Laurel County Farm Tour 2024

Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Laurel County Farming Enterprises

In Laurel County, a growing interest in agriculture and horticulture was met with a significant challenge: a lack of public knowledge about the day-to-day operations of local farming enterprises. Residents were curious about where their food and agricultural products came from, but opportunities to connect with local farms and gain firsthand insight were scarce.

To address this gap, the Laurel County Extension Office joined forces with three local farms: Egg Mine Farms Chicken House, Laurel Gardens, and Wells Farm Cattle Farm. Each of these enterprises offered unique perspectives on agricultural practices in the region.

The initiative was spearheaded by Horticulture Agent Steve Mobley, Agriculture Agent Glenn Williams, and Program Assistant Jasmine Fox. Together, they designed an innovative program to showcase the diversity of farming operations in the county and educate the public about the production processes behind horticulture and agriculture commodities.

The team organized an educational farm tour event, inviting the general public to visit the three farms and experience firsthand how they operate. Transportation was provided to make the event more accessible, ensuring participants could easily travel between sites. At each location, farm operators gave tours, demonstrated their processes, and answered questions directly from attendees.

The event highlighted various topics, from sustainable chicken farming at Egg Mine Farms to diverse horticultural practices at Laurel Gardens and cattle farming techniques at Wells Farm. The collaborative approach ensured a well-rounded educational experience for participants.

The event was open to anyone interested in learning more about agriculture and horticulture, with a particular focus on the public. Families, educators, and community members eager to connect with local food sources and understand the inner workings of farm operations were among the attendees.

The response to the event was overwhelmingly positive. Participants appreciated the opportunity to see different farming operations up close and enjoyed the various topics covered. They valued the chance to interact directly with the farm operators, asking questions and gaining deeper insights into the production of local commodities.

Transportation proved to be a key factor in the event's success, making it easy for participants to engage fully without worrying about logistics. The event also strengthened community ties, as attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with local farms and learn about their vital contributions to Laurel County’s economy and food systems.

The host farms were equally pleased with the event, recognizing it as an excellent opportunity to promote their businesses and educate the public about their products and practices. Many expressed interest in participating in future educational outreach programs.

In the end, the collaboration between the Extension Office, local farms, and the community resulted in a meaningful exchange of knowledge and a stronger connection between Laurel County’s agricultural enterprises and its residents. This initiative not only bridged the knowledge gap but also laid the foundation for continued community engagement and support for local farming.