The whole trip was geared at showing bloggers how farms operate throughout Kansas and how the products make it from farm to plate. We also ate amazing farm fresh food throughout the whole trip. The trip was sponsored by the Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Soybean Association and United Soybean Board.
One thing that was very apparent at each stop was the love, commitment, and integrity of each of the farmers. These families truly love what they do and you can see the responsibility they feel for producing the best products for each of us.
I seriously learned so much but here are a few take-a-ways from each stop...
Calann Basil - Basehor, KS
Jeff and Pam Mayer are fifth generation farmers that grow basil in a hydroponic system allowing them to use a more natural growing process. Jeff and Pam walked us through the growing process from seed to grocery store. They provide living basil, and other herbs, to nearly every grocery store in Kansas City. I'm a little embarrassed to admit it, but I didn't know that keeping herbs in the refrigerator ruins them. They should be left in a warm environment, like a counter top. (Maybe I should make real food every now and then and not just cookies...)
Good Pork Farms - Olsburg, KS
Craig and Amy started our tour in their kitchen with freshly made Breakfast Meatballs with pork and apples (amazing) and a little history of their farm. They are an Angus and hog farm that supplies some of the top 5-star restaurants in the county with beef and pork. We focused more on the pork during our visit. They are a small operation but that helps them focus on the breeds, Duroc and Old Spot hogs, and the quality and integrity of their products.
Mertz Farm - Feast of the Field - Manhattan, KS
We stopped for a lovely lunch at the Mertz Farm in Manhattan, KS. They also have a bed and breakfast that would be a fantastic little get-a-way spot. A family farm, but they have Feast of the Field events to truly experience farm to plate.
Sawyer Farms - McPherson, KS
Derek and Katie Sawyer are the forth generation to operate the Sawyer Farm. They just welcomed their first son, Evan, to the family and lucky for us he was at our tour. One of the things that stuck with me the most was when they spoke about leaving the farm land in a better state than how they received it. And, hoping that if son, Even, wants to take over the family business it will be ready for him. That overall commitment to improving our land and livestock is so critical for our rapidly growing population. They also really focus on sharing information on social media, their blogs and with farm tours - I see more farmers going this direction to better connect with consumers.
Nu-Life Market - Scott City, KS
This was probably the cleanest food preparation facility I've even visited. And, that's a good thing because they produce gluten free, dairy free, and peanut fee products. This is all made possible by using Sorghum. They provide Sorghum to suppliers of a ton of gluten free product you see in stores. After a meal and tour, we spent time in the test kitchen making gluten free blueberry muffins. As a baker, this was truly an experience! I'm also obsessed with their new branding and packaging. You can order products online but watch for their new products in stores soon!
McCarty Dairy - Rexford, KS
This is a family owned dairy farm. The youngest son, Ken, and his mother took us on a tour. They provide milk for Dannon products. Because of their efficiency, it only takes 36 hours for the milk to make it into a Dannon products. That's pretty amazing. I loved that even though this is a large operation they still knew the cows and shared stories of their favorites. They also give a great deal back to the local schools, of which many of their employees have children.
As I mentioned, we ate a lot during the trip and I'll share more about that soon. But to learn more now visit the other bloggers and search #FarmFoodTour on social media.
FashionPlate KC | Mama Dweeb | One Krieger Chick
Handmade in the Heartland | Sugar Bee Crafts | Skip to my Lou
Handmade in the Heartland | Sugar Bee Crafts | Skip to my Lou
- From the Land of Kansas apron and hand crafted coffee mug
- Chocolates from Cocoa Dolce
- Wine from Smoky Hill Vineyards and Winery
- Chocolate covered soybeans
- Soybean writing pen,
- Kansas Living magazine
- Kailey’s Ag Adventure series books
- Silpat non-stick baking tray
- Miniature lodge cast iron skillet
- Mexican Dip Mix from Rabbit Creek
- Popcorn from Cashmere Popcorn
- Soy candle from Kling Family Orchards
- Salsa from Jose Peppers
Use the Rafflecopter below to enter the giveaway, and good luck! Big thanks to Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Soybean, and Land of Kansas for sponsoring the tour and giveaway. (Giveaway participants must be 21yrs+ and US Resident) a Rafflecopter giveaway
