52nd Annual Santa Rosa County Farm Tour scheduled for October 23

Posted on September 21, 2018 by Staff reports

The52nd Annual Santa Rosa County Farm Tour will be held Tuesday, Oct. 23, beginning at the Santa Rosa County Extension office located at 6263 Dogwood Drive in Milton.
 
The longest standing agriculture and natural resources tour in northwest Florida will feature technology for this year’s tour. Technological advancements in farming will be highlighted with stops planned at farms that embrace technology and have adapted with the times. Vertical tillage equipment will be on display at Jenkins Farm, poinsettia production practices demonstrated at Wendt Farm and Nursery, and a UAV demonstration at the University of Florida/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center – Jay Research Facility. While at the research center, attendees will have the opportunity to view exhibits from 4-H, beekeepers and agricultural equipment vendors.
 
Santa Rosa County agriculture generates $73 million per year and provides numerous jobs to its citizens. The county’s population continues to become more and more removed from agriculture and the Santa Rosa County Farm Tour aims to help the citizens understand the value of agriculture and natural resources. Annually, approximately 200 citizens join the tour and discover what the county’s agriculture and natural resources have to offer while being provided comfortable riding conditions on a charter bus and enjoying a catered lunch. The tour will award the Farm Family of the Year to Rennie and Ryan Jenkins of Jenkins Farm. A catered lunch will be provided at the UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center – Jay Research Facility. Traditionally, and continuing this year, the tour will end at Holland Farms to enjoy some of Santa Rosa County’s infamous boiled peanuts.
 
Bus space is limited. The fee to reserve your spot is $20. Register online at srcfarmtour2018.eventbrite.com. For More information, contact the Santa Rosa County extension office at 850-623-3868.
 
Organizing Agencies and Businesses include:
UF/IFAS Extension Santa Rosa County
Blackwater Soil & Water Conservation District
Farm Bureau Insurance
Farm Credit of Northwest Florida
Florida Farm Bureau
Resource Management Service, LLC
Three Rivers RC&D
UF/IFAS West Florida Research & Education Center
United Bank
USDA Farm Service Agency
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service