The eighth annual Highland County Farm Tour took place on Sept. 17. It was a result of a collaborative effort between Highland County Farm Bureau and Highland Soil and Water Conservation District. The event in the Berrysville area was greatly attended.
The tour featured beautiful, diverse farms and provided beneficial information on local sustainable agriculture. The first tour stop was Maplecrest Farms featuring presentations on beef production strategies, management of annual forages and pastureland and profitable farm diversification into the retail meat market by John and Joanie Grimes. The second stop featured Dead Broke Farm, which offered a unique up-close look at the benefits of incorporating conservation practices in pastureland, a program on managing black vultures, farm pond solutions and a cutting horse training demonstration.
In addition to touring these beautiful farms, participants enjoyed a catered lunch provided by the Highland County Farm Bureau that was served by Maplecrest Meats and More.
The Highland County Farm Bureau and Highland Soil and Water Conservation District would like to thank Rural King of Hillsboro for providing bottled water, and everyone else that helped to ensure the event was a great success.
Submitted by Pam Bushelman, Highland SWCD district operations manager.
