Next month will bring an opportunity to see where food comes from by visiting three family owned county farms.
Sponsored by the Schuylkill Chamber Agribusiness Committee, the Schuylkill County Farm Tour will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 18, although the deadline to register for the tour is Aug. 3.
At $25 a person, the tour includes lunch and transportation, with all proceeds benefiting the committee.
The tour will visit Pioneer Evergreen Farms, Orwigsburg, a Christmas tree farm; Hepler Homestead Farms, Pitman, a dairy farm; and Jersey Acres Farm, Pine Grove, a dairy, farm market and winery.
Jersey Acres is also a Farmers Market Nutrition Program participant, associated with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, popularly known as WIC.
"We have so much to offer pertaining to agribusiness and it is right in our own backyard," said Patrick M. "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, the Schuylkill Conservation District's environmental education coordinator. "The tour features our farmer neighbors who are working to ensure that food is on your table and a real nice Christmas tree is in your home for the holidays."
McKinney said agribusiness is not only the county's, but also Pennsylvania's No.1 economy.
According to the event flier, a "comfortable and air-conditioned motor coach bus" will leave the Schuylkill County AG Center, 1206 AG Center Drive, and ample parking will be available.
McKinney will lead the tour.
Along the tour, participants will have the opportunity to purchase local produce and wine while supporting the agriculture industry.
"The tour reminds people of our agrarian roots and showcases farms that are inviting and innovative," McKinney said. "Our farm site hosts will roll out the green carpet for our tourists as they jaunt around the county in a comfortable, air-conditioned motor coach bus."
For more information or to register, contact McKinney at 570-622-4124 ext. 113 or porcupinepat@yahoo.com, or Elizabeth Hinkel at 570-622-3742 ext. 117 or ehinkel@co.schuykill.pa.us.
A check made payable to the conservation district may be sent to Schuylkill Conservation District, attn: Porcupine Pat, 1206 AG Center Drive, Pottsville, PA 17901.
