The 2021 City to Farm Tour was held on September 28th, 2021 with over 70 local business leaders/ Pulaski county chamber members in attendance. Extension partnered with the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce to plan the event. The event helps educate our community about the changes that have occurred in agriculture over the past decades. This behind-the-scenes look at local agriculture allowed community leaders the opportunity to meet the hard-working farmers and producers who keep the heritage of agriculture alive and viable in Pulaski County. This event not only gives those that are not involved in the day to day operations a chance to ask question but it also gives the farmer the opportunity to talk about the business side of our industry. This is an opportunity for both communities to come together on common ground and hear each other concerns.  

 The first stop was the J Anderson Farms in Science Hill. It is one of the largest farming operations in Pulaski County. J Anderson farms has over 10,000 acres of grain crops and backgrounds 75,000 plus head of cattle a year. With over 200 employees this stop gave participant’s the opportunity to see a large scale operation that most didn’t even realize existed in Pulaski County.  The next stop was a Valley Farm Equipment. This tour stop gave the group the chance to see the retail side of the agriculture industry and hear the problems and concerns that COVID has had on this part of the agriculture industry.  The third stop was a local seed stock producer. This Angus operation uses genetics from the Biltmore Estate, one of the few enterprises using this unique seed stock.  The fourth stop on this year’s tour was Meadow View Sheep farm. The Taylors have been involved in many different agriculture endeavors over 30 years. At this stop participants had the opportunity to see firsthand how agriculture has changed over the years here in the county. Chicken houses that once raised layers have been converted to now house over 300 head of hair sheep. Cave Hill Winery was our final stop for the tour and the host for the 100% Pulaski County meal. Cave hill was one of the first wineries in Pulaski County.  Each farmer gave a personal glimpse into his operation and some of the unique situations farmers in the 21st century have that non-farmers might not think about.

This City to Farm Tour is a recurring event that happens every second year. It's a great way to showcase some of the great farming businesses in Pulaski County and in turn, market their products to the non-farming community.