Since 2009 the UF/IFAS Lake County Extension office has hosted a farm tour on the Friday before Thanksgiving in recognition of Farm-City Week. On Friday November 18th Lake County Extension held their 12th annual Farm Tour (the 2020 tour was cancelled due to Covid). Participants boarded a charter bus where UF/IFAS Extension Agent served as tour guides and visited four farms in the north-central part of the county. While on the bus they learned about the history of agriculture in Florida, the importance of agriculture to the economy, and the science behind modern farming practices.
The first stop was to Empower School and Farm. Pioneered by Pastor Buddy Walker, Empower School and Farm engages young people in internships in agriculture, leadership, and community development. Student interns learn about micro intensive farming, vertical growing systems, small animal husbandry, beekeeping, and marketing. Upon completion of the program, interns are equipped to help with agriculturally focused mission projects in developing countries.
The next stop was to Live Oak Ranch, a diversified operation that raises beef cattle, grows hay, and boards horses all against a backdrop of gorgeous live oak trees. Participants enjoyed a hay ride out to feed the cattle, a highlight of the tour for many. Resident horses, goats, and sheep enjoyed extra attention from curious visitors who were eager to learn about animal agriculture.
Lunch was served at our third stop, Amber Brooke Farm. After lunch the farm manager walked participants through the process of planting strawberries using modern farming implements. Amber Brooke is a large agritourism destination popular for their u-pick blueberries, strawberries, and family-friendly attractions. Farm tour guests were able to explore the farm before reboarding the bus for our final stop.
Our last stop of the day, Far Reach Ranch, began as a cattle ranch and citrus grove in the 1940s before transitioning to blueberries in 1994. It currently offers u-pick berries as well as an assortment of farm-fresh vegetables. Their large event space, the Packing House, hosts special events throughout the year as well as weekly markets and happy hours. Participants were able to tour the large property courtesy of a tractor pulled wagon ride. They learned about blueberry production and the important ecosystem services that agriculture provides.
After the tour participants were surveyed about their experiences. 100% of survey respondents (n=40) indicated having a greater awareness about agriculture’s economic importance, the amount of land in agriculture, and/or types of agriculture produced locally. Additionally, 100% of survey respondents said they had a more favorable view of agriculture as a result of having participated on the tour.
83% of participants indicated that they planned to purchase more locally grown food, 85% said they would tell friends and family about what they learned, 73% said they would visit an agritourism destination or farmers market in the next six months, and 28% planned to engage politically in support of keeping land in agricultural production.
The 2023 farm tour is planned for Friday November 17th, 2023. Tickets typically go on sale in early October. For more information on the farm tour, and other programs offered by UF/IFAS Lake County Extension, please visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lake/.
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