Locations for the 5th Annual Davidson County Local Farm Tour this weekend
We are excited to add the locations of all of the farms to make your tours this weekend more fun, as the Davidson County Local Food Network holds its highly anticipated 5th Annual Davidson County Farm Tour, taking place June 22nd and 23rd from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The two-day event will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about Davidson County’s diverse local farming community. This engaging event celebrates the richness and range of our local farming community, aims to educate the public on sustainable agriculture, and promotes nutritious food.
This year’s tour will feature a record 15 distinct farms, including four new participants. Visitors will see firsthand the farmers' commitment to sustainable agriculture and innovation in the farming community. “The Davidson County Local Food Network initiated the Farm Tour to promote farming and local food within our community, showcasing the incredible diversity of our local farms,” noted Grace Kanoy, president of Davidson County Local Food Network. “Our growth is a testament to the community’s support and the importance of local agriculture. No two farms are alike and this tour provides an opportunity to see that firsthand. In an era where the number of farms is decreasing and the barriers to entering farming are growing, it’s crucial to support our local farmers. Major challenges they face include securing affordable land and scaling their farms in a manner that allows them to build stable farm businesses. Keeping our farms operational is vital not only to our local economy but also to our community’s health.”
Image: Davidson County Local Food Network} Numerous farms will participate in the upcoming 5th Annual Local Farm Tour.
Every location has something different to offer. From flourishing livestock farms including pasture-raised pigs, Angora rabbits, American Wagyu, and Katahdin sheep, to market gardens incorporating pollinator habitats, to ready-to-pick lavender, there is something the whole family can enjoy at each location. “The majority of these farms are first-generation farms, and we have Crossings Farm and Rocky Forge, who have a history of farming in their families. Crossings Farm and Rocky Forge Farm are excellent examples of a new generation of farmers working to revive their family's farmland.
These livestock farms pursue practices that help regenerate the soil, which is crucial for climate resilience. It's a critical time right now as we are losing farms every year to urban encroachment and commercial land development. This doesn’t bode well for the future of food justice and sustainability. Supporting these new farms is vital not only to their success but also to our local economy and food security. We’re grateful to our sponsors, including Piedmont Fresh, an initiative of the Davidson County Local Food Network, the Davidson County Health Department and Thomasville Tourism.”
The farm tour is an integral part of Davidson County Local Food Network's ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable farming practices, supporting local farmers, fostering a sense of community, and educating the public on the importance of a resilient and transparent food system. By showcasing the journey from farm to table, we’re encouraging a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication of local farmers.
The farm tours promise to be an enriching experience that will inspire and educate attendees about the vital role of agriculture and the value of investing in our local food system.
Saturday Farms:
Klymer Ridge Farm & Homestead 2151 Kennedy Farm Rd N, Thomasville, NC 27360
*Muddy Creek Lavender Farm 7032 Muddy Creek Road Archdale, NC
Roberts Farm 8737 Woods Dairy Rd Denton, NC 27239
*Rocky Forge Farm 3042 Simerson Road · Linwood, NC 27299
*Shady Acres Farm 546 Shady Ln, Lincolnton, NC 28092
Sunflower Hill Farm 1991 Turner Rd, Lexington, NC 27292
Sunday Farms:
Garden Window Farm 1128 Surratt Rd, Denton, NC 27239
SandyCreek Farm 3160 S North Carolina Hwy 150, Lexington, NC 27295
Seven Sisters Farm 19562 NC-8, Denton, NC 27239
Saturday & Sunday Farms:
Blu’s Farm 5574 NC-150, Lexington, NC 27295
*Crossings Farm 1211 T S Payne Rd, Lexington, NC 27295
Direct Descendant Rabbitry & Apiary 118 Cameron Rd, Lexington, NC 27295
Rierson Farms 365 Paul Kennedy Rd, Thomasville, NC 27360
*New farm tour participant
For more information and to plan your farm tour itinerary, visit www.davidsoncountyfood.com/farmtour or contact manager@davidsoncountyfood.com.
{Images: Davidson County Local Food Network}
