Last year’s farm tour was such a success we have decided to make it an annual event. So hold Saturday, April 24 for the tour. The cost is the same as last year: $10 per person or $25 per carload.

The tour begins at 1:00 p.m. with visits to three farms through the afternoon. Each car will be given a detailed map and a schedule of tours. At 5:30, tour participants and farmers are invited to finish the day with a cookout at the shelter at Grace Lutheran Church. (Supper is included in the cost.)

New to the tour this year is Circle D Farm in China Grove. Oscho Deal and his son Eric are the 5th and 6th generations to call the farm home. The Deals raise beef cattle and grow grain crops. Their cattle are bred, born and live their entire life on the farm. They graze grass and are fed a barley grain ration grown on the farm. The Deal's sell beef from the farm in "Family Share" boxes.

Returning this year are Bame Farms and Correll Farms. The Bames work a hobby farm on Patterson Road outside of Salisbury. They use sustainable growing practices, such as rotational grazing for livestock, and integrated pest management in the garden. They supply subscribers with CSA boxes and sell extra vegetables from their roadside stand. The Bames have been a source of pork and grass-fed beef for Bread Riot bulk purchase programs and provide the colorful eggs for Bread Riot’s “Front Porch Egg Program”.

The Corrells are fourth-generation farmers in Woodleaf. In addition to their wholesale tomato operation, they raise beef cattle and other vegetables and fruits for local farmers markets. David Correll says that it is important to them to have a family-friendly environment where their children can enjoy helping on the farm.

We invite Bread Riot folks to volunteer to assist farmers in taking care of tour participants through the afternoon. We only need one or two per site, so let us know soon if you’d like to help. Let us know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We may need some help with supper and a few other tour-related needs as well.

Make the farm tour a family event. While kids love to see the animals, some of the farmers include other activities geared toward children. They’ll learn a lot and have a great time. Plan to take an afternoon to enjoy the Rowan County countryside and see where you food comes from. These farmers are proud of what they do and are eager to show you the fruits of their labors. Join us!