Another summer has come, and yes, is almost gone. The children are preparing to go back to school and the Labor Day weekend is just a couple weeks away. 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 $43 million annually to the industry's impact. This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Butler County Farm Tour, which will be held Oct. 3 and will provide an opportunity for visitors to get an inside look at four diverse operations in southeastern 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 2009 hosts will showcase poultry production, horses, custom meat processing 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 3,200 people visited one or more of our 2008 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 between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities at some stops might 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 will also 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 Conservation District Office at 724-284-5270 or the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761 for a copy of the brochure.

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.