Join us every other Monday in August for farm tours, lunch, networking, and an educational session.
No cost to participate! Aspiring, beginning and veteran farmers encouraged to attend.

MORNING FARM TOURS

For those wishing to ride in a van, we will meet at the Ag Hall of Fame. The vans will depart at 8:15 a.m., go to all stops, and return to Ag Hall of Fame at approximately 12:30 p.m.
If you prefer to drive on your own, meet us at the Ag Hall of Fame by 8:15 a.m. or Gibbs Road Farm at 8:45 a.m.

Gibbs Road Farm 4223 Gibbs Road Kansas City, KS 66106
The Gibbs Road Farm is a certified organic vegetable production farm sitting on two acres in southern Wyandotte County. As Cultivate Kansas City’s model and demonstration farm, they participate in the Growing Growers program hosting several apprentices throughout the year; experiment with high tunnel, raised bed and no-till production; and offer technical assistance to other growers. The farm is, in most years, financially self-sustaining from sales of vegetables and transplants; some of our educational and demonstration activities at the farm are funded through local and national grants. Learn more about Gibbs Road Farm here.

JET Produce and Meats 26617 Tonganoxie Rd Leavenworth, KS 66048
During summer break from Iowa State University in 2012, Jacob Thomas founded JET Produce with the goal of producing high quality fruits and vegetables for Leavenworth and the surrounding area. In 2014 JET Produce expanded into the meat market by offering high quality, USDA inspected, grain-finished Angus beef raised on his family’s farm. Cage-free chickens were also added to the farm to offer fresh eggs to customers.  Newfound success brought about a new name, and in 2015 the name of the farm was changed from JET Produce to JET Produce And Meats to reflect the expansion into the meat market. 2015 also saw the introduction of pork and lamb products to sales offerings. The farm sells at the Lawrence and Leavenworth farmers markets. Learn more about JET Produce and Meats here.

Green Thumbs Up 23751 163rd St Leavenworth, KS 66048-6386
Founded by Leavenworth natives John Edmonds and Austin Reynolds, Green Thumbs Up LLC grows the highest quality produce through sustainable agricultural practices. They participate in the Leavenworth and Overland Park farmers markets. Learn more about Green Thumbs Up here.

LOCAL FOODS LUNCH

By 12:30 PM, we return to the National Ag Hall of Fame for lunch and networking. Our local foods lunch is generously sponsored by Frontier Farm Credit.
Following our meal, Dawn Gabel shares the story behind the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame and we’ll learn about opportunities with Farm Fresh HQ, a food hub recently launched in NE Kansas.

WORKSHOP

The day’s educational session focuses on the Food Safety Modernization Act and what it might mean for your farm.
Food Safety Modernization Act and Good Agricultural Practices (FSMA & GAPs): An Update for Produce Growers
Marlin A. Bates–Horticulture Agent, K-State Research and Extension–Douglas County
With the release of the Produce Safety Rule in November 2015, many produce growers have been wondering if or how the rule will affect them and when. This session will detail the key components of FSMA for produce growers to answer questions about the rule and how it will affect their specific operation. While not all produce growers will be covered under the Produce Safety Rule, producing safe food is important to all of us. While we like to think that our efforts naturally lead to safe products, fresh fruit and vegetable producers need to be deliberate about reducing the risk of contamination of the food supply. Fortunately, safe food production and handling practices can seamlessly be incorporated into the day-to-day operations on most farms. This session will cover key recommendations for safe food production for fresh fruit and vegetable producers.

REGISTRATION

Thanks to Farm Aid and Frontier Farm Credit, there is no cost to attend the Summer Fun Farm Tour Series!
We do need you to RSVP by JULY 28 to ensure lunch will be available for you.
To reserve your spot for the August 1 event, use the RSVP box in the sidebar or call Mary Howell at 785.562.8726.
August 15 event information/RSVP available here.
August 29 event information/RSVP available here.

SPONSORS

Kansas Farmers Union, Farmer Veteran Coalition of Kansas,Kansas Beginning Farmers Coalition, Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, and Kansas AgrAbility are partnering to present the Summer Fun Farm Tour Series.
The series is made possible through funding from Farm Aid. Learn more about the important work of Farm Aid here!
The local foods lunch is generously sponsored by Frontier Farm Credit. Learn more about Farm Credit’s beginning farmer opportunities here.