Another summer has come and gone. The children are heading back to 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 14th 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 annually to the industry’s impact. This year’s tour will be Sept. 24 and will provide an opportunity for visitors to get an inside look at four diverse operations in southwestern 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 2011 hosts will showcase dairy cattle, beef cattle, crop and vegetable production, and greenhouse production. 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. The three family farms featured on this year’s tour are participants in the Butler County Conservation Easement Program, preserving farmland for future generations.

As the fourth generation of his family to farm the “Stevenson Farm” in Connoquenessing Township, Guy Daubenspeck and his wife, Carol, operate a 50-head beef operation. The farm also sells hay and grain. A custom livestock feed operation provides mixed feeds for home poultry flocks, horses and cattle in the surrounding area.

Metrick’s Harvest View Farm and Market is a diverse family operation that incorporates both production and direct marketing into a successful farm enterprise.

Depending on the season, the farm market features vegetables, brown eggs and honey produced on the farm. Bulk foods, jams and jellies, and salad dressings are also available. The farm also features a cider press and observation beehive.

The Lesney Family farm is a 94-acre dairy farm that began operation in 1919. Grain and forage production is the focus of the operation. In addition to the 94-acre home farm, the family farms an additional 900 acres of cropland. Crops include corn, soybeans and alfalfa. The dairy herd includes 45 milking cows and 25 young animals.

Recently remodeled, Brenkle’s Farms and Greenhouses’ offers a selection of products and accessories to meet everyone’s gardening needs. Seasonally, they also offer fresh home-grown produce. Annually, the Brenkles plant, grow and stock a wide variety of heirloom plants that have become increasingly popular with home gardeners.

An estimated 4,100 people visited one or more of our 2010 host farms. Thanks to the cooperation and support of our hosts and financial sponsors, we anticipate another successful tour in 2011.

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 stop. Handicapped restroom facilities will be available at our host farms. Refreshments also can be purchased.

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 can also be found at www.visitbutler county.com. Follow the link for events and you will find the farm your listed under Agricultural Festivals.

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.