leslie Osche.Osche said she plans to come prepared to give updates on what has been done and what can be done to help the farm community.“I think there's still so many great opportunities for agriculture here in the county. I don't want to miss out on those opportunities,” she said.“Investing in the kids, people, and our farms countywide is an investment into our county's future,” she said. “We reap what we sow, literally.”The meeting will be open to the public, and there will be free refreshments.