WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Appalachian Resource Conservation and Development (ARC&D) Council recently hosted its 7th annual regional farm tour, inviting guests to explore the agricultural landscape of Washington and Greene Counties. This initiative, in collaboration with 20 local farms, aimed to offer insights into the daily realities of farm life.
For a fee of $25 per vehicle, attendees could visit their preferred farms throughout the day, immersing themselves in various farming operations. This hands-on experience provided an opportunity to understand both the hurdles and the fulfilling aspects of working in agriculture.
“The tour introduces people to farms they might have never visited before,” remarked Ashley Cavender, the Food Access Director at ARC&D. “It highlights the tough yet rewarding nature of farming and underscores the significant contributions farmers make to the community.”
Among the participants was Kelsey Hodges, a recent property owner in the area, who took her children on the tour to gain insights into farming and animal husbandry.
“We discovered the farm tour and decided to explore various farming techniques, learn about different animal species, and get a glimpse into the farming lifestyle,” Hodges shared.
One of the featured stops was Rocky Creek Highlands, a six-year-old farm home to 28 Highland cattle. Owner Jim Clifton said the event provides an opportunity to share both successes and lessons learned with aspiring farmers and community members.
“Our giving back is participating with this,” Clifton said. “So, people around the community who don’t necessarily they may want to farm, but they don’t know how to get started or whatever, they can come out, pet a Highland, kind of get familiar with it. We’ll kind of tell them about things that we’ve done right, things we’ve definitely done wrong and kind of help them kind of go from there.”
Another participating farm, A Different Chick and Orchard, opened its greenhouses to visitors, offering demonstrations on growing produce and managing pesticide challenges.
Owner Tiffany Stanley said she hopes the tour raises awareness about the importance of preserving farmland in the region.
“I hope that it brings awareness to the areas,” Stanley said. “There’s a whole lot of farmlands that’s bought up every single year in our area. Hopefully, through Appalachian RC&D and the farm tours, people will learn that farms are important and they are right here in the rural and urban areas, also. And you can farm on large areas and on small areas.”
Cavender told News Channel 11 that 60 vehicles participated in this year’s event, a double from last year. The Appalachian RC&D Council hosts the Regional Farm Tour annually each June.